Airlines crack down on 'emotional support animals' after 40 percent spike last year

After a spike in “emotional support animals” being brought onto planes, airlines are cracking down with stricter rules. The new policies allow cats, dogs and miniature horses – and not much else.

American Airlines reported that the number of passengers who brought along service or emotional support animals rose by 40 percent last year, while Delta said that animal incidents, including at least one serious attack from a large dog, increased by 84 percent in 2017.

Starting July 1, JetBlue will require three documents from passengers to prove that they need an emotional support animal; however, airline rules for service animals that help with blindness and other disabilities will stay the same.

On today's show, Doc was happy that reptiles are banned, while Kris was a little sad that hedgehogs are not allowed to count as emotional support animals.

To see more from Doc, visit his channel on TheBlaze and listen live to “The Morning Blaze with Doc Thompson” weekdays 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. ET, only on TheBlaze Radio Network.