American Zoo Airline's; No Longer Flying High in the Sky...

American Zoo Airline's 

No longer flying high in the sky...

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Question: How did animals on airlines get so out of control? 

Back in the day, mom and I flew with our miniature poodles, and it wasn't a big deal.  They went under the seat in a crate and everyone seemed to enjoy their cute little faces peeking out.  On occasion we would take them out of their cage,  so they could stretch their little legs.  It was fun holding them and seeing passengers nearby smile.  As for the bigger animals, of course,  they went underneath with the luggage. That seemed a bit scary to me,  but doable and everyone trusted they were well taken care of. 

However, things have changed over the years.  Now people are literally paying to have their animals on flights,  having them certified as "Service Animals or Emotional Support Animals (ESA’s)" so they can fly with them;  creating what appears to be a true zoo in the sky,  at least for a season,  which appears to be ending soon.

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 So what changed?  Here are my thoughts.

 Three primary reasons:

1. Disability Rights
2. Vague federal parameters
3. Complexities that arise from invisible disabilities

“Disability Rights” happened.  As such,  there is a greater awareness of people with disabilities who appear to have real needs.  The use of service dogs,  which may accompany persons with disabilities and assist,  makes complete sense,  especially when one can see the disability need.  But what about those whose disabilities we can’t see?  Invisible disabilities are often just as debilitating and require accommodations and assistance too,  but we will get to the details of that in a second.

 As a Disability Specialist, I cringe when someone asks me how to get their pet certified. 

Here's why...

1. Many many times, the animal is a "pet" plain and simple,  which minimizes a “true Service  Animal and their owner with a true disability.”
2. People should be questioning someone "charging them money" to get their animal certified.  I know it sounds important and good,  and the additional vest with a velcro service label is enticing,  but seriously.... being informed would save you some dough!
3. There are underlying issues that for me are far more serious to discuss: Character Traits, Need versus Want, Self versus Others, and the most important is as disability is on the rise,  the request for animals to be with their owner in public spaces is a hot topic for those who dare to have it.  It's easy to understand how vague federal parameters can cause incredible confusion,  but you may ask,  “What's the deal with invisible disabilities?” 

Do you or someone you know suffer from any of these conditions: Worry, Anxiety, OCD, Panic-Attacks, PTSD, Depression, Loneliness, Chronic Illness, An Episodic Medical Diagnosis?

• About one in five (20%) adults suffer from a diagnosable mental illness in a given year.
• Every day, approximately 123 Americans die by suicide and there is one death by suicide in the US every 12 minutes.  
• In addition, today, an estimated 133 million Americans – nearly half the population – suffer from at least one chronic illness, such as hypertension, heart disease and arthritis.  That figure is 15 million higher than just a decade ago, and by 2030, this number is expected to reach 170 million.

Do you see the problem?  As many know, animals cause a chemical reaction that reduces the negative impact of stress and makes us feel good.  So, is it any wonder the prevalence of ESA’s and Service Animals have skyrocketed? 

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What’s the difference? Let’s talk about the difference between Service Animals and ESA’s. 

• Service Animals literally “perform a task” to assist a person with a disability anywhere when needed.  This is defined in the American Disabilities Act. The animal is either a dog or miniature horse.
• ESA’s provide emotional support primarily in a residence or dwelling; so only in designated areas, again a home dwelling. ESA’s fall under the Fair Housing Act.  The animal is either a dog, miniature horse, snake, spider, rabbit, etc.

The operational definition of “task performed” and “presence of the animal as a task in performance” are confusing.  For example, a veteran who suffers from PTSD could say the task performed is that,  “My Service Animal places his nose/head on me to warn me someone is coming up behind me.”  A person with a diagnosis of anxiety could say,  “My ESA being with me gives me the courage to walk into social settings and by staying with me, keeps me calm so I can do the task before me, like learn or work.”  It’s easy to see how both benefit from the presence of the animal. 

I don’t know how many conversations I have had advocating for ESA’s?  And one primary reason is the unbelief of the person's disability being real when it is unseen.  “They look fine. I saw them laughing with their friends at an event last night.  Now you tell me they need their ESA here?  Why didn’t they take it with them last night if they are so emotionally unstable?  I understand they get rights, but what about mine? I feel like the law is just making everything… Whatever, just tell me what I have to do!”

So, what am I saying?  In short I’m saying, vague federal guidelines, disability bias, confusion between Service Animals and ESA’s, and last but not least, the increasing number of stressed people who live in a customizable, global world have caused a mess.  It makes sense how the airlines ended up creating flying zoo’s,  and it will require as many of us as possible in HR and those in the field of DEI to educate ourselves and intentionally teach and practice flexibility and understanding!  

And most of all,  when it comes to the field of disability, to avoid your participation in creating a zoo,  essential best practice is: Set clear, defined expectations.  Keep it simple,  and communicate in a meaningful way for diverse learners and abilities!

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Your Challenge: 

1. As our world changes and we react to it, the new picture of diversity and inclusion in many spaces, remember it will likely include animals:) 
2. Please review federal and state laws for Service and ESA's, as well as animal policies in your workspace, as well as the businesses or dwellings you want to visit.   

If you would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to chat over a virtual coffee.

Cheers and Blessings, 

Tabitha Pope