U.S. Dept. of Transportation New Rule Expands Animal Reporting

Dec. 8, 2014 - PRLog -- Beginning on January 1, 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will be expanding its rule regarding reporting the loss, injury or death of animals during air transport. The new rule will now include all U.S. airline carriers that operate with at least one aircraft with more than 60 seats and will also include cats and dogs that are transported as a pet by its owner as excessive baggage or in cabin, as well as cargo shipments and breeder shipments.

Airlines will also be required to file a year-end report that will include the total number of animals transported and the total number of animals that were lost, injured or died during air transport.

“There are very few animal incidents when compared to the number of pets transported by air each year," says Manuel Leunda, president for the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA). "IPATA supports the expanded reporting by the airlines and is excited that we will now see the bigger picture. Air travel is the safest and most humane mode of travel for their pets."

DOT publishes the reports it receives on incidents involving the loss, injury, or death of animals during air transportation in its monthly Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR), which is publically available at www.dot.gov/airconsumer.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx states, according to their recent press release, “This rule will provide consumers with a fuller picture of an airline’s safety record when it comes to transporting animals. Consumers deserve clear and accurate information when choosing among air transportation options.”

IPATA, the non-profit organization dedicated to the care and welfare of pets and animals during transport,  supports air travel for pets through commercial airlines cargo systems as being the safest, most expedient and humane means of moving animals throughout the United States and around the world.

About IPATA

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) is a non-profit, worldwide trade association for animal handlers, pet moving providers, kennel operators, veterinarians and others who are dedicated to the care and welfare of pets and animals during transport. The organization was founded in 1979. It began with six founding members and now has more than 350 members in over 80 countries. IPATA serves its members, the pet transport industry, and the public at large. For more information, or to find a professional pet shipper, visit www.ipata.org.