New American Airlines Pet Restrictions Appeases Customers

The new American Airlines pet restrictions may surprise many, but in a way you may not believe. There is nothing harder than leaving your beloved fur family member behind for a day, never mind a week or more for family vacations. Sure, we can put them in the cargo section. But wait, we've read about all of the nightmare stories. Sure, we can drive the fifteen hours to our sunny destination. But then you need a vacation from your vacation. So what's the answer? American Airlines is about to possibly solve part of that problem, for some.

According to ap.com:

Now American is letting passengers bring a pet in the cabin and also bring a regular carry-on bag or a personal item — just not both bags. Until this week, people who carried a pet into the cabin — which involves paying a $150 fee — could only have one other small item that fit under the seat. Anything bigger, like a carry-on bag with wheels, needed to be checked — for a $35 fee. Or they could put the pet in the cargo hold.

The pet must meet size restrictions and must be kept in a approved size pet carrier under your seat.

Travel blogger Gary Leff feels this change will reduce the urge for travelers to falsely claim that their pet is a service animal that flies for free.

American Airlines pet restrictions are very specific if you want to bring your fur baby aboard. American does not consider therapy animals or emotional support animals as service animals. Some try to pass their pet as a serice animal to save the fee. According to AA.com:

Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements.

A service animal is defined as a dog that’s individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other accepted conditions include: visual impairments, deafness, seizures, mobility impairments and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It's that time again! Time to find out the 20 Most Popular Dog Breeds. The list includes the top dog breeds in 2023, according to the American Kennel Club. Every year, dog-lovers everywhere rush to find out if their family fur-baby made the list. It's an interesting list with some popular favorites, as well as some surprises.

Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) crowns the top dogs by looking at the breed's registration statistics. The AKC is a nonprofit organization, and is the world's largest purebred dog registry in the United States and maintains systematic inspections and investigations. According to the organization, "The AKC conducts thousands of inspections each year to ensure compliance with standards that support the welfare, safety, and health of dogs across the nation. The AKC and its affiliates have also donated over $67 million to canine health research as of 2023, and the Canine Health Foundation published their 1000th scientific publication in 2023."

Before we get to the top 10, let's look at number 11 through 20.

#11 - Pembroke Welsh Corgi

#12 - Australian Shepherd

#13 - Yorkshire Terrier

#14 - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

#15 - Doberman Pinscher

#16 - Cane Corso

#17 - Miniature Schnauzer

#18 - Boxer

#19 - Great Dane

#20 - Shih Tzu

While we're talking about dogs, there's some great local news for anyone wanting to add a new puppy to their life. The MSPCA says that it’s Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem is currently “overflowing” with puppies, and looking to find them their forever homes. They said that all the puppies come played or neutered and are up to date on all appropriate vaccinations. The shelter is open daily for adoptions from 11:30 to 5pm. In case you didn't know, the Northeast Animal Shelter is now the MSPCA-Angell: Northeast Animal Shelter. They say that the merger gave them a better opportunity to serve their community, provide additional life-saving programs and services, and protect more animals from cruelty and neglect.

Now let's get into it! Here are the 20 most popular dog breeds.

For the second year in a row, the French Bulldog is the #1 most popular dog breed. If you're looking for a low-shedder that won't bark much, a Frenchie could be what you're looking for. They also only need about an hour of exercise a day, and you need to be careful in hot and humid weather because they can overheat.

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever/

Labrador retrievers have the reputation of being the perfect family dog. They're playful, energetic and loyal dogs. They’re also known for being ideal for just about any living situation. They’re also known to be easy to train since they’re eager to please their owners.

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/

Similar to labs, Golden retrievers are also considered great family companions. Known for being gentle and friendly, they dogs are also considered affectionate and loving. As far as exercise, goldens need more than two hours a day. They're smart and active dogs who love playing fetch and swimming. They also require mental stimulation,  and do well with training. Might want to get a good vacuum cleaner though, as they're known to be high shedders. It’s recommended to brush them daily or at least twice per week.

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/

In addition to making great police and search and rescue dogs, German Shepherds also make great pets. They have a lot of energy and have a protective side to them. They are also highly intelligent and require lots of mental stimulation.

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/

Poodles are known for being smart and social, and they're also a little high-maintenance. They need lots of exercise and brain games to be content, and come in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. The high-maintenance comes into play with their coats, as they require a lot of care. They're not big shedders, but their hair tends to get matted. It's recommended that you brush them every other day and get them professionally clipped and groomed about every six weeks.

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bulldog/

If you're looking for a fur-baby that will curl up on the couch with you, look no further than the bulldog. They're low energy and only require about an hour of exercise a day. Like Frenchie's they have a flat face which makes them at a high risk of heat stroke. Bulldogs are also not good swimmers, so make sure to keep an extra eye on them around a pool or lake.

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/rottweiler/

Rottweilers are big dogs. Literally. They typically stand between 22 to 27 inches, and weigh between 80 to 135 pounds. They’re an active breed, and are great to go along with you on a jog or long walks. They also enjoy games and sports. Yes they have a protective nature, but they aren't known for barking much, unless it's to protect their territory and loved ones.

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/beagle/

Beagles are lovingly known for their floppy ears and colorful coats. Their personalities are often described as loveable, happy and curious. They’re part of the hound group and are often used as scent-detection dogs at airports. Beagles are also an energetic breed and will need plenty of stimulation to thrive.  Be sure to keep your them on a literal short leash, as a beagle’s curiosity is known to make it wander.

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dachshund/

Dachshunds, also known as “weiner dogs,” are known for their long bodies and short legs. They’re funny, curious and have endless energy. They're also considered "feisty" and will let you know that they're the master of their domain. They're very vocal and have big personalities.

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/

If you're a relaxed or inactive owner, the German shorthaired pointers is not for you. They are another breed that does well with a job, training and vigorous exercise. They are highly intelligent and active dogs, and have been used as efficient hunting dogs. Fun fact: they’re known for pointing, and have even been known to point while dreaming.