When traveling with my service dog, Bailey, I often hear, “Gee, I wish I could take my pet along.”
I understand how hard it is to leave the family dog or cat. Now, there is good news for small pet owners from Southwest Airlines. Starting June 17, small dogs and cats (that can be stowed under the passenger’s seat) will be able to fly in the cabin.
Sorry. Pets do not earn rapid rewards and unaccompanied minors will not be able to bring their pets. The cost is $75 each way. No more than two (of same species) will be allowed per pet carrier and each passenger is allowed only one carrier.
Now for the rules:
Having a pet does not entitle the passenger to pre-board. Don’t plan on taking a carry-on as the pet carrier replaces it. Pets must remain in the carrier at all times; no letting their head or tails pop out during the flight. Cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old.
The animals must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless and require no attention during flight. SWA’s policy states: “We maintain the right to refuse acceptance of a cat or dog exhibiting aggressive behavior or any other characteristics that appear incompatible with air travel.”
What happens if there is a disturbance in air? Would they make an emergency landing for a barking dog?
Southwest Airlines will not be responsible if a customer misses a flight due to the need to take the cat or dog to an outside relief area. If the pet becomes ill during the flight, oxygen or other first-aid procedures will not be administered. In the event of an emergency, an oxygen mask may not be available for the cat or dog. Southwest Airlines assumes no liability for the health or well-being of pets. Finally, Southwest Airlines will not accept pet remains in the cabin of the aircraft.
Since $75 is often much cheaper than a kennel or other vacation pet arrangements, I have to wonder how many irresponsible owners will think they can just put their dog in a carrier with no more forethought than given to a piece of luggage.
I certainly don’t want to sound elitist – “I can take my dog but you can’t take your pet.” However, there is a very big difference between pets and service dogs — in training, health and grooming of the animal.
Will people bring small dogs and cats not appropriate for travel such as animals prone to motion sickness, yapping dogs and cats that cry and claw at the carrier the entire flight? How will they plan for the discomfort to the animal’s ears on take off and landing? What about grooming standards that service dogs must meet for the safety of other passengers and animals (dander, fleas, ticks)?
According to the FAQ section of the SWA website, “Southwest does not require a health certificate or any other documentation from the Customer’s veterinarian for pets to travel.”
But according to their pet policy, “Southwest Airlines accepts small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs.” How do they know whether they are vaccinated and for what?
Traveling with a dog presents its own set of challenges. Bailey has gone through hundreds of hours of training and I have completed several public access courses. This ensures that the dog is well-behaved and not a threat to other travelers. Additionally, the dog needs protection from high-risk situations common with air travel. Other passengers should not be impacted by the presence of the dog. The owner must know the signs of stress and the relief schedule of their animals.
Again, I think this is wonderful news from SWA, and I am not concerned about people who have animals for show or competing — as they generally have the same standards for behavior, health and grooming as service dogs.
I am concerned about Aunt Betty’s dog, FiFi, and for her fellow passengers. Betty can’t stand to leave little FiFi even though FiFi is a terror, yaps constantly, and bites ankles and small children.
It has taken years of education and the proven track record of service animals working well to gain the current level of acceptance.
I just hope I don’t have to sit by a yapping dog for the whole flight.
Darcie Gore earned a master’s degree in social work and enjoyed working with diverse populations for over 30 years. She is a stroke survivor and is assisted by Bailey, her service dog. Darcie has been married to Jim since she was 17 years old. They have two grown children, Laura and Jeff, and live in a retirement community.
