One trip for their Jack Russell terrier in a plane's cargo hold was enough to convince Alysa Binder

(14 Jul 2009) HEADLINE: Paws up: All-pet airline hits skies
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CAPTION: One trip for their Jack Russell terrier in a plane's cargo hold was enough to convince Alysa Binder and Dan Wiesel that owners needed a better option for pet travel. On Tuesday, the first-ever all-pet airline, took off from New York. (July 14)
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[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE]
These beagles are embarking on the first journey of its kind.

On Tuesday, an airline created just for pets took off from Republic Airport in Farmingdale, N-Y.

((Heather Donahue pet lover owner of "Vito" a Border Collie and Australian Shepherd mix from Northern California SOT: "Well it's important that my dog Vito had a comfortable flight, he's not a suitcase, you know, he's a family friend, a part of the family.))

All commercial airlines allow a limited number of small pets to fly in the cabin.

Others must travel as checked bags or in the cargo hold-- a dark and sometimes dangerous place.

((Dan Wiesel, President and CEO of Pet Airways SOT: "What we provide is a situation where you never have to worry about your pets. Once you drop them off they are in good hands they are with the best people that know and love pets."))

Wiesel and his business partner started Pet Airways in 2005 after they had to leave their beloved Jack Russell terrier in a plane's cargo hold.

They spent the last 4 years developing a fleet of planes the could carry up to 50 animals comfortably.

The entrepreneurs also used the time to sort through FAA regulations and create airport schedules.

Pet Airways travels to five major cities including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago...
and a one-way fare for a pet cost about the same as it would on a major carrier.

But pet owners say the big difference is service.

((James Gentiliani, owner of "Bear" a Golden Lab from Binghamton, New York SOT: "There's no worrying about providing a kennel and having to fly them in the cargo hold. This makes everything so much easier. You can see how nice the people are. They treat the animals better than I'm treated when I go fly a plane myself."))

One possible downside for some customers-- the flights will make stops along the way. So owners could reach their destinations long before their four-legged friends.

Pet Airways says if the aircraft makes a stop the animals will have a bathroom break, play time and dinner.

Critics have questioned the viability of an airline with such a specific clientele...
but the company's owners are planning for success. They say they are already booked up for the next two months.

They plan to add at least 20 additional cities to their roster over the next 3 years.

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