"Dogs first" Bark Air coming to the Bay

The boutique "dogs first" airline, Bark Air , is coming to the Bay Area.

Why it matters: At a time when many dog owners are seeking full rights for their pets as family members , airlines are cracking down on their rules for emotional support animals .

Driving the news: On Wednesday, Bark Air added seven new domestic and international routes, including between San Jose (SJC) and Westchester County, New York (HPN), and between SJC and Chicago (MDW).

• Bark Air, which had its first flight last month, is a new service from a 12-year-old public company called Bark that also sells dog food and toys, subscription boxes and doggie dental treats.

How it works: Each flight takes up to nine passengers with their dogs, and an in-flight concierge supplies cushions with pheromones to ease canine anxiety.

• On board, there's a pilot, copilot, flight attendant and concierge — with the latter two trained in dog CPR and canine de-escalation.
• The airline, however, is quite pricey. A one-way ticket for a pup and human companion from the Bay Area to New York would cost $6,500.

What they're saying: Bark Air is working to cut the price, Bark founder and CEO Matt Meeker told Axios last month, but he says the alternatives — which include chartering a private jet or sticking your dog in the cargo hold of a commercial flight — are either more expensive or unappealing.

Between the lines: Westchester County sued Bark shortly after its first flight, alleging the company violated its airport-use regulations.

• On Monday, however, the lawsuit was dismissed .

What's next: Service between the Bay Area and Chicago begins Oct. 17 and service between Westchester and the Bay Area begins Nov. 22.

• You can book flights here .

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