Rules and Regulations for Air Travel with Pets in Georgia: A Guide to Airline Pet Policies and the PSD Transportation Letter in PetCerts

When it comes to traveling with your pet, understanding the specific rules and regulations of each airline is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free experience. If you're in Georgia and planning to fly with your furry companion, especially if you're dealing with a psychiatric service dog (PSD), it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the guidelines outlined by airlines and the documentation you’ll need. In particular, the use of a PSD transportation letter, often available through services like PetCerts, plays a key role in ensuring your pet can travel comfortably with you.

Airline Regulations in Georgia: Pet Policies Overview

Most major airlines operating in Georgia follow federal guidelines for pet travel, but their policies can vary, particularly when it comes to PSDs, emotional support animals (ESAs), and regular pets. Below is a summary of the key rules and regulations from some of the prominent airlines serving Georgia.

1. Delta Airlines

Delta, one of the largest airlines operating in Georgia, has a comprehensive pet policy that distinguishes between service animals and pets.

• Pets in Cabin: Small cats, dogs, and household birds are allowed to travel in the cabin, provided they are in a pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.

• Pets in Cargo: For larger pets, Delta provides a cargo option, though some breed restrictions may apply due to safety concerns.

• Service Animals and PSDs: Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are allowed to travel in the cabin free of charge. However, as of 2021, emotional support animals (ESAs) no longer qualify as service animals under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) revised regulations. A PSD transportation letter from a licensed mental health professional, such as those provided by PetCerts, is typically required to validate your PSD’s status.

2. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has a simple and straightforward pet policy.

• Pets in Cabin: Only small dogs and cats are allowed to travel in the cabin, with a limit of six pets per flight.

• Cargo: Southwest does not transport pets in cargo.

• PSDs and Service Animals: Like other airlines, Southwest requires documentation for psychiatric service animals. The PSD transportation letter is essential and must confirm that the animal is necessary for travel due to a psychiatric condition. The letter must be signed by a licensed mental health professional.

3. United Airlines

United Airlines operates with clear rules for traveling with pets and service animals.

• Pets in Cabin: United permits small dogs and cats in the cabin for domestic flights. The pet carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat, and pets are not allowed in the cabin on certain international routes.

• Pets in Cargo: United offers a special PetSafe program for transporting pets in the cargo hold. This program is designed with safety in mind and includes various services such as climate-controlled cargo areas.

• Service Animals and PSDs: United also requires travelers with PSDs to provide proper documentation, such as a transportation letter from a licensed professional. PetCerts can assist with this by ensuring the letter meets airline and federal requirements.

4. American Airlines

American Airlines has specific rules for both pets and service animals.

• Pets in Cabin: Only small cats and dogs can be brought into the cabin, and they must be kept in an airline-approved carrier.

• Pets in Cargo: Like United, American Airlines provides a cargo option for larger pets, subject to certain safety measures and regulations.

• PSDs and Service Animals: American Airlines enforces the DOT’s regulations on service animals. A psychiatric service dog must be accompanied by a valid PSD transportation letter, which must outline the traveler’s need for the dog due to a psychiatric disability.

PSD Transportation Letter

For those traveling with psychiatric service dogs, the PSD transportation letter is a critical document. This letter, typically issued by a licensed mental health professional, confirms that the traveler requires the assistance of the dog for a diagnosed psychiatric condition, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. The letter must include specific details, such as:

• The traveler’s need for the service animal

• The professional’s credentials (including licensing information)

• A signature and date

Many pet certification services, like PetCerts, offer assistance in obtaining this letter. PetCerts specializes in ensuring that the PSD transportation letter meets the specific guidelines set by airlines and complies with the latest regulations from the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Key Points to Remember When Traveling with a PSD

• Documentation: Airlines will require the PSD transportation letter before allowing the animal to fly with you. Ensure that the letter is current (within the last year) and signed by a licensed mental health professional.

• Advance Notice: Most airlines require at least 48 hours' notice if you plan to travel with a psychiatric service animal.

• Behavior Standards: Even with the proper documentation, service animals must adhere to strict behavior standards. Aggressive or disruptive animals may be denied boarding.

• Cabin or Cargo: For PSDs, the cabin is generally allowed, but if you're traveling with a regular pet, larger animals will need to travel in cargo, depending on the airline’s policies.

Traveling with pets, especially psychiatric service dogs, requires attention to detail and adherence to airline rules. In Georgia, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, it’s crucial to be aware of airline-specific regulations and to have the proper documentation, like the PSD transportation letter. Services like PetCerts make it easier to meet these requirements and travel with peace of mind, knowing that your pet’s journey will be safe and stress-free.

By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure that your travel experience with your furry companion is smooth and enjoyable. Always check with your airline before traveling, as rules and policies can change.