The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently announced it is seeking public comment on the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulation in regards to the transportation of service animals.
USDOT has been notified that improvements can be made to the ACAA to both protect the disabled and prevent fraud.
“The Department recognizes the integral role that service animals play in the lives of many individuals with disabilities and wants to ensure seamless access to air transportation for individuals with disabilities while also helping to deter the fraudulent use of animals not qualified as service animals,” the USDOT notice said.
USDOT is seeking comments on 10 aspects of the law including prohibiting airlines from requiring a veterinary health form or immunization record from service animal users without an individualized assessment, treating psychiatric service animals similar to other service animals, limiting the species of service animals and emotional support animals, and limiting the number of service animals and emotional support animals per passenger.
Comments will close 45 days after the USDOT notice is published in the Federal Register.
USDOT said it will also enforce rules regarding the transportation of service animals in the cabin and will address clear violations that negatively impact a large number of people.