Can My Emotional Support Dog Fly With Me? Everything You Need to Know About Bringing Your ESA on a Plane

Taking Your Emotional Support Dog on a Plane: Everything You Need to Know

If you have an emotional support dog, flying with your furry companion can be a source of anxiety. Will they be allowed on the plane? What paperwork is required? From my experience helping many clients navigate this process, here are the key things to understand about traveling by air with an emotional support animal.

Are Emotional Support Dogs Allowed on Planes?

The short answer is yes – emotional support dogs are legally permitted to accompany their owners in the cabin of commercial flights in the US. Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, airports and airlines must allow emotional support animals to travel with their owners in order to provide comfort and support.

However, emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA. They also do not have the extensive training that psychiatric service dogs receive. So airlines have the right to require documentation to prove the dog is needed for emotional support, which I will explain more below.

What Documentation is Required?

In order to fly with an emotional support dog, you will need a note from your mental health professional – usually a doctor, psychiatrist or licensed therapist. This is commonly called an “emotional support animal letter.” The healthcare provider must verify that you have a mental health condition and that your dog is needed for emotional support.

1. The letter must be on the professional’s letterhead, signed and dated within one year of your flight date.
2. It should state that you have a diagnosed mental health condition and describe how the dog provides emotional support.
3. No specifics of your condition need to be disclosed for privacy reasons.

Having this letter is essential, as it establishes your dog as more than a pet. Many users think that purchasing an ESA certificate or vest online can serve as documentation, but that is not valid under DOT rules. Only a letter from your treatment provider qualifies your dog as an ESA for flying.

What Type of Dogs Can Be ESAs?

In general, any dog breed or type can be an emotional support animal as long as it does not pose a direct threat to others on the plane. However, some larger dogs like pit bulls may face more scrutiny at check-in as to whether they can be safely contained during the flight. Beyond breed restrictions, animals must be housebroken, clean, and not disruptive.

Small dogs tend to have an easier time on aircraft as they can fit comfortably under the seat. But I’ve seen all kinds of dogs, even bigger ones, accepted as support animals if calmly behaved. As with any pet, ensuring your dog is well-socialized and trained is important for a smooth travel experience.

Pre-Travel Checklist

Here are some tips based on my experience for flying smoothly with an emotional support dog:

1. Notify the airline at least 48 hours before your flight that you will be traveling with an ESA.
2. Bring your ESA letter from your medical professional.
3. Keep your dog on a leash and wear their identification tags at all times.
4. Consider bringing a veterinary health certificate if flying internationally.
5. Bring supplies like a portable water bowl, plastic bags and paper towels.
6. Practice taking your ESA through airport security ahead of time.

With the proper training and documentation in order, your emotional support dog should be able to accompany you with no issues. However, having all bases covered avoids potentially awkward discussions at the gate.

Myth: ESAs Have Public Access Rights

A common misconception among users is that ESAs have the same rights as service dogs to accompany their owner everywhere, like restaurants and stores. However, this is not the case under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Public access rights only apply to service animals that have been individually trained to perform tasks related to an owner’s disability. Emotional support animals, while allowed in housing and on planes, do not have the extensive public access training that psychiatric service dogs receive.

So while emotional support dogs can provide comfort, their legal access is limited to flights and housing. Save potentially awkward situations later by only bringing your ESA where allowed, like on your flight for support.

What If My ESA Acts Up?

The truth is, as well-behaved as any dog may usually be, odd behavior can happen in new environments like planes. Here’s what to be aware of based on my firsthand experiences helping users:

• Airlines can refuse boarding if an ESA displays aggressive tendencies before takeoff.
• In cabin, as long as the dog remains under control it should not be an issue.
• However, if barking or running around, crew may isolate the pet for the comfort of others.
• In rare cases of severe misbehavior the animal may be denied on the return flight.

The best prevention against this situation is to only fly with a dog that is calm in new settings. Crate training for the carrier ride can help anxious dogs feel secure. And being prepared with treats, toys and patience goes a long way.

Final Tips

So in summary, while it thankfully is legal to fly with an emotional support animal, users should follow the DOT rules and anticipate how others may perceive four-legged fliers. Having solid training, paperwork and responsible pet ownership can lead to positive experiences, like these funny passengers who sang their ESA an adorable inflight “goodbye” song!

Remember, commercial air travel remains an unfamiliar process for some canines too. With open communication and understanding on both sides, users can gain access to the support they need when flying while keeping others comfortable as well. Safe travels to all humans and animals alike!

Flying with Your Emotional Support Animal

Airline	Requirements	Notes
Delta	Letter from doctor/therapist, ES animal must fit in carrier under seat	ES animal must remain in carrier at all times
United	Doctors note, ES animal in carrier or on lap	Charge for ES animal, limit 3 animals per flight
American	Doctor’s letter, ES animal in carrier under seat	ES animal must remain in carrier at all times
Southwest	Doctors note, ES animal must fit in carrier under seat	No charge for ES animal
Alaska	Letter from doctor/mental health professional within 1 year, animal fits on lap or at feet	No specific container required

FAQ

1. Can my emotional support dog fly with me?

   Basically, yes – an emotional support animal is legally allowed to fly in the cabin with its owner. However, airlines have their own rules so you need to contact the airline directly to check what paperwork is required. At the same time, emotional support animals have fewer legal protections than service animals, so airlines can refuse them more easily if they cause problems.

2. What paperwork do I need?

   Most airlines require a letter from your mental health professional or doctor stating that you have a mental health condition and need the support animal for emotional support. The letter must be recent, like within a year. Still, some airlines are more strict than others, so be sure to check the policies of the specific airline you plan to fly with.

   

3. Are there size or breed restrictions?

   Perhaps surprisingly, airlines cannot restrict emotional support animals based on size or breed as long as the animal is housebroken and doesn’t have behavior issues. However, it is kind of a gray area with some aggressive breeds. You’ll want to call ahead to double check in case an airline employee questions it, even if their official rules say otherwise. Better safe than sorry!

4. Can my emotional support animal sit on my lap?

   Most airlines require support animals to remain on the floor at your feet under your seat for the safety and comfort of all passengers. Still, if the animal is very small, like a small dog or cat, you may be able to hold it on your lap if it remains calm and causes no disturbances. But is that fair to other passengers who may have allergies or fears? It’s best to follow the main policy to avoid issues during the flight.

5. Will my animal need any training?

   Technically emotional support animals do not need formal training like service animals do. But does that mean no training at all? Absolutely not – it’s a good idea to do basic obedience training for housebreaking, gentle handling around strangers, and responding to commands. This sets your pet up for success and shows the airline you’ve put effort into making sure your animal is well-behaved during flights. Plus can you imagine being stuck on a plane for hours if it starts acting wild?! Yikes!

6. What if my animal misbehaves on the plane?

   If your emotional support animal causes any disturbances like excessive barking, crying or being aggressive during the flight, the crew has the right to remove it from the plane. However, at the same time this is tricky because the animal provides emotional support that is needed. Therefore it’s best to thoroughly prepare your pet through training and practice flights in advance. You also want to have backup plans in case something does go wrong. Preventing problems is always better than facing consequences after the fact.

7. How do I prepare my animal for flying?

   Getting your pet used to traveling is a great idea. You can start with shorter car rides to fun places and work up to longer trips. For flying specifically, try getting your pet accustomed to the carrier they’ll be in and lots of positive reinforcement. Practice airport environments and sounds of flight too if possible. Drills like this coupled with calming aids and treats can really help reduce their stress levels for the actual flights. It helps the experience go smoothly for everyone involved.

8. Can my dog fly internationally as an ESA?

   Flying overseas with a dog gets complicated pretty fast – international regulations vary and paperwork needs translating. Besides shots and records, you’ll likely need a health certificate from a vet within 10 days of travel. Some countries may quarantine upon arrival or have breed restrictions. As amazing as travel sounds with your furry friend, all that red tape could amazingly sour the experience. Do thorough research well before any trip. It may make sense to reconsider having your emotional support pup join you abroad.