New Rules for Emotional Support Animals on Planes – Changes to Policies and Procedures

Understanding the New Rules for Emotional Support Animals on Planes

If you’ve been keeping up with travel news lately, you’ve probably heard about the changing rules regarding emotional support animals (ESAs) on flights. Major airlines like United, American, Delta, Alaska and others have all recently tightened their policies for traveling with untrained pets. In this article, I’ll explain the new rules, clear up common misconceptions, and answer your most pressing questions about flying with an ESA going forward.

What are the New Regulations?

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a new rule in January 2020 that significantly limits which animals qualify as service or support animals on planes. The key points are:

1. Only dogs can be recognized as service animals. ESAs, once allowed to be myriad species, are now limited to dogs and miniature horses.
2. Airlines are now allowed to require forms filled out by a licensed mental health professional 48-72 hours before flying, stating your need for the animal.
3. ESAs no longer have full access rights and must fit within the passenger’s footspace on the aircraft. They also can’t block aisles or exits.

So in short, the days of untrained pets flying free are over. Owners will face much stricter documentation requirements to bring an animal along.

What Does This Mean for ESA Owners?

If you’ve been relying on your pet as an ESA to accompany you on flights, you’ll need to make some adjustments. First, review your animal – if it’s not a dog or miniature horse, it will no longer qualify. For dogs, you’ll need accurate documentation from a medical provider. It’s also important to consider whether your pet is adequately trained for flying.

From my experience working with anxious flyers, having an untrained animal on a plane can add its own level of stress. They may bark or cause a disturbance. Think critically about your pet’s personality and ability to remain calm for hours in an enclosed space. Practice travel training at home if needed.

With the new restrictions, airlines have leeway to deny boarding if they feel your animal poses any safety risk. So focus on ensuring your dog is as well-behaved as possible. Crate training is also recommended, both for your pet’s comfort and to define its space under the seat.

Common Misconceptions about ESAs

There are still a few widespread myths about emotional support animals even with the policy update:

1. ESAs Have the Same Access Rights as Service Dogs: False. Only dogs trained for tasks related to disabilities have full access to all public areas.
2. A Note from Your Therapist is Enough: Not any more. Most airlines now require specific documentation including an ESA letter less than one year old.
3. You Can Board Your Pet as an ESA at the Last Minute: Airlines prefer advanced booking notice, usually at least 48 hours. Last-minute additions can be denied.
4. ESAs Are Exempt from Breed Restrictions: Nope. Dangerous dog breeds banned in certain areas/countries will not be allowed on flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some commonly Googled queries about flying with an emotional support dog:

Do I need special training for my ESA?

While extensive training is not required, ESA dogs should be well-socialized and have basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” down pat. Consider enrolling in a “friendly flyer” course to ease travel anxiety for both you and your pet.

How old does my dog need to be?

Most airlines will accept dogs as young as 8 weeks old as long as they can fit on your lap or under the seat. However, very young pups may find flying overwhelming, so 3-6 months is generally a better age to begin flying.

What paperwork do I need from my doctor?

Each airline has its own ESA documentation requirements. At minimum, you’ll need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional dated within one year stating your need for the animal. Many now require special forms as well detailing your disability and pet info.

Will my ESA be allowed in the cabin?

Yes, as long as your dog can sit quietly at your feet or on your lap without disturbing other passengers or blocking aisles. Keep it leashed or crated when walking through the cabin.

Am I allowed two ESAs?

In most cases, only one ESA is permitted per passenger due to space constraints. Two smaller dogs that can both fit in your footwell okay may be approved, but larger animals will likely be denied as too difficult to properly control and house.

Final Thoughts

Flying with an emotional support animal takes preparation and responsibility. As the new DOT guidelines take effect, having complete and accurate documentation is a must. It’s also crucial that your dog behaves well in public to preserve flying privileges moving forward. With the proper training and socialization, traveling with an ESA can still be a smooth process.

Hope this article has helped explain the changes to ESA policies and answered any outstanding questions! Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional concerns about air travel with your therapy pet. With a little diligence, you and your furry companion can comfortably hit the friendly skies together.

New Requirements for Emotional Support Animals on Flights

Animal Type	Documentation Needed	Restrictions
Dog	Letter from mental health professional	Must be leashed and fit on owner’s lap or at owner’s feet
Cat	Letter from mental health professional	Must be kept in carrier under seat at all times
Birds	Letter from mental health professional	Must be kept in carrier under seat at all times
Rabbits	Letter from mental health professional	Must be kept in carrier under seat at all times
Miniature Horses	Extensive documentation including proof of training	Must remain under handler’s control at all times

FAQ

1. What are the new rules for emotional support animals on planes?

   Basically, the US Department of Transportation now allows only dogs as emotional support animals on flights. Previously, all kinds of animals were permitted.

2. When do the new rules take effect?

   The regulations became official on January 11, 2021. Airlines are required to follow them.

3. Do I need any documentation for my emotional support dog?

   Yes, the DOT now requires a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating your need for the animal. The letter must be less than one year old.

4. What other criteria must be met?

   In addition to the letter, your dog must be trained to behave properly and remain under your control on the plane. It cannot show signs of aggression or be disruptive.

5. Are there size or breed restrictions?

   No, as long as your dog can fit in your lap or under the seat, the airline should allow it. But I would avoid bringing a Great Dane on a small regional jet!

   

6. Are emotional support animals still free to fly?

   Sort of. Airlines are not required to waive pet fees for emotional support animals. Policies may vary, so check with your carrier.

7. Will the new rules reduce fraud and abuse?

   Possibly. The DOT hopes stricter documentation will curb people falsely passing off pets as emotional support animals. But is it fair to those with legitimate needs?

8. What animals are still allowed as service animals?

   Only dogs can qualify as psychiatric service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Other properly trained service animals like miniature horses may also be permitted for passengers with disabilities.