Can Emotional Support Dogs Fly Internationally? Everything You Need to Know About Traveling Abroad With Your Emotional Support Animal

Can I Fly Internationally with My Emotional Support Dog?

If you’re wondering can emotional support dogs fly internationally, the short answer is yes – but there are some important things to know first. In this article, I’ll explain the requirements for traveling abroad with an emotional support animal (ESA) on an airplane and provide tips based on my experience helping clients navigate this process.

Understanding the Difference Between ESAs and Service Dogs

1. Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort and support for persons with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
2. Service dogs are trained to perform tasks to help persons with disabilities like blindness, seizures, or mobility impairments.

While airlines must allow service dogs in the cabin free of charge, ESAs have different rules. It’s crucial to distinguish between the two when planning international travel.

ESA Requirements for Flying

To bring your ESA into the cabin on flights to another country, you’ll need:

1. A letter from your mental health professional stating you have a disability and your ESA helps mitigate it.
2. Proof your dog is in good health, like vaccination records.
3. Your ESA must be trained to behave properly in public.
4. You must keep your ESA under control at all times.

Most airlines also have size and breed restrictions, so research your airline’s pet policies in advance. Larger dogs may need to travel in the cargo hold instead of the cabin.

Planning Ahead for Departure and Arrival

When flying international routes, you basically need to meet ESA rules for both departure and arrival countries. From my experience helping clients, here are some tips:

• Contact the airline well ahead of booking – they may have other paperwork requirements or quotas for ESAs per flight.
• Research import rules like health certificates, microchipping, and quarantine periods for pets entering your destination country.
• Consider hiring a pet transport service for parts of the journey if you dogs needs to travel as cargo through certain airports.

With planning and the right documents, taking your ESA abroad is very doable. But having all ducks in a row is crucial to avoid unwanted surprises at customs or being denied boarding.

Common Challenges and How to Prepare

Unfortunately, not every airport employee is totally up to speed on ESA laws. From my experience assisting clients in tense situations, here are some potential hiccups and how to be ready:

• Overzealous screening: Have vet records, letters, and paperwork accessible for officials who want extra proof.
• Crowded planes: Consider sedative aids or carrier training to keep your dog calm on board.
• Lost baggage: Pack vital supplies for your dog in carry-on just in case their crate gets delayed.
• Language barriers: Save emergency vet contacts and boarding options at your destination in multiple languages.

Being organized and having backups can help you advocate smoothly when issues arise with borders or airlines abroad. Going the extra mile pays off for a worry-free trip.

Specific Country Rules to Note

Beyond basic ESA requirements, certain countries have special regulations regarding pets. From past experiences escorting clients’ dogs internationally, here are a few examples:

• Japan – Strict quarantines, lots of paperwork hoops for traveling with any pet.
• Australia – ESAs must be approved by their government months in advance of arrival.
• UK – Tougher microchipping and vaccination standards than America for dogs entering the country.
• South Africa – Proof of rabies vaccination plus import permit process that takes time to complete.

It goes without saying every nation has their own unique rules. Do your homework researching pet travel policies specific to your destination.

Know Your Rights and the Lingo

While taking an ESA abroad requires some legwork, remember that airlines may not deny your dog passage without a “direct threat” as defined under the Air Carrier Access Act. Here are some useful terms:

1. ACAA – Governs air transport of service and support animals
2. DOT – Department regulating air travel compliance
3. Direct threat – Substantial risk that can’t be mitigated
4. Pre booked – Advanced notice avoids getting bumped

Being able to cite legislation and having the right terminology in your back pocket helps when smoothing over bumps in the airport. Knowledge is power.

“But Will My ESA Be Okay?” Tips to Keep Them Calm

From my experience escorting hundreds of pets globally, the #1 concern clients have is if their dog will make it through the journey without incident. Here are some tips I’ve gathered over the years:

• Start training and desensitization to airport noises ASAP.
• Use pheromone diffusers, calming vests, or natural calming aids like CBD as needed.
• Get your vet to prescribe anti-anxiety medication just in case, even if not regularly needed.
• Bring favorite toys or bedding that smells like home for comfort between flights.
• Practice crate training so they associate it with relaxation, not punishment.

Taking the right precautions and being over-prepared makes the anxiety of travel much more manageable for you and your furry friend.

In closing, while navigating all the rules and logistics takes work, traveling internationally with an ESA can absolutely be done. With diligent planning and utilizing helpful resources, many clients I’ve assisted have had enjoyable vacations abroad with their emotional support dogs by their sides. Just be organized, know the regulations, and focus on keeping everyone calm for smooth sailing at 35,000 feet! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Emotional Support Dog International Travel Guidelines

Country	Documentation Needed	Additional Requirements
USA	ESA letter	N/A
Canada	ESA letter and health certificate	Rabies vaccination
UK	ESA letter and pet passport	Microchip identification and rabies vaccination
Australia	ESA letter and import permit	Quarantine for 10 days
France	ESA letter and pet passport	Microchip identification and rabies vaccination

FAQ

1. Can I bring my emotional support dog on an international flight?

   Most airlines allow emotional support dogs to fly internationally in the cabin with their owner. However, rules and requirements do vary by airline and country. It’s best to check directly with your airline well in advance.

2. What paperwork is needed for an emotional support dog to fly?

   At a minimum, you’ll need a letter from your mental health professional documenting your need for an emotional support animal. The letter should be on official letterhead and be signed and dated within one year of your flight date. Most airlines also require things like health records, vaccinations, rabies tags/certificates, and that the dog be properly trained.

3. Are there size or breed restrictions for emotional support dogs?

   While laws prohibits discrimination based on breed for service dogs, some airlines have size limits or breed restrictions for emotional support dogs in the cabin due to space constraints. It’s safer to fly with smaller dogs. Some airlines don’t allow “bulky or heavy” breeds. Again, check specific policies for your airline.

4. Can my emotional support dog fly in the cargo hold?

   Most airlines will not accept emotional support animals in the cargo hold due to risks like extreme temperatures. The whole idea is for the dog to provide support to their owner during the flight in-cabin. Flying in cargo is generally not considered a reasonable accommodation.

5. Do emotional support dogs need any special training?

   While emotional support dogs do not need extensive public access training like service dogs, it’s still highly recommended they receive basic obedience and desensitization training. This includes things like responding to basic commands, playing nicely with strangers, and being comfortable in new environments like planes, airports and hotels. Well-trained dogs are less likely to disrupt flights or get denied by airlines.

   

6. Can airlines deny emotional support dogs?

   Yes, airlines do reserve the right to deny any animal they deem inappropriate. For example, if an animal seems aggressive, not properly house trained, or poses a direct threat. The animal must be under the owner’s control at all times. Passengers also risk being denied if paperwork requirements or other policies are not followed correctly. It’s important to thoroughly research each airline’s policies ahead of time.

7. What other alternatives are there if flying internationally with my emotional support dog is too difficult?

   If an emotional support dog is not allowed or practical for your specific flight, you could explore other options for travel anxiety such as relaxation techniques, prescription anxiety medication under a doctor’s guidance, recorded calming music or noise machines, travel DVDs or books, or scheduling massage therapy after long flights. While not ideal, seeking coping mechanisms is better than attempting to bend or break regulations which could compromise safety.