A Great Dane boarding a plane sparked heated debate. While some slammed a flight attendant’s visibly annoyed reaction, others criticized the inappropriateness of the size of the pet allowed as an emotional support animal. Taking to his Instagram page on Sunday (December 15), life coach Rob asked: “Have we taken this support animal thing too far?”

Rob shared a clip, which has since amassed nearly 6 million views. In the video, seemingly filmed from Rob’s seat, a Great Dane could be seen boarding the plane.

The Great Dane, sometimes labeled the “Apollo of Dogs,” is a breed of dog that can measure up to 32 inches (81 centimeters) and weigh up to 175 pounds (just over 79 kilograms).

Moreover, it is one of the two largest dog breeds in the world, along with the Irish Wolfhound. Safe to say that the pooch made an impressive entrance when entering the plane.

A Great Dane boarding a plane sparked heated debate

Image credits: Suhyeon Choi/Unsplash (not the actual photo)

So much so that the flight attendant welcoming the passengers was captured making an apparent irritated face.

In the video, the same flight attendant could also be heard exclaiming, “Ow!” as the majestic four-legged friend accidentally stepped on her foot.

The viral clip left many people divided—an Instagram user commented: “Not a single ‘dog lover’ criticized the owner for the metal pinch collar around that pup’s neck, but we’re trashing the flight attendant for being annoyed her she has to accommodate the owner’s additional ‘needs,’ and complications a huge pet like that might cause. 

“She’s a flight attendant, not a dog sitter, and yes…not a child care provider either (speaking to parents who don’t control their children on flights). 

Image credits: stock.adobe (not the actual photo)

“We have such a lack of respect for service workers and courtesy for others for the purpose of meeting our own needs—it’s absolutely ridiculous to read comments devaluing humans over pets. 

“Love my pups, but the world doesn’t revolve around me, nor should it revolve around them.”

A person wrote: “Team Flight Attendant.”

Someone else penned: “The amount of hate the flight attendant is getting for being STEPPED on is wild.”

Some slammed a flight attendant’s visibly annoyed reaction

Image credits: clearpath_coach

“Yall care about dogs more than humans,” a netizen added. “The flight attendant did nothing wrong. The fact people are bashing her in these comments is absurd.”

A viewer shared: “I’d rather sit next to the sweet giant than another person.”

A commentator added: “The dog looks a lot nicer and pleasant than the flight attendant.”

A separate individual chimed in: “I am a dog lover, but this is getting absolutely ridiculous. I am all for trained service animals… this is not one of them.”

Image credits: clearpath_coach

As opposed to a service animal, which is specially trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, an emotional support animal provides comfort and companionship but does not require specific training.

As per the Americans with Disabilities Act, trained service dogs are not required to be certified or go through a professional training program, and they are allowed to be with their person even in places that don’t allow pets.

The Act further forbids someone from requesting any documentation that the dog is registered, licensed, or certified as a service animal, as well as asking the dog to demonstrate their task or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability.

Others criticized the inappropriateness of the size of the pet allowed as an emotional support animal

 

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A post shared by Rob – The ClearPath Coach (@clearpath_coach)

While US airlines no longer allow emotional support animals to fly in the cabin without charge, as they do with trained service dogs for disabilities, some international airlines still permit these animals to travel in the cabin, ESA Doctors explains.

To fly with an emotional support animal (ESA) on participating airlines, a traveler generally needs a letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP), such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. 

This letter confirms that the animal is necessary for the traveler’s mental well-being. The LMHP will also need to complete forms provided by the airline to certify the need for an emotional support animal during the flight.

The US Department of Transportation moved to tighten regulations around flying with emotional support critters, insisting that only trained service dogs should be permitted to cruise the clouds with their disabled owners, The New York Post reported in 2020.

Image credits: clearpath_coach

The push for new limitations came after airline passengers tried getting away with passing off peacocks and snakes as emotional support companions.

Update 19/12/2024 09:15 CET: Since 2021, emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognized as assistance animals under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and are treated as pets, while fully trained service dogs remain protected. 

Fully trained service dogs like Great Danes can face cabin space limitations and safety positioning challenges, but their calm and trained behavior helps mitigate these issues, according to Prairie Conlon, the clinical director at OnePet.

Taking to his Instagram page on Sunday (December 15), life coach Rob asked: “Have we taken this support animal thing too far?”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rob – The ClearPath Coach (@clearpath_coach)

She highlighted public frustration over untrained ESAs, safety, and logistical challenges with large service dogs.

Prairie told Bored Panda in an email: “Since ESAs are no longer allowed on planes, any frustration among airline staff typically arises from passengers attempting to misrepresent pets as service animals. 

“This erodes trust in the system and places additional burdens on staff to enforce rules while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers.”

Image credits: Guinness World Records

The advocate for ESAs explained that airlines could balance the needs of passengers with service animals and those who feel inconvenienced by enforcing clear policies requiring documentation and restricting access to fully trained animals.

Additional measures, such as improved education, pre-boarding screenings for large dogs, and designated seating areas, could further enhance comfort and minimize disruptions.

“Public opinion has significantly shifted,” Prairie noted. “Reports of untrained ESAs causing disturbances onboard flights led to a backlash, prompting the Department of Transportation’s 2021 rule change. 

New limitations came after passengers tried getting away with passing off peacocks and snakes as emotional support companions

Image credits: ladbible

“Now, only fully trained service dogs are protected under the ACAA, reflecting the public’s desire for clearer boundaries and stricter enforcement.”

Commenting on pinch collars, a tool that was visible in the viral clip of the Great Dane boarding the plane, Prairie said: “While service dogs are highly trained to behave without needing restrictive tools, the use of such equipment raises concerns about the animal’s well-being.

“Ethical handling emphasizes comfort, positive reinforcement, and the use of equipment designed to ensure safety without causing distress, particularly in high-stress environments like airplanes.”

Image credits: juliamarae_

She concluded: “The current rules regarding service animals are designed to ensure safety and accessibility while minimizing disruptions. 

“It’s critical to educate the public on the difference between service animals and pets, reinforcing the importance of training and proper documentation. 

“This distinction not only protects the rights of individuals with disabilities but also helps create a smoother experience for all travelers.”

“It’s getting out of hand,” a reader commented

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