VIRGIN PETS, or at least pets owned by Virgin Atlantic customers, will be able to earn gifts for themselves and frequent flyer points for their owner following the launch of the airline”s ”Flying Paws” reward scheme. The format not only caters for posh pooches and fussy felines but ferrets also qualify! The jet-setting pets on their very first ”Virgin” flight will be given a welcome onboard pet pack, which has been specially designed with their needs in mind. Dogs will be given an exclusive Virgin doggy t-shirt and sparkling dog tag, cats will receive a toy mouse called ”Red” and a Virgin collar tag and ferrets will receive a very cool limited edition flying jacket and collar tag. All pets that travel on the ”Passport for Pets” scheme will be given a passport which will not only give them a record of all their flights but also allows them to collect ”paw prints” which they will be able to redeem for their gifts. Readers (who visit the ABTN web site) will note that Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson adhered to the old adage ”don”t compete with children and animals”. Readers who travel at the back end of Virgin flights should direct comments about ”dogs being looked after better” to the airline. In fact ”Y” class passengers are accommodated by the airline. Virgin was on the OAG short list for Best Economy.