The CertaPet team is back with a new newsletter with the latest happenings in the Emotional Support and Service Animals community. This week, we will focus on a boarding house fire in Dalton and Delta Airlines Policy on fake Service Animals.
Content warning: The second story contains sensitive content involving multiple dog deaths due to fire. Please read with caution.
Delta Air Lines Defines Its Policy Regarding Service Animals
Delta Air Lines clarified its policy on Service Animals for customers after a passenger argued with the agent at the check-in counter.
The airline is trying to discourage passengers from using the Service Animal loophole and stop people from passing off the ESAs and pets as trained Service Animals.
The policy clarification comes after a passenger tried to pretend their Shiba Inu was a Service Dog so their pet could travel free of charge. Delta Air Lines has reiterated that their procedures regarding trained Service Animals remain the same.
The carrier only allows trained Service Animals, this includes trained Psychiatric Service Dogs, to travel in the cabin along with individuals with disabilities. They also require customers with Service Animals to complete a form from the US Department of Transportation. Airline staff is only required to ask 2 questions pertaining to your PSD/Service Animal.
Additionally, the airline doesn’t recognize Emotional Support Animals, and the airline will prohibit Service Animals from high-risk countries (as per the CDC) from traveling on US flights later this year.
Source: SimpleFlying
Several Canines Pass Away At A House Fire in Dalton, Georgia
This Friday, eleven dogs tragically passed away due to a house fire in Dalton, Georgia. The canines were supposed to be lodged at ‘Barks and Bubbles’, a boarding and grooming facility in the same city.
However, according to the latest investigations, the canines ended up at Bert Smith’s house. Smith is currently engaged in divorce proceedings with the owner of Barks and Bubbles, Tyler Smith.
One of the dog owners says she dropped off her pet at the Barks and Bubbles Pet Salon. State records reveal that the State of Georgia received a call from the owner of the Salon informing them he wouldn’t be renewing the business license.
The license expired on June 30th, and later the owner moved the dogs to his house, where they passed away. While reports show that Bert Smith contacted 911 after being informed of the house fire, the owners are devastated at losing their beloved pets.
Owner Jada Loftin boarded her dogs, Jacob and Dolly, at Barks and Bubbles for the 4th of July weekend. She was informed of the fire and subsequent deaths when she called in to check on her pets.
The Whitfield County Fire Department stated they didn’t have the equipment to rescue the dogs from the burning home and are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Source: NewsChannel9
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
The tragic passing of eleven beloved canines in the Dalton house fire has no doubt affected animal lovers all over the nation. Our hearts go out to the owners, and we hope they find the strength to bear the loss.
As for the Delta Airlines story, this is nothing new. Trained Service Animals or Psychiatric Service Dogs are allowed on board as they do not need to follow the pet policy. We fully understand not everyone qualifies for a PSD (or Service Animal) though, and if you do not, your furry friend must follow the pet policy in place by the airlines.
If you’re living with a mental illness, getting an Emotional Support Animal could really help your recovery. These loving animals could ease your symptoms and help you live a happier, fuller life. If you’re ready to start the process, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional who will have a consultation with you. Then, if you qualify, you’ll get your ESA letter in no time.