Can I Bring My Emotional Support Dog on a Plane?
If you’ve ever wondered “Can I bring my emotional support dog on an airplane with me?” – you’re not alone. Traveling with a dog, whether it’s as a pet or an emotional support animal, can be tricky to navigate. But with some planning and understanding the regulations, you and your furry companion can fly together with fewer hassles.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal prescribed by a licensed mental health professional (e.g. therapist, psychologist) to provide therapeutic benefit for its owner through companionship and affection. Under the Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act, emotional support animals are afforded some public access privileges that pets are not – such as the ability to fly in the cabin of commercial aircraft.
However, it’s important to note that ESAs are not classified or granted the same access rights as service animals, which are specially trained to perform tasks to assist those with disabilities. An ESA simply provides comfort and support through its presence.
Can I Bring My ESA on a Plane?
The short answer is yes – individuals traveling with properly documented emotional support animals are permitted to bring them onboard aircraft per DOT rules. Here are the key requirements:
- You must have an official note from your licensed mental health professional that confirms you have a disability and outlines how your pet provides support.
- Submit this letter along with any additional forms required by your specific airline at least 48 hours prior to your flight.
- Ensure your ESA is well-behaved, housebroken, and can remain under your control on the aircraft.
Keep in mind individual airlines have their own ESA policies above federal guidelines as well regarding breed restrictions, advance notice needed, health documents required, etc. So always check with your carrier beforehand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
From my experience as a mental health counselor, one of the biggest issues I see is people trying to pass off untrained pets as ESAs simply to avoid pet fees. Not only is this unethical, but it undermines the integrity of legitimate ESA programs.
Another red flag is professional note letters that are clearly generic form letters without indicating how the pet specifically helps the owner. Airlines have begun cracking down on dubious certifications.
Finally, owners must ensure their ESAs are well-behaved in public. While they’re afforded access, out of control or disruptive animals will not be tolerated and could result in denial of future accommodations.
Proper paperwork and responsible pet ownership are key to avoiding issues when traveling by air with an emotional support dog.
Preparing for the Flight
Here are some additional tips to help make flying with an ESA go smoothly:
– Consider booking nonstop flights if possible to limit disruption time in-cabin.
-Notify the airline ahead of any dietary, medical, or other needs for your dog. Some even provide ESA help bags with bowls, blankets, etc.
-Bring vet records in case asked to prove vaccinations are up-to-date.
-Use a harness or leash plus an “In Training” patch so handlers are obvious.
-Desensitize your pet to airport noises before travel day through positive training at home.
-Pack familiar toys/blankets, water, and travel certificates/paperwork with you.
With the proper preparations, documentation, and well-trained pet, you and your emotional support dog can fly together with minimal stress. If any issues arise, be polite and cooperative with airline staff to resolve them. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to other common queries people have when bringing their emotional support dogs on planes:
Do ESAs have the same rights as service animals?
No, while both are afforded public access, only professionally trained service animals perform tasks to assist those with disabilities. ESAs simply provide emotional support through companionship.
What size or breed restrictions exist?
Policies vary by airline but most permit dogs/cats under 20 pounds if kept in carrier under seat. No “dangerous” breeds allowed. Larger support animals like pigs fly as cargo.
Can my ESA sit in the cabin with me?
Yes, emotional support animals are allowed to remain at the owner’s feet in the cabin rather than being stowed in the cargo hold like pets. Most airlines require ESAs fit on owner’s lap or at their feet.
Will I get bumped if the flight is overbooked?
While not guaranteed, those traveling with service/assistance/emotional support animals have priority if seats remain during airline overbooking situations per DOT regulations.
I hope this helps provide a clear and detailed overview addressing all the potential concerns someone may have when flying commercially with an emotional support dog! Let me know if any other questions come up.
Requirements to Fly With an Emotional Support Animal
| Type of Animal | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Dog | Must be trained to behave properly in public and documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating that the owner requires an ESA to fly |
| Cat | Must be in a carrier that fits under the seat, current vaccinations, and same documentation as dogs |
| Other Small Pets | Must travel in carrier and fit on owner’s lap or under seat, current vaccinations, and same documentation as dogs |
| Livestock | Not usually allowed unless a true service animal |
| Birds | Must be properly housed in a carrier for the entire flight, current vaccinations, and same documentation as dogs |
| Reptiles | Special permission usually required, must travel in carrier, and same documentation as dogs |
FAQ
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Can I bring my emotional support dog on an airplane with me?
Most major airlines in the United States let passengers bring emotional support dogs in the cabin for free as long as you have paperwork from a mental health professional stating that you need the support dog for emotional issues. However, the airlines have rules about the behavior and paperwork required.
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What paperwork do I need for my emotional support dog?
To bring an emotional support dog on a plane, you’ll need a letter from a licensed mental health professional like a doctor or psychiatrist. The letter must state that you have a mental health condition or disability and that you need your dog for emotional support on flights and while traveling. The letter cannot be older than one year.
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Are there any restrictions on emotional support dogs on planes?
While emotional support dogs are allowed in the cabin, there are some restrictions. The dog must fit on your lap or at your feet without taking another passenger’s seat. It also has to be well-behaved, potty trained, and wear a leash or harness. Airlines may refuse dogs that show signs of aggression, are ill, or seem unmanageable. Certain small and medium-sized dogs are banned for safety concerns.
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Do children’s emotional support animals require the same paperwork?
Yes, kids who need an emotional support animal must also get documentation from a licensed medical professional. The letter for a child’s support animal will likely have info about any conditions inhibiting the child’s everyday functioning. Though perhaps not needed for too long if they are very young. The animal still must meet airline rules about size, behavior and being well-trained.
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Can I request early boarding with my emotional support dog?
Most airlines allow early boarding for passengers traveling with an emotional support animal. This lets you get settled in your seat with enough room aboard before other folks start getting situated. However, like anyone needing extra time to get situated, a polite request is best. Won’t hurt to show the airline staffer your official ESA letter too.
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Are emotional support animals covered under the ADA?
Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Only dogs trained to perform specific tasks related to someone’s disability are covered. Emotional support animals, while allowed in cabins and housing, do not have the same access rights as service animals in places covered by the ADA like restaurants or stores.