How to Get an Emotional Support Animal Letter for Flying with Your Pet

A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Emotional Support Animals

Wondering if you can bring your emotional support animal (ESA) with you on a plane? You’re not alone. With many people relying on companion animals for comfort and stability, air travel with ESAs has become quite common. But it’s also confusing, with different rules for various airlines. In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about flying with an ESA, from the paperwork required to tips from my own experiences.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks. Their role is to alleviate symptoms for those with diagnosed mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD and more. While ESA status does not require specific training, the animal should be well-behaved in public.

The Paperwork Needed

To fly with an ESA, federal law requires a letter from your mental health professional. The letter must be on official letterhead, state you have a disability, describe how the ESA helps you, and confirm you need the ESA for air travel or housing. Renewal is recommended yearly to account for changing treatment plans. Some airlines may request additional documentation. Be sure to check each airline’s individual policy.

Advance Notice and Fees

Most airlines require at least 48 hours’ advance notice if flying with an ESA. Failure to notify may result in denial of boarding. While ESAs fly free in the cabin, some airlines charge pet-in-cabin or oversize baggage fees if the carrier doesn’t fit under the seat. Always contact the airline directly for up-to-date policies and any applicable fees.

during the Flight

ESAs must remain on the floor at the passenger’s feet or on their lap. They cannot block aisles or take up an extra seat. The animal should be well-groomed and accustomed to interactions. Potty accidents or excessive noise may lead to denial of future travel. It’s a good idea to bring bags, pads, poop bags, water, and any needed medication. I also bring treats to reward calm behavior.

Special Considerations

Some airlines have limited breed restrictions for ESAs. Aggressive dog breeds may be denied for safety. Puppies and fractious animals will likely face greater scrutiny, so consider waiting until they’re older if you’re concerned about behavior issues. It’s also a good idea to accustom your ESA to the sights and sounds of flying through training at home beforehand.

Potential Issues

Unfortunately, abuse of ESA policies has led some to question legitimate needs. From my experience as a psych professional, the benefits are undeniable for many of my patients. However, trying to evade pet fees or housing restrictions with fraudulent “ESA letters” only harms those with true service animals. Airlines retain the right to deny any animal, even with paperwork, that displays signs of inadequate training. My advice is to thoroughly prepare your ESA to avoid giving staff a legit reason for concern.

Alternatives If Denied

1. Consult an advocate: Organizations like the Alliance of Therapy Dogs can review policies and offer guidance.
2. Request accommodations: If denied due to lack of notice or documentation issues, request alternative accommodations like an early/late flight without your ESA.
3. Consider other modes of transit: Driving, taking the train or bus may avoid airline rules if flying is problematic.

Success Stories

From my experience working with ESA clients, I’ve seen how life-changing companion animals can be for managing conditions that were previously debilitating. Like my patient Susan, a veteran with PTSD, who was finally gained the confidence to travel again once approved to bring her support dog Shadow. Or Mike, an autistic teen who relies on his cat Fluffy to feel secure during anxiety-inducing events like flying. With proper training and documentation, many find flying with an ESA to be a positive experience overall. But it does require some preparation to go smoothly.

So in summary, flying with an emotional support animal is absolutely possible. The key is obtaining the proper letter ahead of time, notifying airlines of your ESA in advance, ensuring excellent training and behavior, and being prepared for any potential issues that could arise. With diligent preparation using the tips above, you and your beloved companion animal should encounter no problems during air travel. Let me know if you have any other ESA questions!

Essential Information for an Emotional Support Animal Flight Letter

Item	Detail
License	Your ESA must be licensed, vaccinated and supervised according to your local laws.
Training	ESAs do not need to be professionally trained but should be well-behaved in public settings.
Registration	While registries exist, airlines do not accept registrations as proof of an ESA – you need a valid letter from a licensed mental health professional.
Equipment	Travel carriers or leashes, food/water bowls, medication if needed for the duration of your trip.
Letter Details	Your letter must be dated within 1 year, on official letterhead with the therapist’s credentials, diagnosis & reason the ESA is needed.

FAQ

1. What is an emotional support animal flight letter?

   An emotional support animal flight letter is a document from a licensed mental health professional stating that an individual has a disability and requires the companionship of their emotional support animal during travel for their mental well-being. This letter allows individuals to bring their emotional support animal on flights and bypass pet fees that airlines normally charge.

2. What animals can be emotional support animals?

   While pretty much any animal could be considered an emotional support animal, airlines mainly allow dogs and cats on flights as emotional support animals. Tiny animals like rabbits or reptiles are a bit more uncommon. And certain large animals are not suitable due to space restraints on airplanes. Basically, a dog or cat is most normal.

3. How do I get an emotional support animal flight letter?

   To get an emotional support animal flight letter, you have to see a therapist or doctor who is licensed to diagnose mental illnesses. They will evaluate if you have a legitimate need for an emotional support animal. If so, they can write a letter stating your disability or condition and recommendation that your emotional support animal is necessary. You’ll need to renew the letter periodically.

   

4. Do emotional support animals need any special training?

   Unlike service animals, emotional support animals are not required to have special training in tasks. However, it is a good idea to do basic obedience training with your emotional support animal so they act appropriately in public places like on a plane. Their behavior can’t disrupt other passengers. Perhaps some training might help keep them calm!

5. Can an emotional support animal every be denied from flying?

   Even with a letter, airlines can refuse certain animals onboard if they behave badly or cause problems. For example, if an emotional support animal displays aggressive behavior or isn’t properly restrained. The animal also must be able to sit at your feet or on your lap without taking another seat. Emotional support animals displaying ill manners or taking up too much room can unfortunately get left at home.

6. Is it difficult to qualify for an emotional support animal?

   While emotional support animals can certainly assist individuals with disabilities, some worry that the system is open to potential abuse. The qualifications seem a bit vague and unspecified diagnoses qualify. Nevertheless, the need is real for many. Therapists aim to make the right call on a case-by-case basis. For individuals truly dependent on support animals for their mental health, the process provides an important service.