Bark Air, a new airline designed specifically for dogs, takes off on its first flight

If you're a dog owner who treats your pet like a fluffy little human being, then Bark Air is for you.The new airline, based in the US, puts dogs before their human companions.Based on the idea that air travel can be very stressful for animals, the airline launched earlier this year and is set to take its first flight this week.READ MORE: All the best things to do in New Zealand during winterThe airline is a part of the dog brand Bark, which sells food and other accessories for canine owners. Flights will initially operate between Los Angeles and New York City, with select flights to London.The CEO says that Bark Air has already been a huge hit, with over 150 requests for more destinations and routes."Too often, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo," the company said in announcing the flights in April.Bark Air says it will offer "white paw service" to its four-legged guests.Before the flight, the airline reaches out to pet owners to learn a bit more about each dog, Dave Stangle, Bark's VP of brand marketing, told Fast Company."Are they social and playful? Would they rather be left alone? Do they have any health issues we should be aware of?"READ MORE: Surprising holiday destinations that are actually great to visit with your kids"We also have all of our dogs meet in our lounges before the flight so they can get to know one another, sniff any butts they'd like to sniff, and get comfortable before boarding. We arrange the seats to best suit the group so all dogs have a first-class experience, and each flight has a Bark-trained attendant to help with any issues that may arise."Dogs will also be offered noise-cancelling earmuffs and a beverage of their choice.While there are no size or breed restrictions for dogs, all humans on board must be over 18 years old. Don't expect to be flying on a standard 747 plane - Bark Air will operate as a public charter service, flying on spacious Gulfstream G5 jets.And if you're thinking this sounds like some elaborate April Fool's joke, it's not."This isn't a joke or satire," Jeff Benjamin, chief creative officer at Tombras, the creative agency working with Bark, says. "It's not some elaborate prank. Or a PR stunt for some new dog toy. Bark Air is a totally real airline, built for real dogs and the real owners who love them.Flights come with a high price - the cost for one dog and one human on each flight runs $6,000 ($9000 AUD) for a domestic ticket and $8,000 ($12,000) for an international flight."This is cost-prohibitive for most families, but less expensive than most options today. And this is also how most innovative products and services began," said Bark co-founder and CEO Matt Meeker.READ MORE: Sustainable travel is way easier said than done... so what steps can Aussies realistically take?"Televisions, telephones, VCRs and DVD players, to automobiles, train and boat travel, and, yes, even human air travel — all of these started with very high prices until demand was proven and the costs could be brought lower by serving the masses."Earlier this year, Virgin Australia announced plans to allow dogs and cats on board select domestic flights. While the plan is subject to "regulatory approval" Virgin Australia said it hopes to launch it within a year at Australian airports.Currently only assistance dogs are allowed on planes in Australia.