Traveling with Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD) on Southwest Airlines: Rules, Regulations, and How to Get Your PSD Transportation Letter Easily

If you're planning to travel with a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) on Southwest Airlines, you should be aware of the airline’s specific rules and regulations. Flying with your PSD can be stress-free if you follow the right steps, and you can even get a PSD transportation letter at PetCerts with no consultation needed—just a free assessment and evaluation!

Here’s everything you need to know.

Southwest Airlines Rules and Regulations for Traveling with PSDs

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to travel with their PSDs as long as they meet certain criteria. These rules ensure that the travel experience is comfortable and safe for both the passengers and the service animals.

1. Proof of PSD Qualification Southwest Airlines requires that PSDs be fully trained to assist with psychiatric disabilities. While documentation like a service dog vest or ID card isn’t mandatory, the airline asks for appropriate paperwork that verifies the PSD’s status.

2. Required Documentation: DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form As of January 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) implemented new guidelines for air travel with service animals. Southwest Airlines follows these rules, and you must fill out the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. This form attests that your dog is a trained service animal, and it includes details about their health, behavior, and training.

3. Dog’s Behavior The PSD must be trained to behave well in a public setting. Southwest Airlines reserves the right to deny boarding if your service dog displays aggressive or disruptive behavior, such as barking uncontrollably, growling, or jumping on passengers.

4. Breed and Size Restrictions Unlike emotional support animals (which no longer fly for free after rule changes), PSDs face fewer restrictions. Southwest Airlines doesn’t enforce breed restrictions for service animals, but your dog must fit comfortably in the space at your feet during the flight. PSDs that are too large to fit in this space may be denied travel unless other accommodations are made in advance.

5. Advanced Notice Although Southwest doesn’t require you to give prior notice that you’ll be traveling with a service dog, it’s always a good idea to notify the airline in advance to avoid any misunderstandings at the airport. You can call their customer service or note it when booking online.

Getting Your PSD Transportation Letter at PetCerts: Quick, Free, and Easy

Obtaining a PSD transportation letter is a crucial step in traveling with your Psychiatric Service Dog. This letter will verify that your dog is a PSD and meets the requirements to fly. The good news is you can get this letter without paying for a consultation or enduring long evaluations. PetCerts offers a free, straightforward assessment to get your PSD letter approved.

Here’s how it works:

1. Free Assessment and Evaluation PetCerts provides a free assessment to determine whether you qualify for a PSD. This eliminates the need for a paid consultation or extensive evaluation process. The assessment is quick and user-friendly, saving you both time and money.

2. No Consultation Required Unlike many services that require you to pay for a consultation with a medical professional, PetCerts streamlines the process. You can receive a thorough evaluation without scheduling an appointment, making it much faster to get your necessary paperwork.

3. Instant Approval Once the free assessment is completed, PetCerts approves qualified applicants for a PSD transportation letter, which you can present to Southwest Airlines and other airlines. The letter meets the DOT requirements and ensures that you can fly without issues.

4. Valid Across the U.S. The PSD transportation letter from PetCerts is recognized across the country, meaning you can use it for any airline that follows the DOT guidelines—not just Southwest. This makes your travel experience even more convenient.

Traveling with a Psychiatric Service Dog can seem overwhelming, but Southwest Airlines offers clear guidelines to make the process straightforward. By familiarizing yourself with the rules and ensuring you have the right documentation—like a transportation letter from PetCerts—you’ll be well-prepared to travel with your PSD stress-free.

PetCerts offers an easy and free way to get your required PSD letter, saving you the hassle of long consultations and ensuring you're ready to board your flight without delay.

So next time you’re flying with your Psychiatric Service Dog on Southwest Airlines, you can relax knowing you’ve followed all the necessary steps!