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Airlines Break Their Own Rules So Pets Can Escape Fires
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Airlines Break Their Own Rules So Pets Can Escape Fires

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More than 80,000 Fort McMurray’s residents in Canada were forced to flee their homes because of the massive wildfires in recent days. Thankfully, West Jet and Canadian North airlines have been making the evacuation process easier by letting people fly with their pets in the cabin.

“It’s definitely unusual to carry pets in the cabin, but due to the unusual circumstances we were able to bend the rules to accommodate these animals during this crisis,” Canadian North’s Kelly Lewis told Bored Panda.

Normally, animals traveling by plane should be kept in the cargo hold. However, in the current circumstances the residents are not allowed to return home for crates so it’s wonderful that they can take their beloved animals with them.

(h/t: thedodo)

More than 80,000 Canadians were forced to flee their homes in the recent days

Image credits: Cas Courcelles

Massive wildfires in Fort McMurray made it difficult to get their pets to safety, too

Image credits: Jen C

Thankfully, West Jet and Canadian North airlines decided to let pets fly in the cabin

Image credits: Canadian North

“Due to the unusual circumstances we were able to bend the rules to accommodate these animals,” Kelly Lewis told Bored Panda

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Image credits: Jen C

Canadian North’s staff are even fostering the cat named Meow Meow after her pregnant owner went into labour

Image credits: Big Brothers Big Sis

Normally, animals traveling by plane should be kept in the cargo hold

Image credits: Canadian North

However, in these circumstances, airlines made an exception

Image credits: Jen C

So it’s wonderful that they can take their beloved animals with them

Image credits: Jen C

They can comfort each other on the way to safety

Image credits: Amanda Weger

Thank you, Kelly Lewis, for talking to Bored Panda about your wonderful decision!

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anastasiamolodtsova avatar
amberridgdill avatar
Amber Ridgdill
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A number of airlines *do* allow pets in the cabin already. http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/airtravel/airpettravel.shtml But it's understandable that many do not due to allergies, fear of dogs, small children who can't keep their hands to themselves, barking, dogs dealing with strangers in a strange place, and many other issues. There are always ground travel and boats to avoid air travel with your pets, but many owners prefer the ease of air travel over the comfort of their pets.

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judith-adair avatar
Judith Adair
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you West Jet and Canadian North Airlines for opening your planes and your hearts for this act of humanity.

kerry_home avatar
Cath Kerry
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful, well done for using common sense and realizing sometimes rules have to be broken for compassion's sake.

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anastasiamolodtsova avatar
amberridgdill avatar
Amber Ridgdill
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A number of airlines *do* allow pets in the cabin already. http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/airtravel/airpettravel.shtml But it's understandable that many do not due to allergies, fear of dogs, small children who can't keep their hands to themselves, barking, dogs dealing with strangers in a strange place, and many other issues. There are always ground travel and boats to avoid air travel with your pets, but many owners prefer the ease of air travel over the comfort of their pets.

Load More Replies...
judith-adair avatar
Judith Adair
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you West Jet and Canadian North Airlines for opening your planes and your hearts for this act of humanity.

kerry_home avatar
Cath Kerry
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful, well done for using common sense and realizing sometimes rules have to be broken for compassion's sake.

Load More Comments
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