The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released the first monthly reports filed by U.S. airlines of incidents involving pets aboard their flights, a new source of information that will help consumers make informed decisions about whether and how to travel with their pets.

Under a provision of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, all U.S. airlines must report to DOT any incidents involving the loss, death or injury of a household pet during air transportation. The reports released today cover incidents occurring in May 2005.

Six U.S. airlines reported a total of 10 animal-related incidents in May. The carriers reported five injuries, four deaths and one loss of a pet. Over two million pets and other live animals are transported by air every year in the United States.

May’s animal incident reports are available as part of the Department’s Air Travel Consumer Report at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov, which was issued today. Future months’ animal reports also will be included in the consumer report. The reports include the airline and flight number, the date and time of the incident, a description of the animal, a narrative description of the incident, and any corrective action taken.

While DOT publishes the animal-incident reports filed by carriers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has regulatory and enforcement authority over the transportation of animals by air.

Travelers interested in more information about flying with their pets should read DOT’s fact sheet “Transporting Live Animals” at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov. Information on APHIS’ animal-care programs is available at www.aphis.usda.gov. Consumers experiencing any problem while flying on a commercial airline with their pets may contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Care Staff, Unit 84, 4700 Riverdale Rd., Riverdale, MD 20737, (301) 734-7833