DOT Final Rule: No Longer Recognizes Emotional Support Animals, Prohibits Pit Bull Bans in Aircraft Cabin and More

The Department's final rule allows fighting breeds as service animals in the aircraft cabin. Final Rule Issued Washington DC - On December 2, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued its final rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals. It is now absolute that the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) no longer recognizes emotional support animals (ESAs) as a service animal. Passengers claiming to have a disability and needing to fly with one or more ESAs in the aircraft cab… [Read full blog post]

Traveling by Air with Service Animals - Comments from Airlines and Airline Trade Associations Pertaining to Breed Restrictions

Summary of Comments Washington D.C. - After submitting our own comments to the Department of Transportation (DOT), which outlines why airlines should be allowed to prohibit specific breeds -- pit bulls and fighting breeds -- as service animals from flying in the space of a confined aircraft cabin, we reviewed comments from airlines and airline trade associations regarding breed restrictions. The majority seek the ability to prohibit certain breeds from flying in-cabi… [Read full blog post]

DOT Seeks Comments on Pit Bulls and Breed Restrictions in Crowded Airplane Cabin; Drops Emotional Support Animals

Proposed Rulemaking: Traveling by Air with Service Animals On January 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a proposed rule stating that emotional support animals will no longer be considered a service animal while traveling by air. The proposal recognizes that "aircraft are highly confined spaces" and that accommodating service animals must be balanced against the health and safety of other passengers and crew. In a rare opportunity, DOT seeks comme… [Read full blog post]

Beneath the 'Headlines' of the DOT's Final Guidance of Enforcement Priorities Regarding Service Animals

What Does it Mean for Delta's Pit Bull Ban? - Discussion On August 8, the DOT issued their final enforcement priorities regarding service animals. The DOT's guidance comes after airlines began tightening policies on service and support animals. News headlines followed with claims like, "Delta can't ban pit bulls." Due to how the current rule is written, however, Delta may have legal basis; they would not have issued the ban otherwise. Our special report dives into the area… [Read full blog post]