Do Therapy Dogs Fly For Free on Airplanes? Understanding the Rules for Therapy Animal Travel

Everything You Need to Know About Flying With Therapy Dogs

If you’ve ever wondered “do therapy dogs fly free?” or had questions about the rules and requirements for traveling by air with a therapy dog, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover all the bases to help therapy dog owners and handlers understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to flying with their canine companions.

Are Therapy Dogs Allowed in the Cabin?

The short answer is yes – therapy dogs are permitted to fly in the cabin of commercial aircraft as long as a few criteria are met. Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), all properly trained and certified therapy/service dogs must be allowed to accompany their handlers in the aircraft cabin. The dog must remain under the handler’s control at all times and cannot occupy a seat.

Do I Need Documentation?

Absolutely. Therapy dog teams are required to carry official documentation from a recognized training/certification organization proving the dog has undergone therapy training and demonstrates public access skills. Acceptable credentials include:

• Identification card or letter from a therapy dog registration organization like Therapy Dogs International (TDI) or Pet Partners
• Vest, leash or harness identifying the dog as a working therapy animal

Be sure to check airline policies as they may have specific documentation requirements, but TDI registration is accepted by most major carriers.

Will My Therapy Dog Fly for Free?

While therapy dogs have the legal right to accompany their handlers in the cabin at no charge per the ACAA, each airline has its own pet policies regarding flies for free. Most do not waive pet fees for therapy/service dogs like they do for legitimate service animals assisting a person with disabilities. However, some carriers provide fee discounts or credits for therapy dogs.

Don’t assume your dog flies free – check the specific airline policy or contact customer service in advance. Having the proper credentials on hand is also key in case an airline requests documentation to verify your dog’s status.

What Rules Apply to Therapy Dogs in Flight?

When flying with a therapy dog, be aware of these basic guidelines:

1. The dog must remain at your feet or in your lap at all times and cannot obstruct aisles or emergency exits.
2. Only one therapy dog is permitted per passenger for safety reasons.
3. The animal must be well-behaved, housebroken, and under control, especially in busy areas like terminals.
4. Bring supplies like food, water, leash, waste bags, and documentation in an easily accessible manner.
5. Inform flight crew about your therapy dog so they are aware and can assist if needed.

Following all rules helps ensure smooth sailing for you and your therapy dog each step of the journey. Most importantly – be considerate of other passengers by keeping your well-trained pup calm and quiet.

What About International Flights?

Each country has its own rules regarding service/therapy animals entering its borders. Some things to consider:

• Verify documentation requirements and health certificates that may be needed by the destination country.
• Find out if quarantine is required upon arrival or if your dog needs any special permits, vaccines, or ID tags.
• Book your tickets together early as seats with service dogs may be limited on internationals routes.
• contact the airline well in advance of your trip to ensure a smooth travel experience for you and your four-legged friend!

International flying demands extra planning, but most places welcome certified therapy dog teams with the proper paperwork.

Any Tips For Reducing Stress When Flying With Dogs?

Flying can be anxiety-inducing for both handler and dog. Here are some things I’ve found helpful from my experience traveling with therapy dogs:

1. Do short practice runs to the airport in your dog’s traveling gear to get them used to sights, sounds, and security checks.
2. Consider calming supplements or pheromone products to ease stress if your dog tends to get nervous.
3. Bring high-value treats and toys only used during travel to positively reinforce calm behavior.
4. Request a bulkhead or row with extra legroom if possible for maximum space and comfort.
5. Let the flight crew know if your pup needs extra reassurance during takeoff, turbulence, or landing.

Going above and beyond to make flying a positive experience for your therapy dog will result in two happy travelers arrive at your destination stress-free.

Anything Else People Should Know?

A few more useful things to keep in mind:

• Check airline policies in advance for any breed or size restrictions on therapy dogs.
• Be prepared to show vet records proving your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccines.
• Consider pet health insurance in case unexpected medical costs come up while traveling.
• Book direct flights when possible to avoid connecting challenges with your therapy pup.
• Call ahead if you have any questions – airlines want therapy dogs to fly hassle-free too.

I hope this covers everything folks need to know about the basic dos and don’ts of bringing their therapy dog along on flights! Let me know if any other questions come up. Safe travels to all therapy dog teams out there touching lives near and far.

Choosing a Therapy Dog

Breed	Suitability	Training Requirements
Labrador Retriever	Very suitable due to friendly, gentle temperament	Basic obedience training recommended
Golden Retriever	Highly suitable due to calm demeanor and love of people	Basic obedience training required
Poodle	May be suitable but needs socialization	Advanced training recommended due to intelligence
Beagle	May not be suitable due to prey drive and barking	Significant training needed to ensure focus on patients
German Shepherd	May be suitable for some facilities if well-socialized	Advanced training essential due to guarding instincts

FAQ

1. Can therapy dogs fly for free on airplanes?

   Generally yes, basically therapy dogs can fly free on planes when they are assisting someone. These types of service dogs basically help people with many forms of different types of disabilities.

2. Do I need any paperwork for my therapy dog to fly?

   It’s possible you will need documents from a healthcare provider or vet to show that your therapy dog is really helping you. For example, a letter stating that you require the dog for emotional support during plane trips. Airlines kind of have different rules though too.

3. Are there restrictions on what breeds can be therapy dogs?

   Not really, there are no limitations concerning what kinds of breeds can work as therapy dogs. It’s more about their behavior and skills to help others. Appearance does not matter. Even so, dogs have to be nice to people, regardless of breed type.

4. How do I get my dog certified as a therapy dog?

   You’ll need to sign up for classes and get your dog trained for therapy work. Your dog will perform skills and tasks to get assessed. There are a few different organizations that register dogs, basically you need to complete one of their training programs. It takes some effort to get certified but their work really helps individuals.

5. What tasks do therapy dogs perform?

   Therapy dogs are kind of like assistant dogs – they provide comfort by just being there. Some common tasks involve visiting nursing homes, schools or hospitals to cheer folks up. At the same time, therapy dogs may help distract patients from anxious feelings during medical exams or treatments.

   

6. Can a therapy dog be off-duty?

   Sure, even amazing therapy dogs need breaks between shifts! In their spare time, perhaps they unwind by napping, playing or getting snacks. It’s important therapy dogs don’t feel stressed either. While on break, they aren’t required to work and can just be regular pets again.

7. Is it expensive to get a dog therapy certified?

   It costs several hundred dollars usually for training classes and tests. However, the price can vary based on your location. Perhaps some volunteer organizations provide lower cost options too. But think about the value – your trained therapy dog may then assist countless people for years to come! Pretty awesome if you ask me.