A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Your Emotional Support Dog
Whether you’re flying across the country or just hopping on a short flight, traveling with your emotional support dog can present some unique challenges. As someone who has relied on my pooch Penny’s companionship during anxious moments, I understand the importance of having her by my side during airline trips. In this article, I’ll provide answers to common questions about flying with an emotional support animal (ESA) based on my experiences navigating the process.
What Is an Emotional Support Dog?
An emotional support dog (or ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks and are prescribed by a mental health professional to help mitigate a person’s disability-related symptoms. Airlines are required under the Air Carrier Access Act to allow passengers flying with legitimate ESAs to bring their animals onboard as long as certain documentation requirements are met.
Do I Need Any Documentation?
Yes, the DOT requires you to have a note from your licensed mental health professional—usually a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist—stating that you have a disability as defined by the ADA and that your ESA is necessary to help alleviate one or more of your symptoms. This note is often called an “ESA letter.” Some airlines also require the ESA owner to fill out a form confirming they have this letter from a treating medical provider. It’s critical to obtain all required documentation well in advance of your flight date.
How Do I Prepare My Dog for Flying?
To ensure a stress-free flight for your pooch, it’s a good idea to practice positive conditioning techniques like taking your dog new places, giving treats and praise for calm behavior around other people and noises. Make sure your dog is well-socialized and well-behaved in public settings. Your vet can also prescribe anti-anxiety medication if needed. On travel day, be sure your dog uses the bathroom right before getting to the airport. Consider bringing your dog’s collar and leash, favorite toys, treats, bowls, and a portable travel kennel or bag in the cabin.
What Are the Rules for Flying With an ESA?
- ESA must remain on the floor at the passenger’s feet or in an approved kennel that fits under the seat.
- ESA owners are responsible for any disturbances or accidents caused by their animal, including cleaning up after it relieves itself.
- ESA should not block aisleways or take up seat or legroom meant for human passengers.
- ESA must remain harnessed, leashed, or tethered to the owner at all times.
- Owners should check with their specific airline’s policies regarding ESAs before booking travel.
What Issues Might Arise During the Flight?
It’s impossible to predict how an animal will react in the unfamiliar airport/airplane environment surrounded by strange noises and people. From my experience traveling with Penny, the most common problems include:
- Dog getting anxious or scared during takeoff/landing and crying or whining loudly
- Dog needing to relieve itself frequently due to stress of the trip
- Dog acting excessively nervous or fearful, jumping on other passengers
- Dog barking or howling in response to surrounding activity
- Dog distracting other passengers by constantly moving around the foot space
As the owner, you should be prepared to address any behavior issues promptly and remove your dog from the cabin if its actions cannot be mitigated. Having calming treats or toys on hand and speaking to your dog in a soothing voice can help settle a distressed animal. Communication and understanding from fellow travelers will also go a long way.
What If My ESA Is Denied Boarding?
Airlines may refuse boarding to an ESA if it determines the animal is too large or is exhibiting aggressive behavior that poses a direct threat. However, emotional support animals cannot legally be denied travel simply due to breed (like pit bulls). If this happens, request an incident report in writing from the airline. You can then file a complaint with the DOT detailing how the animal meets requirements. In borderline situations where peanuts and patience are in short supply, it may be kinder on your pup to rebook for a less chaotic flight.
Any Tips for a Smooth Experience?
To help ensure your ESA has an easy flying experience like my girl Penny usually does, I’ve learned it helps to show up early, be extra polite and patient at check-in, and call the airline in advance if you have any questions. Bringing a small blanket or bed for your dog’s personal space can help them feel more secure in the unusual aircraft environment. And don’t forget treats! As with any travel obstacle, having a calm and pleasant demeanor yourself goes a long way in preventing unnecessary stress for your beloved furry companion.
What Legal Protections Apply?
Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), all U.S. airlines must allow passengers with disabilities such as anxiety disorders to travel with their legitimate ESAs subject to the guidelines discussed. The ACAA prohibits unreasonable denial of boarding or charging of fees beyond standard pet fees for ESAs. If denied unfairly, you can report the incident to the DOT for investigation. Meanwhile, reasonable requests for documentation and animal behavior standards help airlines ensure safety for all humans and creatures aboard.
Should I Consider Medication?
As anxious fliers, both Penny and I have benefited from the occasional anti-anxiety med from the vet in high-stress situations like flying. There’s no shame in employing safe pharmacological help if your dog has behavioral problems in tough environments. At the same time, plenty of well-trained, adjusted emotional support dogs navigate flights with no meds needed. If medication is a concern, discuss other calming options with your vet. The key is finding what works for your unique team. With preparation and TLC, traveling with Fido is totally doable!
I hope this guide has addressed all your questions related to flying with an emotional support animal. Please feel free to contact me if any other issues come up. Wishing you and your furry companion many smooth journeys together in the future! Safe travels.
Requirements for Flying with an Emotional Support Animal
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Documentation from mental health professional | A letter from a licensed mental health professional confirming your need for an emotional support animal |
| Trained to behave in public | The animal must be trained to behave properly in a public setting like an airplane |
| Vaccinated and health certificate | Proof of vaccinations and a health certificate from a veterinarian if flying between countries |
| Containment for animal | The animal must remain in a carrier or on a leash at all times during the flight |
| Notify the airline during booking | Inform the airline at the time of booking that you will be traveling with an emotional support animal |
FAQ
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What kinds of animals can I bring as an emotional support dog?
Basically, you can only bring dogs or miniature horses on flights as emotional support animals. Other pets won’t cut it.
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Do I need any paperwork for my emotional support dog?
Yeah, you need to get a letter from your doctor or mental health pro stating that you have a disability and your dog is needed for emotional support. Airlines may need this letter in advance.
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Can the airline deny my emotional support dog?
While they must let ESAs fly in cabin with you for free, airlines can reject your dog if it seems kinda aggressive or isn’t properly trained. They also might deny a dog that’s too big to fit under the seat.
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Is my ESA entitled to special privileges besides flying?
Nope, emotional support dogs don’t get the same rights as true service animals. They can only go in cabin on planes—not stores, restaurants, hotels, etc. without it being an ADA violation like for service dogs.
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What are the rules about ESA behavior on flights?
ESAs basically need to just chill during flights. No barking, whining or causing disturbances. If Fido acts up, the staff might ask you to deal with him in the cargo hold instead of cabin.
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Should I be concerned about other passengers’ allergies?
Perhaps some passengers have allergies or fears, so be considerate. Airlines may seat you away from folks who might react. It’s wise to keep your pup clean and well-groomed to minimize health issues.
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How should I prepare my dog for flight?
To ease any stress, do trial runs visiting crowded areas and getting your pooch used to masks before bringing him on a plane. Desensitize with treats and make it a positive experience. Practice good manners so no doubts about how he’ll behave.
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In the end, is all this effort actually worth it?
If you truly need the support of your furry friend during flights due to mental health issues, then it may actually be worth navigating the requirements and hoping for minimal issues. But otherwise, you risk possible hassles or getting called out for an “fake” ESA. Ask a doc’s opinion.