PEts not in carriers

[Kathylogs]

So when did Southwest start accepting Pets that are NOT in pet carriers?  I just boarded flight 2049 from BWI to BDL and right in front of me a couple walked 2 small Maltese dogs on leashes into the plane(no pet carriers). Both dogs in the seats and One dog is trying to scratch the heck out of the seat. I love Southwest but do not like this. 

[ruthie9]

I was also curious to the answer for this as I saw a guy with 2 dogs that are way too big for a carrier that fits under the seat and were just on leashes that boarded as is.