According to the Department of Transportation U.S. Airlines killed, injured or lost 224 dogs between 2005 and 2009. Of those the airlines reported 122 to be dog deaths, 22 other pet deaths, 55 injuries and 33 lost pets.

The Department of Transportation reports that Continental Airlines was on top of the list with 58 deaths, injuries or lost dogs in that time frame followed by Delta (including now merged Northwest Airlines) with 43 incidents, Alaskan Airlines with 36, American Airlines with 33 and United with 17.

Short-snouted breeds accounted for roughly half of the dog deaths on airlines in the last 5 years. English Bulldogs accounted for the highest number of deaths in purebred dogs with 25 followed by Pugs with 11, Golden and Labrador Retrievers with 7 each, French Bulldogs with 6 and American Staffordshire Terriers with 4. Boxers, cockapoos, Pekingese and Pomeranians accounted for two deaths each.

Pet owners should make sure the airline’s cargo hold is climate-controlled. If dogs are easily stressed or not well-socialized, they are probably not good candidates for air travel. Consulting with a veterinarian before placing a pet on an airline was suggested by the department.

Airlines aren’t required to keep track of the number of dogs shipped, but since May of 2005 have been required to report incidents. Continental reports that it has transported over 550,000 pets in the last 5 years. Beginning in July 2009 Continental completely embargoed all types of bulldogs and pugs unless they are under 6 months of age and 20 kg. and the temperature is below 85 degrees.

American Airlines reports that it has flown over 100,000 pets a year and 600,000 since the DOT started keeping track of deaths. The 33 incidents represent .0055 percent of all dogs that fly American.

The DOT believes the total number dog and pet deaths to be an extremely small percentage of the pets that are carried each year by the airlines.

Click here to see the DOT Total Reportable Incidents