What's this world coming too when airlines can force a passenger to deplane just because her support pig becomes disruptive?

a) OP article is from Nov 2014 (but still funny) b) there exist registries for this sort of thing, and airlines usually require some modicum of proof (see below) c) more common IMO is disability fraud, where something like the ADA practically prevents anyone from even challenging a claim to dispensation.

you still can't just show up at O'Hare with Mittens the emotional support ferret. Airlines generally require a medical letter as proof that your emotional support animal serves your mental disorder.

But if you don't have a doctor to vouch for your mental issues, such letters can be bought online.

Mr. Obvious wrote:

Hardloper wrote:

I know regular people who got their normal pets classified as such (there are lawyers who specialize in that service of course) so they could keep their dog in their dog-free apartment.

Why would there be lawyers who specialize in getting pets classified as emotional support animals when there is no sort of legal registry or classification for them?

For that matter, there is no real way to confirm a service animal either.

You are both wrong. It is done by medical doctors. You get a "prescription" for the emotional support animal. Without that, you can't take it on a plane.

wronggg wrote:

Mr. Obvious wrote:

Why would there be lawyers who specialize in getting pets classified as emotional support animals when there is no sort of legal registry or classification for them?

For that matter, there is no real way to confirm a service animal either.

You are both wrong. It is done by medical doctors. You get a "prescription" for the emotional support animal. Without that, you can't take it on a plane.

It is not something a lawyer does. How does what you wrote make me wrong?

Two legs good; four legs bad. wrote:

What did she think she was going to to do with a 50-70 lb. animal? Put it in the overhead bin? Carry it in her lap? Did she buy a ticket for the pig?

Even if it was a legitimate service animal like a seeing eye dog, wouldn't there have to be room on the plane for it so it's not blocking the aisle or blocking passengers by the window?

And who is terrified by a pig? Annoyed or disgusted I can see, but terrified?

So many unanswered questions...

Yeah, and how did it get past TSA security and the passenger check in ?

A friend of mine encountered an emotional support pig on a flight from Minneapolis last year, and sent a photo. This one wasn't quite as big as the OP, but didn't easily fit in the owner's lap either. The adjacent seat was empty so the pig could stretch out. It had a little wagon that was stored underneath the seat like a stroller. He said the pig was very popular with the other passengers and didn't disturb him, though some people made jokes about the "in-flight snack".

Mr. Obvious wrote:

wronggg wrote:

You are both wrong. It is done by medical doctors. You get a "prescription" for the emotional support animal. Without that, you can't take it on a plane.

It is not something a lawyer does. How does what you wrote make me wrong?

Correct, it's not a lawyer. The main point here is anyone can make their pet an "emotional support animal" through some administrative BS or another

Well the thing is the ADA specifically spells out the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal i.e. an emotional support animal is not protected under the ADA. The "emotional support" classification doesn't mean anything, except that you paid a lawyer a bunch of money for a worthless piece of paper. Unfortunately not enough landlords and business owners are aware of this.

"Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA."

derp wrote:

Well the thing is the ADA specifically spells out the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal i.e. an emotional support animal is not protected under the ADA. The "emotional support" classification doesn't mean anything, except that you paid a lawyer a bunch of money for a worthless piece of paper. Unfortunately not enough landlords and business owners are aware of this.

Lawyers do not certify either emotional support animals or service animals.

Service animals are protected under the ADA. However, that does not mean there is a good system for certifying them or for a business to determine what a service animal is. Indeed, the only questions a business or public place may ask are:

1. Is the animal required because of a disability?

2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

As long as the animal has been trained to perform specific tasks, it qualifies. Although there are organizations which certify service animals, there is no certification required (some of the certifying organizations are good, but I can also certify my dogs, who have no training, for $20 over the internet).

A emotional support animal also does not need any central registry or certifying authority. They have less protection, but that does not mean they have no protection. In particular, an emotional support animal may qualify as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act.

2014 post OP? Nice

Is anyone surprised the passenger with the "support pig" had tattoos???

Big Bad Wolf wrote:

"I was terrified, because I was thinking I'm gonna be on the plane with the pig,

Swinophobia should be a thing of the past in 2017. It not like he was allergic to it (like peanuts).

The best thing for swinophobia is to fly with a support goat.

Small, non-disruptive support animals are ok, such as a snake that will fit in your shirt pocket and stay there, or a tarantula.

Twilight Zone Time Traveler wrote:

2014 post OP? Nice

I have to wonder if it was intentional, or if OP didn't notice either

On the positive side, bacon would absolutely be preferable to sugar cookies and pretzels.

If your "emotional support animal" falls within the guidelines, American Airlines will now require at least 48 hours notice of your intent to board the plan with your animal. You will also have to provide a doctor's note certifying that you are actually in need of your emotional support cat, dog, or horse.

The airline says it will reserve the right to remove any support animal that looks "unclean" or is "smelly," and any animal that poses a threat to passengers, flight crew, or security personnel (including K-9 service officers). If the flight crew believes your animal isn't actually there for emotional support, they'll require you to pay the "pet fee" and abide by regulations set for traveling non-service animals.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44132340