Dogs get a plane seat next to their owners on this Arlington-based startup

Like millions of pet parents throughout the United States, Benton Miller considers his dogs family. When he struggled to find a safe, comfortable way to travel with his Labradors, Maple and Willow, he realized the system simply wasn’t built for people who refuse to leave their pets behind.

So, he and his friend Mark Williams created RetrievAir. Based out of Arlington, the company exists to make air travel simple, peaceful, and easy for pets and their humans.

It is a pet-first flying experience from booking to touchdown. Every pet rides in the cabin and every family stays together.

RetrievAir uses a Embraer 135 and contracts with RVR Aviation of Arlington. Customers pay by the seat, so there’s no charge for lapdogs. It flies out of Arlington Municipal Airport to similar airports throughout the U.S.

“Pet ownership is at record highs, and more people than ever consider their pets immediate family. At the same time, commercial airline policies have become more restrictive — especially around emotional support animals,” Miller said. “Even pet parents flying with legitimate service animals often say they feel judged, stressed, or worried about how their dog will be perceived.”

At RetrievAir pet parents with their best friend is right beside them.

RetrievAir launched its first flight in May 2025 after a preview flight to Denver in February of last year proved successful. Miller said the response to the company has been “incredible.”

“Pet parents reached out saying they had been waiting years for a solution like this,” he said. “That enthusiasm translated quickly into bookings, sold-out flights, and strong repeat demand.

“RetrievAir has since grown into the most followed pet-first air service in the world, with a rapidly expanding customer base and community.”

As part of their early success, the company secured an investment of just over $750,000 during an October episode of “Shark Tank” from guest shark Alexis Ohanian, founder of the tech-focused firm SevenSevenSix. In return, he received 15% equity.

“It’s been a joy to welcome RetrievAir to the SevenSevenSix family”, Ohanian said. “As a pet parent to two very good doggos, I really connected with Benton and Mark’s vision for an aviation service that puts pets first, and treats them like family instead of cargo. Our team is really excited to help RetrievAir soar to new heights.”

RetrievAir connects major metropolitan areas through private terminals, focusing on routes where pet parents frequently travel between homes, vacations, and seasonal destinations. Miller said expansion is a major priority, both domestically and internationally, as the company builds a broader network to serve pet families around the world.

Miller said avoiding commercial terminals is purposefully built into RetrievAir’s business model.

One of RetrievAir’s biggest goals is reducing the geographic barriers to adoption. There are loving families across the country searching for the right pet, while shelters in other regions remain overcrowded. Miller believes the company has a unique responsibility to help bridge that gap.

“Last year, RetrievAir helped transport 72 rescue dogs to new opportunities for adoption. The goal this year is to quadruple that number, giving more families the love, warmth, and happiness a rescue pet brings into a home,” he said.

To expand that impact, RetrievAir is launching its Second Chance Seats program, dedicating two seats on every flight to help transport rescue pups.

RetrievAir flight attendants receive specialized training that goes beyond traditional in-flight service. They’re educated in animal behavior, stress signals, and safe handling practices so they can support both pets and their humans throughout the journey.

Miller noted that RetrievAir has procedures to create a calm cabin environment. Boarding happens back to front to keep things orderly and peaceful. Each row includes a built-in leash system that allows dogs to move comfortably within their space while preventing them from entering the aisle.

Miller personally flew on the company’s first 33 flights, using that time to refine processes that make the experience clear, simple, and relaxed — all based on how he’d want travel to feel for Maple and Willow.

“Most pups actually settle quickly and fall asleep, reassured by their owner’s presence and the quiet environment,” he said.

Miller said RetrievAir’s goals include breaking down geographic barriers to pet adoption and expanding its flight network throughout North America and internationally. While the company has quickly become arguably the most followed pet air service in the world, he acknowledges there are still many pet parents who don’t yet know this option exists — and reaching them is a big focus.

“At its heart, RetrievAir is built by pet parents solving a deeply emotional need for other pet parents. Our pups are only with us for about 12 short years — that’s 12 Christmases, New Years, Thanksgivings, Hanukkahs, birthdays, and family vacations,” he said.

“They shouldn’t have to be left behind.”

This story was originally published March 5, 2026 at 11:10 AM.