NORWALK, Conn., June 19, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- (WITH PACKAGE) Pet owners planning to travel by air with a dog or cat this summer should be prepared with an alternative for their furry friends -- because they could be bumped at the last minute if the temperature is too hot.
Under tough new pet travel policies, airlines reserve the right to turn your pet away if the ground temperature exceeds 85 degrees F in either the departure or destination city for more than 45 minutes.
U.S. airlines are imposing tight restrictions on pet air travel, especially during the peak summer months, in response to passage of "The Safe Air Travel for Animals Act" by Congress last year. The law was enacted in response to reports that as many as 5,000 pets are hurt, killed or lost each year in airline mishaps ranging from rough handling on the ground, to temperature extremes and oxygen depletion in the air.
Under the new rules, most travelers who wish to have their pets with them at their destination must arrange to ship their pets as cargo. It's a first-come, first-served system with limited slots available. And, the cost can be high, as much as $300 one-way. Some carriers now require travelers to book their pets through private pet transport companies, who charge additional fees on top of the cargo charges.
Last summer, the airlines' travel restrictions created a last-minute space crunch at many pet boarding facilities across the U.S., according to Dan Charleton of Best Friends Pet Resorts, the largest company in the U.S. boarding kennel industry.
"While we certainly applaud the airlines' efforts to protect the health of traveling pets, these new rules have created a real dilemma for many pet owners. Should they book the flight and hope that their pet will actually make it on board, or should they plan to leave the family pet behind at a boarding kennel?"
"Summer is traditionally the busiest season for our industry and quality boarding kennels are often at capacity -- especially during July and August," says Charleton. "Pet owners who suddenly find their dog or cat bumped from a scheduled flight may find that there's simply no room at the inn for Buddy."
If you decide to try to travel with your pet, be sure to ask your airline representative for specific details regarding its policy on pets and summer heat, says Charleton. If you decide to play it safe and give your pet a vacation of its own at a quality pet resort, book soon. For more information on finding a quality boarding kennel, call 888-FOR-PETS or visit www.bestfriendspetcare.com.
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CONTACT: Best Friends Pet Resorts
Debra Bennetts
(203) 846-4660
editor@bestfriendspetcare.com