Delta Airlines said proper procedures were followed when a Tampa man’s dog went missing before a cross-country flight from Los Angeles.

But Frank Romano is skeptical of the airline’s explanation of how the 6-year-old pit terrier, Ty, disappeared from a travel carrier two weeks ago and hasn’t been seen since.

Romano was in his seat preparing for departure to Tampa on Oct. 31 when he was pulled aside by a Delta agent and told Ty had chewed through the cage and was gone.

“Then she changed her story to they couldn’t find my dog and the dog’s been lost for over an hour,” he told KCBS-TV in Los Angeles.

Romano told NBC’s “Today” that Delta sent him photos of Ty’s broken carrier. However, Romano said he believes the caged door was broken from the outside.

“The metal door was off the hinges and everything,” Romano told “Today.” “It doesn’t look like a dog bit through that.”

In a statement, Delta said, “Early indications show that procedures were followed and the dog may have compromised the kennel on its own. Delta regrets this occurred while this pet was in our care.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that about a half-dozen pets have chewed through kennels and died on flights for various carriers this year, KCBS-TV reported. It was the second time this year a dog reportedly chewed through a crate at the Los Angeles airport, according to “Today.”

Romano’s family moved from California to the Tampa area last month to find better work. He grew close to Ty more than a year ago while volunteering at a North Hollywood pet store as a dog walker, then adopted him.

“It’s been very depressing, very upsetting,” Romano told KCBS-TV. “I’ve been crying. I’ve been angry.”

The Los Angeles airport said a search for Ty was recently called off after no sightings of the dog were reported. Romano told “Today” that Delta gave him a $200 credit because of the incident.

The dog is microchipped so Romano remains hopeful Ty will still be found.

“I just want my dog back safe and sound,’’ Romano told “Today.” “He’s my best friend. I just want to see him again.”