Quote:
Originally Posted by farmerjohn911
Here is the new pet scam. If you go to a doctor they can write a note that allows you to claim your pet as a "comfort animal." This cannot be questioned by the airlines.
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It would be tragic if those who abuse the system caused those who really do need the service to be denied that service. I would ask that you please just remember 3 things.
1) War veterans suffering from PTSD are one of the most common users of Psychiatric Support Dogs.
2) Service animals travel on planes to help folks with the anxiety of air travel, yes, but don't forget about the destination. Some may not need their service dogs on the plane, but do need them where they are going. If someone was going to be away for a week, you wouldn't ask them to leave their medication at home. They need it and have to take it every day. A service dog provides a legitimate medical support service prescribed by a doctor.
3) Disabilities do not have to be visible to the public. In fact, one reason the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) was enacted was to guarantee a person's privacy with respect to their medical/physical/mental health. We appreciate this protection, and do not desire to have our business known because an airline is handling it rather than a medical professional who must comply with HIPPA. Disabled people are not required to limp, struggle to breathe, wear a bracelet, or provide any other indicator of the nature of their condition in order to be taken seriously. If dishonest people hide inside this right to privacy to abuse the system, that would be unfortunate, but I fly a lot, and as another user stated, I'm just not seeing the Noah's ark situation happening out there.