The Rise of Questionable Service Dogs: Are Airline Regulations Being Abused?

The holiday travel season revealed a troubling trend: a surge in dogs traveling as “service animals” whose behavior and training are, at best, suspect. From a barking French bulldog on a cross-country flight to a dachshund awaiting clearance at the gate, the sheer number of canines in service vests has prompted questions about the integrity of the system and the potential harm to those who genuinely rely on trained assistance animals.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees access rights for legitimate service dogs, a growing loophole allows individuals to circumvent airline pet policies by designating their companions as service animals without meeting rigorous training standards. This practice not only raises concerns about passenger comfort and safety but also undermines the crucial work performed by properly trained service dogs.

The Appeal of Flying with a Furry Friend

The desire to travel with pets is understandable. Owners understandably worry about the safety of their animals traveling in cargo, and the costs associated with traditional pet travel can be substantial. Currently, most major US airlines charge around $150 per leg for a pet to travel in the cabin, provided it fits comfortably in an approved carrier under the seat. This creates a financial incentive to seek alternative, less regulated options.

“I think a lot of people started to take advantage of the fact that we really want our dogs to be with us,” explains Jessica Reiss, program director at Canine Companions, a leading organization dedicated to training and placing service dogs. “There’s a loophole that says you can privately train your dog to be a service dog, and by definition, that means the dog must be able to perform tasks that mitigate a person’s disability.”

However, this private training route lacks the standardization and oversight of programs like Canine Companions, where Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and their crosses undergo six months of intensive training, learning up to 45 tasks, from opening doors to responding to alarms. Recipients also complete a rigorous two-week training program to ensure a strong partnership.

The Department of Transportation has attempted to address the issue by restricting emotional support animals, but the lack of clear regulations surrounding service dogs continues to be exploited. Flight attendants, bound by policy not to question passengers’ claims, often find themselves in a difficult position. As one anonymous flight attendant put it, “Surely this geriatric Chihuahua is not saving anyone’s life…but it’s not in my job description to verify those things.”

But what are the real consequences of this growing trend? And who is truly harmed when untrained animals are falsely presented as service dogs?

The Impact on Legitimate Service Dog Teams

The proliferation of fake service dogs creates significant challenges for individuals who rely on these animals for critical assistance. Molly Carta, a woman living with cerebral palsy and a service dog named Slate, explains the difficulties she faces during travel. “There were so many other dogs in that airport that it was such a nightmare to even just get from our gate to the next gate,” she recounts, describing how other dogs distracted Slate, potentially compromising his ability to assist her during an emergency.

Carta also notes the added stress and anxiety caused by the need to constantly defend the legitimacy of her service dog. “I feel that way half the time too. I’m like, why did I pay $50 for this vet visit to get this form filled out? This person over here is just going to walk on with their dog.”

The issue extends beyond airports. The presence of untrained animals can erode public trust in legitimate service dog teams and create confusion about access rights. The Americans with Disabilities Act provides legal protection for service dogs, but there is no official registry, making it difficult to enforce regulations and address abuse.

Did You Know? The ADA defines a service animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.

Ultimately, the abuse of service dog designations stems from a combination of factors: the desire to travel with pets, the loopholes in existing regulations, and a lack of empathy for those who genuinely rely on these animals. What’s the solution? Is stricter enforcement the answer, or would it inadvertently hinder access for those who truly need it? And how do we balance the rights of travelers with the needs of individuals with disabilities?

Frequently Asked Questions About Service Dogs and Air Travel

Pro Tip: If you encounter a disruptive animal falsely identified as a service dog, politely inform airline staff or management. Do not engage directly with the owner.