Say Convenience Of Pet Owners Not Worth Risks Of Serious Allergic Reactions

Doctors in Canada are reportedly seeking a ban on pets in passenger cabins on airline flights in that country, saying they are posing serious threats to people allergic to animals. Dogs and cats are common on airline flights, but the Montreal Gazette reports birds and rabbits are allowed by some carriers.

The paper reports that Dr. Mark Schoenfeld of British Columbia, speaking at a Canadian Medical Association annual assembly in St. John's, commented, "While airlines argue that this is a great convenience for pet owners, the practice actually exposes our patients, and their passengers, to significant allergens that can make the journey very difficult — and occasionally quite seriously ill as a result. People have to travel with EpiPens, adrenalin, bronchodilators and antibiotics. Some people end up having their entire holidays ruined."

Delegates to the meeting reportedly voted 93 percent in favor of a ban. As is the case in restaurants and other public places, service animals, such as guide dogs, would still be allowed.

The practice of allowing pets in airliner cabins only recently became common in Canada. The Gazette reports Air Canada reversed its prohibition against pets on board two years ago due to competition from WestJet. An editorial published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reports that WestJet, a low-cost carrier, has pets on about one-quarter of its flights.

FMI: www.cma.ca