Woman arrested after allegedly abandoning dog at Las Vegas airport

Police say she abandoned her dog at Harry Reid International Airport; a pup is now with Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas

A woman was arrested after allegedly abandoning her 2-year-old goldendoodle at Harry Reid International Airport earlier this month when she was unable to board a flight with the dog.

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the incident unfolded at the JetBlue ticket counter when the woman was denied a boarding pass for failing to complete required documentation to fly with the animal as a service dog. Police said she then left the dog tied to a metal carry-on baggage sizer and proceeded through security toward her departure gate.

🐾 Abandoned at the Airport… but Not Forgotten

We can’t believe we have to say this… but please don’t abandon your dog at the airport — or anywhere else.

On February 2, 2026, at approximately 11:39 p.m., LVMPD officers assigned to Harry Reid International Airport responded to… pic.twitter.com/vZd6TMSaEF

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) February 18, 2026

Officers later confronted the woman near Gate D1. When asked why she left the dog behind, police said she claimed the airline would not allow the animal to travel and suggested the dog had a tracking device, implying it would be fine.

Authorities said she became hostile and resisted officers as they escorted her back through the airport. She was arrested on misdemeanor charges including animal abandonment and resisting arrest.

The dog was placed on a mandatory hold before being transferred to Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, where he was renamed JetBlue.

In an exclusive statement to People, rescue spokesperson Danielle Roth said the dog has remained “affectionate, gentle, and incredibly social” despite the ordeal. The rescue says it is carefully reviewing adoption applications to ensure he finds a stable, permanent home.