The agents at the ticket counter do not handle cargo, and not accepting it was their only option to comply with the regs which are intended to keep the pet safe.

They should have told you the cargo hours, especially since you booked a redeye...seems reasonable. That is really where they dropped the ball.

I don't think pets can go DASH any longer. In fact, I think DASH is only accepted at cargo anyway these days...?

The only way my pet (dog) is going in a cargo hold is if there is no other way, i.e. moving overseas.

That cat would have been in the car with me. Then again I would never have a cat, so what do I know? (sorry I had to)