New Airline Pet Policies
Jon Patch chats with Robert Likins, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) about the new rule book for pets traveling with their owners or alone on United Airlines flights. The new rules, effective June 18, come after the Chicago-based airline suspended transportation of pets for a month while the carrier reviewed its policies in the wake of the death of a French bulldog after it was placed in an overhead luggage compartment on a three-hour United flight.
BIO:
After retiring from almost 25 years of military service I now have the opportunity to help others to enrich their lives through pet ownership. I currently develop strategy and conduct the engagement of elected leaders at the local, state and national levels for the nation’s largest pet industry trade association. My mission is to educate elected leaders on the issues surrounding the ownership and care of companion animals. I strive to ensure that any legislation addressing pets and their care is clear, fair and free of unintended consequences.
Prior to retiring from the military, I spent the last four years working for and with the United States Congress while serving in the U.S. Army. During that time I have worked for a Democrat, a Republican and on the staff of the Secretary of the Army. While responsible for the Soldier Systems portfolio I regularly engaged with individual businesses and trade groups regarding the thousands of items in my portfolio. I have performed duties from administrative to strategic planning to conducting direct interactions with Members of Congress, as well as the personal and committee Congressional staffs. Throughout my career I have supervised as many as 154 personnel in the most challenging of environments.