Department of Transportation Has New Rule for Airlines Flying Pets
By Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell
Photo by Peanuts
The U.S. Department of Transportation passed a new rule requiring more airlines to report incidents involving animals in carriers each year.
Effective January 1, 2015, more carriers will be required to report incidents involving the loss, injury or death of an animal during air transport to the Department.
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"This rule will provide consumers with a fuller picture of an airline’s safety record when it comes to transporting animals," said Anthony Foxx, U.S. Transportation Secretary. "Consumers deserve clear and accurate information when choosing among air transportation options."
Currently, only 14 airlines are required to report incidents and that number will grow to 27 with the new rule. The new law will also require airlines to report incidents if they involve animals shipped as part of commercial shipments, which means dogs and cats shipped by breeders will now be a part of the reporting process.
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The shipment of animals makes up approximately 1 percent of airline revenue. Last year, the DOT reported a total of 42 incidents involving animals, including 21 deaths, 15 injuries and 6 lost animals. That was down from 58 in 2012.
Airlines will also have to provide the number of animals transported in a year, giving a first time look at the percentage of accidents involving animals transported in cargo.
"Greater transparency is a good thing," said Caitlin Moore, a spokesperson for PetRelocation.com in Austin, Texas, told NBC. "Currently some airlines provide safer experiences than others, so hopefully this new requirement will push those less pet-friendly carriers to improve the service and level of care they provide."
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