There’s A ‘First Of Its Kind’ Airline For Dogs: Bark Air Takes Flight

There’s a new airline that puts dogs first, Bark Air. It’s scheduled to take its first flight today (May 30) from New York to Los Angeles at 4 p.m. EST. According to Bark’s booking website, this flight is sold out.

Airlines have faced various challenges in accommodating passengers flying with their dogs, and balancing pet-friendly policies with passenger expectations. Some carriers, such as American Airlines, have eased their pet policies to provide a more welcoming experience for travelers with pets. However, issues continue to arise. Incidents like a woman allegedly being removed from a flight for petting her dog, and an unleashed dog freely roaming the cabin and relieving itself during a flight to Los Angeles. These instances highlight the ongoing challenges airlines have with passengers and their dogs.

Bark, a pet company founded in 2011 that sells dog food and other products, announced the new aviation experience for canines in April. It's the second air travel service to market itself as catering to pets before human passengers, recognizing how “stressful and uncomfortable commercial air travel can be for animals.”

According to the company’s new release, the United Kingdom-based public charter operator K9 jets also lets passengers' pets travel next to them in the aircraft cabin, versus in crates in commercial aircraft cargo holds.

"We are excited to take the insights we've learned over the years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies," Bark co-founder and CEO Matt Meeker said in April. "We believe this initiative will elevate awareness of our brand's mission and values, introduce more dog lovers to the Bark family, and help enrich the lives of dogs and their people around the world." 

The company said it launched the air travel experience to make long-distance travel more comfortable for dogs that don't fit under the seats in front of passengers on commercial aircraft. 

"Too often, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo," the company said in announcing the flights in April.

Bark Air says it will offer "white paw service" to its canine customers who'll even get to socialize with other dogs in what the company calls a "dog-centric" cabin configuration. Like first-class human passengers, the company said dogs will be offered treats, noise-canceling earmuffs, a beverage of their choice, and other surprises. 

The service will fly between the New York City metro area and Los Angeles, as well as from New York to London. More routes will be added soon, the company said. 

Bark Air will operate as a public charter service, flying on spacious Gulfstream G5 jets. It does not own or operate any aircraft. Each dog ticket comes with a pass for one human. Families may also purchase additional passes. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted aboard. There are no size or breed restrictions for dogs. 

According to the company, a one-way flight from New York to Los Angeles in June costs $6,000 for one dog and one human. A New York to London ticket costs $8,000. 

CBS News reported that Meeker acknowledged the service's high cost in a May letter, but said he expects prices to come down as demand climbs.

There's something truly special about having a close relationship with your pet. They say a dog is "man's best friend," and it's totally accurate. I have friends and family who truly feel like their pets are a member of the family. Pets will be there for you through thick and thin. Pets are also know for being loyal, which can be a really good feeling in this world. So, what are the most popular dogs right now?

Danspetcare.com has a great article out that names the most popular dogs in the world right now. In it, they describe that special relationship that one has with their pet. "From hunting to sled-pulling to herding and protection, dogs have helped us survive and thrive in countless ways," they explain. "One of the most important roles dogs play in our lives is companionship."

So, what do you do if you're in the market for a new dog? Danspetcare.com has some good advice on how to pick the right breed. They explain that finding the right breed is a big part of that decision. So, ask yourself, do you want a delicate breed or a more meaty, masculine breed? Also, what's the purpose of you wanting a pet? Do you want a pet for protection, or are you looking for a small buddy for some companionship?

Either way, when you're in the market for a new pet, make sure to have lots of questions and ask the right people before settling on your little guy or gal. I remember one of my friends buying the cutest little puppy ever only to see it grow into a huge dog that was almost too big for her apartment. She loved him, but it was quite a surprise. Read on to discover the most popular dogs right now and some more stats. Find more via Danspetcare.com here

According to Danspetcare.com, the most popular dog in the world is the Labrador Retriever. "They’re often used to provide comfort and reassurance for anxious humans," the study says. So true. No. 2 are Golden Retrievers and No. 3 are German Shepherds. Find more via Danspetcare.com here.

Dogpackapp.com has an article out about the most popular dog breeds right now. No. 1 on the list is the French bulldog. Those dogs are adorable, right? No. 2 is the Labrador Retriever and No. 3 is the Golden Retriever. Very popular, of course. Find the full list here.

What about the most common dogs? According to A-z-animals.com, No. 1, again are Labrador Retrievers, followed by Bulldogs and Rottweiler. The German Shepherd and Dachshund round out the top five. Find the full list here.

What if you want a small pup? The smallest dog breed, according to Forbes.com is the Pomeranian at 3-7 pounds. So cute. It's followed by the Toy Poodle and Toy Fox Terrier. Find the full list here.

What if you want a really big dog? According to Forbes.com, the largest dog breed is the Mastiff at 120-230 pounds. It's followed by the Boerboel and Tosa Inu. Find the full list here.