A new partnership has been announced between Alaska Airlines and Banfield Pet Hospital, according to a recent release.
Banfield Pet Hospital is touted as the nation’s largest veterinary practice and has entered into the relationship with Alaska Airlines to help travelers prepare their pets for flight. Banfield Pet Hospital will begin offering Alaska Airlines customers who are either traveling with or shipping their pets, a free office visit, travel consultation, and a $10 discount on a health certificate that is required for all in-cabin or air cargo pets.
Dr. Karen Johnson, vice president and client advocate for Banfield Pet Hospital, shared, “When it comes to pets, there is nothing more important than ensuring their health and safety whether at home or on a trip. We're proud to partner with such a well-respected organization that has a great track record of pet safety during travel."
Employees of Alaska Airlines get specialized training in how to safely transport pets and must follow strict United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines in conjunction with the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service and the Consumer Division of the Department of Transportation. Their practices towards being pet friendly were highlighted by SmarterTraveler.com when it named Alaska Airlines the “most pet friendly airline” in 2009.
Besides traveling with their pets in cabin, Alaska Airlines offers the PetStreak Animal Express service to ship animals as air freight in what they dub a “safe and caring environment when the owner isn’t traveling with them.” Alaska Air Cargo is offering a 10 percent discount on the service through June 9, 2012.
As of May 1, 2012, kennel standards are also changing. Animal traveling in the airplane hold must have nut-and-bolt locks to ensure the animal’s safety in their kennel throughout the flight. Torque Zubeck, managing director of Alaska Air Cargo, shared, “Alaska is one of few airlines that still welcomes pets onboard—both in the cabin and the cargo hold—and we're committed to pet care and safety.”
For more about Banfield Pet Hospital and the new partnership, visit www.banfield.com/alaskaairlines.
The official website of Alaska Airlines is www.alaskaair.com.
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