A Guide to Flying With Large Emotional Support Dogs
If you depend on your big, furry friend for emotional support, flying with them can seem like an impossible challenge. Between size restrictions and regulations, it’s easy to get discouraged. But with some planning and understanding of airline policies, you can absolutely bring your large emotional support dog (ESD) along for the journey. In this guide, I’ll answer all the common questions about flying with a large ESD and share tips from my own experiences to help make the process seamless.
What Is an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is not a pet – it is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner with a documented mental or psychiatric disability. ESAs are prescribed by a licensed medical professional to help alleviate symptoms of the disability, like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks. Their mere presence offers psychological support.
Why Do I Need My ESA When Flying?
If you have been prescribed an ESA for a documented disability, you have the legal right under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to bring your animal with you in the cabin of domestic flights for free. Having your trusted companion by your side reduces anxiety and allows you to fully focus on the travel experience. From my experience flying with my ESD, it’s worlds better than leaving them behind or stuffing them in cargo where they’d be terrified and you’d be worried sick the whole flight.
What Are the Size Requirements For ESAs?
While airlines are obligated to allow ESAs in the cabin, they do enforce size limits due to space constraints. Most airlines require ESAs to fit comfortably in their owner’s lap or at their feet during takeoff and landing. While specifics vary between carriers, the general guideline is that ESAs should not exceed approximately 20 pounds. But as with service animals, exceptions can be made for larger emotional support dogs on a case-by-case basis.
How Do I Prepare My Large ESD To Fly?
- Contact your airline well in advance to discuss your ESD and get guidelines. Many will require a vet health form and proof of immunizations.
- Practice crate training at home so your dog will comfortably fit under the seat during flights. Use positive reinforcement.
- Desensitize your dog to airport sounds. Play recorded flight noises and take practice trips to smaller regional airports.
- Keep your ESD well-groomed and clean to avoid issues. Wipe paws after outdoor walks.
- Bring plenty of potty pads, water and soft treats to stay nearby for reinforcement and bathroom breaks.
Taking the time to properly train and prepare your ESD will reassure the airline of your dog’s good behavior and ability to cope with flying. A calm, well-trained dog is more likely to be approved for travel.
What Documentation Do I Need To Provide?
To receive accommodation for your ESD on flights, airlines require attendees to provide:
- A letter from your licensed mental health professional on official letterhead, dated within one year, stating your need for the ESA as part of treatment.
- Current rabies certificate and vaccination records.
- ESA training course completion, if applicable.
- Your contact and flight itinerary information.
Keep all records together in an easily accessible folder. I’ve found having docs ready for review at check-in or security makes things go much smoother. While pricey, the extra professionalism of an official vest and ID for your ESD helps support your need too.
What To Expect At the Airport
When you arrive at the airport, head straight to the ticket counter to check in and notify agents of your ESD. They’ll likely issue you a boarding pass with a note about your pet. Then proceed directly to TSA security. They may ask your dog to sit still for a quick pat-down. Otherwise, remain calm and positive – your well-trained doggo will do the rest! Once through, relax at the gate until boarding with your co-pilot by your side. With preparation, flying with a big emotional support dog is very achievable.
Any Other Tips?
A few final suggestions based on my own travels:
- Bring extras like poop bags, dishes, towels in case of messes or delays.
- Request bulkhead or aisle seating in advance for more legroom.
- Consider flying early or late for less crowds if anxiousness is an issue.
- Have backup travel plans in case last-minute aircraft changes disallow size.
- Politely educate curious passengers if needed per disability privacy laws.
With some savvy planning and understanding of policies, emotional support dog owners should feel empowered to responsibly travel by plane with their large, furry companion. Don’t be afraid to contact airline customer support for clarification or additional resources if needed. Safe travels to you and your ESD co-pilot!
Thanks for reading! If any part of the process is unclear, feel free to reach out to me for advice and support.
Essential Information for Flying with an Emotional Support Dog
| Dog Breed | Maximum Weight | Airline Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Poodle | 20 lbs | Under 20 lbs, letter from doctor |
| Golden Retriever | 75 lbs | Under 20 lbs or 50-100 lbs, letter and vaccination records |
| French Bulldog | 25 lbs | Under 20 lbs, letter from doctor or veterinarian |
| Labrador Retriever | 65-80 lbs | Under 20 lbs or 50-100 lbs, letter and vaccination records |
| German Shepherd | 75-95 lbs | Under 20 lbs or 50-100 lbs, letter and vaccination records |
| Beagle | 20-30 lbs | Under 20 lbs, letter from doctor |
FAQ
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Can I fly with a large emotional support dog?
Basically yes, but there are some rules. Airplanes only have limited space so the dog has to fit under the seat in front of you without sticking out into the aisle. It can’t be a breed that is commonly seen as dangerous either, like pit bulls. You’ll need vet paperwork proving the dog is well behaved and trained as an emotional support animal.
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Do emotional support dogs need special training?
Kinda sorta. Emotional support dogs don’t need intensive training like guide dogs for blind people. But they do need basic obedience training so they act well behaved in public. The dog has to behousebroken, not bark excessively, not jump on others, etc. Your mental health professional has to prescribe the dog as part of your treatment too. So it’s not like you can just say any dog is an emotional support animal without reason.
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How much does it cost to fly with an emotional support dog?
Most airlines do not charge extra fees for emotional support animals as long as they meet size and behavioral standards. However, some low-cost airlines are starting to charge $125 each way since not everyone seems to be following the official guidelines. Is that fair? Ultimately the airlines just want to maintain order aboard planes safely.
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Are there any restrictions on what breeds can be emotional support dogs?
On the one hand, airlines won’t allow powerful breeds like pit bulls or rottweilers that are sometimes prone to agression. But on the other hand, they also won’t deny little dogs just because they’re tiny. Seems like the deciding factor is how well-trained the individual dog is. Perhaps certain dogs have an unfair reputation while others skate by on their small size. Who’s to say what’s truly “dangerous” when it comes to an individual animal’s behavior?
Do I need a doctor’s letter for my emotional support dog every time I fly?
If your mental health condition is ongoing, usually you only need documentation from your doctor or therapist once. Then you can either get a vest for your dog that identifies it as an ESA, or keep a copy of the letter handy just in case the airline staff question you. Most airlines are aware of ESA laws now so it’s not often a big deal. But I bet it can feel awesome having your pup there to comfort you during flights, so I can’t blame you for wanting to bring them along in the cabin!
What if my emotional support dog acts up on the plane?
If your dog basically starts breaking the rules by barking loudly, jumping on people, or having an accident in the aisle, then the flight crew has every right to refuse your pup from traveling in the main cabin going forward. At that point you’d be treated like a passenger with a regular pet in the cargo hold instead of an ESA. I know it’s hard traveling with animals, but we gotta respect the needs of all flyers. Maybe ask your vet for anxiety meds or extra training tips before your next flight to avoid issues.
As you can see from these questions, flying with an emotional support dog isn’t as easy as bringing any pet onto a plane. But with the right paperwork and well-trained pooch, it’s certainly doable. Let me know if you have any other questions!