A Shark Tank-Backed Airline Allows Large Dogs in the Cabin for $775
Airlines place most dogs above a certain weight in the cargo hold, and that rule shapes travel plans for millions of pet owners. A startup challenged that system by revealing a different model on Shark Tank. The pitch led to a deal worth $ 776,000, drawing attention to an airline built for pets that travel in the cabin. Interest grew quickly because the service offers large dogs a seat beside their owners at an average fare of $775. The company has stayed in the spotlight as travelers try to imagine how this model could redefine pet travel.
A Founder Solving His Own Problem
RetrievAir began with Benton Miller and his two retrievers. Each of them weighs over 60 lbs, and he kept running into the same issue any time he planned a trip. Regular flights offered little help, and long drives became the default solution even for simple routes. That pattern convinced him that a gap existed for millions of similar households. Data support the scale of that group, with an estimated 54 million dogs in the United States weighing above 20 lbs.
Miller built his new airline around keeping pets and owners seated together, which flipped the script on traditional rules. Instead of crates and cargo holds, large dogs sit beside their humans in the cabin. The idea landed on Shark Tank, where the pitch caught the interest of Alexis Ohanian. He invested $776K for a 15 percent stake. That partnership injected both cash and tech-minded guidance at a moment when the company was preparing to scale.
How The Service Works
RetrievAir operates a 30-seat Embraer regional jet, which is flown by RVR Aviation, a company with nearly two decades of commercial experience. The jet was initially configured for 50 seats but now offers significantly more space, including up to 41 inches of legroom in first-class style. Pets up to 40 pounds share seat space, usually in the single A seats by the window. Bigger dogs are allowed to purchase their own seat in the B or C sections, with the dog at the window and the owner in the aisle.
Each flight is accompanied by an attendant trained to handle common pet behaviors. Treats and water stay within reach, and the steady hum of the engines tends to relax even nervous pups. Miller encourages owners to bring familiar comfort items to help anxious dogs feel more at ease. Pet safety also shapes the boarding flow. The crew boards from back to front to minimize close encounters between animals. Any dog that appears reactive can be denied boarding with a refund.
Routes, Pricing, And Growth
RetrievAir launched flights in May 2025 after opening reservations earlier that spring. The initial network covered nine cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, Chicago, Denver, and Salt Lake City. Fares average about $775 per seat. Shorter upcoming trips, such as New York to Washington, DC, in early 2026, sit near the $300 mark. Some long routes, like New York to Los Angeles, cost around $ 3,000 one way for a seat, and double that if the dog requires an additional seat. Even at that price, competitive options in the pet charter space often run higher.
The network continues to expand in response to demand. Seattle sits among the top requests due to its large pet community and interest from nearby Canadian owners. Scottsdale is also scheduled for 2026 after heavy customer feedback. RetrievAir works with local airport authorities and federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, to secure approval in each new city.
RetrievAir still aims to consistently fill at least half of its seats across all routes, although some flights have already reached that mark. Private terminals, simplified security, and quieter airports add appeal while keeping operating costs manageable. For many pet owners, the value lies in the opportunity to travel with a large dog by their side, rather than worrying about cargo restrictions. The company bets that this new model will continue to attract travelers who want pets included in every part of their journey.