Traveling With Your Emotional Support Dog: What You Need to Know About Airline Policies

A Guide to Traveling with Your Emotional Support Dog

If you’re like many passengers these days, you rely on your faithful canine companion to help manage anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. But have you wondered how to bring your emotional support animal (ESA) with you when flying? In this article, I’ll cover the main questions folks have about taking their pooch along on airline trips.

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, affection, and presence. ESAs are prescribed by mental health professionals to help treat conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and more. Unlike service dogs, ESAs do not have public access training or certification. However, under the Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act, housing providers and airlines must allow approved ESAs access to facilitate treatment.

How do I get my dog approved as an ESA?

To get your dog approved as an ESA, you’ll need documentation from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) stating that you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and that your ESA helps alleviate symptoms. This is usually a simple note or letter written by a therapist, psychiatrist, or other provider who has treated you for at least 6 months. Be sure to get it well in advance of your flight as airlines may require two weeks’ notice.

What documentation do I need to fly with my ESA?

When flying with your ESA, you will need the following documents:

1. ESA documentation letter from your LMHP on official letterhead stating your need for an ESA
2. Vaccination records showing the dog is current on rabies and other core vaccines
3. Veterinary health form signed within one year

Have these ready to provide at check-in or when asked by flight staff. Keep the documents together in an accessible spot like a folder or binder for easy reference during travel.

Are there any restrictions on ESAs?

While airlines must accept approved ESAs, there are a few stipulations passengers should be aware of:

• ESAs must remain on the floor at the owner’s feet or in a carrier under the seat during flight.
• The animal cannot pose a direct threat to others or cause a significant disruption to cabin service.
• Some breeds may be restricted based on size or strength. Airlines have the right to deny animals they deem unsuitable.
• Cleaning up after an ESA is the owner’s responsibility.
• ESAs cannot occupy a seat so you may be charged a fee if bringing a larger dog in the cabin.

Know the airline’s ESA policies before booking travel to avoid any issues down the line.

What if I have a connecting flight?

Many people worry about connecting flights with their ESA. From my experience in the travel industry, here are some tips:

1. Book direct flights whenever possible to avoid layovers
2. Give yourself an hour or more between connections in case of delays
3. Carry equipment like a portable water/food bowl and poop bags in your carry-on
4. Alert gate agents if making a tight connection so they know your dog is coming
5. Consider buying pet insurance in case of lost baggage with your pet inside

With proper planning, multi-leg journeys can absolutely be managed smoothly with an ESA in tow.

What challenges might I face?

While you have a legal right to fly with your approved ESA, not everyone is keen on the idea of animals in the cabin. Here are a few potential obstacles and how to prepare:

• Other passengers may complain or express displeasure. Try to select bulkhead seats away from most flyers.
• Cabin crew may initially doubt your dog’s status despite paperwork. Stay polite but firmly within your rights.
• Seating could be limited by airline or aircraft type. Book early for best selection.
• Your ESA may feel stressed by travel chaos. Consider calming supplements or interaction before flights.
• There’s always a chance your letter might get “lost”. Carry digital copies and hard copies to be safe.

With patience, flexibility, and papers in hand, any issues can usually be resolved smoothly.

How can I make flying stress-free for my ESA?

To make the experience as low-stress as pawsible for your pooch, here are some tips:

1. Get them used to traveling in a carrier through positive reinforcement at home.
2. Bring familiar items like a well-worn blanket or toy from home.
3. Consider calming supplements, but check with your vet first. CBD oil works for some pups!
4. Book aisle seats to limit strangers approaching unexpectedly.
5. Give plenty of attention and praise during flights for good behavior.
6. Walk or play with them before boarding to burn off nervous energy.

With some preparation work, both you and your ESA can take to the friendly skies with ease and comfort.

Is air travel worth it for an ESA owner?

While flying with a canine companion takes effort, for many it’s a necessity to effectively manage disabilities. In my experience as both an ESA handler and frequent flyer, the benefits far outweigh any frustrations:

• Having your trusted four-legged friend cuts through anxiety when flying long haul.
• ESAs allow you to visit family or travel for work that you otherwise couldn’t manage alone.
• With paperwork in order, you have a legal right to reasonable accommodation and assistance.
• More and more airlines are streamlining ESA policies to welcome furry fliers respectfully.
• It’s worth advocating for mental healthcare rights through ESA access whenever needed.

At the end of the day, your well-being and that of your tail-wagging treatment buddy comes before others’ preferences. With diligent preparation, traveling by air can absolutely work for ESA owners who need that loyal leg up.

I hope this guide has addressed any concerns and shed light on successfully including your emotional support dog in flight plans. Feel free to reach out if you have additional questions!

Choosing and Registering an Emotional Support Animal for Air Travel

Requirement	Details
Obtain letter from mental health professional	Airlines require a current letter not more than one year old from a licensed mental health professional.
Register animal	Register your animal as an emotional support animal with an ESA registration organization online or by mail.
Proper identification	The animal should wear a vest, leash or harness identifying it as a support animal.
Follow airline policies	Familiarize yourself with each airline’s specific policies on travel, paperwork requirements, fees and restrictions.
Consider training	Although not required, some training can help prepare your animal to behave well in various settings.

FAQ

1. Can I bring my emotional support dog on an airplane with me?

   Generally, yes. Major airlines are required by law to allow passengers to fly with an emotional support animal in the cabin, so long as you provide documentation from a mental health professional saying you need the animal for your mental health condition. However, airlines may have certain rules like size or breed restrictions.

2. What paperwork do I need for my emotional support dog?

   You are required to bring a letter from your licensed mental health professional – basically a doctor or therapist. This letter should state that you have a diagnosed mental health condition and that having your dog with you provides some kind of help or benefit to managing your condition. Airlines may ask to see this letter at check-in.

3. Are there any size or breed restrictions for emotional support dogs?

   While an emotional support animal is protected under federal law regardless of size or breed, airlines are allowed to have size and breed restrictions for safety purposes. Most restrict dogs that are too big to fit under the seat. Certain restricted breeds like pit bulls also may not be allowed on flights. Check each airline’s policy for their exact rules.

   

4. What responsibility do I have as an owner of an emotional support dog?

   You are responsible for properly training and controlling your dog during the flight. The animal should not disturb other passengers or cause any disruptions. It’s also a good idea to check that your dog is comfortable in the cabin environment before flying. Passengers sitting nearby deserve to feel at ease as well. Ultimately, you want to choose an emotional support dog that is well-behaved in public.

5. Can an airline deny my emotional support dog?

   While they are required to allow ESAs, airlines can deny any animal – emotional support or not – that behaves aggressively or is out of control. They also can reject an animal that is too large or isn’t properly trained. If a dog appears unhealthy or not potty trained, the airline has grounds to deny it from flying in the cabin for health and safety reasons. Ultimately, it comes down to the animal’s behavior and the airline’s regulations.

6. Is getting an “emotional support animal registration” online a good idea?

   Those websites offering “registrations” or “certifications” for emotional support animals in exchange for a fee are basically scams. The only valid ESA documentation is a letter from a real licensed therapist – not something from a random website. While it may seem to promise legitimacy, it holds no legal weight with airlines or housing. It’s best to consult a mental health professional if seeking an ESA.