A lively debate was sparked when a Great Dane boarded a plane. While some criticized a flight attendant’s visibly annoyed reaction, others questioned the appropriateness of allowing such a large pet as an emotional support animal. Life coach Rob took to Instagram on Sunday to pose the question: “Have we gone too far with support animals?” The video he shared, which has garnered nearly 6 million views, shows the Great Dane boarding the plane. Known as the “Apollo of Dogs,” this breed can measure up to 32 inches and weigh over 175 pounds, making it one of the largest dog breeds in the world alongside the Irish Wolfhound. The majestic entrance of the Great Dane left an impression, with the flight attendant appearing irritated as the dog accidentally stepped on her foot, eliciting an “Ow!” from her. The viral clip divided opinions, with some criticizing the flight attendant and others questioning the practicality of accommodating such a large emotional support animal. While some defended the flight attendant’s reaction, others expressed concern over the increasing trend of prioritizing pets over human needs. The discussion highlighted the importance of respecting service workers and fellow passengers, regardless of personal preferences.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service dogs do not need to be certified or complete a professional training program. They are permitted to accompany their owners in areas where pets are typically not allowed. The Act also prohibits individuals from requesting documentation proving that the dog is a registered, licensed, or certified service animal. Additionally, people are not allowed to ask the dog to perform tasks or inquire about the owner’s disability. These new regulations were put in place following incidents where individuals attempted to pass off peacocks and snakes as emotional support animals.
While U.S. airlines have discontinued allowing emotional support animals to fly in the cabin free of charge, some international airlines still permit these animals to travel in the cabin, according to ESA Doctors. To travel with an emotional support animal on participating airlines, a traveler generally needs a letter from a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. This letter serves as confirmation that the animal is necessary for the traveler’s mental well-being. The mental health professional is also required to fill out forms provided by the airline to certify the need for an emotional support animal during the flight.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has taken steps to strengthen regulations concerning flying with emotional support animals, emphasizing that only trained service dogs should be allowed to accompany their disabled owners on flights, as reported by The New York Post in 2020. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, expressed hope that the era of various animals being brought on board flights is coming to an end. This push for stricter regulations originated from incidents where passengers attempted to pass off unconventional animals such as peacocks and snakes as emotional support companions.
There has been growing concern over the misuse of emotional support animal designations, prompting the need for clearer guidelines and enforcement. The sentiment that it has spiraled out of control has been echoed by many, with individuals calling for more stringent measures to ensure the legitimacy of animals accompanying passengers on flights. The need for clarity and consistency in defining which animals are allowed on flights as emotional support companions has become increasingly apparent.
The evolution of regulations surrounding emotional support animals reflects a broader shift toward ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers during air travel. As the aviation industry grapples with the complexities of accommodating different needs and ensuring a pleasant flying experience for all travelers, the focus on upholding standards for service animals has become paramount. By delineating between trained service animals and emotional support animals, airlines are striving to create a more streamlined and efficient process for passengers while maintaining a high standard of safety and professionalism.
The gradual phasing out of emotional support animals on flights marks a significant change in the landscape of air travel, signaling a move towards a more structured and regulated system. This shift not only addresses concerns surrounding the abuse of emotional support animal designations but also underscores the importance of prioritizing the well-being and comfort of all passengers. By emphasizing the role of trained service dogs in providing essential support to individuals with disabilities, airlines are taking proactive steps to ensure a smoother and
