[redwitch]

I love critters, especially the fuzzy kind. If I could convince my cat halters are a good thing I would happily take her out for walks. However, I truly resent people who game the system by insisting their animal is needed everywhere when it isn’t. I want those that truly need the animal to be allowed to shop, eat, travel with that animal but it should be trained for the job. A comfort dog is not an emotional support dog. A true emotional support dog is trained to help a human when needed. They can and do help control PTSD flashbacks, calm an autistic child, help with severe depression.

Quite simply, the laws need to be changed. ESA should be certified. The government should issue a card saying there is a need for the ESA to accompany the human. The issuance of the card should require a written note from a qualified physician (with fines if there is a falsification) and be for a limited amount of time. The card should have a picture of the animal. Stores, restaurants, airlines, etc. should request to see the card. No card, no critter. Simple. None of this would invade the privacy of the person needing an ESA, but would help stop some of the abuses.

Alaska Airlines has the right idea. Here’s hoping other airlines follow this trend.