© 2024 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Animal House: Skies Not-So-Friendly For Pets

Dogs in carrier in front of plane
Mitch Stacy
/
AP
Flying with your pets can be problematic, says pet expert Bob Ryder.

According to AAA, more than half of U.S. pet owners take their dogs and cats with them when they travel. It can be fun, but it can also be dangerous—even deadly.

  • Several high-profile incidents involving pets on airplanes highlights the dangers of taking a dog or cat aboard an airplane. One dog died when the flight attendant insisted he be put in the overhead bin. Other dogs were routed via cargo to the wrong destination, taking many days to recover and be returned to their owners.
  • Bob Ryder, of Pawsitive Transformations, says flying with your pets is just too dangerous and should be avoided at any costs.
  • Other choices include traveling by train. Amtrak now allows pet owners to travel with their animals.  There are rules to abide by, but you can keep your pet with you on your journey.
  • Traveling by car is another good option. Keeping your pet in a carrier will keep it safe and feeling secure on your journey.
  • The best choice might be to just leave your pet with a pet sitter, safe and secure at home, rather than putting your furry friend through the stress of traveling.

People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Bloomington-Normal. To support more stories and interviews like this one, please consider making a contribution.

Reporter, content producer and former All Things Considered host, Laura Kennedy is a native of the Midwest who occasionally affects an English accent just for the heck of it. Related to two U.S. presidents, Kennedy appalled her family by going into show business.