Service Dog Certification: Everything You Need to Know to Fly with Your Support Animal
Flying with a service dog can seem complicated due to certification requirements and airline policies. As a service dog owner and trainer, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges at the airport. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about service dog certification for flying and how to prepare for your trip.
What is a Service Dog?
- A service dog is a dog that is trained to perform tasks directly related to mitigating disabilities.
- Service dogs help people with physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disabilities.
- They are not considered pets – they are working animals whose purpose is to assist their owner throughout the day.
From my experience, the most common types of assistance include help with balance and stability, retrieving dropped items, alerting to sounds or seizures, calming during anxiety or PTSD episodes, and reminding owners to take medications. Service dogs undergo years of specialized training because their jobs are vital to their handlers’ independence and quality of life.
What are the Laws Regarding Service Dogs and Flying?
Basically, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) protects a passenger’s right to fly with their service dog as long as the dog is properly trained. Airlines can only require documentation stating that the dog has been trained as a service animal. No special certification or license is needed under federal law.
The key piece of paperwork is usually a note from a medical professional like a doctor or mental health provider. It should confirm that you have a disability requiring the use of a service dog and describe the tasks the dog performs to mitigate your condition. Keep this letter handy for every flight!
At the same time, I’ve seen situations where airlines have confused the laws or imposed extra rules on skeptical passengers. You’ll want to check each carrier’s specific policy to avoid any potential hassle at the gate. Kind of a pain, I know, but it’s worth taking those precautions.
Is Public Access Training or Certification Needed?
While not legally required for flying itself, public access training is still recommended – even if just for your own peace of mind. It involves proof that the dog can behave appropriately in busy, distracting environments like airports, stores, restaurants, etc.
Normally this is demonstrated through a certification test from a professional organization. The most well-known is the Commission for Higher Education Assistance Dog International or ‘CHAID’ test. Passing proves your pup has the specialized skills, focus and composure expected of service animals in public.
While certification isn’t a legal prerequisite according to the ACAA, some places may ask to see it as “evidence” the dog won’t be disruptive. And it shows other passengers and staff you took the time to thoroughly prepare your pup, not just slap a vest on any old pet! Plus, frankly, it makes a harassment claim more solid if issues do arise.
Always have certification paperwork on hand when flying just in case. But again, stress that it’s not technically mandatory by law. Many locations will recognize an experienced service dog without credentials too, as long as their behavior checks out. Use your best judgement for each situation.
Other Considerations for Flying with Your Service Dog
- Review carrier policies for vaccine/health requirements. Most airlines require rabies and vaccination records.
- Book early if taking the dog as carry-on. Only one service animal allowed per passenger in the cabin. No fees either!
- Consider a travel vest/gear clearly identifying your dog’s status like “DO NOT PET.” Prevents unwanted attention from curious passengers.
- Bring portable water, food, toys/chews and a collapsible bowl. Cabin pressure changes can upset pups, so keep them mentally and physically engaged.
- Educate yourself on behavioral standards – no barking, growling or disruptions permitted. Dogs should remain at your feet on leash or harness at all times.
Leash laws also apply to service dogs, despite what some TikTokers may claim. Never let a “service dog” run around unrestrained – it’s actually illegal and defeats the purpose of access rights. Please don’t be this kind of person! Most handlers have faced some nutter who gives the rest of us a bad name.
Challenging Unlawful Airline Behavior
Of course, sometimes airlines won’t follow the laws anyway. I once had a major airline try splitting up my seats from my service dog without explanation, against DOT policy! Total bogus move. I had to assert my rights and refuse, which caused them to begrudgingly comply. Basically an uphill battle.
If this happens, politely explain the ACAA and inform a supervisor you’ll file a complaint with the DOT if they remain noncompliant. Ask for their name and note the date/flight numbers. You can also contact groups like the USDA if a business illegally denies access or mistreats you and your service animal. Document everything and stand your ground!
At the same time, approaching the situation with compassion can help. Airline staff commonly lack proper training and are simply “following directions” even if those directions break regulations. Explain the issue calmly and provide educational materials about service dog laws. Positive change happens gradually.
Preparation Eliminates Most Travel Stress
In summary, do your homework to reduce potential barriers. Remember that proper ID, credentials and excellent behavior from handler and dog go a long way. Being prepared, patient yet firm can result in smooth sailing even if hitches arise. Your service pup deserves to assist you anywhere you want to independently explore and experience life!
With the right groundwork, chances are yours will be among the many positive flying experiences that go off without a hitch. Best of luck to you and your service dog team in all your future travels. Don’t hesitate to holler if you need any other advice – I’m always happy to help a fellow handler out!
Service Dog Certification Requirements for Flying
| Certifying Organization | Certification Process | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Assistance Dogs International | Pass public access test and skills evaluation. Owners attend training program. | Renewal every 2 years with updated health records and skills evaluation. |
| International Association of Assistance Dog Partners | Pass skills test demonstrating dog’s tasks. Owners complete application and pay fee. | Renewal every 2 years with updated records and letter from medical provider. |
| Therapy Dogs International | Pass temperament test and skills demonstration. Owners attend group class. | Annual renewal with updated vaccinations and $35 fee. |
| Pet Partners | Complete training course and pass public access test. Background check for owners. | Annual renewal with 12 volunteer hours, health records, and $60 fee. |
FAQ
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Do service dogs need special training to fly on airplanes?
Yes, service dogs basically need to undergo particular training courses to make certain they act properly aboard aircrafts. They must learn to sit quietly under the seat without disturbing others during take-offs and landings.
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Are there any documents service dogs require for air travel?
Indeed, certified service dogs have to hold paperwork proving their identification and training. The key records are usually a health certificate from a vet and an ID card or letter from a trained service dog organization. However, airlines may have other specific requirements too. It’s best to verify them ahead of time to avoid problems.
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Do service dogs fly free of charge on planes?
Generally, service dogs fly at no cost and are allowed to sit with their handlers in the main cabin. They go above the plane in a special kennel during take-off and landing. At the same time, some low-fare carriers may charge small fees. So be sure to check the policies of the airline you plan to take.
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Can emotional support animals fly too?
Maybe. Emotional support animals are not given quite the exact same rights as trained service dogs. The rules get kind of confusing. They must be properly leashed and under control. Airlines have more freedom to request medical letters. It’s wise to verify the airline’s stance on support animals beforehand.
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What happens if a service dog acts up on a plane?
On rare occasions, even highly trained service dogs may become alarmed or stressed. If this occurs, the handler needs to get the animal under control promptly to not disturb other travelers. Airlines reserve the right to refuse future travel for any dog no longer able to behave appropriately. However, with solid training occurrences must be unusual.
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What size kennel do service dogs use in the cargo hold?
Service dogs are too valuable to risk as cargo getting lost or injured. As a result, most certified service dogs accompany their handlers in the main cabin at all times. Perhaps only an extremely small dog may require a kennel checked under the plane—if the airline allows it. Safety for working animals should come before profits, in my opinion.
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Is it legal to pass off a pet as a service dog?
No, that would be wrong and can have actual legal penalties. Flying a pet under fake credentials takes a spot meant for someone with real disabilities. Quoting experts, a true service animal is “more than a pet, it is a working animal with a serious job to do.” It’s best to check regulations surrounding emotional support animals as well to be on the right side of the law.