When Pigs Fly Frequently

I love my pets, but this is so completely over the top that it is beyond decadent. If this is how you are spending your money, it is time to review your values and perhaps opt for some eternal ones.

A British airline is targeting a growing market in pet travel by launching a special frequent flyer scheme for jet-setting dogs, cats and other animals.

Thus far, four dogs and a cat have been signed up to Virgin Atlantic's Flying Paws reward scheme since it was launched earlier this month, a spokeswoman for the airline said today.

Despite the cost - flying a pet from London to New York in the hold of a plane can cost around £400 ($962) - Virgin carried 1250 animals last year, twice the number of the year before.

In a bid to tempt fussy pets onto their flights, dogs taking their first Virgin trip will be given a T-shirt and dog tag, while cats receive a toy mouse, and ferrets - a surprisingly popular animal companion for Britons - get a flying jacket and collar tag.

Once pets have notched up five "paw prints" in their frequent flyer book they can acquire other goodies such as hand-made food bowls, while yet more trips win pedicures or Burberry, Prada and Gucci pet clothing.

From The Sydney Morning Herald.