NY Times Reports on Complaints of Increased Emotional Support Dogs Traveling on Planes

An article in the New York Times suggests that there has been an increase in airline passengers flying with emotional support animals, which are most often dogs. Emotional support dogs are allowed in restaurants, airports, and any other public places – even those with strict no pet policies. To be an emotional support dog, a dog’s owner must have a letter from a mental health professional.   Emotional support dogs fly free in cabin, whereas there is up to a $125 airline fee for small dogs who fly in cabin in a carrier.

JetBlue Airlines predicts that more than 20,000 emotional support and service dogs will fly on their airline each year. Flight attendants, other passengers, and other owners of service dogs have complained about the increase in emotional support dogs traveling in cabin. The New York Times notes that Marcie Davis, the founder of the International Assistance Dog Week, feels that it is inappropriate for many dog owners to try to pass off their dogs as emotional support dogs or service dogs to get around airline fees. It is also noted that there are psychologists advertising their services online to provide documents for emotional support animals. There are also online stores to purchase service dog vests.

Read the entire New York Times article here – Emotional Support, With Fur, Draws Complaints On Planes.

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=38999

Posted by chesliepickett on Nov 20 2013. Filed under The Buzz. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.