[NAGDU] Flying with our dogs these days

[Tara Briggs]

Hi all! First of all, I wrote back a couple of weeks ago seeking information on poodle service dogs. IFirst of all, I wrote back a couple of weeks ago seeking information on poodle service dogs. Thank you so much to those of you who answered my questions. This past weekend, I went to Las Vegas to watch my beloved flute teacher play Beethoven seventh Symphony. She is principal flute of  the Las Vegas philharmonic Orchestra. I have wanted to watch her perform with that orchestra for several years. It was a glorious experience!  I flew on to airlines. I flew into Las Vegas on Delta and I flew back home on Southwest. I’m curious what everyone’s experiences have been with the service dog form. Confession, I had my husband fill out the form. I had read on Facebook a complaint by a blind friend who said  it took two hours to fill out the form. I didn’t want to deal with it! Therefore, I cannot comment on the accessibility of filling out the form. I was told that I had to print it and bring the print copy to the airport. I printed out two forms one for each airline. Flying there went very smoothly. After I checked in, I was asked to hand them the form, they took a look at it and that was the end of it. On the flight home, things didn’t go quite as smoothly. After I checked in I was directed to another person who told me that I had to fill out the form. I said well here’s the form all printed  out for you. They kept arguing with me. Apparently you were supposed to fill the form out the day you fly. Is this correct? I have one more question. I have wondered if part of the reason for this form is simply to make it a little bit challenging for people to fly with a service dog. I think the  hope in doing this is so that people with pets will not bother. I’m not sure if this is correct but I am interested in what peoples experiences have been. Also, does anyone know if this whole service dog  form requirement has reduced the number of obnoxious pets flying and masquerading as legitimate service dogs? Thanks so much for your thoughts.

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Tara Briggs
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