Airlines and ESAs (emotional support animals)
I have a history of panic attacks that are now well-controlled. Yes, my ESA dog really helps me. I need to fly across the country to visit my parents and the airlines now want you to fill out 3 forms in order to travel with your ESA dog in the cabin: a mental health profession attests that you have a diagnosis, a vet attests that the dog is vaccinated, and you have to attest that the dog is well-behaved.
Does the airline follow-up with your vet and shrink to verify that they did sign those forms?
by Anonymous | reply 8 | May 26, 2020 4:44 AM
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It’s hell OP. My vet refuses to vouch for the behavior of my emotional support King Cobra Helen. She’s a good girl!
by Anonymous | reply 1 | May 26, 2020 3:25 AM
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Yesterday a Walmart cashier told me her ESA pet was her 18-yr. old cat. I said, "That is really, really old" and she said, "Oh, she's not allowed to die".
by Anonymous | reply 2 | May 26, 2020 3:30 AM
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Yeah, it puts these professionals in a weird legal position. I would be happy to pay the pet fee at the airport, but she can't fit under the seat in front of me.
by Anonymous | reply 3 | May 26, 2020 3:31 AM
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OP, a Xanax is much cheaper and less hassle.
by Anonymous | reply 4 | May 26, 2020 3:35 AM
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Who supports the dog's emotional health, on the outside chance your dog doesn't like to fly?
by Anonymous | reply 5 | May 26, 2020 3:44 AM
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If your panic attacks are now well-controlled, you don't need your dog with you. This will be a good opportunity to employ coping mechanisms you've learned from your mental health professional.
Don't blame the airlines for the inconvenience of needing 3 pieces of documentation. Blame people who faked issues and "registered" their ESA online, thus inconveniencing the airlines and other passengers rather than figuring out other options.
Yes, your documentation will be verified.
by Anonymous | reply 6 | May 26, 2020 4:30 AM
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I loved the story once posted here that Marie Omond travels with an emotional; support tarantula in a wicker cage.
by Anonymous | reply 7 | May 26, 2020 4:34 AM
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Too many people have abused it. I know people who take their dogs to nice restaurants and movie theaters with their emotional support notes.
by Anonymous | reply 8 | May 26, 2020 4:44 AM
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