Your dog may qualify as a service dog, flys at no charge.
 

When I fly my Bailey Grace flies with me in the cabin without a charge.
Due to my anxiety in regards to flying. Here is the rules regarding a mental health service animal and flying. This is from United's website.

The only trouble I have ever experienced is flying out of Memphis TN airport, security did question me and tried to state only 2 dogs are allowed on a plane in the cabin. THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH A SERVICE ANIMAL. there is no limit to the number of service animals allowed.

You must have a current health certificate when flying and have all documents ready when going through security.
You do not have to explain any details of your disability other than having the document listed below from your mental health therapist.
Discrimination is against federal law.

Service animals
United Airlines and United Express welcome service animals accompanying persons with disabilities. There is no fee for service animals, and they may travel in the aircraft cabin as long as they do not obstruct an aisle or any other area used for emergency evacuations.
It may be helpful to outfit your service animal with a harness or vest to make the animal’s status obvious to airport personnel. If the animal’s status is questioned, you simply need to provide credible verbal assurance that the animal is assisting a passenger with a disability.

Please note that quarantine restrictions may apply. Check with your travel agent or a United reservations agent at least one month prior to departure to find out if there are any regulations specific to your destination.

Emotional support animals
Emotional support animals are considered to be service animals. However, a customer traveling with an emotional support animal will need to have documentation on letterhead from a licensed mental health professional, dated within the past 12 months, stating that the customer is under professional care for a mental-health-related disability, and that the animal’s assistance is essential to his or her mental health.

This is a very touchy topic around here. Many people feel that service dogs NEED to be certified in order to prevent people from taking advantage of this. Just giving you a heads up in case this turns into more of a debate than a discussion.

I met a lady who had schauzers that she had certified as service dogs and now she takes them everywhere with her. We want to do that with ours but I have no clue where to go. Does anyone have direction about this? I would love to take them to a hospital or nursing home and let them love on some people!

if you want to take them to a hospital or nursing home you need to have them certified as a therapy dog!

I dont have a problem with emotional support dogs, they dont get as much access to places as "real" service dogs but they provide a service in certain instances!

Yeah, I was just wondering is someone here had done it and could tell me about what all they went through. Cost? How llong it takes etc?

I can understand that if you have an honest need for a service animal. But when people WITHOUT any real need for them have them certfied as such just so that they can take them with them everywhere, to me, that is just wrong! :thumbdown You are taking advantage of a system that was put into place for people who really need it and eventually it could make matters more difficult for those who really do depend on the aid of an animal for day to day life. It's no different than someone getting paid cash under the table and collecting gov't assisance, or someone using handicapped parking when they have no real need for it.

Thank you! I have nothing to add. :thumbup:

What is wrong with wanting to share your baby with the world? I have friends who have 2 Schnauzers and they go to nursing homes and hospitals every week! Dogs can change lives. I am looking in to it because I would love for my babies to share some of their love with hurting or sick people? And yeah, I would also take them with me everywhere I could (with in reason). I dont have kids and I hate when insensitive people laugh when I say my Yorkies are my babies. That is what they are and just because others have skin babies doesnt mean mine are less important to me than theirs are to them.

So, service or therapy. Are they both looked down upon?

there is a difference between a therapy dog and a service dog. a therapy dog does NOT go out in public to restaraunts and on airplanes, they go to nursing homes and hospitals to visit people. That is *fine* - that is *wonderful*.

The problem comes in when people who do *not* need service dogs register their dogs. They can do this because with some registries, dogs don't have to be specifically trained, all you have to do is enter their information and pay a fee. Tucker is my mom's service dog. She actually needs him. There are people who register their dogs as service dogs just because they want to take them out shopping in places where dogs are not normally allowed. By doing this, it makes life even *more* difficult for the people who actually need them, because laws change and regulations change and people don't realize how serious the need for a service dog is. Disabled people are finally getting more rights, and they are being allowed to have their service dogs with them where ever they are needed. If non-disabled people take this as a joke and register their dogs despite having no actual need to have them with them, then the entire system is taken less seriously, and ultimately it results in people who have a physical/mental dependence for these dogs being unable to use them and bring them out as needed.

this is going to be a good topic
;):cool:

It is solely the airline's policy that ESA are considered to be service animals. There should be no confusion (when your on land) the law applies- and by definition, ESA are not service animals.

There are no certifications for emotional support animals.

Service Dogs-Therapy Dog and a free ticket to fly?
 

:aimeeyork I have a certified Service dog that helps me with walking,balance,falling and a seizure condition. His name is Bear and is a Great Pyrenees. Bear came from a non-profit organization called Canine Assistants. They train dogs to help people with special needs get through their daily life a little easier. Bear's training started at 6 weeks old. He was finally ready at 2 y/o with the knowledge of 60 commands all taught with positive re-enforcement, love and lots of hugs!! Only 50 reciepients are picked out of 1000 applicants per year. I was lucky to be picked last Jan 09' to attend their school for two weeks. The program is challenging and emotional. Imagine walking in with a cane and living the past 2 years pretty much in my house due to seizures and falling. I walked out of the school with Bear and NO cane...my husband is able to drop me off at the store now and I can shop alone or go to a movie as long as I have Bear. He gave me my freedom and my life back. He is like my right arm.
Therapy dogs are wonderful. The owner and dog attend a 1 hour session per week for a total of 6 weeks(duration is a bit shorter than a service dog eh?) They are given a certificate and can go to libraries, senior centers, hospitals etc. They do a wonderful service for others. My dog is trained to be a working dog for ME.
When I see people claim their dog is a certified therapy dog and have every right to fly, eat or shop with their owner it makes me frustrated.
These people don't realize what others with disabilities go through on a daily basis...these dogs are our lifesavers.
I have been told by store managers that they dealing with more and more people claiming their dog is a service dog and if they don't get service or allowed into the store they will use the "disability act" as a scare tactic.
To spot a certified/registered service dog: The dog is well groomed, wears a vest-mine is green with sponsor patches on it such as delta, milkbone etc. They will also have a round patch that states not to pet a working dog. The dogs eyes will not be on you it will be on the owners and their surroundings. The owner will have a badge with picture of owner and dog with name address of organization...stating that i have a service dog. I also have the state disability law on the back of the badge. I never mind being stopped and asked about Bear or his service dog status. People who own a service dog that are declined entrance do not "Argue" with management or threaten a lawsuit.
Sorry so long winded...

Great information! Thank you for posting! :)

:thumbup::thumbup: I always want to pet them though, they're so cute and are always doing such a good job! :D

i wanna bring my lucky on a plane with me when i go to egypt next week can i have him sit in the same seat as me? hes only 4 1/2 months old though...

I've had several issues with flying on Mexicana airlines with my service dog. I've posted my story on another thread last year. I'm so glad most of you who fly with service animals don't have to go through some of the things I have gone through.

I've had to tell the people at the check in counter what my condition specifically is, because they told me I could be a danger to the other passengers. They have also requested that I show them my medication, in front of everyone at the airport. This past November they told me my letter from my doctor was too old (it was from April of the same year). And in the end I feel like I have to put up with all of it because if not, they will not allow me on the plane.

Once I'm on the plane though, my baby usually gets attention from the flight attendants and even the captains. They are usually so impressed that she was calm on quiet on the plane. I hate using this airline, but they're the only one who has a direct flight without a 7 hour layover. I hate that they think they can get away with this because they are in Mexico. I sent an email to the management in November about it but I never hear back from them. I'm scared to complain more because I don't want to be blacklisted (I'm not sure if that's the phrase). I just hope that when I travel again I will not have to go through this again.

GAO- that's terrible.

I would be so embarassed if someone asked me what my disability was, and to get out my meds. Who's business is it, really? There are a variety of disabilities out there and some people take medication. So what? It doesn't mean we're crazy psychos. There are a million reasons why we could be taking medication.

Lula in training
 

My dog Lula is in training to be a therapy dog. I cant wait to watch her light up the face of someone really needing a little pick-me-up.

I love training her! I have this long sheet of "homework" to do this week. "She has to be sitting in order for a stranger to pet her!? Yea, thats gonna happen!" haha.
She is actually doing very well.

I want to take it as far as I can go!!!

A little back story; I was told that Lula would not make a good therapy dog by a trainer that all my trainer friends think is nuts.
Long story short; I took Lula (@1pound) to her first small dog meet up where she was pounced by a 40lb dog. I imediatly picked her up after she let out the most god-awful noise I had ever heard her make. The trainer then yelled at me not to pick up my dog when it is in danger becuase I may get bit in the face (facial scar? dead 1lb dog? humm, not that hard of a decision fo me), then told me she could not be a therapy dog becuase she isnt ok with large dogs. (Dude, she is fine, its the large dogs ATACKING my dog that are not!) Anyway....

I have something to prove :twisted:


She will bring me specific toys, I think Im going to try to train her to bring me medication. I have a perscription for a very heavy pain killer, once my pain kicks in I cannot move. I do not NEED a service dog for this. I know within enough time to take my pill, but I think I could still be able to qualify for the service dog testing.

Once Miss Lula-mae Famous is a certified dog I will be so happy and proud of our accomplishment we worked hard to get together.
BUT I do not plan on abusing this certification.

I follow the rules and if the rules state I need to pay to bring my dog with me, I will happily pay. Then again I also think airlines should charge for babies. Maybe its just me, but I'd rather sit next to a dog than a screaming baby anyday. And Im alergic to dogs.

Hi i have a service dog. But in order to be a service dog you have to have a legal diability mental or phsyical And you dogs have to be trained to assista with the disability.

^..^
 

Hi Y'all :) My Yorkie Sadie Mae was certified as my service dog this past fall. It was actually at the suggestion of my Post-Polio doctor (a physiatrist or Doctor with specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) who saw that Sadie was picking things up for me when I dropped them, and alerting me beforehand when Polio Brain Fatigue was about to set it. Sadie's veterinarian also signed her certification papers stating she was not "vicious" which was required (she is a little doll & loves everyone). I worked with another disabled lady who had trained 9 of her own servicde dogs through the years, and she helped me to train Sadie to assist me in dressing (getting my socks or slippers for me, a light blanket, etc) and Sadie is a godsend to me.

You will need the input of your physician who treats you for your disability, along with a good service dog trainer, & of course your dogs veterinarian. Thus far I have had no problem taking Sadie anywhere, though I haven't flown with her, but have traveled by car & have taken her in restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, etc.

You disability doctor is your best source for getting your dog qualified so enlist his help by all means.

banning dogs
 

I wish the US was more accepting of dogs. I took my Yorkie when he was a 4 month old baby into Barnes and Noble bookstore. He was in his basket and I was carrying the basket (I did not want him to be alone) I was going to see if they had a grooming book. The manager came up to me and said " you can't bring a dog in here we serve coffee". How ridiculous is that? I can't see why that makes any difference at all. Its not like the dog was going to poop or pee and if he did he was in the basket. I can see why a store would not want badly supervised and badly behaved dogs walking around in there but why not a small (tiny) dog who is in its owners arms at all times and is not making a noise or disturbing anyone?
I love my dog so much, he is not only loved but necessary for my well being (brings me my meds, wakes me up to take them, and calms my anxiety attacks) I have not had him certified by anyone, I just don't go anywhere that might have a problem with a tiny dog like that I hate confrontation and I avoid it with a passion, also because I think those types of places don't deserve my business. I do need to take him on planes when I go for overnight trips but he needs to be on my lap, which has been fine, up till the last part of my last trip.

If anybody can help me understand what is so desperately dirty about dogs that they can't go into a place that sells food, or even just coffee. I think if the rules/laws were less draconian people would not feel inclined to call their dogs something they are not. In France and England dogs are welcome in far more establishments and we don't see people there dying of dog poisoning!

I'm so sorry you go through this. Actually, on US airlines this is a violation of privacy acts. They have the right to ask for verification, but not in front of other travelers. I guess, like you said, because they are out of Mexico. Who knows, though, with all the new regulations; maybe airlines are except from privacy acts now.

Well said. For those that do need the additional emotional support to get through the stress of airline travel, I am glad the process is available to help you. You deserve the opportunity for assistance just as those who need a service dog to assist with physical disabilities. For those who do not need it and just want a free ticket for their pups -- shame on you.

For those who are verifying their dogs to be therapy dogs to help others -- what a wonderful thing you are doing for people! Yorkies are such loving dogs. I think they truly NEED people! So, it works both ways. As they provide therapy to others, I think they derive joy from it too. I know my dogs have literally saved my life. They gave me a reason to push on when I was at a very low point after I lost my husband. They had to be taken care of so that made me put one foot in front of the other. I am not so sure I would have if not for them. But it did not stop there. They knew when I was most depressed and they would try to cheer me up! Ben, especially would provide me with almost comic relief, bringing a toy and insisting I play with him. They really got me through some rough times and they still are! I am very grateful to them! :)

I have to say my new therapist actually wanted to start the process for Gatsby to become a emotional support animal.(I have horrible adult separation anxiety, general anxiety disorder and my therapist is working on diagnosing what he believes may be clinical depression)
Gatsby does help but I would still feel like i was cheating or breaking a rule so i said no thanks
my therapist suggested it because he has me bring Gatsby to therapy because i open up more around him and an generally more comfortable if i am not alone

If you need it and your therapist recommended it, you should certainly go for it and not feel like you are cheating the system at all! Also, just because you get him certified does not mean you HAVE to take him everywhere. You can get him certified and then choose when you feel like you really need him. It is only the people who do it to get out of paying pet fees that annoy me (and I know how frustrating those fees are! I fly back and forth to las vegas multiple times each year with mine).

This is a Health Department issue and I challenge this all the time with Lexie, but I have to admit I am sneaky with it. It is my opinion that this really came out from "old times" when dogs were kept outside and filthy because if you really step back and look at the issue on a purely scientific basis, dogs are cleaner than and carry less bacteria than their human counterpart.

Most restaurants fight to keep rodents at bay. Yes, rodents really do get into restaurants. Restaurants actually have to remind people to wash their hands after using the bathroom. Children and some adults have no issue touching food at salad bars, grabbing the utensils with contaminated hands. Coughing and Sneezing on the food (that's why we invented sneeze guards) and children are more often than not, disruptive in restaurants.

However despite all this, humans and their children are welcomed into most restaurants. (some are banning children :p )

Because all dogs are grouped together, most restaurants ban them because though a little dog may fit in well, a great dane will not.

Therefore I sneak Lexie in and she will lay down on the seat next to me or on my lap and remain there - quietly, until I am done. This is how she was trained. She does not beg, she does not complain.

Some restaurants welcome me in with no problems. I can tell they are dog friendly when they come out to the motorcycle to meet her and set us up at a table with water for her.

Lexie has also been to the movies, mall, work, subway, bus and boat. Only two places ever told me no. One was a restaurant with outdoor dining (I don't sneak into those types of restaurants) but after a discussion with the manager I was allowed to sit and afterwords he commented on how remarkably well behaved she was. The other was an indoor "Motorcycle Expo" in which I gave the "security guard" a quick lesson in the legal way to approach a dog handler as he simply said "No Dogs" when the proper and legal question is "Is this a Service Animal" and if the answer is Yes, he can then ask "Does it provide a service to you"

By the way, if I am asked this question, the answer is No, but if you want my business - we are both welcomed in.

I love this thread.
As far as a state health code and taking dogs that can be carried... i think that's b.s. shoot when I met maci... she smelled better than me [not that i stunk, but she smelled great... nice and fresh] and her hair was cleaner than mine I'm sure lol. [i had straightened my hair... and you better believe i'll make it last 2-3 days for all that work!] so when i walk into a store maybe they should ban me! lol

As far as service dogs... i agree if you are just getting your dog certified because you want to take her/him everywhere despite it not being a necessity, then honestly that's a shame. there are people who are dying or have serious conditions that rely on their service dogs to HELP them live their lives and keep them safe.

When it comes to emotional support dogs, same thing! I suffer from a mild depression, however i do not see a doctor for it because my husband is amazing and maci will be a great addition for me! due to moving 2000 miles away and not being able to make friends easily and having no family around. My husband and maci will be my everything, I spend weeks alone when my husband is gone for work so having a dog around here makes all the difference... someone to cuddle with, sleep with, walk with, even sit at the table with... almost no talking or going out for 7-10 days at a time because it's been hard making friends and we have no family here. yeah, you better believe maci is emotional support for me [and every foster dog before her] buuuut i don't think i'd go as far as to claim i should be able to take her on a plane with me... unless i suffered severe seperation anxiety from my husband or from planes.

The question is really, why do the health department ban dogs. Why does the post office ban dogs? I can't see the reason. I think that 'dogs in arms' should be the law. If you can't carry the dog up you can't bring him in, unless he is a service dog of course.

The thread about 'cheating' with airlines so you don't have to pay is an interesting one. In addition to having to pay to take a dog on board, if they are not a service dog they have to be under the seat in a container at all times. While my dog was in training I took him to visit my daughter. We booked the flight and I told the airline in advance that my dog in training was coming with me. The first problem is that they won't charge you when you are paying for your own ticket because they reserve the right to deny the dog at the ticket counter! That would be great if you don't have anyone with you to take a denied dog what would you do (I am talking about pets here not service dogs)? After passing the ticket counter inspection you pay for one way journey only as they reserve the right to deny the dog at the ticket counter for the return journey too! Then the dog has to stay in the crate/bag all the time through the airport (except the screening part where you carry him). Presumably your pet dog is not used to being in a 'box' for long periods at a time, by the time you get on the plane the dog is a bit hysterical, then he has to go under the seat in front of you for the whole flight. Now babies crying can be upsetting a dog whining/barking is very annoying for everyone, the dog, the flight crew, yourself and all the passengers. I am sure most people would gladly pay to bring their dogs on board but they don't want to pet to be essentially punished during the entire experience. My point is I don't think people mind paying the ticket ($100- $150) they just don't want to have to treat their pet like that.

I work at a dog friendly hotel. Originally we were afraid that dogs would make to much of a mess, destroy funiture or stink up the room.

We that have yorkies are lucky. I can say that my dog does not get that horrible wet dog stink.

Truth is, children make far more of a mess than the dogs but I can asure you it is not as simple to allow dogs in a building as you may think.

My dog is therapy certified. I pay the fee to fly.
The more poeple try to TRICK airlines the harder it is for poeple who really need their dog... to LIVE. These dogs are trained to physically save their owners lives. Yes, I would "die" if something happened to Miss Lula but to pretend that your pet is a serivice dog just to get out of paying a fee is pretty sick.