Guam Animals in Need president Lauren Cabrera and Delegate James Moylan are urging United Airlines to reinstate a pet shipping program for civilians, which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and later reinstated exclusively for departing military personnel.
Under the current policy, United Airlines permits military personnel leaving Guam on permanent change of orders to transport up to four pets on flights to Hawaii, facilitating further travel to the mainland through other carriers.
Cabrera emphasized the need for United Airlines to extend this privilege to civilians, describing the current policy as potentially discriminatory. She expressed frustration, stating, “It’s borderline discriminatory.”
In a letter addressed to United Airlines President and CEO Scott Kirby, Moylan echoed Cabrera’s concerns, emphasizing the deep bond between individuals and their pets, regardless of military status. “When it comes to a bond between individuals and their pets, there is no distinction in whether the individual wears a uniform or not,” Moylan wrote.
Moylan also questioned United’s exclusion of Guam from its pet travel policy applicable within the contiguous 50 states, urging consideration for the civilian population. “While we understand that this is your business policy, we do hope that on behalf of our constituents, there will be some consideration for our civilian population,” Moylan stated in his letter to Kirby.
Cabrera highlighted the regulatory challenges posed by cabotage laws, which prevent pet transport on foreign carriers between U.S. points. She noted that despite alternative options, the practicalities of these laws limit choices for pet owners.
United Airlines had previously discontinued its pet shipping program following a widely publicized incident involving the death of a dog placed in an overhead bin by a flight attendant. The program was reinstated post-pandemic but restricted to military personnel.
Cabrera expressed efforts to engage with United Airlines executives both locally in Guam and at their corporate headquarters, including Theresa Fariello, Vice President of Government Affairs and Global Public Policy. Despite multiple attempts to reach out, Cabrera stated that she has not received a response from Fariello.
Cabrera emphasized the urgency of the issue, highlighting that allowing up to four pets per flight could potentially save up to 1,460 animals annually from being euthanized due to relocation challenges.
“I won’t stop advocating until United resumes its pet shipping program,” Cabrera vowed, emphasizing her commitment to preventing the distressing situation of pet abandonment.
As discussions continue between Guam officials and United Airlines, the community awaits a resolution that could provide equal pet shipping opportunities for civilians, reflecting the shared concerns for animal welfare on the island.
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