Woman abandons dog at airport after being told it couldn't fly without a crate, police say

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By James Kay

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A dog was left abandoned at an airport after its owners were told that it couldn't come on the plane with them without being crated.

Going on vacation while being a pet owner can be a stressful ordeal with people often being left having to put their beloved companion in a kennel or house them with somebody else.

But some pets, particularly dogs, are lucky enough to come along on the vacation and that's when the fun of getting them comes into play.

Most of us will agree that seeing a dog get abandoned is one of the most heartbreaking things in the world, so this sad pooch that got left at an airport will be sure to tug at the heartstrings.

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The dog was left at the airport due to not having the correct crate (stock photo). Credit: aire images/Getty

The Allegheny County Police Department took to Facebook where they began the post with "Don't leave your pets behind!"

The social media post continued: "This morning at approximately 5:30 a.m., ACPD officers working at Pittsburgh International Airport were called to assist with a dog that was found unattended in a stroller on airport property.

"Officers were able to locate a microchip on the animal but attempts to reach the owner were unsuccessful. Investigators learned the dog’s owner was told by airline officials the dog needed to be placed in a crate in order to fly.

"The investigation revealed the owner then abandoned the dog near short-term parking and proceeded to board a flight. County police contacted the state dog warden to safely turn over the dog. A charge of animal abandonment is expected to be filed against the owner by the state dog warden."

KDKA reported that the pooch is now being cared for by Animal Friends, who released the following statement about the poor airport canine.

"As this case is under active investigation, we are unfortunately unable to comment at this time about the details of the case or the health status of the dog. Animal Friends' Humane Society Police Officers are pursuing an investigation into this case and reviewing possible charges.

"The dog will remain on hold, and Animal Friends is pleased to provide the necessary treatment and supportive care the dog needs until this case is resolved."

Each airline comes with specific requirements when traveling with animals, including the carriers that are needed in order to give the pet a safe journey.

It is advised to contact the specific airline that you are flying with before you depart to find out their regulations when it comes to animals onboard.

Service animals can be allowed to travel uncrated, but this should also be cleared with the airline prior to departure.

Hopefully, this poor dog will find new owners who will give it the life it deserves following this ordeal!

Featured image credit: ilona shorokhova / 500px/Getty