New Airline Therapy Dog Guidelines May Not Sit Well with Some

It’s looking like some fuzzy friends will have a tougher time getting on board than they have in past years. The latest guidelines on flying with emotional support animals were announced, covering when and how pets can be transported. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules come on the heels of news that airlines and attendants were being overwhelmed by the number of emotional support animals—cats, dogs, bunnies, birds and beyond— being checked in to planes with their owners as emotional support animals. There were also safety concerns. The DOT remains committed to ensuring that our air transportation system is safe and accessible for everyone. Law enforcement’s focus will be on clear violations of the current rule and alleged violations of the Air Carrier Access Act, according to the report.

OUR TAKE: The guidelines clearly recognize the importance of service animals but are stricter on species, breeds, and documentation in advance of flights. (They do not banish pit bulls, but passengers with pigs, peacocks and squirrels should probably plan alternate routes. The rule favors airlines, saying that they have the right to turn away requests or animals if they seem to be of any threat to the public. .Animals can also be deterred if they are too large or too heavy or too small (under four months). The final statement can be found at regulations.gov, docket number DOT-OST-2018-0067.

READ MORE