Flying with a beardie?

[Zuzu]

I graduate from high school soon, and will be having my graduation party in PA since that is where most of my extended family live (I live in CA). I will be there for 2 weeks.

My dilemma: I have an anxiety disorder and my beardie is basically my emotional rock haha. Being away from him for a long period of time stresses me out, especially when there isn't someone at home I know could properly take care of him. My dad will be the only one staying, which is my bigger problem. I don't trust leaving my lizard with him to take care of for two weeks.

One year we went to PA, he had to take care of my two rabbits. Something happened, he didn't do a great job and let's just say now I have one less rabbit. If he somehow messed up taking care of two rabbits in a hutch I don't trust him with a bearded dragon.

I've looked up flying with a beardie in the cabin (not the bottom) but the posts were old and I still need more info (especially to convince my mom). Would it be too stressful for him? Which airlines allow animals like him to fly in the cabin? I plan on calling to make sure.

 

[CooperDragon]

I've heard of dogs recently being allowed on laps in cabins for emotional support but not dragons. I would love it jf this is possible. You may need to contact the airline as I'd guess it's at their descretion and the requirements may vary. Please do let us know how it works out. I'm sorry that I can't provide any more difinitive advice on this yet.

 

[Taterbug]

Yeah, start at calling the airline. You may also need to work with your doctor to get your dragon listed as a therapy animal (not sure what that entails) as you may also need documentation for getting through security.

 

[Zuzu]

He won't be coming with me, he will probably be staying with a friend/family friend that I feel comfortable with.

Reptiles can't become service animals and therapy animals due to them having unpredictable behavior. Though I did see forever ago on TV a man who's ball python was trained to detect and warn him of his upcoming seizures (it would lightly squeeze his neck and then slither into a bag onto his side for safety). However, basically any animal can become an emotional support animal (ESA). There are some perks that come with that, like not having to pay to take your animal on an airline. I just haven't found any airlines that say they allow reptiles without me actually asking.

It's so confusing, hopefully someday it will be easier for small reptiles to travel in the cabin.

I'm going to be looking into seeing what registering Eren as an ESA would entail and mentioning it to my therapist. If I do go through with it, I'll post how it goes.

 

[Taterbug]

He won't be coming with me, he will probably be staying with a friend/family friend that I feel comfortable with.

Reptiles can't become service animals and therapy animals due to them having unpredictable behavior. Though I did see forever ago on TV a man who's ball python was trained to detect and warn him of his upcoming seizures (it would lightly squeeze his neck and then slither into a bag onto his side for safety). However, basically any animal can become an emotional support animal (ESA). There are some perks that come with that, like not having to pay to take your animal on an airline. I just haven't found any airlines that say they allow reptiles without me actually asking.

It's so confusing, hopefully someday it will be easier for small reptiles to travel in the cabin.

I'm going to be looking into seeing what registering Eren as an ESA would entail and mentioning it to my therapist. If I do go through with it, I'll post how it goes.

I didn't realize there were different categories (?) of service animals. Good luck with it if you go that route, I'd be interested to learn more about the process.

 

[SDragon]

I'm must admit, I'm not surprised the airline are not open minded enough to view a reptile as a support animal. It's tricky for them balancing the needs of all passengers, some probably would not take well to a lizard on the plane (imagine if it was a large snake)

It must be tough for you to leave him behind, but I think he will be a lot happier not making the trip. Some people have set up webcams to view their lizards from afar, would it help you to be able to check in on him?

Good luck with the trip, I'm sure you will be just fine!

 

[zaxon]

I wouldn't have a clue! But you have to think about how your dragon would feel. You know how your ears can get blocked up on a plane? Some people are fine with it, but my 11 year old brother gets it horrible on the 2 hour flight from Brisbane to Melbourne we take a lot. He cries in pain and trust me, he's a tough kid and doesn't usually cry. I don't know if beardie's ears would do the same thing though, so you might get lucky

Or your dragon might just feel scared being around many people or feeling the preassure, I don't know.

Anyway, have a good flight!