SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC 4 News) – The U.S. Department of Transportation is considering proposals to update accommodations for airline passengers with a service animal.
The new rules would allow monkeys, pot-bellied pigs and miniature horses to ride in the cabin of an airplane with their owner, according to a report titled Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel: Draft Technical Assistance Manual.
Rodents, spiders, snakes and other reptiles are exempt from air travel.
A passenger must provide proof of their service animal before boarding a flight.
Each airline will evaluate the animals on a case by case basis. The animal must not be too large or pose a threat to other passengers.
In addition, airlines and airports must provide an “animal relief area” on the ground for pets to relive themselves.
Many passengers at Salt Lake International Airport said they understand the importance of service animals, but feel these rules would take things a hair too far. They believe a seeing-eye dog is the most acceptable pet to allow on a plane.
The DOT is asking for the public’s input about the proposed rules before a final report is released.
To read the full report of proposed changes, click here.
