A petition posted to Change.org is calling for new federal regulations for pet air travel. The regulations would hold airlines accountable for injuries or deaths that occur as a result of mishandling, and would put into place an "independent third party" to conduct autopsies and investigations. Currently, investigations into pet deaths while traveling are handled by the airline.

The petition was started by Michael Jarboes, whose 2-year-old mastiff BamBam died on a flight from Miami to San Francisco. Jarobes says, even though airline personnel assured him his pet would be safe. Jarobes observed his pet's crate on the tarmac during a layover in Houston. Upon arriving in San Francisco, BamBam was found dead, and his veterinarian said the cause was heatstroke. The airline, however, said the cause of death was inconclusive. "You run the same risk of losing your pet as you do your luggage," said Jarobes. "It's Russian roulette."