Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019

The Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019 is a piece of legislation enacted in the United States at the federal level. This act amends the Animal Welfare Act to strengthen protections for service animals used by individuals with disabilities. Specifically, it addresses the welfare of service animals during air transportation. The primary focus is to prevent service animals from being mistakenly identified as ordinary pets, which could lead to their separation from their handlers during flights and potential harm or neglect.

The Act mandates clearer identification procedures for service animals to ensure they are treated appropriately by airline personnel. This includes establishing requirements for documentation and/or visible identification to distinguish service animals from other animals traveling by air. It seeks to reduce instances where service animals are placed in cargo holds or otherwise mistreated due to misidentification.

The intent of the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019 is to improve the safety and well-being of service animals traveling by air, enabling individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and mobility while relying on their service animals. It builds upon existing regulations regarding service animals but directly addresses the specific challenges faced within the context of air travel under the purview of the Animal Welfare Act.