PetFlight - Air Travel Information for your Pets

2025 Airline Pet Travel Summary

Thu, 07 May 2026 14:05:29 +0000

2025 Airline Pet Travel Summary

In 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) documented 8 pet-related air travel incidents, comprising 1 loss, 4 injuries, and 3 deaths.

Incident Breakdown by Airline

Airline	Losses	Injuries	Deaths	Total Incidents
Alaska Airlines	0	1	2	3
American Airlines	1	2	0	3
Delta	0	1	0	1
United Airlines	0	0	1	1
Total	1	4	3	8

This data reflects incidents reported through December 2025.

Incident Details

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines reported 3 incidents in 2025.

A dog died on February 10, 2025 on an Alaska Airlines flight. A second dog death occurred on December 5, 2025, involving Meli, a three-year-old Golden Retriever traveling from Honolulu (HNL) to Seattle (SEA) with a connecting flight to Charleston (CHS). Meli was discovered unresponsive before loading at the gate in Seattle, having kenneled overnight there without issue, and was pronounced deceased by a veterinarian. No corrective action was taken at the time of reporting.

A dog was also injured on May 15, 2025 on an Alaska Airlines flight.

American Airlines

American Airlines reported 3 incidents in 2025.

A dog was lost on January 8, 2025 — the only pet loss reported across all carriers for the year. Two additional dogs were injured, one on June 3, 2025 and another on July 3, 2025.

Delta

Delta reported 1 incident in 2025: a dog injury on May 2, 2025.

United Airlines

United Airlines reported 1 incident in 2025: the death of a dog on February 4, 2025.

Year-Over-Year Comparison

2025 saw a meaningful improvement over 2024, which recorded 12 incidents — 4 injuries and 8 deaths, with no losses. The reduction from 12 to 8 total incidents represents a 33% decrease year-over-year, and the number of deaths dropped from 8 to 3. Notably, 2025 was the first year since 2024 with a reported pet loss, with American Airlines logging one incident of that type.

Closing Thoughts

While the overall number of pet travel incidents remains low relative to the total number of animals transported annually, each incident is a reminder of the care and preparation required when flying with a pet. Pet owners are encouraged to research airline-specific policies, consult with a veterinarian before travel — particularly for brachycephalic breeds or older animals — and ensure kennels meet IATA and carrier standards for size, construction, and security.

A full summary of all 2025 pet incidents can be found at petflight.com/pettravelincident_summaries/2025.

Related Resources

March 2026 Airline Pet Travel Report

Thu, 07 May 2026 13:45:53 +0000

Happy to report there were no pet incidents for the travel month of January 2026!

February 2026 Airline Pet Travel Report

Thu, 07 May 2026 13:33:17 +0000

December 2025 Animal Transport Consumer Report

This month we have one incident to report, from Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airlines reported the death of Meli, a three-year-old Golden Retriever, on Flight AS402. Meli and a second Golden Retriever were traveling from Honolulu (HNL) to Seattle (SEA) with a final destination of Charleston (CHS), and were kenneled overnight in Seattle as part of the routing. There were no issues noted during the acceptance process, and both dogs reportedly appeared normal both during the overnight stay and prior to transport to the ramp on December 5, 2025. Before loading at the gate in Seattle, ramp personnel discovered Meli was unresponsive in her kennel. She was transported to a veterinarian, where she was pronounced deceased.

The cause of death has not been determined at this time, and Alaska Airlines has reported no corrective action.

January 2026 Airline Pet Travel Report

Thu, 07 May 2026 13:28:50 +0000

More great news! November marks the 4th month with no reported pet travel incidents.

What Does AVIH Mean?

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 18:46:46 +0000

Understanding AVIH: What You Need to Know

Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially when you need to transport them by air. There are various regulations and procedures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in transit. One term that often comes up in this context is AVIH—an acronym that stands for Animal Vivant in Hold. This French term translates to Live Animal in Hold, referring to pets being transported in the cargo hold of an airplane rather than in the passenger cabin. This article will break down what AVIH means, when it applies, and what you need to consider when transporting your pet as an AVIH.

What Does AVIH Mean?

Animal Vivant in Hold or AVIH refers to a process where live animals, such as dogs, cats, or other pets, are transported in the cargo hold of an airplane. This is typically necessary for larger pets that exceed the weight or size restrictions for traveling in the cabin. The cargo hold is specially designed and ventilated to accommodate animals safely and comfortably.

Contrary to what some may think, the cargo hold is not just a storage area for luggage and goods. When an animal is designated as AVIH, they are placed in a specific section of the hold that is temperature-controlled and pressurized, similar to the passenger cabin. Airlines ensure that this section meets the requirements for safe animal transport, making it a suitable option for pet owners.

When Is AVIH Required?

AVIH is generally required when:

The Animal’s Size or Weight Exceeds Limits for Cabin Travel: Most airlines have strict size and weight limits for pets traveling in the cabin, usually around 8 kg (17 lbs) including the carrier. If your pet exceeds these limits, AVIH is necessary.
Traveling on Long-Haul Flights or to Certain Destinations: For some long-haul flights or flights to countries with strict quarantine rules, AVIH is the only permitted option for animal transport.
Airlines’ Policies: Each airline has its own policy regarding which animals can be transported in the cabin versus the hold, so it’s essential to check their requirements before booking your pet’s travel.

Preparing Your Pet for AVIH Transport

Transporting your pet as AVIH requires careful planning to ensure their safety and comfort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your pet for traveling in the hold:

Select the Right Carrier:
The first step is choosing an airline-approved pet carrier or crate. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets guidelines for animal containers, so it’s best to select a crate that complies with their standards. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Ensure it’s well-ventilated and secure, with a locking mechanism that won’t open accidentally.
Acclimate Your Pet to the Carrier:
Introduce your pet to the carrier several weeks before travel. Place their favorite toys or bedding inside to create a familiar and safe space. Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate so that they become comfortable with it.
Health Check and Documentation:
Before the flight, take your pet to the veterinarian for a health check-up. Most airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, confirming that your pet is fit to fly. Some destinations may also require additional vaccinations or treatments. Ensure all necessary documentation, such as vaccination records and permits, are in order.
Feeding and Hydration:
Feed your pet a light meal 3-4 hours before the flight and provide them with water. Avoid feeding them too close to departure to prevent motion sickness. Attach a water dish to the inside of the carrier that can be refilled from the outside without opening the door.
Label the Carrier:
Clearly label the carrier with your pet’s name, your contact information, and any special instructions for the handlers. Attach a photo of your pet to the top of the crate for easy identification.

What Happens During the Flight?

Once your pet is checked in, they will be transported to the aircraft’s cargo hold. The AVIH area is separate from other baggage and is designed to minimize noise and disturbance. The hold is pressurized and temperature-controlled, typically set to around 65-75°F (18-24°C), depending on the airline. Your pet’s crate will be securely fastened, and they will be monitored by ground staff before departure and upon arrival.

It’s normal for pets to experience some stress during the flight, but the conditions in the hold are designed to keep them as comfortable as possible. Some airlines even offer specialized pet transport services, where staff trained in animal care are responsible for overseeing the transport process from check-in to pick-up.

Arrival and Pick-Up

Once you arrive at your destination, pets traveling as AVIH are usually one of the last items to be unloaded. Depending on the airport, they may be delivered to a special handling area rather than the regular baggage claim. Be prepared to show identification and any required documentation to pick up your pet.

Tips for a Smooth AVIH Experience

Book in Advance: AVIH services often have limited availability, so it’s best to book your pet’s travel as early as possible.
Research the Airline’s Pet Policy: Every airline has specific rules for AVIH transport. Check the airline’s website or call their customer service to ensure you have the latest information.
Consider the Season: Avoid traveling with your pet as AVIH during extreme weather conditions, as this could impact their safety in transit.
Confirm Arrival Arrangements: Ensure there are no delays in picking up your pet once you land. They may need to relieve themselves and rehydrate after the journey.

CDC announced final rule to its dog and cat importation regulation

Sat, 25 May 2024 21:37:12 +0000

On May 13, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued its final ruling associated with the importation of dogs into the United States to provide clarity and safeguards that address the public health risk of dog-maintained rabies virus variant (DMRVV).

This final rule addresses the importation of cats as part of overall changes to the regulations affecting both dogs and cats, but the final rule does not require that imported cats be accompanied by proof of rabies vaccination and does not substantively change how cats are imported into the United States.

This final rule is effective August 1, 2024.

In this final rule, HHS/CDC aligns U.S. import requirements for dogs with the importation requirements of other DMRVV-free countries by requiring proof of rabies vaccination and adequate serologic test results from a CDC-approved laboratory.

The final rule requires for all dog imports:

a microchip
six-month minimum age requirement for admission
importer submission of a CDC import form (CDC Dog Import Form)

The rule requires airlines to confirm documentation, provide safe housing for animals, and assist public health officials in determining cause of animal illness or death.

For more information you can visit The Federal Register Page or this PDF Version.

Alaska Airlines Cargo Door Arrives Open While Transporting Pets

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 14:43:31 +0000

On March 8, 2024, Alaska Airlines Flight 1423 departed Los Cabos, Mexico and arrived in Portland, Oregon with its cargo door unsealed and cracked open.

The cargo hold was transporting passenger's pets, thankfully none of the animals were injured.

The Alaska Airlines maintenance team inspected the aircraft, replaced a spring in the door, tested it and reentered it into service. This is a Boeing 737-800 (twin-jet) B738, Tail Number N513AS.

Just weeks after a door plug blew off mid-air during Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 from Portland, Oregon to Ontario, California, Alaska Airlines sued Boeing for $1B over plane safety.

Traveling with Pets on Airplanes: Is it Safe?

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:19:32 +0000

Traveling with your pet on an airplane can be a stressful experience for both the pet and the owner. Although air travel with pets is becoming increasingly popular, there are still risks involved. In 2021, over 256,000 pets were transported on airlines, with 7 deaths, 14 injuries, and 0 pets lost.

Although the risk of death or injury of a pet while traveling by air is relatively low, certain breeds of animals are more susceptible to health risks. Brachycephalic breeds, or breeds with short noses, such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, are more likely to suffer from respiratory issues while in the air.

To minimize the risk of injury or death while traveling with your pet, it is important to take the necessary precautions. Research the airline you are flying with and make sure they have a good track record with pet transportation. Speak to your vet to ensure your pet is healthy enough to travel and get the necessary vaccinations. Make sure to bring a pet carrier that meets the airline's size and weight restrictions, and keep your pet comfortable with a blanket, a favorite chew toy, or a few treats.

It is also important to understand the risks involved with air travel and make sure you are prepared for any potential issues. If your pet displays signs of stress or anxiety, speak to your vet about any medications that could help ease their discomfort. Make sure the airline is aware of your pet’s breed and any potential health risks, and if possible, try to book a nonstop flight to minimize the amount of time your pet is in the air.

In conclusion, air travel with pets is becoming increasingly popular, but it is important to take the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of injury or death. Research the airline you are flying with and speak to your vet to ensure your pet is healthy enough to travel. Make sure to bring a pet carrier that meets the airline's size and weight restrictions and understand the risks involved with air travel. With the proper precautions, traveling with your pet can be a safe and enjoyable experience.

Recognizing Pet Emergencies

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 22:12:39 +0000

By Lyssa Fansler, LVT

Have you ever wondered how your veterinarian knows if your pet can wait to be seen or requires immediate care? In the veterinary world, a pet is evaluated by staff using triage. Triage means the nurse does a brief evaluation to assess if the pet requires immediate care or can wait to see the veterinarian after a wait.

What does emergency mean in veterinary medicine? When a veterinarian or veterinary nurse explains "emergency," they will say that it is an abnormality that can lead to severe debilitation or death within seconds to minutes. The veterinary staff member will categorize your pet based on the severity of the symptoms. The lower the level, the more stable the nurse believes the pet to be. The higher the category, the faster the staff member will transport the pet to the treatment area for immediate care.

When a nurse comes to the lobby to speak to you, they will visually evaluate your pet's status. You might not even notice what they are doing. Multitasking is a superpower that veterinary nurses have. While that nurse is asking you about your pet's symptoms, the nurse will also evaluate your pet's breathing, alertness, and other blatant abnormalities. So, what do the veterinary nurses notice that you, as the owner, can see at home? I will review some common signs noted in various body systems that you, as the owner, can see without special training, if you don't mind. I will also give some examples of pet emergencies.

Cardiovascular involves the heart and bloodstream. Common signs of distress or emergency include but are not limited to:

Active bleeding from any source. A wound that will not stop bleeding is an example of active bleeding.
The heart is beating hard through the chest wall. You can feel the heartbeat by placing your hand on the left side of the pet's chest, where the elbow meets the chest. Fold the elbow up to the side of the chest. The spot the elbow meets the chest is the best place to feel the heartbeat.
Collapse or fainting

Respiratory involves breathing, the lungs, and oxygen use. Common signs of distress or emergency include but are not limited to:

Not breathing
Panting in a cat
- While panting in a dog is normal, panting in a cat is never considered normal. Even if the cat is stressed, panting is an emergency until otherwise determined that it is not emergent.
Increased effort to breathe. When the pet breaths, the abdomen moves. When breathing becomes difficult, you should watch the waistline to determine whether inhalation or exhalation is hard.
Purple or blue gum color
Coughing that causes difficulty breathing

Gastrointestinal involves the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon. Common signs of distress or emergency include but are not limited to:

Blood in vomit or stool
- Blood in the vomit or stool can be any shade of red, including but not limited to bright red and dark red.
Black stool that looks like tar and smells foul.
Inappetence for an extended period. Suppose a cat has not eaten in the last 24 hours. In that case, it should be seen by a veterinarian immediately to prevent life-threatening liver disease. Dogs can go a little longer than cats before not eating becomes a severe issue. However, the lack of an appetite can indicate something else.
Excessive vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive vomiting and diarrhea are especially detrimental in young and senior pets.
Bloated abdomen that is hard like a basketball
Retching or trying to vomit without producing anything from the stomach
- A life-threatening condition called GDV, commonly known as bloat, can be seen in any breed and size. I have witnessed GDV in a Chihuahua, so it is not only a large-breed disease.

Urinary involves the urinary bladder and passing of urine. Common signs of distress or emergency include but are not limited to:

Inability to urinate for more than 8 hours
Blood in the urine
Straining to urinate can appear like the pet is trying to defecate for an extended period.
Any male cat that appears to have "UTI" like symptoms should be considered a life-threatening emergency and seen immediately. Neurologic involves the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Common signs of distress or emergency include but are not limited to:
Seizures
- In pets with epilepsy or another seizure disorder, it is an emergency when they have more than one seizure in 24 hours.
Disorientation
Falling over
Difficulty walking

Musculoskeletal involves bones and muscles. Common signs of distress or emergency include but are not limited to:

Open fractures with bone visible
Inability to use one or more legs
Paralysis
Unable to move head and neck normally

Other emergencies to remember include but are not limited to the following. These emergencies can vary in the affected area but are just as important as individual body system emergencies.

Chronic disease complications
- Heart failure
- Syncope
- Heart murmur
- Kidney disease
- Seizures
- Diabetes
- Addison's disease
- Cushing's Disease
- Asthma
Heat stroke/exhaustion
- A healthy body temperature for a dog and cat is 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, plus or minus one degree. You can get your pet's temperature using a digital rectal thermometer. You should use a water-based lubricant when getting the temperature.
- When a pet's temperature goes above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, life-threatening changes occur within the body.
Drowning or near-drowning
- Near-drownings happen when a pet falls into a swimming pool and cannot get out on its own.
Toxin ingestion
- Sago palm
- Chocolate containing foods
- Nuts (especially Macadamia nuts)
- Onions, garlic, raisins, and currants
- Flowers
  - Azaleas or rhododenrons
  - Lilies
  - Tulips
  - Hydrangeas
  - Devil's Ivy or pothos
  - Lantana
  - Daffodils
  - Hostas
- Avocado
- Coffee or other caffeine-containing products
- Alcohol
- Yeast dough
- Sugar-free products that contain xylitol
- Medications
- Vitamins or supplements
- Rat, mouse, mole, and snail bait (any bait, really)
- Recreational drugs
Snakebite (especially to the face, mouth, and eyes)
Hit by vehicle
Attacked by another animal
Foreign material ingestion
- String
- Toys
- Sticks
- Corncobs
- Cloth
- Batteries
- Metal objects
- Sharp objects
- Coins

As you can see, many things can tell you that your pet is experiencing an emergency. As a pet owner, it is crucial to recognize a pet emergency. Can you identify a crisis now? I hope so.

New Rules to Expand Airline Animal Safety Reporting

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 16:34:05 +0000

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced new reporting requirements for U.S. based airlines. The new ruling expands the definition of animals to include all cats and dogs transported by the airline. The previous rules did not apply to breeders.

"This rule will provide consumers with a fuller picture of an airline’s safety record when it comes to transporting animals," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "Consumers deserve clear and accurate information when choosing among air transportation options."

The airlines will also be required to file a yearly report that includes the total number of animals that were lost, injured or died during air transport.

The new reporting requirements will go into effect January 1, 2015.

Source

Reconfirming Flight Reservations for Pets

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:10:10 +0000

By Carolyn Miller, Guest Writer

I'm a former travel agent, so I know the value of reconfirming reservations. For 8 years now, I've traveled with my 11 lbs. dog as an in-cabin pet between Central America, where I currently live, and the USA.

One year we decided to fly American Airlines to the USA with a plane change in Miami. I made the reservations by telephone for my husband and myself, as well as an in-cabin pet. The agent assured me our reservations were in order and the pet reservation was cross-referenced with our reservation. Since I'd booked far in advance, we ended up having a few schedule changes. Each time I called American Airlines, I verified the in-cabin pet traveling with us, using the confirmation number I'd been given.

Imagine my shock upon departure. I was flatly told that in-cabin pets were not allowed. Prior to travel, I'd spoken to no less than 6 American Airlines agents and was able to produce a log of whom I'd spoken to, at what date and what time. I'd reconfirmed all flights and the in-cabin pet the previous day. The gate agent was adamant we could not travel with an in-cabin pet. We spoke to a supervisor who said they'd be willing to send our dog in a "free crate" in cargo.

Living in a tropical country means that there is an "embargo" on travel with pets during the hottest months of the year, exactly when we were traveling. No way was I putting our small dog in cargo under these or any circumstances, especially when the Miami destination was equally as hot. I pointed this out to the supervisor ... who said he would make an "exception" in our case! This was not acceptable.

I suggested they just rebook us on the Continental flight connection leaving about the same time. He didn't want to do that. Given that the supervisor had my log of names and calls and confirmation numbers in hand, he could only agree that I'd been given bad information. Ultimately, he got special permission from the pilot of the plane to allow us to fly with our in-cabin pet.

But that is not the end of the story. I spent the month in the USA trying to rebook our return to Central America with American because again, they were adamant that the in-cabin pet could not fly this route. I spoke with supervisors in Dallas, I wrote letters and sent my documentation. In the end, American Airlines booked a Continental flight for the last leg of travel. This meant we flew American Airlines from our departure city to Miami and then changed to Continental Airlines to fly to Central America. This necessitated two in-cabin pet charges, one for each airline, and a re-booking fee. Keep in mind that NONE of this was our fault and we ended up paying more than $200 additional on the return flight.

No less than 6 American Airlines agents had confirmed our in-cabin pet and round trip reservations and yet we were terribly inconvenienced and incurred extra expense on something not at all our fault. Subsequent letters to the American Airlines headquarters in Dallas were answered by form letter.

The moral of the story is to reconfirm all flights, take the names of the agents you speak to, and be sure you have that information with you at the gate. If not, you could be turned away as almost happened to us. Despite the inconvenience and extra expense, at least our small dog was spared going in cargo.

Emergency Vet Clinic Search

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:20:44 +0000

Do you know where the closest emergency veterinary hospital is? How fast could you find the information? What if you were on the road or traveling by airplane?

PetFlight has recently added an Emergency Veterinary Clinic Search to make it easy to find this information. This includes the information for almost 700 emergency vet clinics and hospitals in the United States and it is very easy to find the closest one.

When you enter a zip code or chose an airport from the list we find the three closest clinics. We look up to 150 miles away to make sure that we return you a result. You can also select a specific clinic for more information as well as a detailed map.

I recommend that you enter your zip code and print off a list for the fridge. And be sure to print off a list for when you travel, your pet will thank you.

Click here to search for a vet clinic near you.

Dogs On A Plane!

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:04:00 +0000

A wonderful picture taken by Roman Fleysher. Your dogs won't get this kind of service unless you charter your own plane, but there are lots of things you can do to help make your pet's flight a comfortable one. Find out more in the Pet Travel Tips section.