How To Fly With Your Canine ESA

The thought of flying with your dog may bring up feelings similar  to those that accompany the thought of flying with your infant. Like, excitement for a new experience, but also dreading the uncertainty. At times, bringing your infant (or puppers) along when you travel is necessary.

If your dog is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), their need to be with you is important for your mental health. Due to this need, airlines will accommodate you by allowing you to fly with your ESA. Though it may be comforting to know that you will have access to your ESA, there may be some confusion about exactly how to do it.

Flying With Your ESA Dog

Step 1: Secure an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional

• Although your pet may already be providing you with the same comfort and support as an ESA, they are not protected under the law until it is official. You can make your pet an official ESA by obtaining a letter certifying your pet from a licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist). If you are currently in treatment, explore the option of an ESA with your treating professional. If you do not have one, or your treating professional does not have training in human-animal bonding, simply fill out Guidance Teletherapy’s Intake Form to see if you qualify. We will assign a licensed mental health professional to your case for review.

Step 2: Educate yourself on Emotional Support Animal rights

• Familiarize yourself with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Although airline employees should be well versed in ESA laws, some personnel are just not as well trained as others. Make sure you know which ESA laws protect you so that you may stand up for yourself if needed.

  The Department Of Transportation released a statement in August 2019 updating expectations from the ACAA, which airlines were interpreting differently. The statement has increased clarity between airlines and passengers with ESA needs. Read more about it here: Department of Transportation Defends ESA Rights for Travelers.

Step 3: Inform the airlines you are traveling with an ESA

• As soon as you book your flight, call your airline to inform them that you are traveling with an ESA. The DOT Guidelines state that airlines MUST be informed 48 hours before the flight, or they can deny your request to board with an ESA.

• Once you have contacted your airline, send them the letter as documentation of your need. The airline may also request additional forms to be completed, attesting to the dog’s behavior or vaccinations. Though The DOT has clarified that an airline cannot deny ESA handlers if these forms aren’t completed, some airlines have “rolled in” their determination of safety with these forms. Guidance Teletherapy errs on the side of caution, and provides these forms to their patients.

• Remember, if an airline can show that your ESA is untrained and may cause harm to other passengers, they can deny access. Please do not travel with your ESA if it is likely to harm other passengers or staff. This puts you and your ESA at risk, and simultaneously causes increased discrimination against all ESA handlers.

Step 4: Prepare your ESA dog for flying

• If possible, take your ESA dog to train in Canine Good Citizenship, established by the American Kennel Club. These classes can be found at local dog training facilities, or even PetCo.

• Wake up early and provide at least one to two hours (yes even for little dudes like chihuahuas) before heading to the airport. Once at the airport and through airport security, walk them around the terminal to decrease any pent-up energy. Traveling is stressful for your dog; unfamiliar sounds, smells, and sights can agitate them. Since the expectation is that they remain still in a cramped space for a long period of time, releasing energy before the flight will increase their stability.

  • If possible, for their first flight, make sure it is short, about 2 hours max. This will give you a good idea how your ESA may respond to flying, and also help them become familiar with the experience.

• Consult your veterinarian regarding the flight.

  • Discuss if potential medication, such as Benadryl or Dramamine, is right for your ESA when flying.

  • Discuss the use of calming treats* if medication is something you are wanting to avoid.

  • Utilize disposable dog diapers* if you believe your ESA dog may become incontinent during the flight.

• Do not give your ESA dog food or water 3 hours before the flight.

• Provide your ESA dog with a thundershirt*, or a similar type of jacket, which will provide it comfort and support.

• Bring treats to the airport that can be used as training tools, to reward your ESA dog when they are following directions or remaining calm. Make sure the treats are very small training treats*, to prevent any on board accidents.

Step 5: Have documentation ready to show at the airport

• When arriving at the airport, have a digital copy of your ESA letter ready, even though it was already approved. If you don’t have access to a tablet or smart-phone, printing it out is good too. Either way, the airline may want to “re-approve” the documentation with your matching ID.

• Once you’ve cleared security and arrived at your gate, notify the attendant that you are traveling with an ESA. Have your paperwork at the ready, and any email confirmations from the airline, just in case.

Common Questions for Flying with an ESA Dog

1. Does my ESA dog have to ride in a crate or carrier?
   No, your emotional support dog can sit on the floor in front of you, or on your lap. As long as your ESA dog does not disturb the legroom of the passenger next to you they do not have to be in a crate (this is different for cats who do need to travel in a travel carrier).

2. Can an ESA be any type of dog? 
   Yes. According to the DOT your ESA can be any breed of dog, including pitbulls, and not be limited access. You must prove to the airline, however, that you can control your ESA, and that it will not cause a disturbance or become a safety risk to other passengers.

3. Can my ESA be any weight?
   Yes and no. According to the DOT, your ESA can be any weight, as long as you can prove that you can handle it. The only times where an ESA’s weight can come into question are: if its size prevents the flight from arriving to an international destination it was scheduled to arrive at, or if the size of the aircraft cannot accommodate the weight of the ESA.

4. Do I have to register my ESA?
   No. There is actually no such thing as a national or international ESA registry. All you need is your ESA letter certifying your need for an ESA as a form of treatment for your mental health related disorder.

5. Do I need to purchase some special vest?
   No. An ESA is not required to wear a special vest like service animals. Some people do fashion their own, or purchase them online, to prevent any discomfort or questioning from other passengers, but this is not a requirement.

*Additional Awareness: any products suggested are not sponsored. They are suggestions and tips provided to us by our patients. Always read reviews and seek out advice from your veterinarian when attempting to utilize new behavioral interventions with your dog.

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