Pet-only airline prepares to take flight

DORAL, Fla., April 16 (UPI) -- The first U.S. pet-only airline will begin full service in July, the company said Thursday.

To start, Pet Airways will serve five cities: New York, Washington, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles, WFOR-TV of Doral, Fla., reported Thursday.

The station noted that pet passengers will travel in the main cabin, not in the cargo hold, as happens with some traditional airlines.

Many airlines have announced recently they will no longer accept pets on board their planes, the station said.

The Delray Beach, Fla. airline said it will be ready to fly July 14.

The station said from the time pets are dropped off at the carrier's pet lounge, animals will be under the care of trained attendants. Plane cabins will be climate-controlled and have the level of fresh air circulation that pets require.