Rules on support animals tightening

Airlines like United and Delta are tightening their rules on emotional-support animals kept in the cabin due to a rising number of complications that are impacting their passengers’ safety, according to USA Today.

United carried around 76,000 such animals last year, and a few high-profile incidents such as their refusal to allow a peacock onboard a flight and a support dog biting another passenger in the face have forced them to act before things get more out of hand, according to a spokesman.

Starting in March, all passengers were required to notify the airline about the animals 48 hours in advance and provide a note from a medical professional substantiating their need for the animal. The animals also need to be trained to behave in public to avoid issues like urination or attacking other people. These rules will help protect those truly in need while preventing fraud.