Are you afraid of flying? If you are, and had to fly somewhere on a plane for a holiday or meeting, would you feel better if you could carry your pet dog, cat or hamster? Stroking your pet when you feel stressed can make you feel better. What’s more, your furry friend would be able to stay with you!

In recent years, different airlines around the world have started to allow nervous passengers to carry an animal with them on their flight. To be able to do this, the person must have a letter from their doctor confirming that the animal will provide emotional support. The animals are then referred to as emotional support animals (e.s.a.’s). These should not be confused with a service dog that is a highly trained animal providing support to a blind person.

When e.s.a.’s were first allowed, people usually carried either their pet cat or dog. However, more recently, airlines have not only seen an increase in the number of people carrying an e.s.a., but also an increase in the different kinds of animals being brought on board.

There have been reports  of people carrying a turkey, a turtle and a rabbit. In 2018, a lady was asked to leave the aeroplane she was booked on when she carried a squirrel with her. The flight was delayed by two hours and the other passengers were not happy.

Passengers who wish to take an e.s.a. with them on a flight first need to register with the airline. Usually, there is a one-off fee which has to be paid. After this has been done, the animal gets to travel for free. Do you think people might be abusing the system? Information seems to suggest this may be the case.

United Airlines reported that in 2016, 43,000 emotional support animals were carried on their flights. In 2017, it was 76,000. Delta, another American airline, said that it now carried 700 e.s.a.’s every day. That’s nearly 250,000 per year!

Recently, the United State Congress gave airlines the power to refuse reptiles and monkeys.

VIDEO: Should miniature horses be included as emotional support animals?