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Handler Of Super-Sized Pooch He Brought On Airplane As “Emotional Support” Gets Reality Check
Interview With Expert
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?”
Highlights
- A video of a Great Dane on an airplane sparked heated debate online.
- A flight attendant was criticized for her seemingly negative reaction to the large emotional support dog.
- Critics questionned the appropriateness of the Great Dane as a support animal.
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.
RELATED:
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
View this post on Instagram
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
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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What do you think ?
Robert T 4 days ago
Is it okay if I bring my emotional support elephant? His name's Tiny and he only weighs 2 tonnes. I apologise in advance if he steps on anyone's foot. /s
JJ 4 days ago (edited)
Well, someone once took an elephant for a ride in a monorail: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuffi
Load More Replies...
Trillian 4 days ago
I understand service animals but this emotional support thing is getting out of hand. At the very least it should be animals that easily fit on your own lap.
Debbie 4 days ago
The emotional support thing is getting out of hand period. A medical support animal - that I agree with. But emotional - I'm getting desensitized/unsensitized when it comes to stories about them as it's usually a form of entitled bs. I vote for a passport for animals that state they are medical service animals, emotional support pets (aren't all pets emotional support pets??) or just "regular" pets, also indicated what kind of emotional/medical service. People should not need to show this passport to other random people, but when travelling like this they should have to be checked just like humans. And maybe when questioned by staff they should be able to show the ID as well. (Maybe with covered up medical speciality).
Load More Replies...
CatWoman1014 4 days ago
Aren’t all pets “emotional support animals” if we’re being technical? I find it a slap in the face to the people with disabilities who actually have a service animal.
MegDragon 4 days ago (edited)
Emotional support animals are technically for people with PTSD or extreme anxiety, etc who struggle to function in public. A trained animal can sense an episode (panic attack, dissociation, etc) coming on and help the person recenter. An uncontrolled attack of that kind can have similar negative effects as a seizure, diabetic crash, etc. That is how this all got started. Edit: my comment seems to be irritating some people, but I think we’re all in agreement, so I’m not sure why.
Load More Replies...
Shelli Aderman 4 days ago
Where’s their “Support animal” vest? I mean, cute doggo and all, but that’s a moose. And the flight attendant did nothing wrong.
KatSaidWhat 4 days ago
As a person who puts animals above humans, this really is getting out of hand.
KatSaidWhat 4 days ago
Also, I will be getting a comfort snake for next flight and letting him roam for his own comfort.
Load More Replies...
Grenelda Thurber 4 days ago
I think people are using "emotional support animal" status as a way to transport an animal that otherwise wouldn't be allowed in the cabin of an airplane. A regular airline seat is too small for a great Dane to ride comfortably. That said, I'll be bringing my emotional support kimodo dragon on my next flight. It's fine if I buy him his own seat, right?
Mason Kronol 4 days ago
I love dogs! I’ve been bit by a German Shepherd when I was nine, Rottweiler when I was about 16 and my own lab/husky about 27. I am not afraid of dogs. All these situations were not the dogs fault nor mine. But nobody needs a big dog for emotional support. Or any dog. They take a lot of care and if u are that emotional you can’t handle it. Service dogs/animals are different and have a support system to help monitor situations. Like people with PTSD, health concerns and disabilities. Not because you cry without your pet. Stop letting these people do this. Yes, I would rather sit next to a Great Dane but the idiot in Walgreens with her emotional support tiny yapping unbehaved dog on a long leash that almost tripped me should not be allowed in stores or planes.
Alexandre Jassoud 4 days ago
I have a tiger and a wolf as support animals. Do you think I can get on a plane with them?
LakotaWolf (she/her) 4 days ago
I can get on a plane with you. I am a wolf and I even have my own passport!
Load More Replies...
LakotaWolf (she/her) 4 days ago
It looks like the owner at least bought the dog a ticket/its own seat, at least, instead of trying to cram it into the footwells of the row XD
Aussi Panda 4 days ago
What if that massive dog did a giant poo mid flight? Who would clean it up? You would be stuck with the smell the rest of the way 🤢
Mason Kronol 4 days ago
What if the person is too emotionally unable to clean it up? If you have an honest service dog I will help clean up anything even though I hate flying and poo, but an “emotional I can’t cope” nope. Stay home and let us live.
Load More Replies...
Jessica SpeLangm 4 days ago
I do agree that the animal should be able to sit in a lap easily and not require it's own seat. That being said, ESA aren't regulated or even legally protected under federal law (in the USA specifically). The passenger bought the dog it's own seat and as long as it wasn't barking or getting in anyone else's way during the flight, I would just ignore them. But it IS too big, IMHO, to be considered an ESA and therefore shouldn't have been on the flight.
Janissary35680 4 days ago (edited)
Much as I'd love to have a great dane as a seatmate, there are so many things wrong (inconsistencies) in this story that I don't know where to begin.😵💫
J. Maxx 4 days ago
They loved their "Emotional" support animal so much that they put a Pinch Prong collar on him/her. That is a nasty thing to do to any animal, and it shows a lack of regard for the dog's comfort and a lack of training on the human's part. If your "Emotional" support animal needs such a device, they shouldn't be around other folks, especially in tight quarters, where they could easily freak out and cause damage.
Limey 4 days ago
Yep. I am a dog lover and I do think Americans are a little too weird about dogs in general, BUT this is going too far. And the peacock? I have had peacocks. They are beautiful but their brain is the size of a walnut. They are barely capable of emotionally supporting themselves. You could achieve just as much stress release and comfort from a plushy stuffed one. Clearly people are using the support designation to avoid having to transport animals the usual way.
Mason Kronol 4 days ago
Not to you but others, have you heard peacocks? I had a relative who lived near a farm with them. Lord today! It was screeching sometimes 😂 no reason any time.
Load More Replies...
Bamamom2boys 4 days ago
Before I had kids, I had a 230 lb English Mastiff. He was a trained therapy dog. I ended up buying a minivan and taking out the backseat so he could be comfy. I can't imagine ever taking him on a plane! We just drove everywhere if we took him with us on vacation.
Pyla 4 days ago
Airlines have their așshat on. First a woman gets her dog suffocated in the overhead, now this crąp.
Marsha Brown 3 days ago
I'm allergic to dogs. Outside, I can pet them, if I immediately wash my hands and arms and anywhere they might have touched. Inside, in a closed space, I can have a severe reaction; I can't imagine what would have happened if I'd been seated next to this dog. Not a single airline has ever asked whether I'm allergic to dogs, but they have the gall to book an animal like that, without enquiring of other passengers if it's safe (I'm not saying personally acceptable or not) to THEIR health if they're seated next to a person with a dog or other animal.
dwdyxhqzfp 3 days ago
I'm a huge dog lover...if I could take my dog on a plane I'd love it...but what about people with allergies?! If someone brought a cat like in the photo, my entire face would swell up...but hey as long as that ONE PERSON is comforted. And if the dog requires a prong collar than it's probably not trained well enough to travel like that.
cbwpqdgr7d 4 days ago
I love dogs but I’d be pretty annoyed too if a huge dog like that stepped on my foot. Medical service dogs are fine but the emotional support dogs are getting out of control. Maybe these people should try therapy and medication first. If you absolutely need an emotional support dog, it should be one that fits in your lap.
Willie D'Kay 2 days ago
As someone with severe dog allergy despite loving them so very much, this would be a nightmare. If a service dog comes into a shop, I can leave. If a service dog comes into a doctor office, I can leave. I cannot leave an airplane. A REAL service dog causes a difficult situation for me but that's unavoidable as their need is equal to my own. Someone wanting to travel with a pet should not override my medical need for them to be in the special live animal baggage area.
justme 4 days ago (edited)
My guess is they didn't want to pay to transport the dog in the approved airline dog kennel or however it is that pets usually are transported on airplanes. Pretty sure there is some way to send them like cargo just not in the cabin with people and they didn't want to pay for it or deal with it.
Robert T 4 days ago
Is it okay if I bring my emotional support elephant? His name's Tiny and he only weighs 2 tonnes. I apologise in advance if he steps on anyone's foot. /s
JJ 4 days ago (edited)
Well, someone once took an elephant for a ride in a monorail: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuffi
Load More Replies... Trillian 4 days ago
I understand service animals but this emotional support thing is getting out of hand. At the very least it should be animals that easily fit on your own lap.
Debbie 4 days ago
The emotional support thing is getting out of hand period. A medical support animal - that I agree with. But emotional - I'm getting desensitized/unsensitized when it comes to stories about them as it's usually a form of entitled bs. I vote for a passport for animals that state they are medical service animals, emotional support pets (aren't all pets emotional support pets??) or just "regular" pets, also indicated what kind of emotional/medical service. People should not need to show this passport to other random people, but when travelling like this they should have to be checked just like humans. And maybe when questioned by staff they should be able to show the ID as well. (Maybe with covered up medical speciality).
Load More Replies... CatWoman1014 4 days ago
Aren’t all pets “emotional support animals” if we’re being technical? I find it a slap in the face to the people with disabilities who actually have a service animal.
MegDragon 4 days ago (edited)
Emotional support animals are technically for people with PTSD or extreme anxiety, etc who struggle to function in public. A trained animal can sense an episode (panic attack, dissociation, etc) coming on and help the person recenter. An uncontrolled attack of that kind can have similar negative effects as a seizure, diabetic crash, etc. That is how this all got started. Edit: my comment seems to be irritating some people, but I think we’re all in agreement, so I’m not sure why.
Load More Replies... Shelli Aderman 4 days ago
Where’s their “Support animal” vest? I mean, cute doggo and all, but that’s a moose. And the flight attendant did nothing wrong.
KatSaidWhat 4 days ago
As a person who puts animals above humans, this really is getting out of hand.
KatSaidWhat 4 days ago
Also, I will be getting a comfort snake for next flight and letting him roam for his own comfort.
Load More Replies... Grenelda Thurber 4 days ago
I think people are using "emotional support animal" status as a way to transport an animal that otherwise wouldn't be allowed in the cabin of an airplane. A regular airline seat is too small for a great Dane to ride comfortably. That said, I'll be bringing my emotional support kimodo dragon on my next flight. It's fine if I buy him his own seat, right?
Mason Kronol 4 days ago
I love dogs! I’ve been bit by a German Shepherd when I was nine, Rottweiler when I was about 16 and my own lab/husky about 27. I am not afraid of dogs. All these situations were not the dogs fault nor mine. But nobody needs a big dog for emotional support. Or any dog. They take a lot of care and if u are that emotional you can’t handle it. Service dogs/animals are different and have a support system to help monitor situations. Like people with PTSD, health concerns and disabilities. Not because you cry without your pet. Stop letting these people do this. Yes, I would rather sit next to a Great Dane but the idiot in Walgreens with her emotional support tiny yapping unbehaved dog on a long leash that almost tripped me should not be allowed in stores or planes.
Alexandre Jassoud 4 days ago
I have a tiger and a wolf as support animals. Do you think I can get on a plane with them?
LakotaWolf (she/her) 4 days ago
I can get on a plane with you. I am a wolf and I even have my own passport!
Load More Replies... LakotaWolf (she/her) 4 days ago
It looks like the owner at least bought the dog a ticket/its own seat, at least, instead of trying to cram it into the footwells of the row XD
Aussi Panda 4 days ago
What if that massive dog did a giant poo mid flight? Who would clean it up? You would be stuck with the smell the rest of the way 🤢
Mason Kronol 4 days ago
What if the person is too emotionally unable to clean it up? If you have an honest service dog I will help clean up anything even though I hate flying and poo, but an “emotional I can’t cope” nope. Stay home and let us live.
Load More Replies... Jessica SpeLangm 4 days ago
I do agree that the animal should be able to sit in a lap easily and not require it's own seat. That being said, ESA aren't regulated or even legally protected under federal law (in the USA specifically). The passenger bought the dog it's own seat and as long as it wasn't barking or getting in anyone else's way during the flight, I would just ignore them. But it IS too big, IMHO, to be considered an ESA and therefore shouldn't have been on the flight.
Janissary35680 4 days ago (edited)
Much as I'd love to have a great dane as a seatmate, there are so many things wrong (inconsistencies) in this story that I don't know where to begin.😵💫
J. Maxx 4 days ago
They loved their "Emotional" support animal so much that they put a Pinch Prong collar on him/her. That is a nasty thing to do to any animal, and it shows a lack of regard for the dog's comfort and a lack of training on the human's part. If your "Emotional" support animal needs such a device, they shouldn't be around other folks, especially in tight quarters, where they could easily freak out and cause damage.
Limey 4 days ago
Yep. I am a dog lover and I do think Americans are a little too weird about dogs in general, BUT this is going too far. And the peacock? I have had peacocks. They are beautiful but their brain is the size of a walnut. They are barely capable of emotionally supporting themselves. You could achieve just as much stress release and comfort from a plushy stuffed one. Clearly people are using the support designation to avoid having to transport animals the usual way.
Mason Kronol 4 days ago
Not to you but others, have you heard peacocks? I had a relative who lived near a farm with them. Lord today! It was screeching sometimes 😂 no reason any time.
Load More Replies... Bamamom2boys 4 days ago
Before I had kids, I had a 230 lb English Mastiff. He was a trained therapy dog. I ended up buying a minivan and taking out the backseat so he could be comfy. I can't imagine ever taking him on a plane! We just drove everywhere if we took him with us on vacation.
Pyla 4 days ago
Airlines have their așshat on. First a woman gets her dog suffocated in the overhead, now this crąp.
Marsha Brown 3 days ago
I'm allergic to dogs. Outside, I can pet them, if I immediately wash my hands and arms and anywhere they might have touched. Inside, in a closed space, I can have a severe reaction; I can't imagine what would have happened if I'd been seated next to this dog. Not a single airline has ever asked whether I'm allergic to dogs, but they have the gall to book an animal like that, without enquiring of other passengers if it's safe (I'm not saying personally acceptable or not) to THEIR health if they're seated next to a person with a dog or other animal.
dwdyxhqzfp 3 days ago
I'm a huge dog lover...if I could take my dog on a plane I'd love it...but what about people with allergies?! If someone brought a cat like in the photo, my entire face would swell up...but hey as long as that ONE PERSON is comforted. And if the dog requires a prong collar than it's probably not trained well enough to travel like that.
cbwpqdgr7d 4 days ago
I love dogs but I’d be pretty annoyed too if a huge dog like that stepped on my foot. Medical service dogs are fine but the emotional support dogs are getting out of control. Maybe these people should try therapy and medication first. If you absolutely need an emotional support dog, it should be one that fits in your lap.
Willie D'Kay 2 days ago
As someone with severe dog allergy despite loving them so very much, this would be a nightmare. If a service dog comes into a shop, I can leave. If a service dog comes into a doctor office, I can leave. I cannot leave an airplane. A REAL service dog causes a difficult situation for me but that's unavoidable as their need is equal to my own. Someone wanting to travel with a pet should not override my medical need for them to be in the special live animal baggage area.
justme 4 days ago (edited)
My guess is they didn't want to pay to transport the dog in the approved airline dog kennel or however it is that pets usually are transported on airplanes. Pretty sure there is some way to send them like cargo just not in the cabin with people and they didn't want to pay for it or deal with it.
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