Pet Health Digest warns owners to rethink pet flights

Pet Health Digest has urged owners to consider whether their pets are suited to air travel before booking Thanksgiving flights. The advice follows its analysis of US airline incident data on animals transported in airline custody.

US Department of Transportation records reviewed by the group show airlines reported nine animal incidents in 2025 - three deaths, five injuries and one loss - out of 117,861 animals transported under the federal reporting scheme. That matched the 2023 total and was down from 13 incidents in 2024.

The data covers pets transported as checked baggage or cargo, as well as commercially shipped dogs and cats. It does not include animals travelling in the cabin with owners when the airline does not take custody. Pet Health Digest said the incident rate fell from 0.81 to 0.76 per 10,000 animals between 2024 and 2025, a smaller change than the drop in total incidents because transport volumes also declined.

Dr Kelly Hood, a veterinarian speaking for Pet Health Digest, said owners should think beyond whether a carrier will accept an animal for travel.

"Before asking whether an airline will take your pet, ask how your pet is likely to cope with the journey," said Dr Kelly Hood, DVM, of Pet Health Digest.

The organisation set out five points for owners to consider, starting with a detailed discussion with a veterinarian about the route, journey length, any connections, and whether the animal would travel in the cabin or in airline custody.

"Tell your veterinarian what the trip involves, rather than simply saying you are taking your pet on a plane," Hood said. "The length of the journey, where your pet will travel, and any existing health concerns all matter when considering whether that particular trip is suitable.

"You will also need the right legal documentation to fly with a pet in cargo or in the cabin. A health certificate issued by a USDA-certified veterinarian is required for travel, and not all family veterinarians are certified. Some destinations have specific requirements beyond rabies vaccines, and some airlines have their own health clearance forms."

Another recommendation was to introduce animals to their travel carrier well before departure. The guidance said pets should have enough room to stand, turn around and lie down naturally, and owners should watch for signs of distress while the animal is using the crate at home.

"The airport should not be the first place your pet spends a meaningful amount of time in their carrier," Hood said. "Give your pet time to become familiar with the carrier at home. Make it a safe, fun place with a favourite toy and some treats. If they repeatedly bite at it or try to force their way out, take that seriously and discuss it before travelling."

Breathing risks

Pet Health Digest also highlighted risks for short-nosed animals and those with existing breathing problems, citing USDA guidance that warns of a higher risk of breathing difficulties and heat stroke when such pets are exposed to stress or high temperatures.

"Being small enough to fit under a seat does not tell you everything about a pet's fitness to travel," Hood said. "If your pet already struggles with breathing, that needs to be part of the conversation before you book a flight."

The group also warned owners not to leave questions about medication until the day of departure. Any sedative or travel medication should be discussed with a veterinarian in advance, and owners should check the airline's policy before flying.

"Do not assume you can give your pet something at the airport and they will sleep through the journey," Hood said. "Medication decisions need to be made in advance with your veterinarian, taking your pet's health and the travel arrangements into account."

Whole journey

The final point was that owners should consider the full travel day, not just the time in the air. Check-in, ground handling, transfers and delays can all extend the time a pet spends confined or in unfamiliar surroundings.

"Look at the whole day from your pet's perspective," Hood said. "For a short family visit, it is also worth considering whether they would be more comfortable with a familiar caregiver. Bringing them along is not always the option that suits them best."

Among individual airlines, Alaska transported 64,217 animals in 2025 and reported three incidents, while American transported 20,133 and also reported three, including one loss. Delta reported one incident among 2,896 animals, Hawaiian one among 10,924, and United one death among 301 animals transported. Pet Health Digest said those figures should be read alongside transport volumes and should not be treated as an overall airline safety ranking.

The underlying incident reports show some cases occurred during handling rather than in flight. In one case, Delta reported that a dog sustained mouth injuries while apparently escaping its crate and later continued its journey in a replacement carrier. In another, American said jet blast displaced equipment carrying a dog's kennel during ground handling at New York JFK, leaving the animal with minor soft-tissue injuries before it travelled the following day.

Separate monthly Department of Transportation reports covering January to July 2026 recorded five animal incidents, all reported by Alaska Airlines. Pet Health Digest said those partial-year figures cannot be directly compared with a full-year total because matching transport volumes were not published.