About two million pets travel by air in the United States each year, many in the cargo holds of airplanes. But cargo holds can be very dangerous because of loud engine noise, extreme temperatures, and poor ventilation. Any one of these can mean emotional or physical stress to animals well beyond the normal stresses of traveling, and the results can be deadly.

Fortunately, this June the government began requiring airlines to report all complaints from passengers about animal mistreatment or neglect. This measure puts into action provisions of the Safe Air Travel for Animals Act that Congress passed—due in large part to our efforts and our members' support—nearly five years ago. Airlines now must submit information on any animal cared for as a pet by a U.S. family at the time of travel who is reported lost, injured, or killed during transport.

Reports must be submitted each month to the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division, which publishes them in the monthly online Air Travel Consumer Report. This gives the public access to information about the safety of pet travel for each American-based airline. By comparing all the airlines' safety records, consumers will be able to make more informed decisions about which carrier to choose.

Most airlines have already become more cautious about transporting companion animals because of past tragedies—as many as 5,000 animals may be lost, injured, or accidentally killed during air travel each year. And many airlines have developed policies to reduce the risks to pets on flights. Some designate certain animals or breeds that can be flown in cargo holds, while others won’t fly pets in the hold at all.

But even under the most favorable conditions, there's still always some risk when flying with pets, so we strongly urge travelers to think long and hard before deciding to take a pet along on a flight. It's usually much safer and less stressful for pets to stay at home with a responsible pet sitter or in a reputable boarding kennel while you travel. Driving is often the best choice when a pet simply can't be left at home in good hands. (Amtrak and Greyhound don't allow pets.) But in cases where air travel with a pet is absolutely necessary, consumers can take steps to reduce the risks—starting with comparing airlines' pet-travel safety records.

If you experience problems flying with a companion animal either kept in the cargo hold or with you in the cabin, first file a complaint directly with the airline you used. You can follow guidelines using our Air Travel Incident Report available free online. For copies of our report and information on where to send them, important steps to take to minimize the risks of traveling with pets and preparing them for travel, a summary of airline pet-transport policies, and more on responsible pet care, visit www.hsus.org/pets. Above all, please consider first what’s best for your best friend when making any travel decisions.