Delta tightens restrictions on emotional support animals

Susie Aga, founder of Atlanta Dog Trainer, a "premier dog training and behavior modification center in the Southeast," (Atlantadogtrainer.com) communicates with a variety of different dogs using a training ramp within her facility.

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Susie Aga, founder of Atlanta Dog Trainer, a "premier dog training and behavior modification center in the Southeast," (Atlantadogtrainer.com) communicates with a variety of different dogs using a training ramp within her facility.

Traveling with an “emotional support animal” on a Delta flight is about to get a little trickier.

Emotional support animals in special vests have become a more common sight around airports and on flights in recent years. But in the wake of a horrific mauling of a passenger by another traveler's emotional support dog on a Delta plane l­­­ast year, the airline is changing its policy.

Starting March 1, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines plans to require passengers traveling with emotional support animals to submit a “confirmation of animal training” form signed by the passenger indicating the animal can behave, along with proof of health or vaccinations submitted online 48 hours in advance of their flight. The new rules are in addition to the current requirement of a letter from a doctor or licensed mental health professional.

Get more on MyAJC.com: To read more about the mauling incident on a Delta flight and why there aren't stricter regulations of emotional support animals on flights, get the full story on MyAJC.com .

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Delta mauling puts focus on 'support animal' rules Delta plans to require more documentation for emotional support animals in the cabin, in the wake of a dog attack on a Delta plane last year.