Traveling with your Service Dog

Question for our founder, Janie Heinrich: How has your disability changed your view of the world? “Traveling the world with Retreatours has given me a broader perspective of the way other cultures embrace and support all of their people; regardless of their differences and challenges. The compassion and kindness that I have experienced in other countries have taught me that acceptance is something that is taught and mirrored by our elders and peers. Grateful for the platform that MobilityDog gives all people with disabilities to advocate for themselves while living a vibrant life.” -Janie Heinrich

Traveling for a weekend or a few months takes a wee dash more planning and investigating for an excellent and stress-free adventure. Traveling while handicapped can be challenging if you do not ask the right questions and go prepared. Traveling with your Service Dog also requires planning and sharing information for the easiest and most relaxing holiday.

It takes only a few moments to call ahead to inform the place you are staying that you are traveling with a Service Dog and that a few minutes of planning makes for a peaceful journey.

Please share your traveling experiences, both the fabulous and the challenging. Here are the basics, but if you have any questions or concerns, ideas, or travel experiences- both the fabulous and the challenging- and your tips or user-friendly ideas. Grateful for your sharing, suggestions, and tips to make the world more user-friendly; it is appreciated.

Click blue “buttons” below to LEARN MORE…

Click on blue button below for the Assistance Dog International’s (ADI) 2022 Airlines’ Rules for Working Service Dogs-

1. Have a photograph of your Service Dog in a vest, as a precautionary measure in case you are separated.

2. D.O.T. FORM FOR SERVICE ANIMALS, Fill out the form and file it with the D.O.T. Be sure to have the from on your person.

3. US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Traveling with a Service Dog!

4. ADANational Network Traveling with a Service Dog

5. Forms to print off your Certified 10-day new Health Record, Health Form, Airline Form, Trainer, and Service Dog Organization Form. Go here for forms, rules for various countries, paperwork, and timelines for entry.  https://www.pettravelstore.com/categories/Pet-Passports/

6. Carry dog’s records: current vaccines; Health Form; Airline Form filled out and signed by a vet, trainer, and Service Dog Organization; and, as it applies, USDA stamp. The USDA stamp is needed for all international travel, including Canada and Mexico. If you travel to Alaska via Canada, you do NOT need the stamp AS LONG AS you stay in your airport area associated with your airline.

7. Travel Services for Handicapped Travel:

• British Airlines International Travel

• http://www.sagetraveling.com/

• The Full UK Guide to Flying with a Disability

• https://www.smartertravel.com/2017/06/19/disabled-travel/

• https://www.stridetravel.com/blogs/handicap-accessible-tours.html

• http://disabilityhorizons.com/category/travel/

• http://www.newmobility.com/2017/11/accessible-travel-agents/    

6. Department of Transportation Links for Airtravel and such:

• https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/us-department-transportation-service-animal-air

• https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals

• https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability

• https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals

• https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/aviation-rules

• Final on Proposed Rules PDF: https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2020-02/Service%20Animals%20-%20NPRM.pdf

7. National Council on Aging -NCOA.ORG

• Explore the world with our comprehensive guide designed to make travel accessible, enjoyable, and worry-free for those using wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.