American Airlines have switched up their policy on service and emotional support animals. Airlines like AA have allowed animals like dogs on board flights, in order to comfort flyers that are stressed and anxious. However, starting this summer, some new rules will be introduced. As put on their website, “emotional / psychiatric support animals must meet a set of enhanced requirements”.

So what’s changed? Firstly, the animals cannot take up too much space. They must be at your feet, under your seat or even in your lap. The airline states that the animal “must be smaller than a 2-year old child” for it to be on your lap. Animals aren’t allowed to take up a seat or eat from the tray tables either. Animals must also be on their best behaviour. That means no growling, biting or jumping on people.

Conveniently, AA provides a list of animals that are not allowed on their flights. Banned animals include all snakes, hedgehogs, goats, non-household birds and all amphibians. There are also blanket bans on animals with tusks, horns or hooves. Unclean and odorous animals are also not allowed.