United Airlines killed their dog? (E-action with photo of Bam Bam)

[enlightenment]

6. Have to disagree.

The airline gave contractual assurances and the owner paid extra for the "pet-safe" program. Sometimes there is no alternative except to trust that the company will do what they promise - in writing - to do.

United is increasingly in the news about their failures to adequately abide by the contracts they sign with pet owners. If this owner shares blame, it is because he trusted United Airlines.

My son moved to the UK permanently a few years ago. He was unwilling to leave his elderly small dog behind. Because it was an international flight, he had to put the dog in the cargo hold. He wasn't happy about it, but he didn't have a choice, short of giving up a pet that he has had for a considerable portion of his life.

Virgin Air took very good care of his pet and when he reached the Pet Immigration holding area, the employees were walking his dog on the lawn (albeit, a small patch of grass surrounded by concrete, but they were making the effort). He had been fed and despite being a 16 year old chihuahua, was in perfect health.

It wasn't cheap; he paid over a thousand dollars - but it worked out and today that little dog is still kicking at almost 20 (he only has two teeth left, but he's healthy despite that).

It is entirely possible to safely transport an animal by air, in an appropriate cargo hold. Airlines did it for years and years before profit overtook decent service.