Miniature horses are welcome as service animals, but monkeys are a maybe, according to U.S. airline regulators
Miniature horses are in, for now. But capuchin monkeys are on shakier ground.
The U.S. Department of Transportation said Wednesday that it will work to make sure “the most commonly used service animals (i.e., dogs, cats, and miniature horses)” are still allowed on flights, despite increased efforts by airlines to crack down on fraudulent assistance critters of all kinds.
Reports of maulings, allergic reactions, faked medical necessity forms and other abuses have poisoned the environment for responsible travelers who legitimately need service animals. The problems have spurred major airlines, including Delta, United and Alaska, to tighten their rules for psychiatric service animals and emotional support companions.
Advisory Committee on Accessible Air Transportation,
Airlines for America,
Alaska Airlines,
capuchin monkeys,
cats,
Delta Airlines,
Department of Transportation,
dogs,
Elaine Chao,
ferrets,
Miniature horses,
Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings,
reptiles,
rodents,
Secretary,
snakes,
spiders,
sugar gliders,
United Airlines,
USDOT
