Emotional Support or Psychiatric Service Animals
posted: March 06, 2018 by: Franklin Falls Animal Clinic Tags: "Clinic Specials" "News"
Recently, there have been many changes made to policies allowing animals to travel in an aircraft as emotional support animals or psychiatric service animals. These animals are classified differently than trained service animals. Currently, there are no official training requirements to make the claim that an animal is an emotional support animal or psychiatric service animal. In order to comply with newer airline regulations and to maintain a safe standard for all of our clients and patients, we have instituted a policy for which pets we can approve for travel as support animals. In order for our veterinarians to be able to certify that an animal has had the proper training for public safety, it will be required that the animal passes an evaluation by one of three well-known, nationally recognized, and well respected organizations: AKC Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dogs International, or Pet Partners. If your pet is already trained and can pass the evaluations for one of these organizations, no additional training classes would be required. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to contact a certified evaluator and pass the evaluation. Once the pet has obtained one of these certifications, we would be happy to assist you with your paperwork in order to fly with your pet as an emotional support animal or psychiatric service animal. Please don't hesitate to contact us directly if you have individual questions.