Southwest to allow only dogs, cats as emotional support animals

Southwest Airlines would limit emotional support animals to only dogs and cats on its flights and will allow one per passenger, the airline said Tuesday as it updated its service animal policies. The emotional support animal must remain in a carrier or be on a leash at all times, Southwest said, adding that customers traveling with pets will need to present a complete letter from a medical doctor or licensed mental health professional on the day of the departure. Airlines have started to tighten policies to fly animals on growing concerns about passengers bringing aboard exotic pets that could pose a safety risk. There are also growing complaints of some passengers falsely claiming pets as emotional support or psychiatric service animals to avoid paying. <br/>