A recent post on Reddit claimed that Delta Air Lines was cracking down on fake service animals, sparking a discussion around the issue of passengers attempting to bring animals on flights. However, Delta has clarified that its policy on service animals remains unchanged.

The post, titled “Delta cracking down on fake service animals!” and shared on the r/Delta subreddit by user u/averagecrazyliberal, recounted an altercation witnessed by the poster at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. According to the post, a passenger was trying to pass off a Shiba Inu dog wearing a red Amazon vest as a service animal. The user stated that, according to a Delta agent, the airline was tightening its rules, only allowing trained service animals without charge and out of bags on flights.

This Reddit post garnered significant attention, receiving 4,300 upvotes and sparking a conversation about the misuse of service animal designations. However, Delta has stated that there has been no change to its policy on trained service animals. The airline responded to the incident, telling Newsweek, “There hasn’t been any change to our policy on this, so not sure if there was some miscommunication between one customer and an agent perhaps.”

The Reddit post also mentioned that proof of training, such as Department of Transportation documentation, may be required to validate a dog as a trained service animal. Delta’s clarification reinforces the fact that the airline has specific guidelines in place regarding service animals and their acceptance on board aircraft.

Notably, Delta issued an apology to a woman last month after she was asked to give up her seat for an “emotional Support” dog. Since 2020, U.S. airlines have not been obligated to transport emotional Support animals, marking an end to the practice of passengers bringing dogs, horses, and even pigs on board for psychological reasons.

Delta Air Lines allows qualified individuals with disabilities to travel with trained service animals in the cabin. The airline no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals. Trained service animals, along with their associated items, are allowed to travel free of charge, provided their size does not exceed the passenger’s seat footprint, as explained on Delta’s website.

The Redditor who witnessed the altercation at the airport expressed satisfaction with the alleged new rules, particularly as someone who follows the regulations when traveling with their pets. The Reddit post received Support from commenters who praised Delta for not allowing fake service animals on board. One commenter expressed frustration with individuals who falsely claim their pets as service animals, noting the negative impact it has on those who genuinely rely on service animals for assistance.

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to only adopt instead of shopping. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

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