Mods, if this has been posted please feel free to delete it.

Anyone know if there are any commercial airlines that will allow a 50 lb dog to fly in a purchased seat? I have no special status, i.e., service dog, TD.

The Great Dane that was the Oprah show this past week was shown flying on TED airlines in a seat. (I have never heard of TED arilines). They said the dog was a Therapy Dog. BTW, the owner did not personally use this dog as her personal therapy dog, the dog visited hospitals and held the title of being the world largest dog.

I would like to fly across country but I will not fly put my dog under especially after reading old threads on this forum.

While I'm on the topic, exactly what is the law with people with a mental disorder having a dog they call a therapy dog? I met somebody recently who had was able to get her therapist to say she needed a dog so could feel secure when she was out in public. her dog had a vest that said Therapy Dog and she was in a place that served food where my dog was not allowed. Is this legal to take one of these dogs in a supermarket or restaurant?

There was an episode of the Dog Whisperer on a couple years ago where this woman got a TD on her dog so she could take it everywhere with her like a service dog.

I don't mean to insult people with mental problems. I have a lot compassion for mentally ill people and if a dog helps them get through the day God bless them. I'm just curious as to the laws on Therapy Dog. I went on line and found out to get a TD title you only have to add 3 extra elements to the CGC exam. Thats it!

A therapy dog is NOT a service dog and does not get access rights. They are not included in the Americans with Disabilitieis Act laws.

What you are calling a therapy dog and what was on Dog Whisperer is a Psychiatri Service Dog or Emotional Support Dog. These dogs recieve very specialized training and perform specific tasks to help their handlers function more normally. They are covered by the laws in the ADA. They are permitted to accompany handlers in restaurants, supermarkets, etc.

Therapy dogs do not need to be certified. However, it's a good idea as it gives the handler some extra liability insurance.

I have an uncertified therapy dog and trained a dog as a psychiatric service dog (she "washed out" explains that situation in a nutshell.)

Ann, I think they referred to the Dane as a Therapy Dog. I didn't get the impression it was a Psychatric Service Dog or Emotional Support Dog. I was trying to figure out how that dog was allowed to fly in a seat.

they showed a clip of him pulling a senior citizen in a wheelchair. I was under the impression this dog was used in hospitals.

Excellent point about the CTD title and liability. It's easy enough to get so why not.

Well, terms used casually are kind of fluid.

http://www.petsandpeople.org/difference.htm