Let's be real, the act of traveling can be
crazy stressful. Despite the awesome payoffs of being able to see family and
friends or experience a new country, or even new state of our beautiful country
it's still a lot! But traveling with your emotional support animal can take the
stress up a whole other notch, especially when you don't know what to expect.
Despite this, with a little preparation (and the help of this article!) you can totally nail this whole traveling with your ESA thing! We're going to take you through the process of getting ready to travel by plane with an ESA step-by-step, so that a trip with your emotional support animal will be a piece of cake.
We'll be focusing on air travel here, as unfortunately bus and train travel can be a little more limited for ESAs at this time. Get ready to travel!
Documents at the Ready!
Despite this, with a little preparation (and the help of this article!) you can totally nail this whole traveling with your ESA thing! We're going to take you through the process of getting ready to travel by plane with an ESA step-by-step, so that a trip with your emotional support animal will be a piece of cake.
We'll be focusing on air travel here, as unfortunately bus and train travel can be a little more limited for ESAs at this time. Get ready to travel!
Documents at the Ready!
A key part of flying with your ESA is having
all the paperwork you'll need ready to go. What you will need depends on your
airline, but as a general rule you should have:
An ESA letter
An ESA letter
A copy of your airline confirmation that you
will be traveling with your ESA
A signed statement that confirms your liability for your animal and your animal's behavior
A printed copy of your airline's policy and the Aircraft Carrier Access (ACA) act for your records
Having all these things ready to go before even popping 'airport' in as your Uber destination is going to make your trip much smoother!
Prep at Home
A signed statement that confirms your liability for your animal and your animal's behavior
A printed copy of your airline's policy and the Aircraft Carrier Access (ACA) act for your records
Having all these things ready to go before even popping 'airport' in as your Uber destination is going to make your trip much smoother!
Prep at Home
The location that makes the most difference to
your travel stress level? Believe it or not, it's actually your home. With some
preparation at home before leaving to travel, you will have a far better
experience than just winging the whole things. Here are some tips to help you
get your ESA ready before jetting off.
Carrier Training: A Must
Carrier Training: A Must
Many pet parents will be quick to agree that
carrier training, in general, is an excellent step in owning a well-adjusted
pet. Carrier training can help an ESA to feel safe and calm, which is a great
thing day-to-day, and especially at the airport! Start by letting your pet
become familiar with its carrier, by leaving it open in the room where you
spend the most time. You can then entice your pet into going inside using
snacks and treats.
Keep using positive motivation to get them comfortable with the door being shut. The aim from here is to build up the time that your pet spends comfortably inside their carrier to real flight plus airport admin time, in order to be prepped for your flight. Just remember—treats are your friend during this training exercise!
Socialize Your Pet
Keep using positive motivation to get them comfortable with the door being shut. The aim from here is to build up the time that your pet spends comfortably inside their carrier to real flight plus airport admin time, in order to be prepped for your flight. Just remember—treats are your friend during this training exercise!
Socialize Your Pet
Every owner should take the time to socialize
their pet, for the good of their pet and their own peace of mind.
Well-socialized pets are happy pets, that are adaptable in many different
situations, exactly what is needed when encountering a place as hectic as the
airport!
Try taking your ESA to the park, having friends over and other challenging situations to expose your pet to new situations, building up their acceptance and tolerance to these and improving their behavior.
Do a Test Run
Try taking your ESA to the park, having friends over and other challenging situations to expose your pet to new situations, building up their acceptance and tolerance to these and improving their behavior.
Do a Test Run
An excellent tip when traveling with an ESA is
to do a 'dry run' of your trip. Try getting your pet into its carrier and going
on a long drive to simulate air travel. It's a great way to accustom your pet
to the rumbling vibrations of a vehicle that they will experience during a
flight.
Remember, try not to interact with your pet during this process, as it's vital they are comfortable in their carrier during transit without you to comfort them.
Airport at Home
Remember, try not to interact with your pet during this process, as it's vital they are comfortable in their carrier during transit without you to comfort them.
Airport at Home
We love a sneaky hack, and this is definitely
a great one! In order to get your ESA used to the terrifying sounds of an
airport (seriously, they can be scary for our fur buds!) try this handy tip:
play ambient airport sounds at home. This helps your ESA to get accustomed to
the noises they will hear on the big day which should hopefully lessen their
anxiety.
Pack Everything, and Then Some
Pack Everything, and Then Some
When traveling with your ESA, it's essential
to over pack rather than under pack. You'll feel a weight lifted off your
shoulders when you know you've got everything you need and more to cover every
situation that may arise. Just follow this handy list:
Your pet's favorite toys and bedding
Litter box or waste bags
Leash/harness/collar
Travel carrier
Food and treats with collapsible travel bowls
Drinking water (Especially if you’re going to be on a long road trip or journey during which water wont’ be readily available)
Medications and medical/vaccine records
A formal health certificate from your vet if necessary (many airlines require one)
Towel (for cleaning up messes or wiping wet paws)
Travel throw (to serve as a blanket or car seat cover)
Grooming supplies
Pet first aid kit
Your pet's favorite toys and bedding
Litter box or waste bags
Leash/harness/collar
Travel carrier
Food and treats with collapsible travel bowls
Drinking water (Especially if you’re going to be on a long road trip or journey during which water wont’ be readily available)
Medications and medical/vaccine records
A formal health certificate from your vet if necessary (many airlines require one)
Towel (for cleaning up messes or wiping wet paws)
Travel throw (to serve as a blanket or car seat cover)
Grooming supplies
Pet first aid kit
Traveling is a vital part of our lives in this
day and age, and doing it without your pet is not always feasible, or desirable!
With these tips to help prep your ESA for flying, you don't need to have fear
of travel anymore. Remember to always do your research on the airline (american airlines pet travel)Feel
free to bring your best bud to enjoy your wanderlust and time with loved ones!
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