The old adage “if pigs could fly” may finally be coming true, as America’s Department of Transportation (DoT) paves the way for animals to be allowed onboard flights.
The government department has released guidelines which may see commercial flights turning into a veritable Noah’s Ark, with “service animals” that could include miniature horses, pot-bellied pigs and even monkeys taking to the air to provide “emotional support” for their owners.
“Generally, you must permit a passenger with a disability to be accompanied by a service animal,” the DoT’s guide reads.
“However, if you have a reasonable basis for questioning whether the animal is a service animal, you may ask for some verification.”
Service animals must meet a list of criteria issued by airport staff before they are permitted to accompany their owners on flights.
This will include answering questions about any training the animal has received and details of how the animal aids the passenger.
If there is any doubt over whether they fall into the service animal category, airline staff can call a Complaints Resolution Official or ask for additional verification.
The manual continues: “Finally, if you determine that the pot-bellied pig is a service animal, you must permit the service animal to accompany the passenger to her seat provided the animal does not obstruct the aisle or present any safety issues and the animal is behaving appropriately in a public setting”.
Pot-bellied pigs can be trained to open and close doors and use a litter box, as well as offering reassurance to their owners.
“They seem to have a sense if the owner is not feeling well to stay by them. They help me a great deal when I feel at my worst,” said Wendy Ponzo, of the North American Pot-bellied Pig Association, who has multiple sclerosis.
(Image: DanDee Shots)
