PREPARE BEFORE YOU TAKE-OFF

• Here's a list of reasons highlighting the importance of Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) training for air travel:

  1. Enhanced Emotional Support: PSDs are trained to provide emotional support for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. During air travel, they can offer comfort and a sense of security, reducing anxiety and stress for their handlers.

  2. Security Screening Assistance: Well-trained PSDs can remain calm and obedient during security screenings, making the process smoother and less stressful for both the handler and airport personnel.

  3. Mitigation of Anxiety: Air travel can be anxiety-inducing for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. PSDs are trained to recognize signs of distress and offer support, helping their handlers remain calm and focused.

  4. Task Performance: PSDs are capable of performing specific tasks to assist their handlers. For example, they can remind their handler to take medication, provide grounding during panic attacks, or interrupt harmful behaviors.

  5. Safety Measures: PSDs are trained to be responsive to commands like "Stay," "Come," and "Down," ensuring that they remain under control and well-behaved during air travel, reducing safety concerns.

  6. Compliance with TSA Regulations: Well-trained PSDs are more likely to comply with TSA requirements, such as staying in their carrier or following instructions during the security screening process.

  7. Assistance in Crowded Areas: Airports can be crowded and overwhelming. PSDs are trained to navigate through crowds and maintain a calm demeanor, helping their handlers stay composed.

  8. In-Cabin Behavior: For PSDs traveling in the cabin, training ensures they can remain calm and well-behaved during the flight, reducing disturbances for other passengers.

  9. Efficient Boarding and Deplaning: PSDs trained to follow commands like "Stay" and "Come" can make boarding and deplaning more organized and efficient, minimizing delays.

  10. Emotional Comfort for Handler: The presence of a trained PSD can provide emotional comfort to their handler during the flight, making the journey more manageable and enjoyable.

  11. Legal Protections: Well-trained PSDs enjoy legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), ensuring they can accompany their handlers in the cabin.

  12. Promotion of Independence: Training your PSD for air travel fosters independence for individuals with psychiatric disabilities, allowing them to travel with confidence and less reliance on others for support.

Yes, PSDs are recognized as service animals, and you are generally allowed to bring them in the cabin with you during air travel, as per the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).

Airlines may request documentation for your PSD, such as a letter from a mental health professional confirming your need for the dog. It's a good practice to have this documentation ready.

Generally, PSDs are expected to be seated on the floor in front of your seat or on your lap if they are small enough to fit. Airline policies may vary, so it's important to check with your specific airline.

Training your PSD to remain calm during security screenings is vital. They should be able to "Stay" and "Come" on command and be comfortable with the screening process.

If your PSD becomes anxious during the flight, try to soothe and comfort them. Utilize their training to help them stay calm. It's a good idea to inform the flight attendants if you anticipate any issues.

In certain circumstances, airlines can refuse to board a PSD if they display aggressive or disruptive behavior, or if they pose a safety risk. Training is crucial to ensure your PSD's good behavior.

Each airline may have its own specific requirements for PSDs, including carrier size and breed restrictions. Check with your airline well in advance to ensure compliance.