Airlines must soon report animal casualties...

I felt like an "animal casualty" last time I flew South African Airways (to Johannesburg). Next time I'll walk and use a raft a la Tom Hanks in Cast Away.

But aren't the cargo holds temp-controlled too??? Taht's what I was told...

I think some holds are climate controlled and some aren't.  Problems may happen when you are waiting on the runway or taxiing for a long time, or even transporting the animal to the plane from the ticket counter.  My vet suggested flying during temparate months that aren't too hot or cold like spring or fall.

I really appreciate all of your different perspectives. I just don't know what to do. My plan is to fly my pooch from Vancouver BC to London the end of August so she gets there about the same time I do. I will have arrangements for her to go to the quarantine kennel for two months. Now I don't know if I should wait and have her flown over the end of October instead. My quandary is this: do I rely on someone else to get her to the airport? Since she is an older dog, do I turn over responsibility for her care to someone here in Washington for two months? That seems like quite a burden to impose on friends and family.

It is times like these that I wish I were married so I could have some "shared decision making" during this process!!!!!!

Cheryl

Cheryl, why don't you fly your dog to the UK through the PETS scheme? No quarantine that way.

I actually just read this article today.  I'm a bit scared for my cat.  Paying over a thousand dollars to get her over there with us seems pointless and risky if she might die on the flight over.  What kind of guarantee do these airlines offer anyway?

I think some holds are climate controlled and some aren't.

And you have to remember that the seats for the people are definitely climate controlled, and yet I'm sure we've all been stuck on a plane that's been unplugged from the gate but not yet taken to the air when it gets really stuffy and uncomfortable - and that's in the people area - I would think the cargo hold would be even worse....

I have heard nothing but truly impressive stories firsthand about how incredibly well animals are treated; from BA, but mostly Virgin, where do they not only have temp control, regular checking, etc., they have a 'reception' area for people travelling with their pets... a completely separate area for check in and waiting until they board.
When I was planning to bring my cat over, the folks at Virgin even invited me to come down and have a tour!
And I was very worried, not only because of the long haul (LAX to Heathrow), but because he was an older cat as well.  And some folks I've met here said they're older cats were absolutely fine.
I think the animals get treated wayyyyy better than the people.  Which I completey support!

I've heard the same about Virgin from some people that have already used them. Now they even get a little pack with a t-shirt.  I have also heard that the pilot can visually check on them and you can request this. I was told that they are kept in the reception area until the plane is ready and you can request to watch them being loaded. All that said, I am still scared for my doggy!!!

I have heard nothing but truly impressive stories firsthand about how incredibly well animals are treated; from BA, but mostly Virgin, where do they not only have temp control, regular checking, etc., they have a 'reception' area for people travelling with their pets...

Yep, try telling that to the owner of the border collie that died of de-hydration as they didn't check it's water on a stop over.......the most basic thing any animal needs.  That's the whole point, finally they will *have* to report the "casualties" (or lets put it another way report their negligence).

I for one am thrilled to hear of the people on here whose pets have made it safely.  The airlines guarantee nothing despite charging a fortune for their service.

But at least people have started to listen to the veterinary profession and stop sedating their pets- that's progress and something that the airlines couldn't be blamed for.

Edited to add: BC died in BA's care. Recently.

I didn't say I know for a fact that ALL animals are well cared for.

Like anything, it's not 100%.  There is always some amount of risk.

Just stating my experience to perhaps help quell a few fears here.  I wouldn't dare be that insensitive.

KP,

I didn't say that you did say all animals are well cared for! My post was more an add on to yours, as in a continuation of the conversation as everyone seems to be missing the point about just why the airlines will have to report their casualties.

It hasn't suddenly come about out of the goodness of the airlines hearts!  The reason is there are more casualties than we (usually) get to hear about and I thought that was worth mentioning, however - I also felt that it was important not to scare monger in a situation where someone clearly needs reassurance with importing their dog or over-egg how fabulous all the airlines are with animals because a lot of them are not and the danger is much higher with an older dog.

Got it.
Thanks for clarifying. 

Edited to add: BC died in BA's care. Recently.




Where did the flight originate, may I ask??

My "pooch" is part border collie, so now I am even more concerned. I am doing the pet scheme but there will still be two months before her "six month waiting period" is over so I have do have her go in the cargo area. Now I am thinking to have her stay here in Washington until the weather cools down. But then I am back to square one regarding worrying about her and asking someone to be responsible for her.

When will the airlines start valuing pets?? I would pay for an extra seat if this were allowed!!!!