Previously a pair of Corgis were seem to enjoy their business-class cabin on an SIA flight. The post went viral with some netizens saying “Dogs having a better life than me”.
But Singapore airlines publish a new rule that will take effect from April 2023 which stops such cute moments from taking place again. The airline will no longer allow emotional support animals on board any SIA flights.
On the Singapore Airlines website it wrote:
Assistance dogs are accepted for travel on board Singapore Airlines flights. With effect from 1 April 2023 (0000hrs SGT), Singapore Airlines will no longer allow customers to travel with their emotional support dogs on board flights.
Currently (Dec 13), SIA still accepts emotional support dogs as long as they comply with the rules and regulations of the airline and both depart, transit and destination country.
What are emotional support animals?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is a type of animal that provides comfort and support to an individual with a mental or emotional disability. These animals are not specifically trained to do so, but rather act as a companion and source of comfort. They can be any species of animal, though most commonly they are cats, dogs, or other small animals.
Emotional support animals are different from service animals, who are specially trained to help individuals with physical disabilities. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not allowed in all public places, as they are not considered to be trained to perform a specific task. However, they can accompany their owners in their homes, planes, and other places.
The primary role of an emotional support animal is to provide companionship and emotional comfort. They can help to reduce anxiety and depression, and provide unconditional love and support to their owners. They can also help to reduce loneliness and provide a sense of security and companionship.