Final signature count: 46,792

46,792 signatures toward our 75,000 goal

Dozens of pets die every year as congested or ill-prepared airlines attempt to transport them in cargo holds across the country. Some of the worst cases involve animals suffocating to death in sweltering temperatures, or being left outside in the pouring rain.

Apart from Southwest, few airlines in the United States prohibit passengers from checking their pets as baggage, but the airline also has the lowest incident rate of animal injuries or death [1].

Between 2011 and 2012, Delta Airlines was responsible for more than 40 of the 97 animal deaths reported in that period [2]. And since then, United has been responsible for many more, with the worst record of 2016. That year, 9 pets died, including Sphinx kitten and eight dogs, while 14 more were left with various injuries. Some of the dogs suffered short-term mouth and gum injuries from stress chewing [3].

As service and support animals are being seen more commonly on flights [4], it would save both lives and frustration if all airlines followed the same guidelines when transporting pets, just as they care for humans.

Deaths and injury from improper or careless treatment is always preventable, and adopting a policy that bans animals from being checked as baggage or cargo would go far to ensure the safety of all animals transported by air. Larger animals that cannot fit into the cabin can be booked a safe flight through the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association.

Sign the petition to tell the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to adopt a universal policy for airlines in the United States, restricting animals from being checked as baggage.