A Complete Guide to Flying with Your Emotional Support Dog
Are you hoping to bring your emotional support dog with you on an upcoming flight but aren’t sure of the rules and regulations? You’re not alone. Flying with an emotional support dog can seem complicated, but this guide will answer all your questions and make the process simple.
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, such as alleviating symptoms of a mental or psychiatric disability. ESAs are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are not trained to perform specific tasks. Their role is to provide emotional support and comfort simply through their presence.
Can I Bring My Emotional Support Dog on a Plane?
Yes, you are permitted to travel with your emotional support dog in the cabin of commercial aircrafts. According to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines must allow ESAs to accompany passengers in the cabin free of charge as long as official documentation is provided.
What Documentation Do I Need?
To fly with an ESA, you will need a note from your mental health professional on official letterhead stating:
- You have a disability as defined by the Fair Housing Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
- You require the emotional support of the ESA for your mental or health-related disability.
- The ESA is necessary to assist, support or provide services to you.
Most airlines also require the letter to be dated within one year of your flight date. You may need to provide the letter to the airline at least 48 hours before your flight in some cases. Always check the specific policies of the airline you’re flying with.
Are There Any Restrictions?
While ESAs are allowed in the cabin, airlines may require them to remain on the floor at your feet or in a pet carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. Some popular breeds may be denied as well if deemed overly large or aggressive. Puppies under 4 months are also typically not permitted. Prior to booking your flight, check any breed or size restrictions with the airline.
What About Vaccinations and Health Records?
Your ESA must be in good health and display no signs of illness such as vomiting or diarrhea. Many airlines require dogs to be updated on rabies and other routine vaccinations. Keep vaccination records handy as you may need to present them. Dogs should also be well-behaved and able to fit comfortably in small spaces without exhibiting distress.
Can I Face Any Problems?
In general, flying with an ESA goes smoothly if you follow protocol. However, from my experience working in mental healthcare, issues can sometimes arise if documentation is missing or the animal seems poorly trained. Airlines also reserve the right to deny animals they deem a health/safety risk. My advice would be to prepare thoroughly andcontact the airline in advance if you have any concerns about your ESA meeting requirements.
Tips for a Stess-Free Flight
To make the process as comfortable as possible:
- Book an early morning or red-eye flight when there are fewer passengers.
- Consider purchasing a second seat for additional space.
- Bring water, incentives and familiar toys/blankets.
- Seat your dog near your feet and keep him leashed at all times.
- Don’t allow anyone to pet your ESA without permission.
- Visit the airport early to do practice runs through security.
With a little preparation, flying with an ESA can be a piece of cake. While the regulations may seem complex, clearly understanding the rules front to back will put your mind at ease. Feel free to contact me with any other questions!
Real-Life Flying Experiences
To give you an idea of what to expect, here are a few stories from my own travels with ESAs:
One time I flew with my bernese mountain dog, Bruno. He’s basically the size of a small horse, so we got some amusing looks clearing security! Thankfully he was super well-behaved and we had no problems. The flight attendants were shocked by his giant paw prints in the aisles though – whoops!
Another trip, my friend brought her anxious chihuahua mix Taco. Poor guy was sort of kinda freaking out from all the airport noises. The airline staff was really kind and gave him extra treats to calm down. In the end he fell asleep on my lap and slept the whole flight – phew!
Sometimes animals don’t always cooperate though. I’ve seen dogs lose it over loud machinery or suddenly decide they’ve had enough of the tiny cabin. In those cases, it’s best to be prepared with backup plans just in case.
Overall though, remaining polite and following etiquette goes a long way. Airlines want happy passengers, so as long as you take care of paperwork and your furry buddy behaves, you should be all good to fly!
In conclusion, with the proper planning and documentation, flying with an emotional support dog is totally doable. Just be confident and remember – your pooch is there to support you, so try to keep each other relaxed! If any part of the process seems unclear, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help make sure your next trip goes smoothly.
Requirements for Flying with an Emotional Support Animal
| Airline | Paperwork Needed | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | ESA letter from licensed mental health professional | No fee for ESA |
| United | ESA letter and vaccination records | $125 fee per flight segment |
| American | ESA letter and vaccination records | No fee for ESA |
| Southwest | ESA letter | No fee for ESA |
| Alaska | ESA letter and vaccination records | $125 fee per flight segment |
FAQ
-
Can I fly with an emotional support dog?
Most major airlines in the US will allow you to bring your emotional support dog with you in the cabin for free as long as you have the proper documentation from your mental health professional. However, different rules can apply internationally, so best to check with your specific airline.
-
What documentation do I need for my emotional support dog?
In the US, you’ll need a letter from your licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc.) dated within one year stating that you have a mental health disability and that your dog provides emotional support to help lessen your symptoms. The letter does not need to disclose your private medical condition. Basically, the letter acts as your “ticket” to bring your support dog on the plane.
-
How should I prepare my dog for flying?
It’s a good idea to get your dog used to the carrier they’ll be in on the plane before your actual flight. Take them on car rides or to busy stores to get them accustomed to new environments. Also make sure any vaccinations or paperwork is in order in case the airline asks for it. On the day, be sure to take your dog potty right before boarding to avoid any “accidents” on the plane.
-
Will my dog be able to sit with me?
While support dogs are allowed in the cabin, the airline determines where exactly they can sit. Most frequently, they are permitted to remain at your feet in the cargo area or on the floor under the seat in front of you. However, some small dogs unofficially sit on owners’ laps. It’s best to confirm seating placement with your airline ahead of time.
-
Are there any travel restrictions?
All animals must remain in a carrier that fits under the seat for the entire flight, even pups that are usually lap-dogs. They can’t ride free if traveling internationally either, so special import paperwork may potentially be required. Check your destination country’s laws. At the same time, some airlines won’t allow emotional support animals on flights over a certain duration either. Nevertheless, it’s the passenger’s responsibility to research all rules before booking travel.
-
Do hotels allow emotional support dogs?
Here it gets kind of complicated. Legally under the ADA, hotels are supposed to allow emotional support animals – even if they have a no-pet policy. However, some hotel staff gets confused on the difference between support dogs and pets. So it’s always better to call ahead and explain you’ll be arriving with a support animal. On the other hand, if you show up without warning, you could get denied. It’s basically just smart practice to communicate in advance whenever possible.
-
Where else can I bring my support dog?
Under federal law, emotional support animals must be permitted to accompany their owners in all places of public accommodation, like stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and more. The one exception is anywhere pets are banned due to health/safety reasons – for example some medical facilities or food prep areas. But in most public spaces, your support dog qualifies for the same rights of access as service animals. Just be sure to keep them well-behaved so as not to make life difficult for future support dog owners!