Tell Airlines: Soaring Pet Fees Tear Families Apart
2,669 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Pet owners should not be forced to make the heart-wrenching decision of paying sky-high fees or leave their beloved companions behind.
Traveling with pets is more than a convenience; it's a necessity for those who consider their pets part of the family. Yet, the skyrocketing costs of pet relocation are making this essential aspect of travel increasingly out of reach for many. With airlines charging as much as $125 just to bring a small pet in the cabin1, it's clear that the system needs urgent reform.
The High Cost of Flying with Pets
Today, bringing your pet on board can cost more than an actual seat for a human. This fee applies even though pets must stay in their carriers, taking up no more space than a standard carry-on item2. It's not just about the money; it's about what this represents: an additional hurdle for pet owners who simply want to keep their families together.
The Emotional Toll
Our pets are our companions, our family, and often our support system. They offer comfort in times of stress and joy in times of happiness. The current prohibitive costs not only strain our wallets but also our hearts, as we're faced with tough decisions about whether we can afford to bring our pets along. No one should have to choose between financial stability and keeping their family intact.
A Call for Change
It's time for airlines and regulatory bodies to recognize the importance of accessible pet travel. We understand the need for a fee to ensure safety and manage additional logistics, but these costs must be fair and justifiable. We're not asking for a free ride, but for a humane approach that reflects the true costs and responsibilities involved in pet relocation.
Take Action Now
Join us in calling for a more humane and affordable approach to pet relocation fees. By signing our petition, you're not just raising your voice for lower fees; you're advocating for the countless families who face the heartbreaking decision of leaving a beloved pet behind due to financial constraints.
Together, we can make a difference. Let's ensure a future where pet travel is accessible and affordable, keeping families together, no matter where life takes them.
Sign the Petition Today
Don't let high fees be a barrier to traveling with your pets. Sign our petition to urge the United States Secretary of Transportation and the CEOs of major airlines to reconsider their pet relocation fees. Your signature can help pave the way for fairer pricing, greater transparency, and a travel industry that welcomes all members of the family!
- Cagri Sarigoz, Citizen Shipper (23 February 2024), "How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Pet Across the US?"
- PetRelocation (2024), "Understanding the Cost of Pet Relocation: A Comprehensive Guide to Budgeting for Your Pet’s Move."
The Petition:
To the United States Secretary of Transportation, and the CEOs of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines,
We, the undersigned, come together as concerned citizens, pet owners, and advocates for animal welfare to address an increasingly pressing issue within the air travel industry—the exorbitant fees charged for the relocation of pets.
The current standard fee of $125 or more to allow a pet to accompany its owner in the cabin is not only prohibitive but also unreasonable. These charges are particularly onerous given that pets, confined within their carriers, occupy the space of a standard carry-on item and remain under the seat for the duration of the flight.
Our pets are not mere objects; they are cherished family members that provide immeasurable emotional support and companionship. The high cost of bringing a pet on board not only places a financial burden on pet owners but also poses a risk of separating families from their beloved animals. In the worst-case scenario, it may lead to the heartbreaking decision to leave a pet behind or, tragically, to surrender them to a shelter.
We acknowledge the necessity of a fee to cover the additional responsibilities and liabilities that come with transporting pets. However, we firmly believe that this fee should be fair, transparent, and reflective of the actual costs involved, rather than an exploitative means of generating additional revenue.
Therefore, we respectfully urge you to consider the following actions:
- Re-evaluate and reduce the pet relocation fees to a more reasonable and affordable level, ensuring they are in line with the actual service provided.
- Increase transparency around pet relocation fees, clearly breaking down how these fees are utilized to benefit pet travel.
- Implement policies that recognize the essential bond between pets and their owners, facilitating easier and less stressful travel experiences for both.
By adopting a more humane and affordable approach to pet relocation fees, you will not only alleviate the financial and emotional strain on pet owners but also foster a culture of compassion and empathy within the travel industry. These actions will ensure a happier and more inclusive future for all travelers, both human and animal alike.
Sincerely,
