Delta Cargo announced that it is partnering with CarePod, a start-up company focused on pet air travel.
Delta said in a press release that through the partnership, it will launch a new pet transportation strategy.
“With a new range of smart, pet travel products and services, CarePod will help Delta better carry and monitor pets throughout the network, with real-time updates for customers,” according to the release. “This is alongside the recent introduction of a staff veterinarian to the Delta Cargo team who will review policies and procedures to ensure safe and comfortable pet travel.”
Shawn Cole, vice president for Delta Cargo, said, “Demand for pet shipments is strong and we are always looking for ways to create a best-in-class travel experience for pets and their owners. Working with a start-up like CarePod allows Delta the flexibility to enhance our service in new and innovative ways. We are able to think big, start small and learn fast to solve specific customer needs.”
Jenny Pan, founder and CEO of CarePod, said, “Our innovative use of technology and breakthrough engineering solutions are matched by our passion for pet safety, comfort and security. Our goal is to transform the future of pet travel, and to be able to work with Delta in delivering a better experience for its customers is an exciting step.”
Delta Air Lines said in June that it would no longer accept “pit bull type” dogs as service or support animals. It also said it was introducing a limit of one emotional support animal per customer per flight. Those changes followed an 84 percent increase in reported incidents involving service and support animals since 2016, including urination/defecation, biting and a widely reported attack by a 70-pound dog.
Delta carries about 700 service or support animals daily — nearly 250,000 annually.