After much research and reassurance from Continental airlines that my littl pug would be safe with the so called pet safe program I decided to ship him.
He arrived Dead at his destination.
I am devestated and sick, what pain my little friend must have gone though.
Continental said they would have an autopsy done. Clear as day he died from heat stroke.Has anyone else encountered such a tragedy? what if any action can be taken against the airline?

I am so sorry to hear this standexaminer. That is always my fear if I ever have to fly my dog again.

I'm so so sorry...

Ob standardexaminer I too am so sorry. It happens more then we know. I did marketing for an airline for one year and everyone I knew that worked for the airline said they would never take their pet on an air trip.

I believe that I recently read that there is a new law, do not know when it will go into force, that will require US airlines to file reports regarding deaths and injuries to pets so that consumer will have more knowledge about this.

Not much help to you though. Again, I am so sorry.

Standardexaminer -
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I have flown my dog in cargo numerous times and have tried not to think about such a consequence.
I'm not sure what action is available to you - I know that I have to sign a waiver each time my dog flies so you may be limited.
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Oh my gosh that is so sad. I am so sorry for you. I too have heard of a recent law that will force airlines to disclose the fate of their pet travellers. You do a service to other pets and people just by telling your story on here.

I am so sorry for your loss. No more than I fly, I have twice witnessed the arrival of dead pets by the carousel. This must be a much bigger problem than the airlines would have you believe. I can't imagine ever shipping a pet that way.

You mention their "pet safe" program. What does it say? Surely if there is some special program they must offer some sort of guarantee or at least compensation, not that that replaces your pet.

Oh dear, I'm so sorry to hear that. Your little guy is in a better place now playing with lots of other little doggies. Don't know how I can help either other than to share condolences.

I am terribly sorry about your loss; we recently moved and had to ship our cat with the airlines, and I was on pins and needles until she arrived.

Unfortunately, I suspect the airlines' liability is limited to the actual dollar value of the dog. My sister is a vet, and she says that is the case in dealing with animals (and probably why vets don't have to really worry about malpractice costs.)

Again, terribly sorry.

How very sad for you and your precious pup. You will both be in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry for you and it pains me greatly to think of the suffering the dog went through.When we shipped our wheaten to be bred I was really worried. I did go to other show people and found out that some airlines were better than others. I was told never to ship in the summer or hot months.

...at the time we were flying our dog, Delta was the very best for pet shipment. I don't know if that's true anymore. Of course none of this info helps your pain.

My thoughts are with you.

My heart goes out to you. I was devastated when I lost each of mine - and under such circumstances would have made my blood boil.

I would look into small claims court. My understanding is that you can sue not only for the value of the pet (replacement value) - but for pain and suffering - both for the pet and for you/your family.

I think what you will get depends very much on the location of the suit/propensities of the judge - but at a minimum you have forced the airline to recognize what happened - and spend/time money sending an attorney to defend the suit.

(I believe this is much more common than most people know - and would urge everyone not to fly a pet as cargo under any circumstances - there are always alternatives.)

My heart goes out to you. Your pet is now at the Rainbow Bridge....I know you will miss him but one day you will be reunited.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope justice is served.

All dogs do go to heaven, you know...

I don't know, Gardyloo. We once had a really mean and nasty beagle I'm not so sure of.

Sorry for your loss, Standardexaminer.

It is possible that you could have a successful action against Continental.

In your case, you would be alleging Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress, meaning that due to Continental's negligence in allowing your pug to be exposed to dangerous conditions you were caused distress.

I briefly did research into this issue, and your ability to recover from Continental largely depends on which state you are from, i.e., what venue you would bring the case in.

States Authorizing Recovery
for Infliction of Emotional Distress
Alaska
Florida
Hawaii
Idaho
Kentucky
Louisiana


States Denying Recovery
for Infliction of Emotional Distress
Arizona
Connecticut
Iowa
Massachusetts
Michigan
Nebraska
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin

I'm very sorry for your loss.

The new legislation requiring airlines to disclose the injury and death rates went into effect on June 15th.

While I am very sorry for your loss, I am surprised this happened as many airlines don't allow pugs to fly, epsecially during summer months, since they are so susceptible to heat and breathing issues.

Did your vet not warn you of this?

I join all the others in sending my heartfelt sympathy to you. In case you are not familiar with the "Rainbow Bridge" reference, do a google search and you will find this poem. Hopefully, it will bring you some comfort.

All airlines that fly "live cargo" are supposed to adhere to very strict temperature guidelines. They should be checking the temperature at the ARRIVAL destination, as well as the departure destination. You should have reassurance that your pet will be inside, not out on the tarmac, both before and after landing.

I realize all this info is moot now, but you asked what recourse might be available to you. I would be asking temperature/time questions. Sadly, you know the necropsy will not give you real answers.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers..

Marion