It is important to understand that an emotional support animal is not a service animal and does not receive the same accommodations as a service animal.

One big difference is that a service animal is generally allowed anywhere the public is allowed. An emotional servace animal is not. 

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.”

The line between the two types of animals, service and support, can sometimes be blurred, especially by those who own the ESA’s. 

Rules and regulations that were loosely interpreted in the past, have become more stringent as the number of ESA’s have grown and, unfortunately, people who own ESA’s have abused the privilege.

The airline industry has had numerous controversies over the subject, but effective January 2021, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) announced final revisions to its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).

The final rule defines a service animal as a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. 

Since this ruling, most of the major airlines uphold the new no-fly policy for ESA’s.

So what about the cruise lines? What is their policy for both service and emotional support animals?

Cruise lines, for the most part, have followed airline policies and in some cases are more stringent.

The majority of cruise lines allow service animals with the proper documentation. 

The cruise industry, as a whole, does not allow emotional support animals on cruises at all.  

If you are planning on taking a cruise and want to take your service animal or ESA, check beforehand with the cruise line.

People who show up for embarkation with pets in tow without notice will see themselves and their animals turned away.