I recently received two pictures of the same dog from a reader. The first shows an inquisitive Doberman Pinscher (let’s call him Dobie) investigating fellow passengers on a plane, apparently roaming without a leash. In the second, Dobie is poised in the center of the aisle, hind end hovering, preparing to release some serious business. There have been other stories of dogs pooping on planes, including those that required an emergency landing due to the offending ordure and concomitant odor. Somehow Dobie’s owner was able to stop the action before the intestinal unloading began.

Nevertheless, our reader, whose sister is a flight attendant and witnessed Dobie’s movements, sent the pictures to exemplify their frustration with how some passengers abuse the policies related to emotional support animals (ESAs). Why, first of all, was Dobie in the aisle at all (animals are supposed to remain at the owner’s seat)? Should there be limits on size and/or type of animal—what about pigs and turkeys? Whether for a physical or psychological disability, should owners be required to show that an animal is properly trained for service?

I spoke with Eric Lipp, Executive Director of Open Doors Organization, which advocates for the disabled. One of his main points was that the people who need to travel with animals are unhappy with those who take advantage of the system. “So many people have cheated that it causes problems for others,” he said, adding, “Airlines that don’t follow a consistent policy send an incorrect message ... It puts flight attendants [and other airline personnel] in a bad position.”

In April, the Department of Transportation proposed a rule to establish an access advisory committee that would review specific issues related to the disability regulation. This includes whether to amend the definition of service animals, which could lead to greater clarity for all parties concerned and eliminate some of the abuse. Meanwhile, given that you could end up sitting next to an animal the next time you fly, what can you do about it if it makes you uncomfortable or sick?

As codified in the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines “must not deny transportation to a service animal on the basis that its carriage may offend or annoy carrier personnel or persons traveling on the aircraft.” I asked a few airlines about the issue. They all expressed a view similar to the one offered by Halley Knigge, spokesperson for Alaska Airlines, “If a customer is seated next to someone traveling with an animal and needs to move (allergies, etc.), we will do everything we can to accommodate these requests.” This includes moving customers as far away from animals as possible or, if they can’t travel on the same plane as the animal, putting them on the next available flight.

So talk to a gate agent or flight attendant once you’re aware you may have a problem. It’s unlikely you’ll be upgraded to first class, as most of the time it’s full with paying customers and MVPs, but airline personnel want to help, and could move you to a better seat in coach. Just remember to be respectful and calm. Even if you suspect someone is abusing the system, once on the plane it means the airline has already determined the passenger and the animal have a right to be there. You won’t win the argument.

Have a travel question you want answered? Email ombudsman@cntraveler.com, or tweet us @CNTraveler #dearombudsman.