Airline passengers who travel with their pets will be able to check all airlines’ animal safety records, following the announcement of new rules beginning next year.
US Department of Transportation secretary Anthony Foxx will expand rules requiring the reporting of incidents involving live animals during flights, which will take effect from January 1 2015.
The rule increases the number of airlines that are obliged to report lost, injured or dead animals during a flight from the current 14 to 27.
"This rule will provide consumers with a fuller picture of an airline’s safety record when it comes to transporting animals," Foxx said.
"Consumers deserve clear and accurate information when choosing among air transportation options."
Official figures said 122 dogs died during flights between May 2005 and May 2010.
A further 22 other pets died and 88 were lost or injured in transit during the same period.
Animal rights activists asked for the rules to be extended to more than just dogs and cats but DOT officials said it would be "unduly burdensome" for airlines to report incidents involving all species of animals.
