Lots of service dogs this trip

[piccolopat]

Does that mean they require admission tickets?

There are enough people who are abusing this system today that a crackdown is coming. We already see this on commercial airline flights with "emotional support animals". People have brought emotional support dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, and even chickens onboard aircraft.

One of these days I'm going to try to declare my wife as an "emotional support animal" and see if she can fly for free...

Wouldn't she then have to fit on the floor, under the seat in front of you?

 

[Interpol]

Wouldn't she then have to fit on the floor, under the seat in front of you?

Heh...from what I've seen personally and read in the news...not necessarily.

 

[North of Mouse]

Wouldn't she then have to fit on the floor, under the seat in front of you?

Nope, just sit on his lap!

 

[kandb]

It's kind of on the person with the allergy to handle it though. Unless you also support banning things like peanut butter sandwiches from planes. And generally peanut butter allergy is a lot more serious than a pet allergy. There are so many allergies in the world that there just isn't any such thing as an allergen free public space.

I'm allergic to cats, though, so I get it. It's hard enough to just decline to sit on someone's couch because people don't really understand how miserable fluffy can make people. But unless the allergy is deadly, I think I'd rather put up with it than bar the person from traveling with their necessary therapy animal.

Sorry, don't agree. People who need a therapy dog can perhaps do something else to calm their anxieties (medication, meditation etc). I have anxieties and don't like to fly and know a lot of other people who are in the same situation. Many deal with their anxieties or take medication to help with the anxieties. Plus, dogs really don't belong on planes.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Sorry, don't agree. People who need a therapy dog can perhaps do something else to calm their anxieties (medication, meditation etc). I have anxieties and don't like to fly and know a lot of other people who are in the same situation. Many deal with their anxieties or take medication to help with the anxieties. Plus, dogs really don't belong on planes.

We're not talking about a dog that "calms anxieties". We're talking about a dog that performs specific tasks that can be lifesaving. By your same argument, people can take allergy meds for the fur.

I find the assertion that dogs don't belong on planes to be odd. I'd rather fly with a calm dog than a highly anxious person or out of control kid. I've never seen a dog get obnoxiously drunk on a plane or kick the back of my seat for hours.

Airlines and ADA disagree with you in any case.

 

[kandb]

We're not talking about a dog that "calms anxieties". We're talking about a dog that performs specific tasks that can be lifesaving. By your same argument, people can take allergy meds for the fur.

I find the assertion that dogs don't belong on planes to be odd. I'd rather fly with a calm dog than a highly anxious person or out of control kid. I've never seen a dog get obnoxiously drunk on a plane or kick the back of my seat for hours.

Airlines and ADA disagree with you in any case.

I am talking about therapies dog, not dogs that are there for medical reasons. Just because the ADA doesn't agree with me, doesn't mean that their reasoning for letting therapy dogs on a plane is correct. One time we took a plane down to Florida, the dogs in the waiting area kept barking at each other and were being very disruptive. They are not ALWAYS calm, like you say they are.

 

[Westcoastwild]

I am talking about therapies dog, not dogs that are there for medical reasons. Just because the ADA doesn't agree with me, doesn't mean that their reasoning for letting therapy dogs on a plane is correct. One time we took a plane down to Florida, the dogs in the waiting area kept barking at each other and were being very disruptive. They are not ALWAYS calm, like you say they are.

Well, above, I was addressing allergies and service dogs. Now you're talking about something completely different- emotional support animals, which are not always allowed by the airline, and the behavior of those dogs. The airlines accept those animals on a case by case basis. Were the dogs barking on the actual plane?

I guess you could just choose to fly with an airline that doesn't transport any dogs in the cabin. I think most airlines allow small dogs to fly than can be stowed under the seat, though.

 

[IrishNYC]

It's kind of on the person with the allergy to handle it though. Unless you also support banning things like peanut butter sandwiches from planes. And generally peanut butter allergy is a lot more serious than a pet allergy. There are so many allergies in the world that there just isn't any such thing as an allergen free public space.

I'm allergic to cats, though, so I get it. It's hard enough to just decline to sit on someone's couch because people don't really understand how miserable fluffy can make people. But unless the allergy is deadly, I think I'd rather put up with it than bar the person from traveling with their necessary therapy animal.

We're not talking about a dog that "calms anxieties". We're talking about a dog that performs specific tasks that can be lifesaving. By your same argument, people can take allergy meds for the fur.

I find the assertion that dogs don't belong on planes to be odd. I'd rather fly with a calm dog than a highly anxious person or out of control kid. I've never seen a dog get obnoxiously drunk on a plane or kick the back of my seat for hours.

Airlines and ADA disagree with you in any case.

Well, above, I was addressing allergies and service dogs. Now you're talking about something completely different- emotional support animals, which are not always allowed by the airline, and the behavior of those dogs. The airlines accept those animals on a case by case basis. Were the dogs barking on the actual plane?

I guess you could just choose to fly with an airline that doesn't transport any dogs in the cabin. I think most airlines allow small dogs to fly than can be stowed under the seat, though.

In the last quote here from you, you said you were addressing allergies and "service dogs" but you first started by talking about therapy animals. Therapy animals and ADA compliant service dogs (and miniature ponies) are not the same things. And sorry, but I disagree that it's on the allergy person to "handle it." You don't get on an airplane expecting a dog or any other animal, a person with an animal can reasonably expect there to be people with allergies on board.

 

[wilkeliza]

In the last quote here from you, you said you were addressing allergies and "service dogs" but you first started by talking about therapy animals. Therapy animals and ADA compliant service dogs (and miniature ponies) are not the same things. And sorry, but I disagree that it's on the allergy person to "handle it." You don't get on an airplane expecting a dog or any other animal, a person with an animal can reasonably expect there to be people with allergies on board.

On the same hand many airlines sell tickets for pets. When I get on an airplane I know there is a possibilty for animals because the airline I fly sells up to 4 tickets per a flight for cats, dogs, and/or rabbits. So since the offer the tickets I assume it is probable that an animal may be on board.

 

[IrishNYC]

On the same hand many airlines sell tickets for pets. When I get on an airplane I know there is a possibilty for animals because the airline I fly sells up to 4 tickets per a flight for cats, dogs, and/or rabbits. So since the offer the tickets I assume it is probable that an animal may be on board.

True, and I did consider this when I responded, but I also took into consideration that in all my years of flying both domestic and international, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've actually seen an animal on a flight, and they've all been cats.

 

[Kaytie]

Can I take in the poodle to be with my son so long as the poodle and the great dane don't interact?

No, because emotional support animals do not have legal rights, except re rental units and airplanes.

 

[wilkeliza]

True, and I did consider this when I responded, but I also took into consideration that in all my years of flying both domestic and international, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've actually seen an animal on a flight, and they've all been cats.

True on the reverse I can't remember a domestic flight out of NYC in the last few years that didn't have at least 1 dog. Most I only know because I spot the carrier but some are non-stop barkers. We were just on a cross country LA-JFK flight where they almost said no to the dog because of how loud and aggressive it was.

 

[Corbie]

I would never dream of judging the necessity of a service dog any more than I would judge someone using a scooter who I thought looked healthy enough to walk. Service dogs do an amazing job for people. Over the years, it's been discovered that they can provide support, warning and guidance for a variety of illnesses--many of which are unseen. I don't understand the concern. Yes, the number of service dogs have increased over the years, and not just at Disney.

 

[EdmondD]

No, because emotional support animals do not have legal rights, except re rental units and airplanes.

Let's just call this for what it is - it's because he's a POODLE, isn't it? This hate speech must stop.

 

[Westcoastwild]

I probably used therapy on accident. Meant service dog. If I'd meant Emotional support animal (which I don't really agree with) I would have said that.

Someone could have dog hair on their clothing though, and if you're that severely allergic, it's going to bother you to sit next to that person.

But I think anytime you leave your house, you can reasonably expect to encounter allergens. The only environment you have complete control over is your house. That's just the way the world is. I've seen dogs in buses, ferries, trains, and taxis as well. And as others have said, most airlines to sell tickets for dogs. So you have a good chance of being on a plane with a dog or cat anyway, and on transit if you did not drive yourself to the airport. So yeah, I think it's the allergic persons responsibility to get allergy shots or pack allergy medicine or an Epi pen, whatever they need.

 

[kandb]

I would never dream of judging the necessity of a service dog any more than I would judge someone using a scooter who I thought looked healthy enough to walk. Service dogs do an amazing job for people. Over the years, it's been discovered that they can provide support, warning and guidance for a variety of illnesses--many of which are unseen. I don't understand the concern. Yes, the number of service dogs have increased over the years, and not just at Disney.

Don't think people are judging people who legitimately need the dogs, it's the others who are abusing the system.

 

[kandb]

True on the reverse I can't remember a domestic flight out of NYC in the last few years that didn't have at least 1 dog. Most I only know because I spot the carrier but some are non-stop barkers. We were just on a cross country LA-JFK flight where they almost said no to the dog because of how loud and aggressive it was.

According to the experts, these dogs are supposed to be so well trained that this should never happen. Probably someone who got a certificate and vest online.

 

[ZBSW]

So has anyone seen a service animal on a ride yet? A service dog photo bomb would make a memorable Splash Mountain photo.

 

[wilkeliza]

According to the experts, these dogs are supposed to be so well trained that this should never happen. Probably someone who got a certificate and vest online.

I didn't say it was a service dog. The airline I fly lets up to 4 dogs/cags/or rabbits per a flight at the cost of 100 each. I was trying to illustrate how assuming a petless flight isn't always possible because a lot of airlines allow small pets in the cabin on a pet ticket. So these animals wouldn't be service or ESA they are just average household pets.

 

[KyleAfterAWhile]

I wouldn't even begin to think I'm qualified to judge who appears to be fine or not fine. Many service dogs are for those people with conditions that will never show outwardly.

Yes, this.

I am not a dog trainer, but I know somebody who does train service dogs. He told me that a service dog is well-behaved and it is rare that the pooch would bark at another dog or human. It is part of their training.

I have been in theme parks where small "service dogs" will see other dogs and bark non-stop. Once in Disney, I saw a little Yorkie bark at a running child and his owner struck him. Took all I had not to take that dog from him. I am not saying they are not legit service dogs, but my trainer friend says that is not normal behaviour and it "could be" a pet that the person would feel better having with them.

I will not judge.... just sharing what he said.