US: Pets-on-planes crackdown by airlines gets boost from US agency

Regulators are making it easier for US airlines to limit the growing number of dogs and other animals being brought onto flights by passengers saying they are for emotional or psychological support. The DoT Wednesday said it won’t penalize airlines if they refuse to let passengers take aboard more than one support animal, demand assurance that a passenger has a disability or require proof of an animal’s vaccination and training. The agency also will allow airlines to impose “reasonable restrictions” on the movement of emotional-support animals in a plane’s cabin. Service animals including seeing-eye dogs won’t be restricted under the proposed changes. “The department has heard from the transportation industry, as well as individuals with disabilities, that the current regulation could be improved to ensure nondiscriminatory access for individuals with disabilities, while simultaneously preventing instances of fraud and ensuring consistency with other federal regulations,” the agency said. The DOT’s actions come as the three largest US carriers have altered their policies on animals since the start of this year in reaction to soaring numbers of passengers claiming they needed them for provide emotional support. <br/>