A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Your Service Dog
If you rely on your service dog for assistance, flying can present some unique challenges. However, with proper planning and preparation, you can feel confident bringing your trained service animal onboard. In this article, I’ll address all the important considerations and walk through the process step-by-step.
Proper Documentation is Key
The first thing to know is that airlines are legally required to allow service dogs to accompany passengers in the cabin under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). However, they may ask for documentation verifying that your dog is indeed a service animal. From my experience working with clients who travel with service dogs, having the proper paperwork is crucial.
Most airlines will want Proof that your dog is trained to behave appropriately in public spaces like an airport. This usually means a letter from your licensed mental health professional or doctor stating that you have a disability and require your dog’s assistance. You may also need documentation that your service dog has passed a public access test through an assistance dog training program. Keep these important documents together in an accessible place like a folder or wallet.
Follow Health and Vaccination Requirements
In addition to paperwork, your dog must meet airline health standards. All service dogs should have current vaccinations for rabies and others like kennel cough. Some airlines also require a health certificate from your vet within 10 days of travel. From my experience, it’s smart todouble check each airline’s specific policies on their website well in advance of booking flights. Failing to comply with these standards could lead to denied boarding.
Plan Ahead for Kennel, Seat, and Feeding Requirements
- Most airlines allow service dogs to sit at your feet under the seat in front of you during takeoff and landing for safety reasons. However, some may require that larger dogs sit in an IATA-approved dog carrier that fits under the seat.
- If traveling with a larger service dog, check seat size limitations and reserve an aisle, window or bulkhead seat with extra legroom in advance through the airline directly. Most charge a small fee for a preferred seat.
- Bring some dry or dehydrated dog food and sealed plastic containers of fresh water in your carry-on in case in-cabin meal service is unavailable or delayed on your flight.
From experience, I can say being prepared with the proper provisions avoids stress for both you and your dog. Having a backup plan results in a smoother travel experience.
Practice Good Etiquette and Control
Even though service dogs are legally permitted in the cabin, other passengers may still feel uncomfortable flying near an animal. It’s important to demonstrate your dog is well-trained and behave in a courteous manner. This means keeping your service dog on a leash at all times in public areas like the terminal, boarding area and aircraft. Consider using a backpack cover to help identify your dog as working.
Control noise and mess too. Teach your dog polite cues like “settle” to calm down in new environments. Bring plastic bags and gentle commands for potty breaks between flights. Good etiquette goes miles in gaining cooperation from airport staff and soothing other travelers’ concerns.
Prepare Your Dog with Socialization Trips
Some dogs get really stressed flying. So from my experience as a service dog trainer, it’s important to ease dogs into the airport experience before an actual trip. Taking short “socialization flights” to the terminals allows them to get comfortable without the pressure of sitting still on an aircraft. You can even take a training class with your dog through an assistance organization. The more normal airport noises and crowds feel to them, the calmer they’ll stay on the big day.
Know Your Dog’s Limits and Take Extra Precautions
On the flip side, I’ve seen some dogs who obviously weren’t ready despite training. If yours gets highly anxious or uncontrollable in busy areas, it may be best to consider sedating medications prescribed by your vet. Sedation should only be an absolute last resort though, and only if your vet feels it’s safe and humane for that particular dog. Ultimately, your service dog’s health and comfort should come before any travel plans if they seem dangerously stressed.
Remain Patient and Educate Others With Kindness
No matter how well-trained your dog is, flying can inevitably lead to challenges. Staff may unfairly deny access or other passengers complain without cause. Rather than reacting aggressively, stay calm and politely request to speak with a supervisor. Have your documentation ready to professionally explain your rights. If needed, ask airline staff in advance how they prefer passengers to respectfully provide feedback or file discrimination complaints. Most issues can be resolved through compassionate education versus confrontation.
Enjoy Your Trip With Proper Preparation
Taking a service dog on a plane requires extra planning, but with the right documentation, socialization, provisions and understanding of policies, you and your dog can absolutely fly safely together. As long as you demonstrate control and consider the needs of other travelers too, airport staff tend to be very accommodating. From experience helping many clients, following these guidelines has resulted in overwhelmingly positive travel experiences. So go ahead and book that next flight – just come prepared! Let me know if you have any other specific questions.
In summary, taking your service dog onboard an aircraft is permitted by law as long as you follow basic requirements for documentation, health, control and etiquette. Most issues arise due to lack of planning rather than deliberate intent. So with the right preparation, both you and your dog can feel comfortable during air travel. Being a good advocate through polite education also yields positive results. Overall, flying with your service animal is very doable.
Tips for Taking Your Service Dog on a Plane
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Proper training | Service dogs must be trained to behave appropriately in public. |
| Vest or harness | Service dogs should wear vest or harness identifying them as a service animal. |
| Immunizations | Service dogs must have updated rabies and other vaccinations. |
| Health records | Keep certification and health records in an easily accessible spot. |
| Aisle seat | Request an aisle seat so your service dog has space under the seat. |
| Ongoing training | Keep training your service dog to prepare them for plane travel. |
| Follow instructions | Comply with safety instructions from airline staff for your service dog. |
FAQ
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Can I bring my service dog on the plane with me?
Yes, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires airlines allow service dogs to accompany passengers in the cabin. Your dog must be trained to behave properly and remain under your control.
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What paperwork do I need?
You’ll need a letter from your doctor/medical provider describing your disability and how your service dog helps you. Airlines may also require proof of vaccines and training. Basically keep these docs handy to show staff.
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Do I have to buy my dog its own ticket?
No, as a service animal assisting a handler with a disability, your dog flies as part of your ticket for free! However, airlines have a right to request service animals fit either under the seat in front of you or at your feet where it won’t block aisles.
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Will my dog be comfortable?
Most service dogs are well-trained for noisy air travel and enjoy being at work. Nevertheless, consider calming treats or toys for anxious pups. You might also bring pee pads or a travel bag just in case of accidents or spills from turbulence. But on the whole, service pup positivity rates are flying high!
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What if my dog acts out on the plane?
If your dog becomes unruly unexpectedly, airline staff have the right to put them in a crate in the cargo hold rather than cabin. To avoid this, keep your pup leashed and under control at all times. It’s also amazing what some soothing calm-down pets or treats can do in stressful situations!
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Should I notify the airline about my service dog ahead of time?
It’s kind of a nice thing to do so the airline knows to expect your dog. Certain carriers also have separate “Pet in Cabin” policies you may need to review. However, ADA laws firmly protect passengers’ rights to fly with service animals upon request without advanced notice. So a courtesy call is nice but not required by law.
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What kinds of tasks can a service dog perform?
Qualifying service dog tasks include guiding handlers who are blind, fetching medication, detecting low blood sugar, waking up owners during seizures – basically any duty that uses their training to assist with everyday living for those with disabilities. Maybe it’s time more airlines and public spaces understood these pup’s amazing roles in our lives!