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Emotional support animals are companions that a medical professional has prescribed as helpful to someone with a disability. These animals are usually regular pets like dogs, cats and occasionally rabbits or guinea pigs. Many airlines recognize that flying causes great anxiety to many people, and so allow emotional support animals to fly aboard planes with their humans.

Like all nice, good and helpful things however, there are always people that will go too far and ruin it for everyone else. This list, compiled by Bored Panda, is a series of times when people brought unusual, unnecessary and just frankly ridiculous animals along for their 'emotional support,' and while some here have a genuine need, many are just abusing a concept that has a real purpose for many people.

Scroll down to see what we mean for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments.

#1

Duck On Flight

Duck On Flight

Daniel the Duck is a certified emotional support animal, who helps his owner Carla Fitzgerald battle the post traumatic stress disorder. “Everyone just took notice of him and fell in love,” Fitzgerald told ABC News. “I mean, he’s an adorable, funny and sweet little guy. He was very well behaved at the airport and during the flight.”

Mark Essig Report

EHops
Community Member
6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at the little Daniel's shoes!! 😀

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    #2

    Pony On An Flight

    Pony On An Flight

    Flirty The Mini Service Horse (a.k.a. Flirty) is a miniature horse who is a service animal. She is a very small miniature horse, standing only 27 inches tall and weighing just over 130 lbs, who loves attention and helping her disabled owner/handler, Abrea Hensley. Abrea is allergic to dogs and has post-traumatic stress disorder, so she takes Flirty everywhere she goes. The little mare reminds Hensley to take her medication and provides support when she becomes overwhelmed

    Flirty The Mini Service Horse , FlirtyTheSH Report

    Tracey Tait
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually mini horses and dogs are the only animals that can be registered as Service Animals. So the horse is completely trainable a performs the same assistance as a dog.

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    #3

    Emotional Support Peacock, Trying To Board A Flight From Newark To L.a

    Emotional Support Peacock, Trying To Board A Flight From Newark To L.a

    This woman brought along her emotional support peacock for her flight to L.A. from Newark Airport. It didn’t go well. Despite being warned three times that Dexter the peacock would not be allowed to travel with her, conceptual artist Ventiko showed up at the airport anyway. Dexter was promptly turned away by United Airlines

    dexterthepeacock , thejetsettv Report

    Caridina Japonica
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember a boredpanda article about this mediocre "artist". She bought this peacock for an "art" project, then registered him online as an emotional support animal so she can transport him by plane for free (which I would call a lot of things, beginning with inapropriate, stupid, fraudulently, b****y...). There is absolutely NO EMOTIONAL SUPPORT provided by that blue siren chicken.

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    #4

    'Emotional Support' Pig Kicked Off Flight For Being Disruptive

    'Emotional Support' Pig Kicked Off Flight For Being Disruptive

    Woman has been kicked off her plane for bringing a 70-pound pig on board for 'emotional support'. She made it to the plane and was sitting with the pig on her lap, however, before long, the pig was reported as being 'out of control' and disruptive. So the passenger was asked to get off.

    @ianbremmer Report

    Ana Ferreira
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An animal that actually uses squealing like it's being murdered as a defense mechanism, and is pretty easily triggered is a terrible idea for a support animal to take to a strange and confined environment.

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    #5

    Pig On Flight

    Pig On Flight

    goldboxatl Report

    Hard 2 Guess
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here it is folks. If you ever thought you'll do something when pigs fly then you need to get started on that.

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    #6

    My Friend Had An 'Emotional Support Turkey' On Her Flight To Seattle

    My Friend Had An 'Emotional Support Turkey' On Her Flight To Seattle

    Easter the turkey was Jodie Smalley's support animal. Smalley found it 'as a shivering chick standing in the road on Easter Day', hence the name. “Easter came to me as a tiny poult at an emotionally difficult time in my life being in a mentally abusive and failing marriage,” Smalley explained

    averym88 Report

    #7

    Monkey Business! Meet Gizmo Who Stirred All That Trouble On A Las Vegas Bound Frontier Airlines Flight

    Monkey Business! Meet Gizmo Who Stirred All That Trouble On A Las Vegas Bound Frontier Airlines Flight

    Marmoset Gizmo got through TSA screening and boarded a Frontier Airlines flight from Columbus, Ohio to Las Vegas. Gizmo's owner, Jason Ellis, didn't warn other passengers or crew about his emotional support pet, so their surprise when Gizmo started poking its head out of Ellis's shirt was understandable. Gizmo was never loose on flight and stuck to owner's shirt the entire time.

    nateoneal Report

    Cora Fields
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Monkeys get diseases from humans all the time and give them as well.

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    #8

    When My Mom Has A Kangaroo On Her Flight As An "Emotional Support Animal"

    When My Mom Has A Kangaroo On Her Flight As An "Emotional Support Animal"

    DevinnZeller Report

    Rosesinmyhair
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kangaroos are not pets. Makes me boiling mad that you can buy Roos in Pet shops in the US.

    Andrew P Jump
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We also have pet humans, I mean, children too.

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    Aunt Messy
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That animal is terrified. Most of these selfish, ugly people are so busy trying to make themselves look cool that they don't have a problem with animal cruelty. kangaroos are wild animals. Cooping them up and is cruel.

    Kristy P
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some animals do not belong on planes, Karen.

    Laura Campos
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gorgeous animal, but they are very strong and have no place on a plane.

    morgan jeffries
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This person is trying to be cool and stand out. Stupid idiot.

    Iapetos
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They look distressed. (And I mean the Kangaroo.)

    Sharon Ingram
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How do you know it was bought in the US. How can you tell this flight is US?

    ForcedBy Playstore
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    American Airlines neck scarf on the air hostess. It certainly wasn't brought or done in Australia. Firstly there would be outrage and secondly it's not allowed, we can only have guide dogs on planes. Other therapy animals or dogs for other reasons aren't allowed onboard.

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    Jason M
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, all these comments and not one "carry-on" pun...

    Jeffrey Teston
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have to wonder if the change in the cabin pressure effects these animals. Personally I am in a lot of pain during descent and dread it every time I have to fly.

    Rosesinmyhair
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm glad you can't buy them in pet shops but these animals grow bigger than large dogs and need lots of room to bounce. Should never ever be kept as pets.

    Theresa Tzitzira
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am all about animals and I do believe they have a right to be where we are and share our spaces, but a kangaroo can be deadly, if spooked. I am sure this was a well behaved roo but still, I am skeptical about taking certain types of animals on such confined spaces as a plane, especially when no stops can be made to disembark, if needed...

    Jaybird3939
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe it's a Wallaby. Those are good, right?

    Si
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The flight attendant looks like she’s seething

    Viv Hart
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rubbish, how can a large animal like that go in a cramped cabin?

    Lisa Larson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Insane. There is no such thing an "emotional support animal"....it's NOT a real thing. It's simply a whiny person who wants attention.

    Annamay
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It must be cheaper than paying for the animal to be shipped.

    Russell Furlong
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok I could kind of understand the others but a kangaroo? They aren't even considered livestock (I think) let alone pets

    Ethan Liu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who decides what is a pet and what isn't.

    Elisaurous uwu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I SWEAR TO GOD ITS LIKE ONE ANGEL JUMPED IN FRONT OF GOD AND WAS LIKE "IM GONNA MAKE THE MOST F*CKED UP THING AND ITS GONNA KILL YOUR HARD WORK!!11111!!!"

    Russian Otaku
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Better then a dog anytime

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    #9

    Monkey Helper

    Monkey Helper

    Richard, a bonnet macaque monkey, belongs to Debby Rose, who suffers from agoraphobia, the fear of places and situations that causes panic, helplessness, or embarrassment. She brings her monkey everywhere and will even drive with him in the front seat.

    Rebecca Skloot Report

    Tracey Tait
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's illegal. Driving with any animals on your lap impairs driving and is a moving violation

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    #10

    Woman Removed From Flight To Cleveland With Emotional Support Squirrel: 'You Will Not Take My Baby'

    Woman Removed From Flight To Cleveland With Emotional Support Squirrel: 'You Will Not Take My Baby'

    A passenger was removed from a Frontier Airlines flight when she attempted to fly with her “emotional support” squirrel and then refused to get off the plane when she was told no, according to the airline. A Frontier spokesman said in a statement that the passenger had alerted the airline that she would be bringing an emotional-support animal on the flight but did not mention it would be a rodent. “Rodents, including squirrels, are not allowed on Frontier flights,” the statement read. “

    fox8news Report

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    #11

    There Is Such A Thing As A Service Pony And I Want One

    There Is Such A Thing As A Service Pony And I Want One

    Alancumming Report

    Random Panda
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That poor woman. I don't think people with emotional support animals should be allowed to make other passengers so uncomfortable.

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    #12

    Emotional Support Kangaroo

    Emotional Support Kangaroo

    "A customer tried to bring a baby kangaroo on the plane as a service animal," a retired airline customer service agent with 18 years of experience told Business Insider.

    ShawnReynolds_ , twitter.com Report

    Kaisu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, kangaroos are wild animals, not pets and definitely not service animals, especially young joeys like this!

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    #13

    Don't Act Like You've Never Seen A Therapy Turkey Going Through Airport Security

    Don't Act Like You've Never Seen A Therapy Turkey Going Through Airport Security

    This emotional support turkey was spotted at San Francisco Airport.
    The turkey was seen going through security sometime last week by KTVU journalist Frank Somerville, who shared the story to his Facebook page.
    According to the post, the turkey is an emotional support animal for a woman who lost her husband. The woman takes the turkey everywhere with her, and it even sleeps with her at night.

    Frank Somerville KTVU , Maggie Serota Report

    Parmeisan
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah, that makes me remember my favourite show. "As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." I miss ya, WKRP. I wish I could re-watch on Netflix.

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    #14

    We've Got Cock!! Emotional Support Rooster For. The. Win

    We've Got Cock!! Emotional Support Rooster For. The. Win

    passengershaming Report

    Ben Smith
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hope it’s not a a red eye...that bird will go nuts!

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    #15

    Piggy Pilot. Hoggin' The Cockpit

    Piggy Pilot. Hoggin' The Cockpit

    Hamlet the Beach Hog is the emotional support animal of Megan Peabody who loves flying, but suffers from anxiety. According to Peabody, having her hog on board makes her feel "more comfortable and provides a lovely distraction."

    hamlet_the_beach_hog Report

    #16

    Just Your Everyday Emotional Support Kangaroo...

    Just Your Everyday Emotional Support Kangaroo...

    passengershaming Report

    Ben Smith
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, kangaroos loooove being on a leash....

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    #17

    Emotional Support Hamster's Owner Claimed The Staff Working For Spirit Airlines Told Her That Pebbles Would Have To Be Flushed Down A Toilet

    Emotional Support Hamster's Owner Claimed The Staff Working For Spirit Airlines Told Her That Pebbles Would Have To Be Flushed Down A Toilet

    Belen Aldecosea said she contacted Spirit airlines twice to confirm that her emotional support hamster can fly with her. But the animal was refused entry upon arrival, and an employee suggested she flush her pet down the toilet 


    @DavidOvalle305 Report

    Diana Eriksson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is absolutely sick, why didn't she try giving the hamster to someone at the airport or something, anything would be better than literally being DROWNED IN THE SEWERS?

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