Flying Pets as “Service Animals” Is Too Easy, Investigation Claims
Joe Cortez May 19, 2015
Groups supporting service animals claim “service animal” program is too easy to game, putting both flyers and animals at risk.
Are animals getting away with flying for free, without the constraints of regular animal travel? An investigation by CBS News suggests some flyers may be taking advantage of support animal laws on airplanes, allowing non-traditional service animals to fly with human companions.
In their investigation, a producer attempted to fly with their family dog, as well as a four-month-old pig. In both instances, the animal was registered as an “emotional support animal” with a certifying company, which provided an official-appearing vest for the animals. In addition, a letter was provided, claiming the animal was there in support of the producer’s “fear of flying.” Both animals were allowed to fly without question, under a provision in the Air Carrier Access Act that mandates airlines must accommodate service animals for flyers with “…a physical or mental impairment.”
While service animals are valuable for some, a group of experts believe some flyers may be gaming the system to their advantage. The result can create a hazard for both the cabin crew and other passengers aboard an aircraft. In addition, some believe that the low requirements for becoming a “emotional support animal” could also lower expectations for legitimate support animals.
“We had 50 documented reports where there was a return to the gate, or somebody was bitten or there was non-compliance,” Laura Glading, national president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, told CBS News. “I think a lot has to do with not having to pay, a way to bring your pet along and it’s really gotten out of hand.”
In a guidance note last updated in 2013, the Department of Transportation creates the standard of a service animal as one with identification such as “…identification cards, other written documentation, presence of harnesses, tags or the credible verbal assurances of a qualified individual with a disability using the animal.” However, the bulletin also allows airline staff to ask follow-up questions about questionable companions being passed as a service animal.
[Photo: iStock]
It's unfortunate that people try to get away with stuff like this. It prevents people who actually have a disability that needs, or is manageable by, an emotional support animal to live a normal life. I'm a veteran with severe anxiety and PTSD which limits my daily activity. I know an ESA would be extremely beneficial to me. However, I'm functional without one, so I don't have one. I would rather someone who cannot function to have an ESA than myself. I couldn't imagine not being able to bring my ESA with me because of the previous non-disabled passengers who ruined it for everyone.
I didn't realize how much disabled people were discriminated against until I became disabled. I have had two double disectomy back surgeries, and I can't tell you how much help my service animal has been. I keep it tucked away in a small soft-sided travel bag, so as not to inconvenience anyone around me, and don't take the animal out of his bag until the plane lands, too. This makes it comfortable for everyone involved, although it is going beyond restrictions. Folks should not abuse the system, and that includes the airlines charging more to being a pet onboard, that is no more than a personal item or a roller board, yet costs sometimes more than a passenger!
Currently sitting in the DFW C Concourse Admirals Club. Two dachshunds, off leash, running around. Owner is busy on her cell, chatting chatting. Her emotional distress is obviously calmed by her happily chatting while the canines enjoy the lounge.... Only one of the precious dears has the pretense to wear the "service animal" vest. The other one isn't pretending or forgot to put it on this morning.... This seems nutty. Sorry to be a grinch for all the animal lovers out there, but seriously.
Well, there goes THAT old adage...
I think this is right on the money. We have a small 9 pound Mini dachshund that we would take with us until they upped the charge to $125.00 each way. A ridicules amount for something that sits on your lap or under the seat. We would love to be able to bring her but we will not SCAM the system. I was on a LAX JFK last month that had 4 animals in the front cabin and I swear the FA told me there were 3 or 4 more in coach. The cat owner would fall asleep and the cat was jumping down and tearing at the under belly of the seat. What can we do to stem the tide? Some day soon we will read of a very bad attack on a FA or passenger by one of these animals.