Occasionally I will take my dog Kona on a trip with me. Kona has been my Emotional Support Animal since 2015. As much as I LOVE to explore, I do not love to fly. My great grandparents died in a plane crash, so could have something to do with that but this isn't my therapy session so let's move on. Many people are interested in ESAs (Emotional Support Animals). I am always asked a lot of questions about mine and how it works. I am more than happy to share! Whether it is pure curiosity, a desire to know if an ESA is right for you, or getting out of paying $200 to fly with your animal, I have all the details on an ESA.

An ESA is a companion animal that a medical professional has determined will provide support to an individual. Unlike a Service Animal, they are not trained to perform a specific task. So let's start with "How do you get this?"

Kona, carrying den, and all natural relaxation blend

"HOW DO I GET AN ESA?"

Whatever you do, do NOT use an ESA online registration, Those are a scam and although they may get you past some laid-back landlords and mall cops, it will not get you on an airplane (especially with all these new "crack downs"on ESAs). You will need to speak to your primary care doctor and potentially a specialist, like a psychiatrist, depending on what your need for the animal is. Some of the most common qualifying conditions are: Anxiety, Depression, Panic Attacks, Mood Disorder, and Fear/Phobia... But there are many other ways an ESA can support you! So if you feel your animal helps you in some way than talk to your Doctor!

"HOW DO I BOOK MY ESA?"

Okay, so you are ready to book your flight! You must let the airline know you will be traveling with your ESA. Most airlines require notice 48 hours before your flight but I recommend adding them immediately or at least send an email to the correct point of contact so it is on record that you reached out. Most airlines make it pretty easy to add. Some will need a copy of the Doctor's note emailed in advance. You will also need to bring a hard copy. PRO TIP: If this is your first time using this note with this airline, ask where you can email the letter and have confirmation that it complies with all of their requirements. If you wait until you get to the airport and something is missing from it, you may be subject to unnecessary stress resulting in worry lines.

"DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS?"

Yes, several:

The week before you fly do not feed your animal anything out of the ordinary.
I pick up his water dish the morning of our flight and I give him water immediately when we land.
I usually skip my pups dinner the day before he travels, allowing at least 24 hours between his last meal and getting to the airport. Some airports have Pet Relief areas which are like public restrooms with a patch of fake grass. My dog decided he was scared of this and instead 💩 on the airport floor in front of several people. It was mortifying, which brings me to the next step...
In case your pet does have an accident, bring some baggies and paper towels. But you shouldn't need them because you followed steps 2 and 3 😉
An ESA can sit on your lap or under the seat in front of you. Pack a blanket your animal can cozy up with.
If you think your animal will be stressed out you can get them an herbal relaxation blend from a pet store.
Flying with an ESA is new to a lot of people including some airline employees. The more you know, the better. If someone tells you something that does not seem right or align with your knowledge then it is okay to kindly question it. KINDLY!!! Remember where you are, don't go getting on the "no fly" list.
Your ESA does not need a special vest or a pet carrier but if you want to avoid extra questions from strangers there are ESA vests available to buy. If I can bring his carrier I will, he does like to go under the seat and nest in it.
Finally, airports are full of germs and most likely your pet has chosen to lie on the airport and/or airplane floor. When you get to your destination, immediately wash your pet before they contaminate everything. 🐶🚿

Best of luck and happy traveling!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Just a girl that has done extensive research and had first hand experience with this.