Service animals have become a hot topic of conversation as they become more and more common. The discussion has sparked controversies pertaining to service versus emotional support animals, the issues of “fake” service animals, and what types of animals can be of “service,” to begin with. The ambiguity leads to lots of confusion and loopholes, making law enforcement difficult when people are abusing the system.
After dealing with their fair share of “assistance animal” imposters, Delta airlines has decided to initiate a new set of rules regarding the transport of passengers and their furry — or scaly, or feathered — friends. They go into effect March 1st.
.@Delta to require passengers with support animals to show proof of health and vaccinations 48 hours in advance, and also present a document that states the animal can behave aboard a plane during the flight. https://t.co/Zej0mTgbtW
— gettingsome (@gettingsome) January 19, 2018
According to USA Today, all animals must have proof of health and vaccination records, which owners have to provide 48 hours before their flight. In addition, passengers with emotional support or psychiatric service animals must have a signed letter from a doctor or medical health professional stating their need for the animal. They must also have a signed letter confirming that the animal is trained, even outside the confines of a kennel.
While some pets are allowed in the plane cabin, certain restrictions – like size – can prompt passengers to try to pass off their pets as assistance or support animals.
Watch a clip on this story below:
According to MSN, Delta said that animal-related issues have increased 84% since 2016, including one incident where a 70-pound emotional support dog bit a fellow passenger in the face. The story adds that employees have experienced barking, growling, and even biting from service and support animals on their planes. Unsurprisingly, there have also been incidents of wandering, urinating, and defecating.
My seatmate, CLT➡️AVL, is this handsome duck named Daniel. His gentle quacking eases the sadness of leaving #SFA16. pic.twitter.com/iDKWCceAFi
— Mark Essig (@mark_essig) October 16, 2016
The story reports that Delta explained:
“Customers have attempted to fly with comfort turkeys, gliding possums known as sugar gliders, snakes, spiders and more. Ignoring the true intent of existing rules governing the transport of service and support animals can be a disservice to customers who have real and documented needs.”
The also company expressed that animals that are trained and have a real job to do are typically well-behaved on board.
With these new rules comes criteria as to what qualifies as a “service animal,” as well: Delta will no longer allow “critters” or “other exotic animals such as hedgehogs, ferrets, reptiles or anything with tusks or hooves,” explains USA Today.
Airline: Passenger was asked to deplane after her emotional support pig became disruptive: http://t.co/nyKGvUiqg4 pic.twitter.com/6LUWlAzluX
— ABC News (@ABC) November 28, 2014
The article also notes that, “Because of a vague definition for what qualifies, Delta said passengers have brought turkeys, possums and snakes on planes as comfort animals.”
