Starting March 1, traveling service animal owners will have even more to be anxious about.
Delta Airlines announced on Friday that passengers who wish to take their support animal on board will have to submit new documentation 48 hours in advance.
Travelers with an emotional service or support animal will have to show proof of health and vaccinations, as well as a signed document “confirming that their animal can behave to prevent untrained, sometimes aggressive household pets from traveling without a kennel in the cabin,” the airline said.
Related: TV Crew Arrested For Trying To Smuggle Fake Bomb Through TSA
Delta cited several “serious incidents” as the reason behind its decision. Employee reports of incidents involving urination, defecation, growling, barking, and biting have increased 84 percent since 2016.
The airline added that customers have become very liberal with what they consider emotional support animals, and are bringing creatures like comfort turkeys, possums, spiders, and even snakes on board.
Such unregulation, according to Delta, can become a disservice to the customers who have an actual need for these animals. The company explained in a statement:
“The rise in serious incidents involving animals in flight leads us to believe that the lack of regulation in both health and training screening for these animals is creating unsafe conditions across U.S. air travel…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.”
We see their point, but it just sounds like more work for people who actually need a service or support animal. Don’t they have enough to be stressed about!?
Do YOU agree with this decision? Cast your votes (below)!
[Image via Warner Bros..]
Related Posts
-
Categories
