Emotional Support Animal

[madsark]

Hi,

I have had an emotional support animal the past couple months while I've been in college to help me deal with some issues. I have spring break coming up and was planning on bringing him. I have all the proper documentation, carriers, and notified the airline when making my reservation. The only problem is that he is a Holland Lop rabbit. When I was first looking to see if I could bring him, I saw no mention of him not being allowed onto the flight, especially if he would be in a carrier the entire time. Now as I do even more research, I'm seeing people say that only dogs and cats are allowed.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[chgoflyer · Accepted solution]

Southwest only accepts dogs and cats.

From the website:

NOTE: Southwest Airlines does not accept therapy dogs for transportation. We also do not allow Customers to travel with unusual or exotic animals (including, but not limited to: rodents, ferrets, insects, spiders, reptiles, hedgehogs, rabbits, or sugar gliders) acting as assistance animals or emotional support animals.

[dsn0625]

I personally find the increased number of emotional support animals flying to be quite alarming. Especially large breed dogs which have been on the last 2 SW flights I’ve flown. Luckily I’ve not had to sit near the animals but would hav been very unhappy if it happened. 

[chgoflyer]

---

@dsn0625 wrote:

I personally find the increased number of emotional support animals flying to be quite alarming. Especially large breed dogs which have been on the last 2 SW flights I’ve flown. Luckily I’ve not had to sit near the animals but would hav been very unhappy if it happened. 

---

Agreed, regarding large breed dogs. I would much rather have someone with a rabbit on their lap vs a large, seemingly untrained dog who must occupy the bulkhead row, and snips at passengers as we are boarding. 

[Rgtst1]

Couldn't agree more, I am thinking of getting a few random mastiff's at the animal shelter to take with me on my trip since I can't take my friend Mr. Rabbert Klein on Southwest.

What a silly administration of a generalized policy.

[dfwskier]

Of course the person you replied to, chgoflyer, six years ago was referring to emotional support animals -- that are no longer allowed.

Service dogs, which are highly trained beasts, are normally very well behaved.