By: Stephanie Jacksis
CENTRAL TEXAS - Military families stationed overseas will soon have to pay thousands of dollars, or forfeit their pets in a different country.
United Airlines will change their policy from pets being labeled as "excess baggage" to "cargo." In less than two weeks, the cost of shipping a pet from overseas to the United States could increase by nearly 400%.
News Channel 25 spoke to a Lampasas military family stationed in Japan. They said the expensive ticket is forcing several families to leave their pets behind, and will leave emotional scars for those leaving the war.
The Wood family adopted their 13 pound pup Max from another military family.
"Pets are what make us happy, and help us make it through the day," Nikki Wood said. "My husband's gone a lot, and Max is the one thing I wake up to in the morning. He's happy, he's ready to go play, and then when we go to bed, he's right there with me. Max is my only constant while being so far away from family."
Although the Wood family will be able to pay the increasing airline fee, they said several military friends face a larger problem. Many don't have the funds to bring their pets along with them.
"They're all coming back with PTSD from war, and pets have helped them out tremendously," Wood said.
And without the needed money, pets will be left in shelters. According to Wood, there are very few "No Kill" facilities in Japan.
"We will be relocating across the world, numerous places... And so for families that have already booked on United, we were not told this. It comes as a huge shock and burden," Wood said.
If you'd like to sign their petition to stop the increasing prices, visit http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/advocates-against-raising-airline-fees-for-pets/
