Pet Airways

Pet Airways
Company type	Private
Industry	Airline
Founded	2009
Founder	Dan Wiesel, Alysa Binder
Defunct	2011
Fate	Ceased operations; parent company rebranded as Praxsyn Corporation
Headquarters	Delray Beach, Florida, United States
Products	Air travel services for animals
Parent	PAWS Pet Company Inc. (later Praxsyn Corporation)

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Pet Airways, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 26 July 2025

Pet Airways was a Florida-based enterprise located in Delray Beach, Florida that specialized solely in air travel services for animals. It distinguished itself as the first airline to offer pet transportation within the main cabin instead of the cargo hold. Following the suspension of its operations in 2011, its parent entity, PAWS Pet Company Inc., transitioned to focus on pharmaceutical ventures and rebranded as Praxsyn Corporation.

By May 2024, Pet Airways has announced intentions to recommence flight services after securing new investment capital to revive its business.

History

The company was established by business partners Dan Wiesel and Alysa Binder, inspired by their own experiences traveling with their dog. Initial capital was raised through a group of investors. From 2009 until 2011, Pet Airways successfully transported more than 9,000 animals before financial challenges forced it to stop operations.

In early 2012, regulatory documents disclosed continued financial losses and doubts regarding the company’s viability, confirming that its operations had permanently ceased in 2011.

Services

When it began operations in 2009, ticket prices for pets started at $150, varying depending on the animal’s size and travel distance. The typical fare averaged around $500, with some routes for larger pets costing over $1,200. Reservations were managed via an online platform.

Animals, affectionately called "pawsengers," were checked in at specially designed airport lounges. Owners had the ability to monitor their pets’ status through the company’s website. Dedicated staff ensured pets received walks and bathroom breaks before boarding and conducted welfare checks every 15 minutes throughout the flight.

Destinations

Pet Airways launched weekly flights on July 14, 2009, servicing nine cities across the United States: New York City, Baltimore/Washington D.C., Chicago, Omaha, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Phoenix, Denver, and Los Angeles. In April 2011, expansion plans were announced to include Dallas, Houston, Austin, St. Louis, and Orlando; however, these routes never commenced. The airline targeted growth to serve 25 cities by late 2011.

As of April 2011, destinations served included: