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US Tightens Definition of Service Animals Allowed on Planes

Associated Press

   The Transportation Department issued a final rule Wednesday covering
   animals on airlines. It decided that only dogs can fly as service
   animals, and companions that passengers use for emotional support don't
   count.

   The rule aims to settle years of tension between airlines and
   passengers who bring their pets on board for free by saying they need
   them for emotional help. Under a long-standing department policy, all
   the passengers needed was a note from a health professional.

   Airlines argued that passengers abused the situation to bring a
   menagerie of animals on board, including cats, turtles, pot-bellied
   pigs and, in one case, a peacock.

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