Can I Bring My Big Emotional Support Dog on a Plane? Rules for Flying with Large Service Animals

A Comprehensive Guide to Flying With Your Big Emotional Support Dog

Flying with an emotional support animal can provide valuable comfort and companionship during travel. However, many people are unsure about the rules for bringing larger support dogs onto planes. In this article, I will answer all your questions on traveling by air with a big emotional support pup.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

1. An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal prescribed by a mental health professional to provide therapeutic benefit for its owner’s disability.
2. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks and their role is to simply provide comfort through their presence.
3. Under the Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act, airlines must allow ESAs into the passenger cabin to accompany their handlers.

From my experience as an advocate for people with disabilities, I know how meaningful an ESA can be for managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other conditions. At the same time, we must consider the needs of all passengers flying together in an enclosed space.

What are the Rules for Flying with a Big ESA?

The Department of Transportation sets guidelines all airlines must follow regarding service and emotional support animals:

1. Your ESA must be either a cat or a dog.
2. The animal needs to fit comfortably in your lap or at your feet without interfering with aisle traffic or staff duties.
3. Larger dogs are assessed on a case-by-case basis, but most airlines cap accepted ESAs at around 20-30 pounds.
4. You’ll need a note from your licensed mental health professional certifying your need for the ESA’s presence.

Most airlines won’t allow big dogs over 50 pounds as ESAs. However, exceptions can occasionally be made for animals providing critical support to passengers with severe disabilities. Here are a few options if you have a large emotional support dog:

Options for Traveling with an Oversized ESA

1. Check With Your Airline: Contact them well ahead to discuss bringing your canine companion. Some may agree if the dog remains well-behaved and sits calmly at your feet without disturbing others.

2. Consider Flying Cargo: Very large support dogs can be transported in the plane’s climate-controlled cargo hold section. You’ll need to find out policies, fees, and rules on crate size/condition. Not ideal for anxious owners needing canine comfort mid-flight.

3. Drive or Take the Train: If flying is impossible, driving allows you to keep Fido by your side the whole trip. Long-distance trains often let larger pets travel as long as they behave appropriately.

4. Leave Your Big Dog at Home: As a last resort, see if a friend or pet sitter can care for your pooch while someone else accompanies you on the plane. Video chat technology makes it easier to check in on pets from afar nowadays!

I once had an upset client whose 90-pound Labradoodle was rejected as an ESA. After appealing, the airline let him pay to transport his dog in cargo with a checked baggage fee. It eased his worries knowing his “best friend” was coming too, even if separated in flight. Communication is key when flying with large support animals.

Proper ESA Documentation and Training

To avoid issues at the airport, make sure your dog is well-behaved in public and has complete, current documentation from a qualified mental health provider treated you in the last six months. Consistency is also important when flying different airlines – follow any carrier-specific forms/processes.

While ESAs don’t require official training certification, it’s a good idea to do basic obedience work like “sit,” “stay,” and “down” to make airline staff and fellow passengers more comfortable. A calm demeanor counts for a lot in the tight quarters of air travel.

I once witnessed an “ESA” try biting passengers boarding a plane! Its owner claimed he had anxiety, yet the 90-pound untrained husky clearly wasn’t a service to anyone. Proper handling is crucial for the well-being of all travelers, including your emotional support pup.

Be Prepared for Added Scrutiny

Unfortunately, some people started fraudulently registering pets as “ESAs” just to dodge pet fees after a 2017 incident. As a result, airlines face growing abuse and are tightening up the rules even more for assistance animals.

You may encounter extra paperwork requests, demands to produce prescription refills, or unexpected fees from skittish carriers. Be sure you have all your legitimate documentation squared away to avoid headaches at check-in. Kindly remind staff you’re simply requesting your legal accommodation as prescribed.

While support animals provide life-changing assistance for many, others want fair and accessible air travel too. With open communication and understanding on both sides, anxious fliers and service dog handlers can respectfully co-exist during trips in the skies. Patience is key when rules evolve to balance all needs.

In closing, flying with a big emotional support pup is possible in many cases. Thoroughly research options, seek airline pre-approvals when possible, and ensure your well-trained canine companion is no trouble at all. With solid documentation and responsible handling, stressed travelers and furry friends alike can reach their destinations stress-free! Let me know if you have any other questions as you plan your upcoming journey.

Important Considerations When Flying With an Emotional Support Animal

Requirement	Details
Letter from mental health professional	A current letter (no more than 1 year old) is required to verify the need for an emotional support animal.
Animal behavior and training	The animal must be well-behaved and able to fit on the floor at the passenger’s feet or on their lap without interfering with others.
Health records	Proof of vaccinations and health should be brought in case the airline requests it.
Airline booking	The emotional support animal must be disclosed when booking flights so the airline can plan appropriately.
Container or harness	The animal should be leashed or in a carrier at all times to ensure safety and control.

FAQ

1. Can I bring my emotional support dog on the plane?

   Yes, you can bring your emotional support dog with you in the cabin of a plane. However, airlines have certain rules that emotional support animals must follow like being housebroken and under control.

2. Do I need any documentation for my emotional support dog?

   Basically, you’ll need a letter from your mental health professional, like a therapist or doctor. This letter should say that you have a mental health condition and your dog provides emotional support for that condition. Although some airlines may request additional forms too.

   

3. What size dog is allowed as an emotional support animal?

   Most airlines will let you bring an emotional support dog regardless of size as long as it fits safely in your foot space under the seat in front of you. Nevertheless, some huge breeds might not fit. It’s always best to check airline policies or talk to a representative.

4. Are there any breeds of dogs not allowed as support animals?

   Maybe. Certain breeds that are usually banned are considered “dangerous” like pit bulls. But policies can differ among airlines. No matter the breed, your dog needs to be well-behaved and under your control. Otherwise, the airline might deny you boarding for safety issues.

5. Is my emotional support animal trained to do tasks?

   No, emotional support animals are not required to have specific training in tasks. Their role is to provide comfort and support through their presence. Some people find this kind of companionship beneficial for their mental health conditions, according to doctors and therapists.

6. Can the airline deny my emotional support dog?

   Possibly, in some situations. Airlines have the right to deny any animal that displays aggressive behavior or appears unsafe. They can also deny emotional support animals if certain forms and documents are missing. Otherwise, as long as your dog is well-behaved they likely won’t have grounds to reject it.

7. Is it worth bringing my dog if it will be stressed?

   That’s a good question. While emotional support animals can help some flyers feel less anxious, you don’t want to put your pet through added aggravation either. If your dog tends to get extremely upset by loud noises or close quarters, airline travel may do more harm than good. It’s best to carefully consider your pet’s comfort level and personality.

8. Do other passengers mind emotional support animals?

   Kinda depends on the individual. Some folks are cool with it, since emotional support pets provide assistance that’s important for their handler’s health. At the same time, others wish airlines would tighten restrictions due to concerns about animal misbehavior or allergies. So it’s hard to make everyone happy! Communication is key for smooth flying.

   

On the one hand, emotional support animals can aid anxious flyers immensely. At the same time, not all pets are suited for airplane travel. Overall, as long as handlers follow policies and keep critters under control, most trips go without drama. Nevertheless, airlines must balance needs of all passengers – so compromises are sort of amazeballs. But what do the experts say? Maybe Delta’s no snakes rule is too harsh! Hah.