On July 26, 2023 (the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released a final rule that amends the agency’s.
The US Department of Transportation now defines a service animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability”. The new rules limit the number of service animals a person may travel with to two and require individuals to file paperwork detailing their animal s behaviour, training and health status before they fly. American Airlines, which outlined its new policy Tuesday, said it will stop accepting emotional support animals February 1. Animals that previously travelled as emotional support animals may still accompany passengers as carry-on or cargo pets if they meet requirements, the airline said.