Dog Dies After United Airlines Stows It in Overhead Compartment

Earlier this week, a woman packed her bags, put her dog in a TSA-compliant pet carrier, and boarded a United flight from Houston to New York with her daughter. When they landed, the dog was dead — all because a flight attendant had insisted she stow the pet carrier in an overhead bin.

Help ensure a tragedy like this never happens again by signing this petition!

According to United's pet policy, pets should be carried in approved carriers and stowed underneath the seat in front of the customer, never in an overhead bin where there is limited air circulation. After the incident, United released a statement claiming to take "full responsibility" and promising to "thoroughly investigat[e] what occurred to prevent this from ever happening again."

Unfortunately, this isn't United's first animal tragedy. According to the Chicago Tribune, in 2016, United Airlines had the second most animal deaths and injuries of any U.S. airline. The airline reported nine deaths and 14 injuries — that's a total of 23 incidents. These were the highest figures for each category among U.S. carriers. Clearly something is wrong with the how United Airlines handles pets and an investigation is not enough.

Please sign this petition demanding that United Airlines set a stricter pet policy with clear penalties for violations, clarify those policies to all United employees, and let the public know so customers with pets can make responsible choices when choosing an airline!
Update #45 years ago
Today, United announced updates to its pet policy, but they don't really address the problem. The airline plans to ban breeds with high health risks and restrict where animals can travel. However, the airline is continuing to review its policies and is working with American Humane to improve pet travel. Please share this petition(s) to keep the pressure on!
Update #36 years ago
Good news for now! United has decided to pause their allowance of pets flying in cargo until they can reassess and make a better and safer plan for doing so. Pets can still fly in the cabin though and it's important we keep the pressure up so that they will work hard to ensure no other pets suffer on their flights.
Update #26 years ago
According to reports, a United flight had to be rerouted after an unauthorized dog was found onboard. This is United's third pet-related mishap in one week! Please share this petition to keep the pressure on United to do better for customers with pets!
Update #16 years ago
Another pet disaster for United! According to reports, the airline mistakenly flew a Kansas family’s dog to Japan. Please share this petition to keep the pressure on United to do better for customers with pets!
Sign Petition
Sign Petition
You have JavaScript disabled. Without it, our site might not function properly.

Privacy Policy

By signing, you accept Care2's Terms of Service.
You can unsub at any time here.

Having problems signing this? Let us know.