I’m a veteran of the Iraq War, and I have a Psychiatric Support Animal because of my PTSD. I want to travel back east to see some of my buddies and I am wondering if I can fly with my dog, and how much extra I will have to pay. Is there anything else I have to do with the airlines in order to take my dog with me?

First and foremost, thank you for your service to our country.

The good news is that you can certainly fly with your Psychiatric Support Animal (PSA), and since airlines are prohibited from charging for PSAs, there will be no extra fees.

Under the Air Carrier-Access Act (ACAA), PSAs are treated the same as service animals. That said a little advance planning is necessary.

Airlines can require passengers traveling with a PSA to submit Department of Transportation designed forms that attest to the service animal’s health, behavior and training. In order to fly with your PSA you must submit this documentation to the airline at least 48 hours prior to your flight. It’s also a good idea to carry a copy of the completed forms with you, just in case the gate agent wants to see them.

You are entitled to bulkhead seating when you travel with a PSA, but you are not required to sit there. You can choose any available seat on the flight, except exit row seating. Your PSA must remain tethered at all times and he must remain in your foot space.

After you have a few flights under your belt, you’ll be an old pro at traveling with your PSA, and the whole documentation process will be easier.

Have a great flight!