WestJet reconsiders move to put service dogs-in-training in kennels on flights

Calgary-based airline WestJet says its working on a fix after a rule change sparked concern among those who train assistance and guide dogs.

WestJet recently stopped its practice of allowing the canines in training freedom on board, opting instead to require they be kept in kennels or travel as cargo.

"It really brings everything to a screeching halt," said Laura Watamanuk, executive director of PADS, an organization that trains certified assistance dogs. She says the dogs often take flights between facilities in Alberta and B.C. and travel is an important part of their training.

"So the dogs get the experience and we determine what kinds of dogs can be placed with clients who require ongoing travel and which ones do not respond well," said Watamanuk.

According to Wendy Proudlock, Alberta Development Coordinator with PADS, puppies are raised in Calgary for about 16 months.

"Then [they] will go onto advanced training in Vancouver, and will learn special skills like how to open doors, how to push buttons, how to pull wheelchairs or wear a brace harness to support someone when they're walking," said Proudlock.

Bill Thornton, CEO of B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs, says putting puppies in training into crates can have a negative impact on the animals.  

"You want them to come in and be very solid dogs in terms of temperament and confidence in the human environment. And if you put a dog in a crate some of them react very negatively and they're pretty shaken when they come out the other end regardless of being handled appropriately."

In a written statement WestJet says in the past, puppies and dogs in training had been allowed to fly as fully certified service animals with their trainers. The airline says the dogs are still welcome on board as pets and as such, must travel in a kennel while in the cabin or as cargo.

"As our network expanded and we started flying to destinations with strict import regulations on pets versus service animals, we had to change how PADS in training were being allowed to fly to align with International Airline Transport regulations," reads the statement.

But WestJet goes on to say it understands the disappointment the change has caused. The airline is planning to meet thsi week with groups that train guide and assistance dogs, including B.C and Alberta Guide Dogs, in an effort to fix the problem.

"It's kind of tripped up our cooperative relationship between WestJet and our organization," said Thornton, who is hopeful the meeting will result in a reversal of the decision.

"They are looking at it to find a solution for all of us. I'm very, very optimistic that WestJet's going to be able to help us out."