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(JD) · Aug 21, 2009, 06:55 PM

Regarding service animals... you're right, emotional support animals are not yet recognized as guide or service animals. However, if we can all train the potential dogs (etc) and not push weight around, and help to self-govern those with emotional support animals...there's a good chance they will be accepted in the future.
Already there are some airlines that will allow you to fly with them in the cabin. Yes, they have to be small enough to fit in the carrier that goes under the seat, but some won't charge you the $50 like for regular animals (so I've heard.)
My dog is a service animal and flies with me ...he is also allowed to go anywhere I can go as a public citizen. But even so, there is no National Certification program, and the guidelines listed are for government acceptance, to have some base for all. ( YOU HAVE TO KNOW there are those who just want to take their lovey pet with them everywhere, and break the law to do so by saying it's a service animal.]
There are a few organizations helping to compose a master list of basic training and capability requirements for guide and service animals. I think once that is in place (a few more years maybe?) Then the other assistance animals (like therapy animals too) will come right along behind.