Emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals, which the Department of Transportation now defines solely as trained dogs.
No more pigs, peacocks, and ponies as the regulations tighten the reins on passengers who were choosing to fly with a menagerie of support animals.
A service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, including in a psychiatric capacity for emotional support.
Wednesday’s official ruling allows airlines to require passengers to provide forms attesting to their service animal’s training and behavior up to 48 hours prior to their flight. Airlines will also retain the right to refuse animals that display aggressive behavior.