A service animal is not a pet. A service animal is a working animal that performs important functions for an individual with a disability. The individual with a disability has been trained in the use of the service animal and is responsible for all handling of the animal. Consequently, carrier personnel and other passengers should not attempt to pet, play with, direct, or in any way distract service animals. It is also important to realize that a pet is not a service animal.
Many people enjoy the companionship of animals.
But this relationship between an individual and an animal, standing alone, is not sufficient to cause an animal to be regarded as a service animal. Airlines may have whatever policy they choose concerning pets, consistant with the Department of Agriculture animal welfare rules. For example, they can refuse to carry any pets. They can carry pets only in containers stowed in the cargo compartment. They can allow small pets in carriers that fit under the seat.