Do service dogs need to be in carriers on airlines?

The question ‘do service dogs need to be in carriers on airlines?’ often arises for handlers preparing for travel. This detailed guide uncovers the regulations and offers insights to ensure a comfortable journey for both you and your service dog.

From understanding federal requirements to tips for a smooth flight, we’ve got the answers you need

Do Service Dogs Need to Be in Carriers on Airlines? A Detailed Guide

Understanding Service Dog Regulations

Federal Requirements for Service Dogs in Air Travel

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have specific regulations in place to ensure that service dogs can accompany their handlers on flights within the U.S. Here’s what you need to know:

Acceptance of Evidence: Airlines must accept identification cards, written documentation, harnesses, tags, or credible verbal assurances as evidence that the dog is a service dog. Certified documentation cannot be automatically required.
Seating Arrangements: Service dogs are allowed to accompany qualified individuals in any seat unless the dog obstructs an aisle or area that must remain clear for FAA compliance.
Relocation: If necessary, passengers with service dogs can be moved to an alternative seat within the same class where the dog can be accommodated without being placed in the cargo hold.

Clarification on the Use of Carriers for Service Dogs

Contrary to popular belief, service dogs are not required to travel in carriers on airlines. They can remain with their handlers in the cabin. However, there are a few considerations:

Size and Behavior: The service dog must be well-behaved and fit within the handler’s foot space without obstructing the aisle or disturbing other passengers.
Safety Concerns: If a service dog poses a direct threat to health or safety, or causes significant disruption, it can be disallowed from the cabin.

Additional Considerations

Traveling Internationally: Rules may vary for international travel. It’s essential to check the regulations of the destination country and the airline’s policies.
Emotional Support Animals: As of January 10, 2021, DOT rules allow airlines to treat emotional support animals as pets, not service animals, and may impose fees and restrictions accordingly.
Health Requirements: When travelling interstate or internationally, be aware of health requirements that may affect whether your service dog can accompany you on the flight.

Tips for a Smooth Air Travel Experience

Advance Reservations: Make reservations early, as airlines may limit the number of service dogs allowed per flight.
Documentation: Ensure you have the required DOT forms completed and submitted according to the airline’s guidelines.
Prepare Your Dog: Make sure your service dog is comfortable with its harness or vest and is accustomed to the carrier if it will be used during the flight.

Conclusion

Air travel with a service dog should be a seamless experience, thanks to federal regulations that protect the rights of passengers with disabilities. By understanding the rules and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a comfortable journey for both you and your service dog

Carrier Usage for Service Dogs

Conditions Under Which Service Dogs Must Be in Carriers

While service dogs are generally allowed to accompany their handlers in the cabin, there are specific conditions under which they must be in carriers:

Size Restrictions: If a service dog is too large to fit under the seat in front of the handler, it may need to travel in the cargo hold, depending on the airline’s policy.
Breed Restrictions: Although the DOT does not allow breed discrimination, some airlines may have breed-specific restrictions that could require a service dog to travel in a carrier if it’s a breed not typically allowed in the cabin.
Behavioural Issues: If a service dog displays aggressive behaviour or poses a threat to the safety of other passengers, it may be required to travel in a carrier or even denied boarding.

Alternatives to Carriers for In-Cabin Travel

For service dogs that meet the criteria to travel in the cabin, there are alternatives to traditional carriers:

In-Cabin Seating: Many airlines will allow service dogs to sit on the floor in front of the handler’s seat, provided they do not obstruct the aisle or other passengers.
Bulkhead Seats: Airlines may offer bulkhead seats to passengers with service dogs, providing more space for the dog to lie down if it can fit within the handler’s foot space.
Airline-Provided Kennels: Some airlines may offer kennels that are specifically designed to fit under the seat or in another designated area of the cabin.

Traveling with Psychiatric Service Dogs

Special Documentation Requirements for Psychiatric Service Dogs

Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) provide essential support to individuals with mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, panic disorders, depression, or schizophrenia. While the DOT recognizes PSDs as service animals, there are specific documentation requirements that must be met for air travel:

Health Professional’s Letter: Passengers travelling with a PSD may be required to provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional. This letter should confirm the passenger’s mental health condition and the need for a service animal for air travel.
DOT Service Animal Form: Similar to other service animals, PSDs require the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form, which attests to the animal’s health, training, and behaviour.
Advance Submission: Airlines may require these forms to be submitted 48 hours before the flight, so it’s crucial to plan ahead and ensure all paperwork is in order.

Airline Policies on Emotional Support vs. Service Animals

As of January 11, 2021, the DOT has revised its rules regarding emotional support animals (ESAs), distinguishing them from service animals, which include psychiatric service dogs:

No Longer Considered Service Animals: ESAs are no longer classified as service animals under the DOT’s rules. This means airlines are not required to accommodate ESAs in the cabin without additional fees or restrictions.
Fees and Restrictions: Airlines may impose the same fees and restrictions on ESAs as they do for pets. This includes fees for boarding, restrictions on the number of animals allowed, and potential limitations on size and breed.
Service Animal Definition: The DOT now defines a service animal as a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, which includes psychiatric disabilities. This means that PSDs are still protected under the new rules but must meet the criteria for being a service animal.

Recent Changes in Air Travel Policies

Summary of 2021 DOT Policy Revisions

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) made significant revisions to its air travel policies on service animals, effective January 11, 2021. Here’s a summary of the key changes:

Definition of Service Animals: The DOT now narrowly defines a service animal as a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. This excludes other species and emotional support animals from the service animal category.
Exclusion of Emotional Support Animals: Emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals under the DOT’s rules. Airlines are not required to accommodate them in the cabin without charge or with the same allowances as service animals.
Documentation Requirements: Airlines can require passengers with service animals to provide forms attesting to the animal’s health, training, and behavior. These forms must be submitted 48 hours before the flight.
Service Animal Behavior: The DOT emphasizes that service animals must behave well during the flight, not pose a direct threat to health or safety, and must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times in the airport and on the aircraft.
Limitations on Number of Service Animals: Airlines can limit the number of service animals traveling with a single passenger to two.

Implications for Service Dog Handlers

The 2021 policy revisions have several implications for service dog handlers:

Clearer Definition: The revised rules provide a clearer definition of what constitutes a service animal, which should help handlers understand their rights and the expectations of airlines.
No ESAs in Cabin: Handlers of emotional support animals should be aware that these animals are no longer considered service animals and may face additional fees and restrictions.
Advance Planning: With specific documentation required 48 hours in advance, handlers must plan ahead and ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and submitted on time.
Behavior Expectations: Handlers must ensure their service dogs are well-behaved and trained to meet the expectations set by the DOT to avoid any issues during travel.
Limited Number of Animals: Handlers traveling with more than two service animals may need to make special arrangements or consider alternative travel options

International Travel Considerations

Country-Specific Laws Affecting Service Dogs

Traveling with a service dog internationally presents unique challenges due to varying laws and regulations in different countries:

Legal Definitions: Not all countries recognize service dogs in the same way as the U.S. Some may have more restrictive definitions or may not recognize certain tasks as valid for service dogs.
Entry Requirements: Certain countries may have specific entry requirements for service dogs, such as advanced permission from the Ministry of Health, as is the case in South Africa.
Travel Documentation: Some countries may require an international health certificate or other documentation attesting to the dog’s health and vaccinations.

Health Certificates and Travel Restrictions

When planning international travel with a service dog, it’s crucial to consider the following:

Health Certificates: An international health certificate is often required, which must be obtained from a veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA or similar authority in your country.
Rabies Vaccination: Most countries require service dogs to be up-to-date on their rabies vaccination, with documentation to prove it.
Quarantine Regulations: Some destinations may enforce quarantine regulations for animals, which could affect travel plans and itineraries.
EU Travel: For travel to European Union countries and Switzerland, an EU health certificate is necessary, which involves a process that must be completed within two weeks of entry and may incur additional costs.

Best Practices for Traveling with Service Dogs

Preparing the Necessary Travel Documents

Proper documentation is crucial for a smooth travel experience with your service dog:

DOT Forms: Complete the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form, detailing the dog’s health, training, and behavior. For long flights, also fill out the Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.
Health Certificates: Obtain valid health and rabies vaccination certificates, especially for international travel.
Identification: Carry identification cards or other documents that can help verify your service dog’s credentials if needed.