What Happens If My Pet Has an Accident on the Plane?
- Jun 28
- 2 min read
No matter how well you prepare, your pet may still have an accident mid-flight, and that’s okay. At PetCommute, we’re ready for it.
When you’re trusting someone else with your pet’s c

omfort and safety, you want to know: If my pet has an accident on the plane, what happens next?
Let’s walk through what to expect, and how we handle it with calm, care, and professionalism.
Pet Had Accident on Plane: What to Do
If your pet had an accident on the plane, the most important thing is that they’re safe, clean, and not distressed.
At PetCommute, this is a completely manageable situation. Our trained flight nannies are equipped with:
Potty pads
Unscented wipes and gloves
Trash bags
Clean carrier liners or blankets
Whether it’s a potty accident or vomit from motion sickness, we act quickly and discreetly to restore comfort and hygiene.
Our Pet Accident Protocol (Step-by-Step)
Here’s what happens if your pet has an accident during their flight with PetCommute:
Discreet Relocation: We find a quiet, private area (like a family restroom or corner gate seat) as soon as it's safe to do so.
Clean-Up: We clean your pet gently, swap out pads or liners, and keep the environment calm.
Comfort Check: We check for signs of stress or dehydration and ensure your pet is settled before continuing travel.
Documentation: We document what happened for your records.
Update You Promptly: You'll receive a respectful, honest update (with photos if appropriate) about what happened and how your pet is doing.
We never panic. We never shame. We simply take care of it—just like you would.
Why Accidents Happen (Even When You Prepare)
Even with feeding cut off 4–6 hours before flight time and a solid potty break before TSA, accidents can still happen due to:
Travel anxiety
Sudden turbulence
Long delays or missed layovers
Age (puppies, kittens, or seniors)
Changes in food or hydration patterns
It’s completely normal. And it’s something we prepare for every single day.
How You Can Help Us Prepare
You know your pet best, so if your dog or cat has a sensitive stomach, a history of travel accidents, or specific clean-up needs, let us know. We’ll pack extra supplies and plan ahead.
Many clients also include a backup blanket, extra pads, or wipes in the travel bag. These small items can go a long way when delays happen.
You’re Not Alone in This
Your pet is in loving, professional hands from the moment we pick them up to the moment we hand them off. Accidents happen. We handle them with calm, confidence, and care.