Recently, an attempt to better define which animals should be allowed to fly with their owners (and rules travelers need to follow) will now be included under The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT’s) newest policy change. The DOT acknowledges the love and commitment between owners and their pets, while also recognizing their responsibility to their passenger’s health and safety.Â
Following substantial changes to the rules set in place by the DOT, all U.S. Airlines have adopted changes to their policies on therapy and service dogs traveling with passengers.
As of Jan. 11, 2021, U.S. airlines will no longer recognize emotional support animals as service animals. Only dogs trained to do work, or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability will be allowed. This also includes psychiatric service animals.
Per the DOT, beginning Feb. 1, 2021, all airlines will require two DOT forms for each service animal traveling with a customer. One is an animal training behavior attestation form, and the other is for flights scheduled to take eight hours or more. These forms are required 48 hours before departure.
We encourage travelers to check the links listed below for the most current up-to-date airline policies, as well as links to the DOT forms required by each airline.
