VETERINARIANS ARE WORKING WITH U.S. AIRLINES TO IMPROVE PET AIR TRAVEL
With 257 million Americans forecast to fly this summer, many with the family pet, there’s good news. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is working with U.S. airlines, including United, American, Delta, and Southwest to evaluate plane rides from an animal’s perspective, including the unique stresses an animal faces when flying.
The AVMA and airlines are looking to develop new policies for better outcomes for pets, passengers and the airlines.
This new relationship between the AVMA and the airlines will also help veterinarians pass on the best information to pet owners on how to keep animals comfortable during a flight. There’s more information on flying with pets at https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/190701a.aspx.
Improving air travel for pets is just one topic the AVMA will be discussing at its 156th Annual Convention August 2-6 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. Aug 2-6.
AVMA’s Dr. John Howe, DVM discusses the following:
- What is it like to fly from a pet’s perspective?Â
- What are some of the stressors for animals?
- Where are animals now allowed to fly in the plane?
- What are some specific suggestions for pet owners to help ease the airplane flight for their pet?
- What are you hoping for as an outcome from your collaboration with the airlines?
There’s more information on the AVMA Convention, and other valuable information, at www.avma.org.
About Dr. Howe: Dr. Howe has been an active leader in the veterinary profession for more than 30 years at the state and national level. During his tenure on the AVMA Board, Dr. Howe chaired AVMA’s State Advocacy Committee and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and served as AVMA Board liaison to several AVMA councils and committees. At the state level, Dr. Howe has served as executive board member, vice president and president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association. He received the group’s Veterinarian of the Year award in 2011 and Distinguished Veterinary Service award in 2015. Dr. Howe is also a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the World Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Association and the American Association of Fish Veterinarians. Dr. Howe is a 1977 graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
This interview is provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association
