Feel free to download our most updated inventory of the Pet Air Incidents as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation through March, 2013.
PetIncidentInventoryThroughMarch
Interestingly, we know they’ve missed at least one incident. Well, the DoT didn’t exactly miss it…. Hawaiian Airlines failed to report it.
On March 24, the Horner family was moving from Honolulu to Los Angeles with their two dogs when one of the dogs – Victor – escaped when his crate fell from the loading ramp. Victor’s escape received media coverage from KHON, as did his reunion with his owner one month later.
I became aware of the incident when Laci Horner contacted me through Facebook about a week after the dog was lost.
The incident fits all the criteria for reporting by Hawaiian Air – Victor was traveling with his owners and was lost for “more than a few hours.”
Why didn’t Hawaiian Air report it??
I don’t have an answer for that, but I think most of you know what I’m thinking… they didn’t report it because THERE IS NO ONE TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL INCIDENTS ARE REPORTED.
How many more incidents actually happened in March that weren’t reported? WHO KNOWS!!!
I asked our contact at the Department of Transportation to explain how the DoT cross-checks to make sure that airlines are reporting all incidents that occurred.
He replied that he would check into this, but failed to answer my question about cross-checking.
Shocking. NOT.
If you hear about an incident of a pet being lost, injured or killed while in the care of an airline, please contact me through this blog, through our Facebook page (Jack the Cat is Lost in AA Baggage at JFK) or call me or drop me a text at 305-582-5884.
Mary Beth
Where is Jack? 
May 30, 2013 at 4:37 am
I signed the petition tonight. I also shared it on my facebook page. I hope that helps.
May 31, 2013 at 12:13 am
Those of u with sm dogs or cats- SouthWest allows u to bring the animal in the cabin. The animal is never out of your site. One per person counts as a carryon &costs 75$. I am moving from west to east coast. They don’t require ANY paperwork from vet etc either!
July 4, 2013 at 4:56 pm
When I hear these stories, I remember why I want my cat in cabin and NOT in cargo or handled by ANYONE but me. I care about my cat. I cannot demand anyone else to care as much, but I also wouldn’t leave her under anyone else’s care.
July 15, 2013 at 10:36 pm
I took my cat up there with me, and they made me take of coller and leash, but she was sedated, so she was very calm and it did not bother her. thanks for the tips.