"We believe there is truly a need for this," said Alysa Binder, one of Pet Airways' founders. "Putting your pet in cargo, just isn't the ideal situation, and it doesn't have to be your only choice."

A one-way flight costs around $149, and Pet Airways is now accepting reservations for its first New York - Los Angeles flight, scheduled for July 14.

Pet Airways hopes to expand to 25 continental cities within the next few years, Binder says, and cater to exotic pets, as well as to dogs and cats.

Here's how it works: Pet owners flying out of major airports drop their animals off at a nearby, smaller facility. The pets spend time in a pet lounge before boarding a seat-free plane, which can hold up to 50 dogs or cats.

Animals are with "pet attendants" at all times, according to Binder, as they are then loaded into secured carrying cases on the plane. People are watching the pets at all times throughout the flight, though the animals are not allowed to roam at large.

Animals' flights are made to coincide with their owners' arrangements; after owners land in their destination, they collect their pets from a lounge.

"You don't have to worry about missed flights or connections," Binder said. "Someone will be with your pet at all times, until you are there to collect them.

"This is about the safety and comfort of your pet. We can't stress that enough. We are pet lovers, we are our own audience."

The company has been in the works since 2005, when Binder and her husband, Dan Wiesel, flew with their Jack Russell Terrier, Zoe. The dog exceeded most airlines' 15-pound or under requirement to fly under the seat, and was placed in cargo.

"She just wasn't right," Binder said of Zoe's reaction to the flight. "She was very uncomfortable, and we thought, 'There has to be another way.' "

Pet Airways is working in conjunction with Suburban Air Flight Inc., to utilize "several" Beechcraft 1900s, a twin-engine turboprop airplane. The barren planes will provide animals with a fully-lit and climate-controlled environment, Pet Airways advertises.

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Source: www.zootoo.com