How to Travel with Service Animals: Rights, Guidelines and Etiquette

Over 500,000 people in the United States utilize the help of a service animal. Not to be confused with emotional support animals, a service animal is an “individually trained dog to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability,” according to the Department of Transportation.  

In 2021, the DOT placed new guidelines on service animals, differentiating that service animals will be allowed on airplanes, while emotional support animals will not. Notably, a service animal is specifically trained to perform tasks directly related to the handler's disability. Service animals are qualified to provide service for disabilities ranging from visual impairments, diabetes, psychiatric/mental disabilities, physical disabilities and much more.  

In addition to airplanes, your fully trained service animal is allowed to accompany you for free on any public transportation like airplanes, buses and trains. Your trained service animal is also allowed to stay in your hotel room for free. Here are some of our top tips for traveling with service animals.  

5 Tips for Traveling with Service Animals 

1. Keep in mind your service animal’s unique personality and tolerance. 

All service animals have their own unique personality, and some might be better suited for travel than others. While they may be professionally trained to handle your disability, keep in mind how well your service animal adjusts to new situations, crowded environments and loud noises. With flight delays, it’s also important to remember how your service animal would deal with being sedentary for a long period of time. In some cases, it may be necessary for your service animal to receive additional training ahead of traveling.   

2. Prepare ahead of time. 

When traveling with service animals, a huge component of a successful trip is preparing in advance. Don’t show up to the airport expecting to just be able to get on the plane with your service animal. According to the US Department of Transportation, airlines are required to recognize dogs, regardless of breed, as service animals and accept them on flights within the United States. 

Here are a few things you’ll need for air travel with your service animal: 

• A US Department of Transportation form detailing the animal’s health, behavior and training. 
• A US Department of Transportation form about the animal’s ability to relieve itself in a sanitary manner. 

All of these are available on the official government website. 

However, it’s absolutely critical to note that different airlines have different requirements for service animals. More often than not, reservations are required in advance; you can make them on some airlines for up to six months. For example, Delta Airlines only accepts dogs who are up-to-date on all vaccines and ideally, travel is booked at least 48 hours in advance. 

3. Look in advance for hotels and accommodations. 

Like airlines, hotels are required under ADA law to accommodate legal service animals. Hotels are also not permitted to charge you for hair shed by your service animal and you must be able to reserve any available room just like any other guest. 

However, it’s always wise to do some digging into the best hotels in your travel destinations for service animals. Fitting locations might have nearby parks or wide-open grassy areas that allow you to exercise and walk your service animal. 

4. Arrive at the airport early. 

Arriving at the airport early is never a bad idea, but it’s especially important when traveling with a service animal. Arriving with plenty of time before your flight allows you and your service animal to quickly get through security and check in at the gate. It also allows you time to navigate unfamiliar, large airports without worrying about rushing. Don’t be afraid to ask an airport employee for assistance with moving or carrying bags. 

5. Stay calm and informative with airline and TSA employees. 

Hopefully, you won’t run into any uncomfortable scenarios as your service animal is legally required to always be with you. However, you should always be prepared for any scenario in which somebody may attempt to question you. First, no one is allowed to ask what your disability is, thanks to medical privacy laws. However, they are able to ask you questions about how your service animal might affect the boarding process or the flight or what work the animal has been trained to perform. The best thing to do is stay calm and courteous and answer their questions to the extent you feel comfortable. Many people simply might not be familiar with service animals, so they might ask questions. Having a vest, tag or harness indicating that your service animal is at work can help deter questioning.   

Packing List for Traveling with Your Service Animal 

Keeping yourself and your service animal comfortable on your trip is easy with a well-organized packing list. Adjust based on your service animal’s needs and preferences, but below is a basic checklist of what to pack. 

• Collar, leash and service dog vest 
• Food and water bowl 
• Waste bags 
• A favorite toy 
• Treats 
• Any medications they take 
• Approved travel crate (if necessary) 
• A copy of vaccination records and service animal identification 

Traveling with Your Service Animal 

While it might feel overwhelming, traveling with your service animal allows you to see the world and bring your best friend along with you. With the right preparation, a thorough packing list and an active understanding of your service animal's needs, you both can travel easily. 

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