Pure Dog Talk

Flying the Not so Friendly Skies with Dogs PLUS Woof by WoofWest Sheila Goffe, AKC Vice President of Government Relations, shares what she’s learned from the airlines about flying with dogs, what her team is doing to help the purebred dog fancy and what we can do to help. March 1 is the date Delta will stop flying dogs in crates larger than a 300 size. Goffe said her office has been developing relationships to be able reach out to airlines and have a voice in the conversation. “Really think about what it is we can do to concisely explain to (the airlines) about our experience flying dogs. Their concerns are liability. We need to think like the airlines,” Goffe said. “Sharing YOUR experiences with us and with the airlines is invaluable.” Goffe noted that her concerns about United Airlines are regarding breed specific limits. “American Humane Association provided these guidelines. We’re trying to work with the airline and provide them with the science,” Goffe said. “We can’t make (the airlines) ship our dogs.