Everything You Need to Know About Flying With an Emotional Support Animal
If you have an emotional support animal (ESA) that provides comfort and helps manage your mental health condition, flying with your furry companion can seem like an impossible task. The good news is that federal regulations allow ESAs certain privileges that make air travel much more feasible. In this article, I will explain the ins and outs of flying with an ESA so you get the support you need while staying compliant with airline rules.
What Is an Emotional Support Animal?
An ESA is not considered a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Unlike service dogs that are specifically trained to perform tasks, an ESA is prescribed by a mental health professional to provide therapeutic benefit simply through companionship. Having an ESA means your mental health condition causes difficulties in everyday life that are lessened by the animal’s presence.
To be granted ESA accommodations when flying, you must have a letter from your licensed mental health provider stating you have a disability and the ESA is necessary to help manage symptoms. Airlines are required to allow ESAs to fly with their owners for free in the cabin per the Air Carrier Access Act. However, ESAs are not permitted in other areas like restaurants where only service animals are usually allowed.
Getting Your Animal Approved as an ESA
From my experience working with psychiatrists, the process of getting an ESA letter is straightforward if you have an established patient-provider relationship. Bring medical records showing your diagnosis and describe how your pet helps decrease anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other conditions. Some online companies provide ESA letters for a fee, but airlines may view these more suspiciously since your provider did not personally evaluate you.
Your animal also needs to meet each airline’s standards of behavior and health. Dogs, cats, and small animals like rabbits are typically acceptable as ESAs. Any aggressive behavior or noise issues could result in the animal being barred from flying. Many airlines require annual checkups and vaccines be up to date.
Booking and Preparing for Your Flight
When booking your ticket, inform the airline as early as possible that you will be traveling with an ESA. You’ll need to provide the letter to verify the accommodation. Some airlines request it 72 hours or more before the flight to ensure space is reserved. If not given enough notice, you risk having your pet travel in the cargo area instead of the cabin which is less preferable for their safety and comfort.
We’ve all had situations where flights got changed or delayed at the last minute. If this happens with your itinerary, be proactive about informing the new airline of your ESA. Otherwise they may not be aware when you check-in. Also, pack appropriately in a carrier or leash that fits under the seat in front of you so your pet stays contained throughout the journey.
Common Questions About Flying With an ESA
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Do I pay extra fees? No, having an ESA letter means your pet flies for free in the cabin with you instead of in cargo as an ordinary pet would. Just be sure the letter is provided to the airline in advance.
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Is there a size or weight limit? While requirements vary, your ESA generally must be small enough to sit on your lap or fit under the seat in front of you in its carrier without disturbing other passengers. Most airlines limit dogs and cats to around 20 pounds.
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What paperwork is needed? In addition to a current ESA prescription letter from a licensed mental health provider, your pet needs vaccination records, a harness or carrier, and may need an ESA training certificate if behavior issues arise.
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Can the airline deny my ESA? Yes, if an animal displays aggressive behavior or poses a threat to health and safety, the airline has the right to refuse travel. Beyond that, proper notice and paperwork should prevent denial of your ESA accommodation.
Tips for a Smooth Flight With Your ESA
With careful preparation, flying with an emotional support animal can go very smoothly. Remember that other passengers may not understand your needs, so keep your pet well-behaved and tidy. A small bag of treats, its favorite toy or blanket, and plenty of positive reinforcement can help your furry friend relax during take-offs, turbulence, and long hours in the close quarters of an airplane cabin.
I once flew with my anxious dog who does much better on planes after being given a DAP diffuser collar with calming pheromones before boarding. Using a collar or calming supplements tailored to your specific animal may reduce stress. And don’t forget to re-hydrate during the flight since changes in cabin pressure cause faster dehydration for both you and your companion.
Kindly asking seatmates about any pet allergies is also a nice gesture of courtesy. With a little extra planning and responsibility on your part, flying with an ESA can go off without a hitch so you both feel safe and well-supported during your travels. If issues come up mid-flight, calmly explain the situation and your animal’s ESA status to the flight attendants.
Remember, thousands fly successfully each year with ESAs in tow. With verified paperwork and well-behaved pets, your animal will be able to tag along as your co-pilot at 30,000 feet. Safe travels to you both!
Comparing Emotional Support Animal Qualifications
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Psychiatric or Medical Letter | A letter from a licensed mental health professional that confirms an individual’s need for an ESA for therapeutic or disability-related emotional support purposes. |
| ESA Behavior and Training | An ESA must be well-behaved in public and have basic obedience training like responding to basic commands. Excessive barking, jumping, etc. may negate an ESA qualification. |
| Avoid Breed or Size Restrictions | Some apartment complexes or landlords have rules against certain breeds like pit bulls or size limits. An ESA qualification can override these restrictions. |
| Fly without Pet Fees | Federal law allows ESAs to accompany their owners in the cabin without pet fees that are normally charged for pets. |
| Live Anywhere Pets Aren’t Allowed | An ESA letter enables individuals to keep their animal despite “no pets” policies that may be enacted by landlords or housing. |
FAQ
- What types of animals can be emotional support dogs?
Any dog breed can be trained as an emotional support dog. However, smaller and calmer breeds tend to work best for this role since they are less overwhelming for some people. - Do emotional support dogs need special training?
Emotional support dogs do not need to go through obedience or public access training like service dogs. Nevertheless, it’s still a good idea to give them basic commands and expose them to different environments during their development. - Can I take my emotional support dog anywhere?
Generally no, emotional support dogs do not have the same public access rights as service dogs. On the other hand, they are allowed to fly with their owners for free and live in housing complexes that have no pet policies. - How can I get an emotional support dog certification?
You’ll need a letter from a mental health professional stating that you need an emotional support dog for your medical condition. However, be ware of fake online registries – those don’t qualify an animal as an official emotional support dog. - What are the responsibilities of an emotional support dog owner?
Owners must keep their emotional support dogs well-behaved and under control at all times. Despite sometimes, these dogs even need to learn basic good manners like not jumping on people. You’re also responsible for caring for them like any pet. - Is an emotional support dog right for me?
Maybe an emotional support dog could help with your condition, although perhaps seek therapy first. You must be able to properly care for a dog. On the other hand, an animal companion isn’t for everyone and may not cure what ails you. Weigh the pros and cons carefully. - How much does an emotional support dog cost?
Expenses can vary tremendously. While adoption fees start as low as $100, an purebred puppy can cost over $1000. However, ongoing costs of food, vet bills, training and supplies often exceed thousands per year. So be prepared to invest a pretty penny.