United is cracking down on people with emotional-support animals in the wake of peacock incident
- United Airlines has adopted tighter regulations for emotional-support animals.
- The new rules will go into effect on March 1.
- Service animals are not subject to the new regulations.
United Airlines announced on Thursday that it will institute tighter regulations regarding emotional-support animals.
"In an effort to better balance protecting our employees and customers while accommodating passengers with disabilities, we are expanding our existing policy regarding emotional-support animals," the Chicago-based airline said in a statement.
The new policy, which will go into effect on March 1, comes days after a passenger attempted to bring a peacock on board one of United's planes as an emotional-support animal. Delta Air Lines announced last week that it will also tighten regulations for emotional-support animals.
United's current policy requires passengers to provide 48-hour notice and a letter from a mental health professional.
Starting March 1, United will require 48-hour notice, an "enhanced" letter from a mental health professional, confirmation that the animal has been trained to behave properly in public, and an acknowledgment of responsibility for the animal's behavior. The airline will also require a health and vaccination form signed by the animal's veterinarian.
According to United, customers whose documentation has already been approved will not be subject to the new policy. However, any additional reservations will be subject to the new requirements.
Those traveling with service animals will also not be subject to the new regulations.
In addition, the airline also published a list of animals that have been banned from the cabin of its aircraft. The list includes hedgehogs, ferrets, insects, rodents, snakes, spiders, reptiles, sugar gliders, non-household birds, exotic animals, and animals that have not been properly cleaned or that carry a foul odor.