Dog Dies On United Airlines Flight: Preventing This Tragedy

What We Can Learn From This Tragedy

The last few days have been challenging. A sweet French Bulldog puppy died when a flight attendant insisted she be placed inside the overhead bin. Yes, you read that right. After a three-hour flight, the owner found her puppy deceased in her crate. The pet world is angry, as we should be. Learn from this tragedy. You must be your dog’s voice.

Double-Check Airline Crate Sizes

Traveling is not easy, and it’s even more difficult when traveling with a dog. When scheduling your flight, double-check the airline’s recommended cabin crate size. It’s challenging to stuff a soft-sided crate under a narrow airline seat. In addition, the seat storage size varies, depending on where you’re sitting in the plane. Thankfully, it’s noted that you’re traveling with a pet when scheduling your flight and paying your additional pet fee. This should guarantee there’s room for your dog under the seat in front of you, right? No, it doesn’t.

Be Your Dog’s Voice

When boarding your flight, ensure your dog’s carrier fits under the seat. If it doesn’t, insist the flight attendant change your seat. As a professional dog trainer, I’ve flown with small dogs inside the plane and large dogs in the baggage area. At least twice, I’ve had a flight attendant demand I place my small dog’s carrier elsewhere because my assigned seat had a very narrow area in front of me. I refused, and yes, I held up the flight. Finally, the flight attendant asked a gentleman to switch seats with me. It took two minutes to switch seats; this should’ve been the first option. Yes, many passengers frowned and mumbled, but I ignored it. My dog is family; I would not place a small child “in another area.” Don’t give in. Your dog needs a voice, so speak up. Remember, you paid your pet fee, so the airline is fully aware they have pets on this flight. Demand a different seat.

Let this poor puppy’s story start a movement. We must be our dog’s voice. If it looks and feels wrong, then it’s wrong.