[Njagdu] United tightens rules for emotional support animals

[Ginger Kutsch]

United tightens rules for emotional support animals

Source:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-united-tightens-rules-emotiona
l-support-animals-0202-story.html
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United Airlines announced Thursday that it is joining Delta Air Lines in
tightening rules for passengers flying with emotional support animals,
requiring proof of an animal's health and a promise of good behavior before
allowing it in the cabin.

Federal laws require airlines to permit passengers with disabilities to
travel with service and emotional support animals in the cabin, though
airlines can require a statement from a licensed mental health professional
documenting the passenger's need for an emotional support animal.

Both service and support animals fly in the cabin for free, unlike household
pets, for which United charges a $125 fee.

But emotional support animals don't always have the specialized training
service animals receive, and airlines said that as support animals' numbers
have grown, so have problems with misbehavior and disturbances.

United carried 76,000 emotional support animals in 2017, up nearly 77
percent from the year before, and noted a significant increase in incidents
involving the animals on board its aircraft, spokesman Charles Hobart said.

The Chicago-based airline said the new rules are designed to "better balance
protecting our employees and customers while accommodating passengers with
disabilities."

Starting March 1, United customers who want to fly with an emotional support
animal will need to confirm that the animal has been trained to behave
properly in public and acknowledge their responsibility for the animal's
conduct, in addition to the usual 48 hours' notice and letter from a mental
health professional.

Passengers also will need to provide a health and vaccination form signed by
a veterinarian, along with the veterinarian's assurance there is no reason
to think the animal will threaten the health and safety of others on board
or cause a significant disruption.

The airline is not changing any rules concerning trained service animals,
which don't require advance documentation or notice unless the passenger is
traveling to a foreign country with additional regulations.

United's announcement came shortly after the airline's decision to bar an
emotional support peacock named Dexter from a flight leaving Newark last
week put the airline in the spotlight.

The timing was a coincidence, Hobart said. United already had been working
on the new policy, and Dexter wouldn't have been allowed to fly as an
emotional support animal under United's existing rules for reasons including
his size, something United had told his owner before they arrived at the
airport, he said.

"It further illustrates the need for change, and the need to revise and
enhance our existing policies so customers are certain what they can bring
on board and for the overall safety and comfort of everyone on board the
aircraft," Hobart said.

Airlines can refuse service or support snakes, reptiles, ferrets, rodents,
sugar gliders and spiders, along with animals that are too large or heavy,
pose a threat to health or safety, or would disrupt service. United said
Thursday it also excludes hedgehogs, insects, nonhousehold birds, exotic
animals and any animals that aren't properly cleaned or carry a foul odor.

United's new regulations are similar to those Delta announced earlier this
month, which also take effect March 1. Delta also will require veterinary
health records for trained service animals.

Delta said it carries nearly 250,000 service or support animals each year
and saw an 84 percent increase in reported animal incidents since 2016,
along with an increase in employee reports of service and support animals
behaving aggressively.

"Ignoring the true intent of existing rules governing the transport of
service and support animals can be a disservice to customers who have real
and documented needs," the airline said in a news release.

Other carriers, including American Airlines and JetBlue Airways, also are
reviewing policies around emotional support animals.

American has noted an increase in the use of emotional support animals since
2016 and is considering additional requirements "to help protect our team
members and our customers who have a real need for a trained service or
support animal," spokeswoman Leslie Scott said.

"We agree with Delta's efforts and will continue to support the rights of
customers, from veterans to people with disabilities, with legitimate
needs," she said.

 

 

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