In my column last week, we asked, "Do you think pets should be allowed on commercial airplanes?"
Well, 56.7 percent said "No," while 43.3 percent answered, "Yes."
We then asked for any other thoughts -- and there were quite a few!
>Yes, but properly stowed.
>Small and in a carrier that fits under the seat. NOT out of a carrier. Large dogs go underneath - I flew my Border Collie from Boston to Seattle almost 20 years ago. When I moved to Ohio from Washington State the 2 dogs rode with me in a car, my wife & kids flew.
>There are many people who live alone and only have pets. If they have to travel, there is no one at home to take care of their pet. Yes, one could board their pet. I have often done that, but I always feel horribly when I drop my dog off. She definitely lets me know as I walk through the door that she is not happy with me. Then I don't have quite as good of a trip thinking about that.
>If the person is visually impaired and needs a seeing eye dog. Or if the person is a K9 officer. Otherwise, drop the pet off at a friend or relatives house prior to the trip. It probably needs a vacation away from you too.
>Animals of any type, should be in a carrier and separate from the passenger/pilot areas. However, this area does need to be pressurized and temperature controlled.
>This is the society we have crafted. We cannot judge. I want more judging! If you have anxiety, get therapy. I see animals in restaurants too. That is a dog's rear end on the booth. I don't want to sit there and eat after that! We are going insane as a society.......
>I said no but in the case of a blind person okay. That would be the only exception.
>I am waiting for the flight that has someone with a draft horse, for after all, it is a service animal.
>If they are kept in their carriers and possibly sedated.
>There are a lot of people with allergies to pets. If I cannot have peanuts due to others allergies, why are pets allowed?
>There are all kinds of emotional crutches, pets, alcohol, drugs, make life hard for others showing macho-strength........... About time safety came back to flying - pets are an unnecessary detraction for the crews. Cage at the back of the cabin should suffice.
>Unfortunately, the well intentioned service animal concept has been so twisted and abused, there is no hope of returning to a meaningful state. Perhaps it's a tactic for regaining a sense of control in response to the perceived injustices committed by airlines.
>These "service animals" are just another scam that allows people to get one on everyone else. Just like "medical marijuana", most are pure hoax, the result of some doctor not having the guts to call a spade a spade, or some doctor seeing the chance for easy money.
>But only registered "seeing eye dogs" accompanying a legally blind person. All the rest ride in the baggage bay. I have always had cats and dogs; was always able to avoid putting them on a plane, bus, or train.
>Small pets in a cage, given dramamine for their comfort & ours. We have occasionally travelled w/ dogs this way. You might get a chuckle out of our raising a pig for therapy use. Kids loved it but it was short lived due to city codes.
>We are wimps and it is disgusting. Last year I was on a flight with a couple who each had a 'service' dog with them - full friggin sized dogs - taking up my foot space and the woman's next to me who basically had to sit with me the entire flight. Pissed me off! I'll end up losing my job some day because of these inconsiderate selfish bores will cause me to flip out ...
>And NO!
>Didn't pets used to go with baggage in a cage to retrieve at destination? Just another sad commentary on our society that animals are more important than people. If so emotionally unstable that the animal has to go along, perhaps too emotionally unstable to fly also? Service dogs are wonderful for folks who truly need them, but like everything, privileges become abused.
>I wonder how much damage a terrorist could do with a well trained "service animal"
>A service animal should be so certified and emotional support should be provided by a Dr.
>But- NOT - service dogs- for emotional support- unless referred- by a psychiatrist and md- and with permission- all of the persons grown children- HA. My point is that some should be allowed- but very seldom- and with minimum disruption of the other passengers. Plus - give a $100 bill to the passenger immediately adjacent- upon the half way point in the flight.
>The only exception should be for service dogs for the blind.
>Since you can buy a "service dog" vest anywhere, the airlines should require a valid certificate of service dog training and certification. There is a valid need for some, but mostly the truly handicapped.
>genuine max twenty pound service dogs OK, all others for emotional issues they can go by car or bus or boat or walk I don't care.
>IATA / ICAO should set standards as to what are service animals, what space can they take, if they go in cabin or cargo, or treated same as oversize carry-on that they take at boarding, and who pays for the excess space & weight, and other relevant issues............
>My opinion: only allow dogs helping blind people.
>As you say...if you want to travel with your pet take your own car.
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