Emotional Support Scam

Because untrained dogs/cats/horses/ pigs/turkeys/ducks are showing up at the ticket counter with falsified documents, the ticket agents they cannot refuse the animal. 

Last June a 70 pound “support animal” bit another passenger several times in the face on a Delta plane in Atlanta causing the victim to be hospitalized.

Starting March 1,  Before an animal will be accepted in the passenger cabin, Delta requires documentation and approval  48 hours in advance. They hope that this will ensure the safety for all passengers on board.

Schwenker is the mother of twin boys with autism and her family has a service dog, Barkley.

“We worked hard to provide Barkley for our boys,” she said. “We work hard yearly to keep him properly trained, make sure he has veterinarian care and is certified yearly through 4 Paws for Ability.”

She said people who pretend to need an animal for support just to travel without paying fees are being disrespectful of those with disabilities.

“When someone says to me, ‘I wish I could bring my dog with me everywhere,’ I ask, ‘What disability would you like to have in order to do this?’ That response always ends that conversation!”