What is a Service Animal Letter?

A service animal letter is a document from a licensed medical professional, such as a physician, psychiatrist, or licensed mental health professional, that certifies your need for a service animal due to a disability. The letter serves as proof to airlines that your animal is a service animal, not a pet, and must be allowed to accompany you in the cabin.

What Does a Valid Service Animal Letter Include?

For a service animal letter to be considered valid by airlines, it needs to contain specific information: n Your name as the handler/owner of the service animal n The type of disability you have and how the animal assists you n The name, species, and description of your service animal n The date the letter was issued and the professional’s signature n The professional’s license number and contact information n Make sure to get all these details in the letter to avoid potential issues at the airport. You’ll also want to get multiple original copies in case you need to provide it to multiple airlines or airline staff members.

How Far in Advance Should I Get the Letter?

Most airlines recommend obtaining your service animal letter at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight. However, from my experience, it’s best to get the letter 1-2 weeks ahead of time. This gives you a buffer in case any issues arise with the documentation. It also ensures you have the valid letter on hand if you need to change or add flights suddenly. Better safe than sorry when it comes to flying with your service animal!

Can an Old Letter Be Used?

The general rule of thumb is that service animal letters should be less than one year old. However, some airlines and professionals may accept letters up to 2 years old. But basically, the fresher the letter, the less potential for issues down the line. If your letter is getting close to the 1-year mark, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment to get it renewed, just to be covered.

What if My Flight Is Canceled or Rescheduled?

Even with a valid, current letter, last-minute flight changes can throw a wrench in your travel plans. If your flight is canceled or rescheduled more than a few days out from your original travel date, some airlines may require an updated service animal letter. My advice? Always have backup documentation on hand, just in case. You definitely don’t want to find yourself grounded at the airport without the proper paperwork!

What if I’m Denied Boarding?

In the very rare case that you’re denied boarding with your service animal despite having all the necessary paperwork, here are a few tips from my experience handling such situations: n Remain calm and polite – getting upset won’t help your case. n Immediately request to speak with a supervisor or station manager. n Clearly explain that according to federal law, you cannot be denied from traveling with your service animal if you have a valid letter. n Ask the airline to re-examine your documentation and accommodate you on the next available flight. n Consider contacting the airline’s customer service number or filing an official complaint if the issue persists. n In nearly a decade working as a disability advocate, I’ve only seen wrongful denial happen a handful of times. But being prepared ahead of time can minimize stress if problems do arise.

What information should be included in the service animal letter?

Ideally the letter ought to incorporate key specifics like you needing the service critter due to a disability. It’s important to spell out how the pet helps you with everyday routines. The doc ought to sign and date the letterhead. Additionally including contact info in case the airline needs to verify info. Surprisingly some folks try bringing untrained pets on planes! A proper letter prevents misunderstandings.n

What if my animal misbehaves on the plane?

If your pup kicks up a fuss and creates disturbances, the crew may ask you to monitor them more closely. In severe cases of aggression or mess-making, they could be required to stay in a carrier under the seat. No one wants chaos at 30,000 feet! Nonetheless, most trained service dogs know to sit quietly. Maybe stick some treats in your carry-on just in case.n

Can an emotional support animal fly for free too?

As amusing as it sounds, according to Federal laws, emotional support animals are not covered under the same public access laws as trained service animals. Basically ESAs do not require formal training to perform specific disability-related tasks. The airline has the right to request documentation like a doctor’s note for ESAs flying in-cabin with no charge. Otherwise pets would need to be in a carrier under the seat if flying as cargo basically.n

What kinds of animals can be service animals?

Doggies are the most common but according to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) miniature horses are also permitted onboard aircraft as service animals. Apart from size and weight restrictions, the animal must be housebroken and wear a harness, leash or tether. Despite rumors of exotic pet services like spiders or pot-bellied pigs assisting their owners, only dogs and horses are legally recognized at this time.

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