United joins Delta in tightening rules for comfort animals

United wants to see more paperwork before passengers fly with emotional-support animals — and don't even try to bring a peacock on board. The airline announced Thursday that it will tighten rules starting March 1. The changes are similar to those coming at Delta. United said owners will have to confirm that their animal is trained to behave in public, and they will need a vaccination form signed by a veterinarian. The vet will have to vouch that the animal isn't a health or safety threat to other people. The airline said the number of comfort animals has jumped 75% in the last year and there has been a big increase in animal-related incidents. On Sunday, United bounced a passenger who showed up at the airport with a peacock for emotional support. United already bans exotic animals and non-household birds. Still, the fact that a passenger tried to bring a peacock on board "helped illustrate why we needed to revise our policy," said a United spokesman. A spokeswoman for American Airlines said the carrier was still studying the issue. Guide dogs have been occasional flyers for years, but recently there has been a surge of emotional-support animals. Federal regulations allow them — if they're not too big or exotic — but airlines can ask for a doctor's note verifying that the passenger needs the animal.<br/>