Disability Travel 101: Traveling With a Service Dog

Service Dog on an Airplane - The United States Service Dog Registry Blogwire

For people with disabilities, everything from dressing in the morning to getting into bed at night is more difficult than it is for most people. Travel can be included in the list of activities that are more challenging for a person with a disability.

Although travel may seem difficult or even impossible, it's not. Even with a service dog, travel can be made simpler for people with disabilities if they know their rights and responsibilities.

Traveling by Air With a Service Dog

Traveling by air with a service dog in tow can be quite a challenge. Airlines cannot deny access to any passenger with a guide dog or service animal, provided that the animal has proper identification. This could include vet records, the dog’s pedigree, a harness or simply the assurances of the passenger.

When booking a flight, a person with a disability should talk to the ticketing agent and let her know that a service dog will be accompanying her. It is helpful to let the agent know the size and weight of the dog in order to best seat the disabled passenger. A small dog could possibly fit under the seat, giving it a more secure ride, whereas a larger dog would need to be situated in the bulkhead of the plane where it would have more room to lie down. Although an airline cannot legally deny a passenger with a service dog any seat, the animal can’t be blocking an aisle or any other emergency exit area.

Security can also be challenging. The tags, harness or leash of a service animal could set off the security alarms. The best way to deal with this is for the person with a disability to put the dog on a long leash and tell him to “stay” while the owner passes through security. The person with a disability can then call the dog to her, making it clear to security personnel that the dog is setting off the alarms.

Passengers with disabilities are often allowed to pre-board the flight, or get on the plane before the other passengers. This makes boarding easier on the dog in that he has more freedom to move through the plane.

Lastly, do not feed the dog immediately prior to boarding and, for everyone’s comfort, allow him to relieve himself before the flight. It is also recommended that the dog’s harness be removed while in flight to prevent it from catching on the seat or any objects around the seat.

International Travel With a Service Dog

In many European countries, dogs are treated the same as any member of the community. In France, for example, dogs are allowed into the finest of restaurants. In other countries, though, dogs might not be so welcome in public places.

The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange has put together some guidelines for traveling abroad with a service dog. Some of these include:

• Research information on the quarantine policies and other requirements of the country you will be visiting.
• Carry an official letter introducing the service dog to government officials and business operators who might try to restrict the dog's access.
• Carry a letter from your veterinarian stating that your dog is in good health and up to date on all vaccinations.

Visit NCDE's page for all the guidelines.

Staying in a Hotel With a Service Dog

With proper identification (see above), a service dog is legally allowed to stay in any hotel without an extra charge. The owner of the dog is liable for any damages that the dog incurs during the stay, though.

When staying in a hotel with a service dog, there are some things that can be done to make the stay easier on everyone. Remember to take the dog out often to use the bathroom. Always carry some kind of ID for the dog. If the dog has a crate, bring it to the hotel. The dog may not need it, but it never hurts to have it should a need arise. Make a copy of the ADA laws pertaining to service dogs and always carry them when traveling with a service dog.

The State Coordinator of the Ms. Wheelchair Oklahoma program, Elizabeth Reeve, a strong service dog advocate, has written a wonderful, comprehensive book about the laws regarding service dogs. Check out ADA and You: Service Dogs.