[[{“value”:”
Mary Austin, CCO
Reviewed By:
Eileen Mckenzie, LMFT
Eileen Mckenzie, LMFT
Eileen G. Mckenzie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who has over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. She joined the Emotional Pet Support team to help provide her services and expertise to the online platform.
Updated: November 19th, 2025
- The Difference: ESA vs. Psychiatric Service Dog
- The “Golden Ticket”: The DOT Service Animal Form
- What Counts as a “Task” for Flying?
- Do I Need a PSD Letter?
- FAQs on flying with a Psychiatric Service Dog
Can you still fly with an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)? The short answer is no. Since the Department of Transportation (DOT) updated its regulations in 2021, airlines are no longer required to accept ESAs.
However, Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are federally protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Unlike ESAs, which are often treated as pets subject to fees and carrier restrictions, a PSD may fly in the cabin with you—even if they are a larger breed—free of charge.
The Difference: ESA vs. Psychiatric Service Dog
To fly legally, you must understand the distinction. Using the wrong terminology can lead to denied boarding.
- Emotional Support Animal (ESA): Provides comfort by presence. No specific training required. Protected in Housing only.
- Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD): Individually trained to perform a specific task for a disability. Protected in Housing and Air Travel.
The “Golden Ticket”: The DOT Service Animal Form
You do not need a “registration card” or a vest to fly. The only federally required document is the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
You must submit this form to your airline (usually 48 hours before your flight). It requires you to attest to three things:
- Health: Your dog has a current Rabies vaccination.
- Behavior: Your dog does not bark, growl, or jump on people.
- Training: Your dog has been trained to perform a task and behave in public.
How to Fill Out the “Trainer” Section
Many owners get stuck here. Under federal law, you have the right to self-train your service dog. If you trained the dog yourself, you can legally write “Self-Trained” or your own name in the “Name of Trainer” box on the DOT form.
What Counts as a “Task” for Flying?
To qualify as a PSD, your dog must perform a specific action to mitigate your disability. “Providing comfort” is not a task. Valid tasks include:
- Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT): Using weight to calm a panic attack.
- Blocking: Standing between you and others to create space in crowded airport lines.
- Alerting: Nudging you before an anxiety spike or medical episode occurs.
Do I Need a PSD Letter?
Yes. While the airline asks for the DOT form, the PSD Letter is your medical proof that you have a qualifying disability. If an airline employee or a landlord challenges your need for the dog, the letter (signed by a licensed mental health professional) is your primary legal defense.
At Emotional Pet Support, our licensed clinicians can evaluate your mental health to see if you qualify for a PSD letter, ensuring you have the correct documentation to support your rights.
FAQs on flying with a Psychiatric Service Dog
What if I’m flying internationally?
International rules vary. While US-based airlines must accept PSDs on flights to/from the US, foreign carriers and destination countries may have different laws (e.g., the UK has very strict entry rules for animals). Always check the destination country’s import laws.
Can I fly with a Service Dog in Training
Generally, no. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) only protects fully trained Psychiatric Service Dogs. While the ADA allows Service Dogs in Training (SDiT) in some public places, airlines are not federally required to accept them. Most airlines will treat an SDiT as a standard pet, meaning they must fly in a carrier and are subject to pet fees.
What if the airline asks for my doctor’s note or medical records?
Airline staff are not legally permitted to ask for your specific medical diagnosis or medical records at the gate. They can only require the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. However, you should always carry your PSD Letter in your bag. If a gate agent challenges your disability status, presenting the letter voluntarily can quickly resolve the dispute.
Does my PSD Letter work for international flights?
Not automatically. While US-based airlines must accept PSDs on flights to and from the US, foreign countries have their own entry laws. For example, the UK and Australia have strict quarantine laws that override US service dog protections. Always check the USDA APHIS website for the destination country’s import regulations at least 30 days before travel.
Can I fly with both a PSD and a regular pet?
Yes, but with restrictions. You are federally protected to fly with your PSD (free of charge). If you also bring a pet, that pet is subject to the airline’s standard rules (carrier + fee). You generally cannot occupy a single seat with two large animals; you may need to purchase a second seat or fly with a companion to accommodate the floor space.
What should I do if a gate agent denies my PSD?
If a gate agent denies you, do not leave the counter. Immediately ask to speak to the airline’s Compliant Resolution Official (CRO). Every airline is required by federal law to have a CRO available (in person or by phone) to resolve disability-related disputes. The CRO has the authority to overrule the gate agent if the denial violates the ACAA.
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