Pet Friendly Airlines Assisting with Haiti Recovery Efforts

It's difficult for us on the outside to look at the devastation and tragedy in Haiti and not be able to do anything. Those who are able to assist financially are urged to donate through the Red Cross. Thankfully, the airlines have been stepping in and flying teams of medical professionals to Haiti to help those who need it the most. In addition to health professionals, pet friendly airlines like Continental have been assisting with the transportation of search and rescue dogs, key players in the rescue and recovery efforts currently going on in Haiti.

The pet friendly Management team at American Airlines pet airline advises that Port Au Prince Airport (PAP) in Haiti is still operating at a minimal standard. Their report is as follows:

"Aftershocks are still occurring. The Air Traffic Control tower has no glass. Runway lights are working, but not on typically to save power. There is no fuel available. I do not have word on stairs, loaders etc. The perimeter fence is OK and there are armed guards posted around the airport. The four roads leading into the airport are still mostly impassable. The terminal is badly damaged. We are taking engineering support in tomorrow (Thursday) to review the terminal structure."

Despite all of this, a search-and-rescue dog team from Spain was able to travel on Continental Airlines via Newark, New Jersey to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where they then made their way to Haiti. The 10 handlers were traveling with four specially trained search-and-rescue dogs in the cabin of the aircraft (a special arrangement made for the extenuating circumstances -- normally dogs of this size would not be allowed in the passenger cabin of the airplane). Continental waived the pet fees typically associated with in cabin and cargo travel as a way of contributing to the rescue efforts in Haiti.

The picture was taken of the group at Terminal C in Newark Airport during the team's connection from their origin in Madrid. Continental's PetSafe team relieved the handlers of the pets by walking, feeding and watering the dogs during their layover.

We will continue to keep you updated on the status of Port Au Prince Airport as well as keep the people of Haiti in our thoughts and prayers.