A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with an Emotional Support or Psychiatric Service Dog
If you rely on an emotional support animal or psychiatric service dog to manage a mental health condition, air travel can present unique challenges. As the owner of a service dog herself, the author explores the most common questions and concerns for flyers with canine companions.
Am I allowed to bring my dog on the plane?
The short answer is yes – individuals with diagnosed disabilities are legally permitted to travel with properly trained service animals on commercial flights within the U.S. Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines cannot deny transport to passengers and their psychiatric service dogs unless doing so poses a “direct threat” to health or safety.
However, emotional support animals have fewer protections than service dogs trained for specific tasks related to disabilities. Airlines are not required to treat emotional support animals as service animals. It’s best to contact the airline in advance to confirm their policies on assistance dogs versus emotional support pets.
What paperwork or training is required?
No government agency regulates or certifies service animals, so airlines cannot require official paperwork as proof. However, most expect documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating that the handler has a disability and their dog is needed to manage it.
Service dogs should have public access training to behave well in crowded areas. From my experience, airlines may deny boarding if a psychiatric dog seems not sufficiently trained, such as being overly reactive or behaving poorly on the jetway. Proper training affirms to staff that the animal won’t disrupt other passengers.
Where will my dog sit during the flight?
As a service dog handler, I’ve encountered a few options:
- The dog can sit at your feet under the seat in front of you, which is the most common arrangement. However, dogs over 20 lbs may not fit.
- You can purchase an extra seat just for your service animal. Most major airlines offer this at a discounted rate.
- In rare cases, if the flight isn’t full, your service dog may be allowed to sit in an empty seat next to you with a seatbelt.
Keep in mind space is tight on planes, so properly crate training your dog is ideal. My dog is fully accustomed to remaining calm and under control in confined spaces like aircraft cabins.
What if my dog needs to go to the bathroom?
Dogs should relieve themselves before long flights to avoid in-flight accidents. Also, limit water intake a few hours prior. If your dog seems distressed, request a pit stop at your connection – many airports have relief areas for service animals.
On short hauls when rest stops aren’t an option, contact the airline about their protocols for in-flight potty breaks, such as assisting the handler to an lavatory. But don’t assume it will be allowed without advance coordination.
What about feeding and exercising my dog during the trip?
Service dogs are working animals, so they don’t require walks, toys, or playtime onboard like typical pets might. However, they do need access to food, water, and breaks if flying for many hours straight.
In my experience, most airlines permit bringing small amounts of food sealed in clear plastic bags. And they’ll try to schedule connections long enough for food/water if asked. But confirm feeding policies upfront to avoid problems.
How can I prepare my dog for flying?
Desensitizing your psychiatric service dog to airplane noise, sights and smells is crucial. Take test flights on small regional jets to get them used to the new environment. Practice remaining calm during take-offs, landings and turbulence with high-value treats.
Also get them accustomed to being confined under a seat through crate training at home. On the day of travel, keep them on their regular schedule as much as flying allows to maintain stability. A tired dog is less reactive too!
Preparation is key for a stress-free flying experience. With practice and patience, even anxious dogs can acclimate.
What should I do if there are any problems?
As an advocate for psychiatric service dog users, I’ve found most airlines want to cooperate if handled properly. But communicating needs respectfully and solving issues on the ground go much smoother than escalating inflight.
If denied boarding, request to speak to a complaint agent. Document all interactions and consider filing official complaints if rights were violated. Reach out to legal advocates as a last resort. In many situations, education and compromise work better than aggression.
With the right training and by working closely with airlines, psychiatric service dog handlers can travel confidently. Let me know if any other questions come up!
Requirements for Flying with a Psychiatric Service Dog
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Proper Identification | The dog must have identifiable markings like a vest indicating they are a service dog, and their handler must have proper documentation from their mental health provider. |
| Immunization Records | The dog’s rabies vaccination must be up-to-date and the handler should bring the rabies certificate with them. |
| Behavior | The dog must behave properly in public and not disrupt other passengers. They should remain at their handler’s feet and not beg for food or interact with others. |
| Airline Policies | Many airlines require advanced notice that a service dog will be traveling. Check each airline’s specific policies and any paperwork required like health certificates. |
| Crate | A service dog may not need to be crated during the flight but could be required to fit comfortably on the floor at their handler’s feet under the seat. |
FAQ
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Can I fly with my psychiatric service dog?
Yes, you can fly with your psychiatric service dog. Basically, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you have the right to bring your service animal with you on flights as a way to manage your disability. The animal must be trained or be in training to do specific tasks related to your condition.
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What documentation do I need for my service dog to fly?
You will need a letter from your mental health professional stating that you have a disability and require the dog’s assistance. This letter should also confirm the dog has been trained to behave calmly and obediently in public. Your airline may also require a vaccination record. Make sure to check your airline’s policies in advance so you have the right paperwork.
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Where can my service dog sit on the plane?
On most flights, your service animal can sit at your feet in the cabin rather than being put in the cargo hold like other pets. Some small dogs may even be allowed to sit on your lap. You’ll want to verify seating policies when booking your ticket. At the same time, be prepared for the dog to ride in cargo if the flight is very full.
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Will my service dog need any special training for flying?
It’s a good idea to do some preparation training to make your service dog feel comfortable traveling. Practice taking them new places like airports, stores and busier locations using public transportation if possible. This will help them adjust to new environments and noises. You may also consider flight training classes. However, with basic obedience down, many psychiatric service dogs can handle flights quite well too.
What if my service dog acts up on the plane?
Even highly trained service dogs may feel stressed flying and act out of character. If this occurs, stay calm and contact a flight attendant. They may be able to help by providing water or allowing you to safely deplane with the animal in an emergency. Most airlines will try to work with you due to your disability rights as long as the dog does not directly threaten others. Nevertheless, if behavior persists, you could possibly face being denied boarding on return flights.
Do international flights have different rules?
Yes, flying with a service animal internationally may require additional preparation. Regulations can vary greatly between countries. You’ll basically want to research destination country guidelines well in advance. It’s also a good idea to carry documentation translated into the local language. On the other hand, popular destinations like Canada, Mexico and Europe usually follow the same general principles as U.S. law regarding psychiatric service animals.
Should I get my animal certified in any way?
There is no official certification required for psychiatric service dogs under the ADA. At the same time, some organizations offer voluntary registration or vest patches that may provide extra validation. Folks could mistakenly believe only guide or hearing dogs deserve public access rights. So having basic proof the dog is task-trained for your disability may help avoid confusion down the line. It’s kind of up to you whether it’s worth the cost.
In summary, while navigating flying with a psychiatric service dog does take some extra planning and preparation, folks have a legal right to travel with their animal assistance as long as federal guidelines are followed. With the proper training and documentation, folks and their well behaving service dogs should receive equal access to flights as needed. Perhaps increased public education can help others better understand the variety of service animals. Does this help? Let me know if any part needs clarifying!