Airlines: Service Dogs Only

US DOT has ruled that airlines may restrict service animals to dogs only. 
​Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are no longer classified as service animals.

Effective January 3rd, 2021 - Airlines no longer have to recognize Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as service animals.  They are also allowed to restrict service animals to dogs only (even though other animals are trained as service animals).

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Key Provisions

Definition of a Service Animal
A service animal is as a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

Emotional Support Animals
Carriers are not required to recognize emotional support animals as service animals and may treat them as pets.  This means that ESAs may no longer get to travel for free.  They may be treated as a pet and require a fee.

Treatment of Psychiatric Service Animals
Psychiatric service animals are treated the same as other service animals that are individually trained to do work or perform a task for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. 

Species & Dog Breed/Type
Carriers are permitted to limit service animals to dogs, but are prohibited from refusing to transport a service animal based solely on breed or generalized physical type.

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For all provisions and explanations, get all the details of the final ruling here:
https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2020-12/Service%20Animal%20Final%20Rule.pdf