A dog was found abandoned outside an airport after its owner was stopped from taking it on a flight, animal shelter says

• A traveler was blocked from boarding a plane with their dog because they didn't have a carrier.
• They left the airport with the dog but returned to the gate alone and took the flight, workers said.

An animal shelter in Iowa rescued a one-year-old dog that was abandoned outside Des Moines International Airport on Thursday.

Airport workers told officers from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa that a traveler — presumed to be the dog's owner – had been blocked from taking the pet on a flight because they didn't have a carrier.

The workers said the traveler left the airport with the dog, but then returned alone to board the flight.

The dog, which has been named Allie, was later found tied up outside the airport.

"Allie is incredibly sweet and is now safe in our care and loving attention from our staff team," said the Animal Rescue League.

They added: "The incident is still an active investigation, and more details will be released as they are able to be shared."

It is illegal to abandon an animal in Iowa. The dog's owner, if located, could be fined up to $625 and/or face 30 days in jail.

Des Moines International Airport and ARL Animal Services did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider.