Report Details

Carrier and Flight Number American Airlines Flight #1937 (BOS - SJU)

Date and Time of the Incident 23 June 2009

Narrative Description of Incident The kennel was being moved to a shaded area, after being offloaded in SJU, and when it was lifted by the kennel handle, the kennel door opened and the dog escaped. The dog was captured and taken to a local veterinarian for treatment to its two front paws. The tarmac in SJU was extremely warm and the dog developed ulcers on its two front paws.

Narrative Description of Cause of the Incident The customer had intended to carry the kennel on-board and was advised at the gate that it had to be gate checked. The agent at the gate did not have any zip ties to secure the kennel door. As a result, when it was off loaded in SJU and lifted by the kennel handle, the door opened and the dog escaped.

Narrative Description of any Corrective Action Taken in Response to Incident Zip ties were not available at the gate in BOS. Our BOS station management was made aware of this event and measures to avoid a similar incident have been taken. For example, pet procedures were reviewed with the agents involved and zip ties will be made available at the gate/ramp areas.