Can I Take My Emotional Support Dog on a Plane? Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal

Can I Take My Emotional Support Animal on a Plane?

One of the most common questions people have is whether they can bring their emotional support animal with them when traveling by plane. In this article, I’ll answer all the key aspects of bringing an emotional support dog or other animal on an airline flight.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship and affection. ESAs are prescribed by a mental health professional for their calming influnce. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not specifically trained to perform tasks. Their role is to lessen the symptoms of their owner’s psychiatric disability through their presence.

Can I Bring Any Pet As an Emotional Support Animal?

No, only certain species of animals can qualify as emotional support animals on planes. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has designated dogs as the only species of animal that airlines must accommodate in the cabin as service or emotional support animals.

While airlines are not required to accommodate other species like cats, rabbits, or birds, some carriers may allow small animals like cats or hamsters in the cabin at the captain’s discretion. But dogs are really the only universally accepted ESA on flights.

Do I Need Documentation for My Emotional Support Animal?

Yes, to bring your emotional support animal with you in the cabin of a commercial airplane, you will need documentation from a licensed mental health professional. This letter should:

1. Be on official letterhead
2. Be dated within one year of your flight dates
3. Declare that you have a mental health condition
4. Explain how the ESA provides therapeutic benefit to you
5. Include the professional’s signature and license information

Without this documentation, your animal will not qualify as an ESA and you’ll need to follow the airline’s pet travel policies instead.

What are the Rules for Emotional Support Animals on Flights?

If your animal is properly documented as an ESA, here are the basic rules for flying with them:

• The animal must remain at your feet or in a pet carrier under the seat during the entire flight.
• It does not need to be leashed or muzzled if it remains under control.
• You are responsible for any barking, disruptions, or accidents caused by your animal.
• The animal must be house trained and able to endure the flight without relieving itself.
• Many airlines require advance notice, usually 48-72 hours, if traveling with an ESA.

From my experience traveling with an ESA, most are very well-behaved. However, I’ve faced situations where a small dog barked excessively, disrupting the flight. In those cases, the owner was asked to put the dog in a carrier or face being removed from the plane themselves.

Is there a Weight or Size Limit for Emotional Support Animals?

While “small” may be a guideline, most major airlines in the U.S. do not have specific size or weight limits for emotional support dogs. However, the animal must be able to sit at the passenger’s feet beneath the seat in front without hindering the flow in the aisles or obstructing emergency exits.

Some airlines may refuse animals that are too large to fit comfortably in these requirements but will consider each case individually. Generally dogs under 20 pounds cause the least disruption. But large dogs can sometimes fly as ESAs too if properly trained.

What if I Want to Travel Internationally with My ESA?

International travel rules for ESAs can vary greatly depending on the destination country. When flying out of the U.S.:

• Check airline pet policies and any documentation required by the foreign airline.
• Review entry requirements for pets or ESAs into the destination country.
• Contact the embassy for the latest rules, as some countries ban or quarantine certain species.
• Plan ahead, as requirements overseas can be stricter than domestic U.S. flights.

Always aim to have backup plans in case your ESA cannot enter the destination as hoped. For example, a seasoned traveler I know had to leave her ESA dog at a kennel in Paris due to new rules despite preparation.

What If My ESA Causes Problems During the Flight?

Airline staff have the discretion to refuse future travel with an ESA if it creates significant disturbances or safety issues. Some examples include:

• Excessive barking or crying that cannot be quieted.
• Biting, lunging, or acting aggressively toward passengers or crew.
• Relieving itself on the aircraft, causing a sanitation problem.
• Blocking aisles, exits, or occupying multiple seats with its size.

In serious cases, the animal may be denied boarding or the owner could face fines or air travel restrictions. It’s important ESA owners control their animal and address any issues promptly to avoid these problems.

Can Airlines Refuse My Emotional Support Animal?

While airlines are required to permit emotional support animals in the cabin as an accommodation, there are certain circumstances where they still maintain the right to refuse transportation of an ESA:

• If the animal appears unhealthy, injured, or poses a direct threat.
• During an outbreak situation where the animal’s presence could compromise public health.
• If permitting the animal would violate safety or FAA regulations like during an emergency evacuation.
• If the owner cannot prove the animal is under control (through training, handling at check-in, etc).

In summary – airlines are happy to transport qualified and well-behaved emotional support animals. But safety always comes first and animals that put passengers at risk of any kind will not be permitted to travel.

What Are Some Tips for Flying with an Emotional Support Animal?

Here are some final tips based on my experience flying with an ESA dog:

1. Get documentation from your mental healthcare provider well in advance of travel dates.
2. Contact the airline to notify them and get tips on any paperwork they require.
3. Train, socialize, and desensitize your animal to airport environments beforehand if possible.
4. Consider renting or borrowing a portable kennel or cage as backup during check-in and onboard.
5. Bring supplies ( food, water bowl, papers, treats) in an easy-to-carry bag instead of loose items.
6. Be prepared to show ID and ESA documentation at any time during the process.
7. Stay organized, patient and courteous when navigating security, boarding and customs with your pet.

Hopefully this detailed guide has answered all your questions about taking an emotional support animal on a plane! Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional concerns.

Guidelines for Flying with an Emotional Support Animal

Airline	Letter Required	Other Documentation
American Airlines	Yes	Vet certification, completed form
Delta Airlines	Yes	Letter on letterhead, signed by license mental health professional
United Airlines	Yes	Letter from doctor or mental health professional
Alaska Airlines	Yes	Letter, proof of vaccinations
Southwest Airlines	Yes	Note explaining need for emotional support, vet health form
JetBlue	Yes	Letter on letterhead, signed by licensed mental health professional

FAQ

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

   You’re kind of allowed to bring your dog with you on flights if it’s considered an emotional support animal. Basically, airlines have to allow emotional support animals to fly with their owners. At the same time, they can require a note from your doctor or mental health professional saying you need the animal for emotional support reasons. On the other hand, the animal has to behave well and stay at your feet or on your lap during the whole flight. So possibly check with your airline to see what documents or rules they have.

2. Do airlines make exceptions for emotional support dogs?

   Airlines will make exceptions for emotional support dogs, but there are some rules. You need documentation from a medical or mental health professional saying you need the dog for support. The papers have to be dated within one year of your flight. Strong evidence like this helps show you really require the dog’s companionship. Nevertheless, the dog can’t take up a seat or disrupt other passengers. That’s why properly trained support dogs are allowed but not regular pets. So in summary – yes exceptions exist with proper forms filled out.

3. What kinds of animals qualify as emotional support animals?

   Most of the major airlines will accept dogs or cats as emotional support animals. Sometimes small horses or miniature pigs are allowed too, but it sort of depends on the airline. Remember back in high school science class when we learned about different animal breeds? Well anyway, generally it’s dogs and cats that are approved as emotional support critters on planes. Other animals may work too, but check airline policies. Emus and armadillos are likely a no-go though – those dudes are just too wild!

4. Do I need any training for my emotional support dog?

   While extensive training is not required, your emotional support dog definitely needs basic manners. It’s unfair to other passengers if the dog is disruptive. Barking, jumping on people, or any “doggy drama” means your pup won’t qualify to fly as a support buddy. The dog ought to know basic commands like “sit” and “stay” before boarding. Ideally it is well-socialized too from exposure to other people and animals since puppyhood. Maybe try practicing airplane noises at home to get your dog used to new environments. Quoting Cesar Milan – having a well-behaved dog is key!

5. Can airlines deny emotional support animals?

   Air carriers can reject emotional support animals in some cases. For instance, if accepting the animal would pose a “direct threat” to health or safety. This could mean an overly anxious dog prone to biting might not fly. Additionally, if the paperwork is outdated or incorrect, the animal may be denied boarding too. Some research suggests many airlines reject emotional support animal requests anyway due to vague rules and untrained animals. So to be safe, make sure Fido is a well-socialized, well-mannered pooch with proper documentation before heading to the airport. Otherwise, the airline could maybe refuse to let him on board.

6. How do I prepare my emotional support dog for air travel?

   To get your dog ready for a plane ride, begin by associating positive things with the carrier or kennel it will have to be in during takeoff and landing. Feed all meals there and play fun games nearby. Desensitize it to noises like the vacuum cleaner or hair dryer at a distance too. Then practice short car rides together before the big trip. Gradually increase distances to build confidence. At the airport, keep your friend on a leash for security. Maybe bring its favorite chew toy or blanket as comfort items. Then remember – stay calm yourself to avoidstressing out your pup! Proper preparation will hopefully result in happy flying furry friends.

   

7. Do emotional support dogs need any special paperwork?

   Yes, emotional support dogs require some paperwork in order to fly. You need a note, often called an ESA letter, from your licensed mental health professional. This note must verify you have a diagnosed disability and how the dog provides support related to that condition. It allows your dog to accompany you despite places that don’t normally allow pets, like airplanes. Be sure the letter contains all the basics or it may not be accepted. Read airline policies carefully too – some want the letter dated within one year of travel. Proper paperwork is important to bring your furry friend along legally.