The next time you’re on an airplane, and the person in the seat next to you looks a little squirrely, rest assured, it is not a squirrel. Unfortunately for one recent Frontier Airlines passengers in Florida, just because you receive clearance to take your pet squirrel in the aircraft cabin as a emotional support companion pet, doesn’t mean you can.

All passengers were aboard Frontier Airlines Flight 1612 from Orlando to Cleveland, when an airline attendant announced there was a “situation,” and everyone needed to deboard. After the initial panic subsided, passengers became curious, only to find out that someone had brought their pet squirrel in the aircraft cabin with them, and was refusing to leave.

Squirrels as Companion Pets

The Torok’s are upset with the situation, since they believe under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), disabled people are allowed to bring companion pets into aircraft cabins. And, they add, they received permission by Frontier to do so.

In addition, rodents of all kinds should be placed in the cargo hold, and Frontier was under no requirement to allow the squirrel in the aircraft cabin. Under the Air Carrier Access Act, the Department of Transportation “considers some types of animals inherently risky, and does not require airlines to carry them in aircraft cabins; service animals such as reptiles, rodents, and spiders will typically be carried in the cargo hold.”

In case you’re wondering, Daisy ended up staying home with Monica and her father, and Cindy did end up going to Cleveland.

Related Resources:

  • ‘Emotional Support Pig’ Kicked Off Flight (FindLaw Legally Weird)
  • Using a Fake Service Animal Might Get You in Trouble in Texas Soon (FindLaw Legally Weird)
  • Do Landlords Have to Allow Service Dogs or Assistance Animals? (FindLaw Law and Daily Life)

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