United Brings a Rescue Home

Flying with a pet can be hectic for the owner, but it can be especially stressful for larger animals traveling in the plane’s cargo area. United Airlines addresses these concerns with their PetSafe program, allowing travelers to take their pets on vacation without any worries about their health, comfort or safety.

Oliver, a Bearded Collie © Mary Stanek

PetSafe was a godsend for one bearded collie and his owner. Mary Stanek from Chicago adopted Oliver in Florida and both had to travel home to the frigid Windy City. Oliver was a rescue dog from the Bearded Collie Club in Central Florida, and flying across the country can be a scary experience for such an animal. Mary was also nervous about bringing Oliver home while Chicago was suffering the effects of a polar vortex. He was too big to take in the cabin, but after a little research Mary discovered United’s PetSafe program, which offered a climate-controlled and pressurized cargo cabin on an Airbus A320. The areas where Oliver waited before and after his flight and the vehicles that carried him to and from the plane were also climate-controlled to ensure his safety and comfort.

PetSafe also provides a confirmed booking, considerate handling by trained personnel and special on-site “pet hotels” in selected cities around the U.S. Mary was so pleased with the PetSafe service she donated her kennel to be used by other animal lovers once Oliver was home.