Airlines and pets

[draggonlaady]

So this is kind of interesting reading, but I want to reinforce something that's briefly mentioned here--statistics without a base population are crap and ought all to be taken with a whole spoonful of salt. While airlines are required to report adverse incidents, they are not required to report how many animals of what species/breeds they ship, which makes it really hard to get accurate percentages. A couple airlines interviewed and gave estimates for number shipping, but... use caution. Also, in typical scare-mongering media fashion, it's all about the bad, and doesn't give a single hint as to which airline had the fewest incidents.

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/traveling-pets-airlines-dog-deaths/story?id=11198807

Comments

[kresentia.livejournal.com]

I've traveled with or had enough animals shipped to me that when avoidable I try not to fly them but have never had a problem (and I'm usually dealing with small/exotic animals that stress far more easily). I agree on the fear mongering. Heck, your dog could slip out of your yard and get hit by a car too - that happens every day! I'd rather take bets on surviving a flight, frankly....
Thanks for sharing!

[neogrammarian.livejournal.com]

fwiw, in the 30 years my dad flew commercial aircraft he hauled countless animals*, both in the hold and in the cabin, and he believed strongly those animals were each and every one given priority care. (heh and he said the airlines couldn't afford the lawsuit/insurance if they ever injured a racehorse). 'course, it's anecdotal, and now several years out of date, but still.

*srsly. I tell a few of the best stories, esp the 'Seeing Eye Iguana' and the 'Hoodini Dog' as party jokes.