Service animals used to come in all shapes and sizes; from dogs and cats, to monkeys, miniature horses, and even more exotic species. For example, Daniel Green had a service snake that predicted his epileptic seizures, while Sarah Sevick had a service ferret that helped calm her when she had a panic attack. But thanks to some changes to the Air Carrier Access Act in 2021, these emotional support animals and exotics can no longer be accommodated in the air.

Here’s what you need to know about flying with a service animal

The ACAA and Service Animals

The ACAA requires all US airlines to allow any qualified person with a disability to be accompanied by a service animal. Additionally, under the 2021 ACAA update, dogs are the only species now accepted as service animals.

Passengers with service animals are guaranteed bulkhead seating under the ACAA; however they are permitted to sit anywhere on the aircraft, except the emergency exit rows. The service animal must not obstruct the aisle or other areas that must remain clear under FAA safety rules. If this is a problem, the airline must allow the passenger to move to another seat where the animal can be accommodated.

Another change under the updated ACAA allows airlines to require passengers traveling with service animals to submit DOT designed forms that attest to the service animal’s health, behavior and training. This documentation must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the flight.

Psychiatric Service Animals are treated the same as service animals under the new guidelines.

Last but not least, service animals must behave appropriately aboard the aircraft, which is usually not an issue for properly trained service animals. Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated, but again this usually isn’t an issue for properly trained service animals

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals are another matter altogether.

Under the updated ACAA, emotional support animals are now treated as pets, and are subject to airline pet transportation rules and fees.

And because of these updates the ACAA and the Americans with Disabilities Act are now aligned, as neither law requires accommodations for emotional support animals.

For more information about the 2021 ACAA update, check out the PDF copied below.

https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2020-12/Service%20Animal%20Final%20Rule.pdf