After a surge of unorthodox flight
companions — ranging from pigs, to squirrels, and even a peacock — the U.S.
Department of Transportation recently announced a proposed rule that would allow only specially trained emotional
support dogs to qualify as service animals and to fly, free of charge, on
domestic flights. This proposed rule change comes after multiple complaints
from flight attendants, fellow passengers, and advocacy groups about the rise
in untrained animals aboard domestic flights and the impact on others on flights.
Such complaints have included allergies, safety concerns (i.e. biting, lunging,
or animals going into “attack mode” while in a confined space), and sanitation.