[NAGDU] Air travel forms

Thu Dec 3 22:27:45 UTC 2020

I don't love having to fill out forms, specifically because I think
that requiring advanced notice of a service dog and the dog's weight
will likely increase discrimination in terms of seating. I am
concerned service dog handlers are more likely to be moved to the
bulkhead or face inquiry from the airline if the dog is perceived as
too large due to its weight. I am also not convinced that people won't
just lie on these forms like they do when presenting a dog in a vest
with an ID card. If there is actually action taken against people that
commit such fraud, I am completely willing to change my mind. That
being said, I am willing to accept providing these forms when the
trade off is 1. no more emotional support animals on aircraft 2. the
term service dog being more closely aligned with the ADA and FHA and
3. psychiatric service dogs being considered service dogs (because
they are). Also, just a pet peeve of mine, guide dogs are service
dogs. I think it is important for handlers to refrain from talking
about guide and service dogs like they are two different things,
because they are not from a legal standpoint.

I will also say I am pleasantly surprised DOT actually carefully
considered comments, and made fair compromises. It could have been a
lot worse, considering the ANPRM did not prohibit breed bans, proposed
requiring SD handlers to check in an hour early, didn't specify what
vaccinations could be asked for, didn't specify how often health forms
had to be filled out by a vet, etc.

Danielle

On 12/3/20, Jenine Stanley via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Thanks Julie,
>
> I know many guide dog handlers are rebelling over the forms. Two things to
> keep in mind. Though the rule says “airlines *can* require” it will
> generally be implemented as “DOT requires”. It’s up to organizations like
> NAGDU to remind them of the exact meaning behind the rule language.
>
> Secondly, only if airlines choose to take legal action against those
> fraudulently representing themselves and their animals, something they’ve
> always had some leeway in doing, will the threatening language in the form
> work. It’ll only take a few prosecution’s to get the message across.
>
>
>> On Dec 3, 2020, at 1:12 PM, Julie Johnson via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> This document and the rules as I understand them look completely
>> reasonable, fair and long overdue.  In an ideal world we would not need to
>> fill out paperwork to confirm the obvious, but I am continually reminded
>> that quite a few adults cannot act like adults.  If this is what it takes
>> to fly with less drama then so be it.  I’m not completely convinced this
>> will stop the shananogins, but at least signing a document where the
>> person is reminded that lying in this instance is a crime, will hopefully
>> cut  down on the drama, at least a little.
>>
>> A big thank you to Jenine for working so hard on this for so long.  I know
>> the long meetings with no clear conclusions were very wearing.  There was
>> a lot of disagreement during the process of developing these rules.  Thank
>> you for fairly representing all guide and service dog users, including
>> those who owner train!
>>
>> Julie
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On Dec 3, 2020, at 11:37 AM, Jenine Stanley via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> From the PDF document containing the full text of the final rule:
>>>
>>>
>>> Warning: It is a Federal crime to make materially false, fictitious, or
>>> fraudulent statements, entries, or representation knowingly and willfully
>>> on this form to secure disability accommodations provided under
>>> regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (18 USC
>>> Section 1001).
>>>
>>> DOT logo
>>>
>>> US Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form
>>>
>>> Service Animal Handler’s Name
>>> Phone
>>> Service Animal User’s Name (if different from Handler)
>>> Phone
>>> Service Animal Handler’s Email
>>> Animal’s Name
>>> Description of the Animal (including weight)
>>>
>>> Animal Health followed by a bold line
>>> Checkbox: [Insert Animal’s Name] is vaccinated for rabies.  Date of last
>>> vaccination.  Date vaccination expires in the dog.
>>> Checkbox: To my knowledge [Insert Animal’s Name] does not have fleas or
>>> ticks or a disease that would endanger people or other animals.
>>> Veterinarian’s Name (signature not required)
>>> Phone
>>>
>>> Animal Training and Behavior followed by a bold line
>>> Checkbox: [Insert Animal’s Name] has been trained to do work or perform
>>> tasks to assist me with my disability.
>>> Name of Animal Trainer or Training Organization
>>> Phone
>>> Checkbox: [Insert Animal’s Name} has been trained to behave in a public
>>> setting.
>>> Checkbox: I understand that a properly trained dog remains under the
>>> control of its handler.  I understand that a properly trained dog does
>>> not act aggressively by biting, barking, jumping, lunging, or injuring
>>> people or other animals.  It also does not urinate or defecate on the
>>> aircraft or in the gate area.
>>> Checkbox: I understand that if [Insert Animal’s Name] shows that it has
>>> not been properly trained to behave in public, then the airline may treat
>>> [Insert Animal’s Name] as a pet by charging a pet fee and requiring
>>> [Insert Animal’s Name] to be transported in an FAA-approved pet carrier.
>>> Checkbox: To the best of my knowledge, [Insert Animal’s Nam] has not
>>> behaved aggressively or caused serious injury to another person/dog.  If
>>> you cannot check the box above, please explain.
>>>
>>> Other Assurance followed by a bold line
>>> Checkbox: I understand that [Insert Animal’s Name] must be harnessed,
>>> leashed, or tethered at all times in the airport and on the aircraft.
>>> Checkbox: I understand that if [Insert Animal’s Name] causes damage, then
>>> the airline may charge me for the cost to repair it, as long as the
>>> airline would also charge passengers without disabilities to repair the
>>> similar kinds of damage.
>>> Checkbox: I am signing an official document of the US Department of
>>> Transportation.  My answers are true to the best of my knowledge.  I
>>> understand that if I knowingly make false statements on this document, I
>>> can be subject to fines and other penalties.
>>> Signature of the Service Animal Handler
>>> Date
>>>
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>>
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