Service Dog Teams: How to Travel Stress-Free!

Service Dog with Handler in Front of Lake — **Courtesy:** MobilityDog.org

The holiday travel season is upon us! If you’re traveling as a service dog team, learn how to travel stress-free!

Brown Poodle in Training as a Service Dog — **Courtesy:** MobilityDog.org

By properly preparing in advance as a service dog team, you can ensure peace of mind and fewer last-minute snags!

In particular:

Are there any breed-size restrictions on your mode of travel or at your destination?
Do you need special documentation or completed DOT forms?
Does your service dog need special vaccinations?

Next, let’s help you get prepared for traveling as a service dog team!

Family Traveling with their Service Dog — **Courtesy:** MobilityDog.org

Read our blog, “How to Ensure Vacations with Your Dog Are Fun for You Both” for more tips!

Planes, Trains & Ships!

Airlines

Over the past year, airlines have tweaked their policies when it comes to so-called service animals. The good news is that these actions do not apply to you and your legitimate service dog under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regardless of breed or type. In fact, air travel should be easier and safer with the denial of fake service animals on board!

Before traveling, know the following first.

The ACAA act primarily applies to travel to, within and from the United States (although it was amended in 2000 to include foreign carriers.)
Airlines may require a completed DOT Service Animal Form. (In early 2021, the Department of Transportation (DOT) updated their Service Dog rules to require all handlers to fill out the US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (regarding the service animal’s training, behavior and good health) at least 48 hours before traveling.)
Airlines are permitted to deny a service dog if it is too large or too heavy to be in the cabin.
Planning on traveling outside the United States? Keep in mind:
- American airlines are subject to the requirements of the foreign country accepting service animals. Note: Not all countries accept service animals from outside their borders.
- Ensure your destination country allows your service dog and follow all requirements to enter and exit legally.

Amtrak

Woman Walking off a Train with a Service Dog — **Courtesy:** MobilityDog.org

Working service animals are allowed on Amtrak. They must be leashed, sit under the passenger’s seat or at their feet. If you plan to walk your service dog during a stop, notify the conductor when you first board the train.

Ships

Fully trained service dogs are welcomed on most cruise ships and allowed in all public areas including restaurants. They are not permitted in pools, whirlpools or spas due to health regulations. But always check with your specific cruise line as policies can change at the last minute. Don’t leave your travel to chance!

Always review the ship’s service animal sections on their website for all regulations for travel as a service dog team. These may include:

Pet Passport or import license/permit.
Health certificates showing your service dog’s current vaccinations and other required treatments.
Veterinarian certificates.

Always be in full compliance with the cruise ship’s requirements as well as any regulations in the ports of call. Many countries enforce breed restrictions so know what they are before you embark.

Reach Out to Other Disabled Travelers

If it’s your first time traveling as a service dog team, reach out to disabled organizations or communities to benefit from the wisdom of other seasoned, disabled service dog teams! Be prepared and stay safe while traveling with your service dog!