Paws Corner:
Many Airlines Allow Small Pets in Cabin
By Sam Mazzotta
Q: While flying home for Thanksgiving, I noticed a woman with an unusual carry-on: a toy poodle in a soft-sided carrier on her lap. How did she make it on the plane with a dog? -- Confused in North Carolina
A: Many airlines allow small, well-behaved pets (mostly toy dogs, but sometimes cats or other small mammals) to accompany their owners in the aircraft cabin. Rules vary from airline to airline, and those interested in traveling with their small pet in this way should always check the regulations well ahead of their travel date.
When this policy became widely available isn't exactly clear, but it is a good one for owners who wanted to travel with their pets but were worried about placing their animals into carriers in cargo compartments that are often unheated. Smaller pets don't handle sudden temperature changes or unfamiliar, stressful situations very well -- even large dogs can have problems traveling by air in a reinforced carrier.
However, non-pet owners traveling in the same aircraft may have concerns about flying in close proximity to a dog or cat. Allergies can be triggered by pets that shed sneeze-inducing dander (although toy poodles are generally among those that shed much less than other breeds). Pets that aren't as well-trained may have "accidents" or make more noise than is acceptable.
Basically, bringing small pets into the cabin is a compromise for both pet owners and non-pet owners. While it helps ensure the health of the pets and gives owners peace of mind, other passengers may be concerned by the presence of a small dog or cat. The onus is on the owners to make sure their pets are as unobtrusive as possible in the small confines of an airplane cabin.
Send your tips, questions and comments to Paws Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or e-mail them to pawscorner@hotmail.com.
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