Today’s Question – Can I Still Travel With My Dog?

Dr. “Azul” and American Support Animals (ASA) always strives to stay informed about anything that may impact you or your “best buddy”.

Educating the general public on the regulations protecting the rights of individuals in need of Psychiatric, Emotional or Service animals is our goal. In providing the most complete, unbiased information, Dr. “Azul” & the American Support Animals staff believe they are providing you the best possible service(s) for your Behavioral Health, Emotional Health or Physical Health needs.

“New DOT rule paves the way for airlines to ban emotional support animals on flights.”

Julia Thompson USA TODAY

The Department of Transportation announced Wednesday it will revise rules around flying with emotional support animals and will no longer consider them to be service animals.

The revised Air Carrier Access Act rules define a service animal as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.”

The DOT notes it no longer considers an emotional support animal to be a service animal.



Dr. “Azul’s” Response…

“For this reason American Support Animals qualifies individuals with psychiatric conditions to have a Psychiatric Service Animal when qualified, which IS considered a Service Animal by the ADA and DOT!”

What are the requirements for a psychiatric service dog (PSD)?
To be eligible for a Psychiatric Service Dog you must have a mental disability as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act. The ADA defines a mental disability as; “Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.”

What type of animal qualifies to be a PSD?
Any size or breed of dog can be an emotional support or service dog, emotional support dogs do not have to be professionally-trained to perform any task. Service dogs can be trained by their owners or in any other manner the owner desires.

CALL AMERICAN SUPPORT ANIMALS TODAY AND PREPARE FOR TAKE-OFF!