Should Service Dogs and ESAs Be Allowed on Planes? | The New DOT Proposed Rule

Interested in flying with an ESA or flying with a Service Animal? The US Department of Transportation recently published a notice about a potential new rule for assistance animals on planes. Right now, they allow ESAs on planes, but that not be the case for long if this rule gets passed. Some other key parts of the proposed rule are: no breed restrictions for service dogs on planes, potential paperwork for service dogs to fly, and a limit of the definition of service animal to only include service dogs (not miniature horses).
There has been a lot of controversy over if service animals should be on planes, what kinds of animals qualify to be on planes, and what kind of information airlines should ask handlers. Everyone has different opinions on if service dogs and ESAs should be allowed on planes, so let's discuss our opinions here! I hope we can all learn from eachother, and have a meaningful discussion.
Link to notice of proposed rule of DOT: www.regulation...
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[@Inciliusnebulifer]

I think SDs and ESAs can fly but ESAs should have to have passed the CGC or something saying their dog is friendly, able to calmly walk on lead and sit/lay down on command. AND NO FLEXIES!! And no exotic species as ESAs( on planes), only cats, dogs etc and only dogs can be outside of carriers. And obviously SDs and SMHs should be acting inpeccably of course. Leash is optional if it interferes with task work and PSDs treated same as all other SDs

[@baileytheservicepupper]

Hey everyone! I just want to clarify that these rules are NOT law yet. They are only proposed right now, and the DOT is accepting public comments and feedback before they make any final decisions.

[@SageusVixous]

I believe they should ask the two legal questions but I also see why they have some of these restrictions people are bringing peacocks and snakes on planes as esas not to mention even with bulk head seating a miniature horse won't fit so it would require first class even then the animal could be in the way

[@petrishalee2315]

Awesome and clear video! Thanks for sharing

[@baileytheservicepupper]

Thanks for your support!!

[@allygray100]

Im conflicted. I fly with my GSD as an ESA bc he isn't fully tasked trained. There isn't any way I would be able to travel w/o him. My panic attacks are generally under control in my day-to-day life but I have a difficult when I move out of my routine. On the other hand, I do feel bad for the flight attendants when they have to deal with untrained, aggressive 'ESAs'. I guess I just need to get off my rear end and complete his training. lol I really hope the USDOT requires the airlines to upgrade to bulk head for free. Thanks for bringing this to our attention

[@baileytheservicepupper]

Once they are reliable with at least one task (and have basic PA skills), then your GSD would qualify as a fully trained SD, even if you're working on other things still. I hope your training goes well! And I agree that the bulk head upgrades should be required, since so many teams have large breeds! Thanks for your support!

[@virginiam9293]

Honestly this sounds great, except for the “must be on a leash,” I definitely don’t agree with that, but wow this sounds like a great development. Also love how professional and neutral you are on the topic☺️

[@baileytheservicepupper]

Yea the leash part could be a major issue for a lot of handlers. Thanks for your support!

[@itspositivelymichelle]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I really liked your video! I sent my comments in for this one. One of the things I think is silly is the health form they proposed... adult dogs only need a rabies vaccine every 3 years but you have to have the form filled out yearly. Delta has a similar form they use now that is highly recommended - we moved since my SD was vaccinated and my new vet won’t sign the form because they didn’t administer the rabies vaccine. So I have to try to coordinate with the old vet (at least twice). Sorry if I’m rambling on... I just think that requiring these forms seems easy, but the reality can create a lot of headaches for someone who is already disabled. Bottom line... nothing extra is needed if my service dog goes to a crowded sporting event or concert (similar squished seating). But to fly the vet needs to sign the form stating the dog is vaccinated and doesn’t have fleas/ticks (don’t get me started on that!!). Thanks again ❤️❤️

[@baileytheservicepupper]

Yes it puts a significant burden on people who are already struggling! To me, the forms just sound like another way of putting barriers up for legit handlers. Also, I'm so glad you sent your comments in! Thanks for your support as well!

[@ashyahsawyer9576]

Is there any update on this yet? When would these be confirmed as laws?

[@baileytheservicepupper]

After taking public comments they released the final ruling in Dec2020. It went into effect in early January 2021. I have a video explaining the final ruling here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXzTp5iIpLhmoJI

[@dobermanservicedog5920]

Since my dog is still dog reactive (she whines when she sees a dog) she might have to fly as an ESA so I don’t like the proposal. The only thing I agree with is that only dogs can fly

[@baileytheservicepupper]

I wonder if they could put in a provision about in-home service dogs, since I know there are a lot of legit teams that don't do PA becase of issues like that. Those are still task trained service dogs, and their owners may still need them at their destination. But I would still worry about the risks it could pose to other teams. What do you think of that idea?

[@dobermanservicedog5920]

Bailey the Service Pupper the only reason I choose to still fly with her is because I can control her whining to a point and it’s not very loud and she DEFINITELY is not aggressive

[@melissag7950]

I think it should only be service dogs, I’ve seen too many esas attack people and dogs

[@apparently_sonam]

Real esa's aren't the problem, if the handler is legit. I am disabled, visual impaired and have multiple traumas inc claustrophobia/flying anxiety. I have never had a problem but I have had another 'esa' dog (fake) on a transatlantic flight be aggressive. Because of covid this year, further validation/training was not possible to up his status. Do you think this then should be the case, or is it not more to the point of businesses being savvy and compliant. Otherwise I have to avoid living because of these idiots. It's because it's not policed properly, by even asking the 2 questions or those asking have no idea what to look for until it's too late.

[@melissag7950]

@@apparently_sonam honestly the finalized rules are both good and bad but moral of the story , selfish people made people like you who use esas suffer since there's no solution that suits all

[@nekomichan9515]

So I’m confused on if I qauilfy for a service dog? I have high anxiety, adhd, social anxiety and sometimes it’s so bad that I can’t go to school but I’m scared to tell my parents so I say I’m sick but really I’m just so nervous and scared and my anxiety is higher that I just can’t force myself to go to school

[@jayr1919]

I agree with you 100 percent

[@d3ltaLX]

i think it the same as sd's on land and esa need dr note

[@d3ltaLX]

@First Last i was talking about esas my dude

[@isabellastyles1232]

Hello! This is off topic but I’m 13 years old and I have struggled with anxiety my whole life. Depression has been new to me this year, I had to skip a lot of school and take breaks from my school work and had to just take a day off. But I have had panic attacks since I was little. I have noticed that they have been getting worse. Like it gets really hard for me to breathe, I feel like I have to throw up, I get dizzy I have to lie down, and just things like that. So I wanted to know if I was to young to get a service dog, or if I should wait to get a SD? I love your videos thank you!🙏🏻🐕‍🦺

[@baileytheservicepupper]

There isnt really an age requirement, but it does factor into if it's a good choice for you! I would suggest working with a professional and your legal guardian to see if a SD is a good fit rn. It takes a while to go through the process, so if you do decide to pursue a SD, you should also have coping strategies and support to get through times when you dont have a SD. Thanks for your support and good luck! Those are some rough things to deal with, but you can get through them.

[@servicellamas5178]

Hi so my dog is medical alert and response and mobility and psychiatric alert and response but her main task is medical or in response and mobility what would that fall under in the airport

[@zaniyajohnson4387]

Hi I am in the process of trying to get an esa letter for my dog and I was just wondering if a meeting with the dog is normal / required ?

[@odinavikingservicedog5748]

So what I dont like is a couple of things, the extra hour pre check, I am alreddy going to be checking in and getting to the airport 2 hours early as is, so say my flight is at 6 am, I get there at 4 am, and in some cases there is no public transportation running that early so it would nean paying for Uber/lyft a cab or finding someone to take you to the airport that early, also I feel it would cause problems for some handlers having to be watched and kinda invasion of privacy. .. other thig is they say they no breed restrictions but must fit in foot space, Okay they say that alreddy but what about someone like my self with a gaint breed? Breed like Great Dane, Pyreneese and other big breeds? And what if your flying with say like in my case kid and partner, would they then be able to say my SD has to stay in my foot space ? Even though kid doesn't use theres and partner is fine with Dog stretching out and being in his, and yes if needed my SD (a giant breed) can tuck and fit in tight spaces if needed. I also dont agree with them banning mini horses, I agree with ESA being treated as pets but also dont agree that SD handlers would have to fill out pretty much same paperwork as if flying with a pet. I agree with you it should be more like the ADA.

[@baileytheservicepupper]

I really feel you about all of these, especially the time to arrive at the airport. The airport is already 2 hrs away from where I live, so getting there 2 hours early is enough of a struggle.

[@harlows.journey]

I feel like mini horses should still be allowed

[@baileytheservicepupper]

I totally agree!

[@jayr1919]

Hey Sarah. I would love your opinion on something regarding a situation at my job. I live in the state of NY and work as a bus monitor for pre-k children who have special needs. I am also legally blind. I recently was approved for a guide dog and feel so blessed for this opportunity to work with a service dog. However I recently ran into some trouble with the company i work for. I'm not 100% sure yet, but it's starting to sound like the company i work for does not want my future guide dog on the bus with me and I'm really concerned about this situation escalating. I even spoke to HR to ask if I should write a later stating that I need accommodations for me and my service dog seeing as between my runs I do not return home. I stay out all day walking around the mall or grocery stores, or getting something to eat which requires me to use my cane. I think the company I work for is going to try to blame the kids "allerg8es" or something like that but i would really love your opinion on this matter! Please and thank you! Love your videos btw

[@baileytheservicepupper]

Hey! I would keep all conversations about the accommodation with HR for now, ask what they need for a formal accommodation request, and then submit the paperwork needed. It would probably be best to get the accommodation through the system before you get your guide dog that way it's all ready for when you are matched with one and are ready to bring it with you. Once you get started with the formal accommodation process and there is a paper trail, it will be much easier for you protect your rights. Typically, allergies cannot be used as a reason to refuse a reasonable accommodation. You should definitely check out askjan.org for specifics about what they can ask for (for documentation of a necessary accommodation) and what you can expect from the process, especially if you think your rights may be violated. I've never had to go through a formal work accommodation process, so I'm not 100% sure the nitty gritty of how it all works, so AskJAN will be a great resource to get that info from! Good luck with everything!! And congrats on being approved for your guide dog!

[@jayr1919]

@@baileytheservicepupper thank you so much for your help!