Have airlines ever lost pets?

While it is relatively rare that airlines lose pets on their flights, there were a few incidents where pets got lost and, even worse, died in cargo while being transported to their designated destination. One such dog recently made the headlines, as it was lost by Delta Airlines.



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Maia, a 6-year-old pup, got lost after flying Delta Airlines from the Dominican Republic to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Aug. 18 with her owner, Paula Rodriguez, according to the airline and an online fundraiser for Rodriguez.

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HonestPaws says that between 2010 and 2020, over 250 animal 'passengers' died either during or immediately after airline travel. Another 170 sustained injuries, while 20 animals were actually lost by airlines.

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Flying your pet is as safe as flying yourself. However, pets are required to have a health certificate to fly. This health certificate is issued by a veterinarian a week before travel which means that potential health risks are assessed, greatly reducing illness incidents.

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Pets are treated as a priority and should be put on last and taken off first. In the case of the long-haul flights with transfers the pets are checked at any refuel/transfer points and their water bowls are replenished.

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Some airlines only allow pets in the cabin, and some allow them to be in both the cabin and the cargo hold. The cost of traveling with your pet in the cabin is approximately $125 but can range as low as $90 one way. For the cargo hold, the cost ranges from $500 to $1,000, but the actual cost is calculated at booking.

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Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel. Federal regulations require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and they should be weaned at least 5 days before flying.

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AirAsia (3.1), Fiji Airways (0.7), South African Airways (0.6), Azul Airlines (0.3) and Jetstar Airways (0.0) round out the bottom five airlines for traveling pet owners as each either doesn't allow pets at all or limits pet travel to the cargo hold.

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Typically, airlines will pass the items over to the lost and found department at the arrival airport. The item will be kept for a 90-day holding period, after which it will be donated to charity or a place for sale – in some cases, the item will be destroyed if unclaimed after the holding period.

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Dogs can survive a 12-hour flight, but it's important to take steps to ensure their safety and comfort during the journey. Before the flight, it's important to prepare your dog properly by providing them with plenty of food, water, and opportunities to exercise.

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As a percentage of the total number of flights, Southwest Airlines has the lowest fatal accident rate in the world, with Delta Airlines close behind, followed by Lufthansa.

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DULLES, Va. - Traveling through an airport security checkpoint with a pet can be easy when travelers know what to expect. Small pets can travel in the cabin of an aircraft with their owners after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers screen pets at the security checkpoint.

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The X-ray at the security checkpoint is used to screen passengers' personal property and carry-on luggage only. If possible, carry the pet through the walk-through metal detector during the screening process. Alternately, a pet can walk through the screening process if the owner has the pet on a leash.

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With that said, assuming your dog or cat is in very good health (as confirmed by your licensed vet) and assuming you properly prepare your pet for cargo travel (i.e. ensure he or she knows how to eat and drink from the kennel's bowls), cargo travel should be a safe travel option for your four-legged family.

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Cargo travel is stressful for any pet, young or old. Senior pets, pets prone to anxiety, or those in general poor health are at increased risk of heart failure during travel.

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It's possible to ship a dog alone, and airline companies usually employ animal specialists to help with logistics. Transporting your dog in the cargo hold is safe and secure, with plenty of precautions in place to help protect your dog.

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The Rules and Regulations There are strong border controls in force checking animals that travel in the hold; however, they feel it would not be possible to prevent rabies from entering the country if animals were routinely allowed into the cabin.

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In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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