United States: « emotional support » animals other than dogs are no longer accepted on board – Insurance for Pets

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced that only the dog can be considered a emotional support animal and therefore support people with physical, mental or psychiatric problems on board a plane.

In the United States, the number of people flying with an emotional support animal has skyrocketed in recent years, with travelers seeking to board with all kinds of animals: pigs, parrots, monkeys, ducks, a peacock and even… a Poney ! The airlines did not dare to turn away these strange passengers, at the risk of being denounced by associations and other mental health activists.

Faced with some abuse, the USDOT ruled and found that there was an increase in on-board disruption caused by  » unusual species »And animals not used to being in a cabin and therefore behave unpredictably. Now only man’s best friend, the dog, can be considered an emotional support animal.

Attention, recalled the USDOT, the owner must certify that his dog is in good health and has been  » individually trained to do tasks that benefit a person with a disability »; and for long flights, that he  » can either not relieve itself or relieve itself hygienically « . If the airline allows it, other small pets can still be accepted on board, as long as they fit in small cages to put under the seats.