Traveling to a new destination is always a good time – that is once you make it through security and onto the plane.
From airline delays to invasive pat-downs by the TSA (who insist on taking your toothpaste to keep everyone “safe), the airport can be a chaotic place.
But now the latest “emotional pet therapy” trend has hijacked America’s airports – and people are bringing everything from aggressive dogs to peacocks and even squirrels with them.
One woman managed to sneak a squirrel on the plane and refused to leave when the airline told her the squirrel was not allowed.
The woman became hysteric, uttering phrases like, “You will not take my baby from me!” (referring to the squirrel).
The entire flight was delayed by a whopping two hours because they had to evacuate all the passengers off the plane just to deal with this defiant woman…
…which means all the travelers with places to go were forced to suffer because of a squirrel.
Absolutely nuts – no pun intended!
And let’s not forget about the woman who brought a pig on the plane, claiming it was there for her “emotional support”.
As passengers held their breath from the gross stench of a PIG on the plane, things only got worse… The pig began howling and even defecated during the flight.
So disgusting!
Airlines Are Cracking Down
While we typically report on why airlines are not your friends, we actually agree with the stricter standards they are putting on “emotional therapy” animals.
Delta actually had to list on their website that they don’t allow mice, spiders, ferrets, goats, and pigs to fly (just to name a few).
Untied Airlines saw a 75% increase in “emotional therapy” animals in one year and have made it a requirement for animals to come with a vaccination report, as well as confirmation that the animal can behave in public, reported ABC News.
And American Airlines requires a vet form, animal behavior form, and a form from a medical mental health professional.
But the problem is, people are working the system and using loopholes to beat the airlines.
Booming Online Business
All you have to do is Google “emotional support animal” and you’ll get a slew of links claiming they can certify your animal to fly for a small fee.
These businesses are making a fortune from crazy people all around the country who are trying to fly with their animal for “emotional support”.
One website claims to work with a network of mental health professionals – which means a person doesn’t even have to physically meet with a doctor. They simply follow the guidelines of some shady website and get “certified” to have an “emotional therapy dog”.
And to make an extra buck, some companies still charge a fee even if people are “denied”.
Shady stuff!
Legitimate Service Animals Pay The Price
We’re annoyed about the inconvenience these “emotional therapy” animals cause. From flight delays to foul odors – to even possibly sitting next to a woman and her cat.
But what really makes us mad is the fact that these faux “emotional therapy” animals are actually making life more difficult for the people who really need service animals.
Like the war veteran who fought for our country and comes home – after living with bombs dropping endlessly – and legitimately has PTSD.
Or the woman who is blind and counts on her well-trained service animal to get around and keep her out of danger.
As the crazy people in the world continue to game the system and claim they need their lizard just to board a flight, the people who really need the help are bound to pay the price.
Not cool.
Leave it to a few selfish and dishonest people to ruin things for everyone else.
Bottom Line — If You Can’t Handle Flying – Don’t Fly
Sure, flying can make some people anxious.
But most sane people who feel a bit of anxiety creeping up put on some earphones, pop some Gaba or a sleeping pill and call it a day.
If you are to the point where you’re having an emotional breakdown on a 3-hour flight and claim you need a peacock or yapping dog to calm you down – well then perhaps you shouldn’t be flying.
The rest of us want to have a peaceful flight as much as possible.
And the last thing we want to deal with is an untrained “pet therapy” dog – or fly next to a clawing cat. Maybe that gives us anxiety, have you thought about that?
If animals are your thing – cool – go to a zoo.
They have a lot of animals.
But don’t force the rest of us to travel with your entourage of pets or live in your delusional fantasy world where you think an entire airplane needs to cater to your “emotional therapy” peacock, pig, goat, or whatever animal you think you need to fly.
What are your thoughts on “emotional therapy” animals on planes?
Do you agree the airport has turned into a zoo lately – literally?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with all your friends!
