Dogs on planes

[michelle1]

We just flew home last night on SW and there was a dog on the lap of the lady sitting behind me and one on the floor with the lady across the aisle (neither had a pet carrier) The dogs were very well behaved but I was wondering what happens if the dogs needs to relieve itself? Also, on our flight down there was a child with a nut allergy so they didn't hand out the peanut snacks and we were asked to refrain from eating any snacks we brought on board that contain nuts. I completely understand and have no issues with that but then it didn't make sense that it's okay to have 2 dogs on the plane and not worry about people who may be allergic.

 

[ma2jr]

Good point... but can pet allergies give you an anaphylactic reaction?

 

[dudspizza]

All pets should be in their carrier under the seat. The only animals that should be allowed out of their carrier are service animals.

I have no clue why these animals were out of their carriers.....

Duds

 

[goofy4tink]

To the best of my knowledge, all onboard pets, with the exception of certified service animals, are supposed to be kept in their carriers...at the airport and on the plane.
The vast majority of people who are allergic to dogs have no problems as long as they don't touch the dog. Cats, are a different story. I have been told, by allergists, that cats cause a bigger reaction because they groom themselves, and it is the saliva that causes the allergic reaction. That saliva is all over the cat fur, which tends to fly when the cat is upset.
Dogs don't groom themselves nearly as much...maybe their feet but that's pretty much it...so, they don't cause the allergic reactions that cats cause.

 

[michelle1]

Good point... but can pet allergies give you an anaphylactic reaction?

No, but my nephew's allergies are so bad that he has ended up in emerg to get his breathing under control after spending time in a house with dogs. It really doesn't affect me as neither my kids or Dh has any allergies but I just find it odd to see animals in the cabins.

 

[michelle1]

All pets should be in their carrier under the seat. The only animals that should be allowed out of their carrier are service animals.

I have no clue why these animals were out of their carriers.....

Duds

That's what I thought. The lady behind me had her dog registered as a service animal because I heard the flight attendent asking for papers but it was a little yorkie..I'm pretty sure not a service animal as it had a little pink furry coat and diamond studded collar on...more princess than service! The other one was on a leash and it was not service either and both pet owners left the plane carrying/walking the dogs so they weren't out of carriers because they didn't have one. I didn't hear a peep out of either one during the flight but the thought of one of them needing to go did cross my mind.

 

[dudspizza]

That's what I thought. The lady behind me had her dog registered as a service animal because I heard the flight attendent asking for papers but it was a little yorkie..I'm pretty sure not a service animal as it had a little pink furry coat and diamond studded collar on...more princess than service! The other one was on a leash and it was not service either and both pet owners left the plane carrying/walking the dogs so they weren't out of carriers because they didn't have one. I didn't hear a peep out of either one during the flight but the thought of one of them needing to go did cross my mind.

It doesn't take much to declare a dog a service animal. DW has a friend who lives in CA. She said they only can ask 1 or 2 questions. Her Chihuahua is now a service animal and she can take it everywhere she wants. The dog sits under their stroller everywhere.

 

[onelilspark]

Some small dogs are service animals. It's a shame some people abuse that, but it's because people can hold them and they'll alert them before a seizure.

 

[ma2jr]

Some small dogs are service animals. It's a shame some people abuse that, but it's because people can hold them and they'll alert them before a seizure.

Ahh.. very good point.

 

[locolala]

That's what I thought. The lady behind me had her dog registered as a service animal because I heard the flight attendent asking for papers but it was a little yorkie..I'm pretty sure not a service animal as it had a little pink furry coat and diamond studded collar on...more princess than service! The other one was on a leash and it was not service either and both pet owners left the plane carrying/walking the dogs so they weren't out of carriers because they didn't have one. I didn't hear a peep out of either one during the flight but the thought of one of them needing to go did cross my mind.

Just so you (and maybe people who didn't know this) know, service dogs are not required to be registered and you cannot ask for proof that the dog in question is a service dog. I know a lady who uses a yorkie as a seizure alert dog, and she doesn't wear a vest marking her as a service dog. The vests are not required either. The flight attendant cannot ask any questions other than "are you disabled" and "does the dog assist you". Thats it. Service dogs can be any size, shape, breed etc. Additionally, there are dogs that are called emotional support animals, and provide comfort to a person who may suffer from severe anxiety or depression. These dogs are allowed on planes and in housing, and they are the only type of service animal that require paperwork.

 

[bumbershoot]

Just so you (and maybe people who didn't know this) know, service dogs are not required to be registered and you cannot ask for proof that the dog in question is a service dog. I know a lady who uses a yorkie as a seizure alert dog, and she doesn't wear a vest marking her as a service dog. The vests are not required either. The flight attendant cannot ask any questions other than "are you disabled" and "does the dog assist you". Thats it. Service dogs can be any size, shape, breed etc.

Yep yep yep!!!!!

 

[locolala]

I'm working on getting a service dog right now for mobility problems and I used to have an alert dog (he's now my grandma's service dog) so I know allll about em lol.

 

[son3disfan]

Good point... but can pet allergies give you an anaphylactic reaction?

Yes they can... not common , but they can.
My son who is allergic to cats/horses had an anaphylactic reaction to a cat, and now we have an epipen for him.

 

[1PrincessMomma1]

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[rgf207]

Good point... but can pet allergies give you an anaphylactic reaction?

I'm not sure. I am very allergic to cats. I have gotten worse over the years. When I am around cats, I sneeze and my through closes and I start wheezing and have difficulty breathing. I'm not sure how that would be on an airplane though. Usually if I leave the situation, I get better but I can't imagine being trapped on a plane with an allergy like mine and recycled air.

I was actually on a flight seated in the same row as someone with a cat in a pet carrier. I asked to be moved and I was. I did have a small reaction but not that bad since I was quite far from the animal.