stbeeman

On that I agree completely!^

stbeeman

Hmmm...did OP make any comments about this kind of behavior? I don't recall seeing that. I thought it was the presence of the dogs that was an issue because of (percieved) increased exposure to dander. Most service/support animals are trained well enough not to exhibit the kind of behavior Steve32 talks about.

stbeeman

Hey! I resemble that remark!

N965VJ

Of all the things I’ve smelled onboard an aircraft, pet flatulence has got to be the least common.

Feliceesq

Not only do I remember it, I sat 2 rows behind it on a US flight from PHL to SEA. It did not resemble Babe but was at least 250 lbs and was in the 1st row bulkhead, in First. I also followed it down the jetway as I boarded and it left little piggy pellets along the way. All I could think is thank goodness I didn't have a rolling bag with me. The whole five hours on that plane were very odd, to say the least. I would have killed for a therapy dog instead!

PT22064

Unless, of course, the person's animal phobia is deemed to be a disability within the meaning of the ADA.

PTravel

That's correct, except it is the ACAA that controls, not the ADA. Phobia is a listed disorder in the DSM. I'm going to have to get that letter for my wife.

Pixie-Stix

I disagree, I'm allergic to babies. They make me want to perform some violent acts against them and their oblivious parents.

Landing Gear

Why limit yourself to miniature horses? Here's a program that uses full size horses for therapeutic purposes although they do not accompany the participants outside of the facility.

Can you imagine Big Brown in first class?

chamonix

I was under the impression Service dogs/therapy dogs require documentation to ride in the cabin. Interestingly, as long as they have the documentation, they do not need to be accompanied by the person(s) who need the service/therapy--the person doesn't need to be "documented" just the dog. Meaning you could see a service dog in training with a trainer or some other handler, perhaps someone "delivering" the dog to it's new home, etc and not with anyone who was "differently abled" in any way.

I recently saw a large dog walk by me into coach. He was very calm and well behaved and seemed like he was used to the drill. I had occasion to speak to the person flying with him lafter the flight and I asked why the dog was able to ride in the cabin and if I recall correctly he said the dog was a search and rescue dog. I am not positive though, my memory could be faulty--it may have been a therapy dog. Anyway--don't know if the dog had a seat (as I was in F) but I know the handler made a point of saying that animals need documentation as working dogs to ride in the cabin. (beyond the small pet in carrier scenario)

I have no problem with a larger service/working dog who was well trained to be in public, though obviously horror stories abound about pets who were not trained or really ready to fly in the cabin. Honestly? I would LOVE to be able to take my golden retriever with me on trips--but I would never subject him to flying as cargo, so he stays home. Maybe someday he'll be a certified therapy dog. :-:

Sam - DFW

i'm afraid that emotional support animals are slowing down darwinism...

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

Not to keep beating this post to death, but in my strange days of travel yesterday a man showed up a the LGA/DFW gate with a very dirty and mangy looking German Shephard that had a sign on it not to pet the dog as it was an emotional service support animal. Both the owner and dog looked like they were lacking in hygiene (did not get close enough for a smell test).

At any rate, both ended up in F. Luckily, for that flight I was in the back of the bus. My luck, I would end up their seat mates.

CApreppie

Can I bring my emotional support individual with me?

brp

Mine is Jessica Alba. Now I just need to get her (and my wife) to go along with this

Cheers.

SoLittleTime

Recovering from a terrible first long trip with my self appointed emotional support dog, I WAS ready to sue the airline last night..Ended the trip with the last leg by rental car after what I considered abusive treatment...I apologize now...So many good posts in reply to your post, some very poignant and some hysterical! I've been searching FAA regs, and googling "emotional support animals" and came upon this forum...What a wonderful New Years Eve, seriously...What clever travelers you are...I won't sue the airline now...Just because they refused my documents with a letter from Dr. X, "her" doctor, (the vet), as improper documentation..told me she was NOT a service animal, removed me and my 28 lb. beautifully mannered, brilliant, 12 year old four-legged significant other from the previously assigned bulkhead seat where we rested quietly and comfortably...We were first told to exit the plane..then to take a seat in row nine center..then to leave the plane again..then again seated, I mean thrown. And best yet, threatened with being greeted by the police at our destination if we made trouble. I apologize...I had never heard of an emotional support animal..I knew only because another airline agent ,when I mentioned I had a dog I never left and just couldn't put in cargo, asked if she was an emotional support dog..."Emotional support dog?" I asked.."Yes, an emotional support dog...Is she an emotional support dog?" "Oh, oh yes.
And so it began...I had health certificate, shot record, letter from "her doctor" as I had been told to have, and this was the third leg of my round trip!....But, I apologize...to all of you who responded to the original post...I love the one about the small horse, or the pig, or best yet "could my wife sit in my lap and fly free?"...Anyway, I have learned a lesson...and maybe someday they will have pet friendly flights for us canine-o-philes. I do agree that crying babies and diseased people are often more irritating, but I was breaking the rules..To those of you who do not like to fly with animal dander, I apologize...thank you for the New Years lectures and laughs...(PS..she remained huddled in her carrier under the seat panting for 2 1/2 hrs, not a peep...I'm proud of her...and we had our adventure)