Getting Ready to Take Flight With Your Emotional Support Dog? Read This
- Author: Teresa Boehm
- Posted: 2024-05-24
Before you take flight with your emotional support dog, you are going to need to make sure that both of you are prepared for this journey. Flying with your emotional support pup involves a whole lot more than just showing up to the airport ready to go. Here is what you need to know to ensure a safe and enjoyable air travel experience with your dog.
Understanding the Difference Between a Service Dog and an Emotional Support Dog
In order to obtain the proper certification for flying, you need to determine if your dog is a service dog or an emotional support animal. Service animals must be trained specifically to help those with disabilities. Once they pass this certification, the animal receives a number of official documents, vests, identification cards, and more.
Conversely, emotional support dogs are there to provide psychiatric relief to their owner. An emotional support animal does not require the same strict level of training as a service dog, however, it does need an official letter signed by a doctor or mental healthcare provider.
Obtaining a Pet Passport
You will need to obtain a passport for your pet in order to be allowed to fly with them. The requirements are dependent on your final destination, making it important that you research this carefully. However, most passports require that your dog is microchipped and can offer an official certificate proving their need as an emotional support animal. You will also need to provide proof of various vaccines, a rabies titer test, and a parasite treatment. Your veterinarian should be able to help you meet all of these requirements.
Preparing for the Journey
Prior to the travel day, you will need to make sure that you have all of your t's crossed and i's dotted. Be sure to bring an extra copy of all of your required records and paperwork. Do not count on being able to access the internet if you are required to show proof of anything. Having a hard copy on you at all times is a good practice when traveling with an emotional support dog. You will also want to include information such as your pet's breed, your contact information, and the license number of your vet.
Do not forget to notify the airline prior to travel. Every airline has different policies as it relates to traveling with emotional support dogs. While some airlines require that you submit a sanitation document, others will look past this.
Some airlines may also only allow particular breeds on board. Notify your airline of your intentions well ahead of your flight so that you can ensure that you understand all of the rules. The last thing that you want is to be surprised on your day of travel.
Lastly, it is a good idea to book a targeted training session prior to your flight if your dog has never traveled with you. For example, barking is not allowed on flights. You will need to make sure your pup can handle these regulations.
The Big Day is Here. Now What
Even if you have done everything that you can prior to the day of travel to prepare, you can still take it one step further by taking intentional steps to enjoy a seamless travel experience once you arrive at the airport. Dogs that are tired are less likely to cause issues mid-flight. For this reason, it is recommended to run your dog around prior to boarding so that they can burn off some of that excess energy. This will also help to combat any potential anxiety that your dog may be feeling in this new situation.
On that same note, be intentional about limiting water and food intake prior to boarding. This will help to mitigate the risk of accidents or motion sickness.
Before arriving at the airport, check out a map of the facility so that you know in advance where you will find the pet relief stations or other amenities that may be helpful.
Working through all of these details prior to take-off will ensure that you and your pooch are ready for the fun journey ahead.
