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Alaska

Effective January 11, 2021, Alaska will accept only service dogs which are trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Emotional support animals will no longer be accepted.
It's about time!

12/30/2020 7:57:30 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Emotional disabilities can cause physical problems and be just as serious. Support animals can be a big help. I have seen it for myself. But there are some who abuse the system. I would rather see limits on conditions and animals rather than an outright ban.

12/31/2020 1:52:02 AM

Grittyville, WA

Some breeds are more hypoallergenic like poodles?
Or is the concern germs? Seems like a bad time to get rid of people's emotional support. Cynically: I guess they can take Zoloft instead.

That's one where I really dont want to judge anyone else unless there is a science-based risk to myself. If germophobia isnt science-based then it's just irrational superstitions.

12/31/2020 2:54:00 AM

Grittyville, WA

I may have enough of those already.

12/31/2020 2:55:31 AM

Centennial Colorado

I am alergic to all dogs including hypoallergenic. I have been in the hospital a few times because of my severe alergies. To see them in the grocery store does make me mad. In that case they put them in the cart that your groceries are in. Gross! I know a blind person who needs a service dog and totally understand, but there is a difference between that and emotional support.

12/31/2020 4:32:27 PM

Upper Strasburg, PA

There’s not really any such thing as a hypoallergenic breed of dog. There are just some breeds that have less dander and less shedding, so they are less of a problem for people with allergies.

It’s a shame how so many people have abused the ESA designation. There are people who truly need them and it’s unfortunate that those people will end up suffering because some people just feel entitled.

12/31/2020 4:47:03 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

I couldn’t agree more. I think of all the service men and women who come back damaged, not physically. I would hate to see any one of them deprived because of an abuse of this program.

12/31/2020 8:29:01 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

what am I missing fellas? I don't see many dogs in public spots as is. Maybe it varies from state to state.

1/1/2021 11:13:58 AM

In my area, I do not see a lot of dogs where they should not be but I am noticing it more over the last couple of years. Seems mostly to be people with a small dog.
My question is who signs off on these ESA and should those people not be responsible so those that are truly in need do not get caught up in Alaska Air situations. I am all for service dogs as they do some wonderful things and hope never to need one.

1/1/2021 3:18:59 PM

Alaska

New DOT Rules Crack Down on Emotional Support Animals on Flights. This is Nation wide.

1/1/2021 4:12:57 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Last night our neighbors decided to fire off a huge volley of extra loud fireworks right at midnight. My daughter who sleeps with 3 cats, partially for emotional support, got scratched up real bad. This is something that wasn't considered when the legislature loosened up fireworks laws.

1/1/2021 5:07:43 PM

Grittyville, WA

Is there festering germophobe agenda emerging from the swamp? Oh well at least it's not Russophobia.

1/1/2021 6:51:42 PM

Western NY

It's not about germs Gritty it is about people who think rules dont apply to them and fill out fraudulent paper work to fly with their animals which is why they made the change. Many people do need emotional support animals but when you try bring a freakin peacock on a plane as an emotional support animal then something has to be done.

1/1/2021 7:30:45 PM