Although some people believe that emotional support animals (ESAs) should be placed in checked baggage on airplanes, there are several reasons why this is not the best option. First and foremost, ESAs provide important emotional support for their owners and should therefore be kept with them at all times. Additionally, placing an ESA in the cargo hold can be stressful and dangerous for the animal.
There have been instances of animals being injured or even killed while traveling in the cargo hold, so it is simply not worth the risk to put an ESA in this area of the plane. Additionally, many airlines now require that ESAs travel with their owners in the cabin, so checking them would likely not even be an option.
Overall, it is much safer and less stressful for both owner and animal if an ESA is allowed to travel with its owner in the cabin of an airplane.