Flying with Service Dogs

Flying with a service dog requires you to prepare in advance. Most airlines have specific rules and requirements for trips that depart from and connect through regions of extreme temperatures. Check your airline before you consider booking your flight; or you can opt to travel early in the day when you are certain that temperatures are cooler for your service dog. When flying with your dog, know that your dog will fly in a pressurized, heated and cooled section. Temperatures as well as pressures will be the same as they are in the passenger cabin.

Packing for your dog
• Ensure that you have your dog’s leash, collar or harness along with identification tags. You are advised not to take off your service dog’s identification tag while traveling. You never know, your dog can get lost and ID tags will make certain that he will find his way back to you.

• Make an effort of carrying motion sickness remedies. You need to consult your vet concerning medication or natural remedies that can alleviate motion sickness for your service dog, and the symptoms to look out for.

• Carrying along full paperwork for you service dog. This should include: license paperwork, proof of rabies vaccine, vaccination records, along with any other paperwork that you may need when boarding airplanes and crossing borders.

Important considerations you

                                need to make in advance
Most airlines may expect you to make at least forty eight hours notification, in advance.

Documentation is usually demanded when you do not provide credible assurance as far as your service dog is concerned. When making reservations, you are advised to request for a convenient seat. Inquire if they can have the seat next to you blocked, in the event that your service dog is large. This is usually not recommended, but chances are that they can block a seat for you if the flight doesn’t sell out.

Security checkpoints at the airport may present some challenges. First and foremost, make sure that your service dog does not wear any tags when going through metal detectors. This is to avoid any unnecessary search for you and your dog. You can also opt to go through the metal detectors first and then your dog; this way, the security guards will be certain that you and your dog are no threat, despite the fact that your dog may be wearing a tag.

It is advisable to make sure that your service dog is well fed and exercised before your departure. In addition, ensure that your dog drinks as well as poops in advance. It is quite inappropriate to feed your dog a few moments before take-off, he or she might get sick. Good exercise is essential for a service dog before take-off, since it helps the dog calm down. You are also advised not to sedate your dog, higher altitude pressures may make your dog vulnerable to cardiovascular and respiratory issues when sedated.

For your service dog to be allowed in the cabin you need to:

• Provide proof of your disability, and the manner in which your service dog proves helpful in easing the effect of your disability.
• Provide appropriate documentation confirming that your service dog has received an acceptable level of training that makes him a fit assisting companion for you.
•  Provide confirmation that your dog is registered to serve as a service dog when booking your flight.
•  Present a valid service dog identification card or equivalent documentation when you are checking in the flight.
•  Ensure that your service dog can fit on your lap or alternatively in front of your seat.

As stated previously, not all airlines may allow you to fly with your service dog. Therefore, it is advisable to make early reservations to ascertain that your dog will be flying with you. In addition to different air travel rules, you may also find that some airlines charge extra fees when one is traveling with a service dog.

For more information visit Service Dogs Certification