Flying with a Service Dog: Tips & Experiences

Tips on Flying with Your Service Dog

Flying can be a stressful experience for many, and flying for the first time with a service dog can definitely be nerve-wracking—I learned that firsthand recently. Whether you're traveling for work, pleasure, or medical reasons, bringing your service dog on a plane requires some planning and knowledge of airline policies. Here are some essential things I learned to make your flight as stress-free as possible for both you and your dog.

Know the Policies

Before you book your flight, make sure to research the specific airline's policies for traveling with a service dog. Airlines are required to accommodate service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), but each airline may have slightly different procedures or requirements. Some may ask for specific paperwork or other things, so be sure to check their guidelines ahead of time.

Book Early

Booking your flight early can give you the best chance to secure the necessary accommodations for your service dog. Inform the airline about your service dog as soon as possible, preferably when you book your ticket. This will allow them time to make arrangements and ensure you have enough space.

Call the Airline

This was a big one for me! Calling the airline directly allowed me to ask for advice specific to that airline that I wouldn’t have found online. I called to check on the status of my DOT documents (which we'll cover next), and found out there was an issue I wouldn't have known about otherwise. They were also able to change my seat (at no extra cost) to a bulkhead seat on all my flights, ensuring Max and I had as much room as possible.

Documentation

In order to fly, you do need to register your dog. Airlines will ask you for a Department of Transportation form, and once that's received, they'll give your dog a lifelong Service Animal Identification (SVID) that can be used in place of these documents for future flights. I recommend printing out copies and bringing them with you, just to be safe.

Here is the DOT website with the documents and a more detailed explanation.

Airport Experience

Airports are a jumble of rushed people, loud noises, kids, other animals, and who knows what else. No matter how calm your dog is, there’s a chance that this environment can overwhelm them—especially if it’s their first time. Try building up to this by taking them to crowded areas like the mall or busy parks to help them get used to the chaos.

The Essentials

Layovers, delays, cancellations—there’s always a chance something might hold you at the airport for a while. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have emergency items for your dog. Have a bowl for water or a quick bite and be sure you can find the pet relief areas! These provide both you and your dog a quick breather from the hustle and bustle of the airport and help prepare you for the next flight.

Keep Their Comfort in Mind

A giant metal thing that's crowded and making funny noises can be very nerve-wracking for any dog. You need to make sure they’re comfortable so they aren’t too scared during what could be a long flight. Depending on your dog, you have a few options. We used dog stress bites to help Max chill out a little before the flight, and then a happy hoodie during the flight to help him stay calm.

Stay Calm

We’ve talked a lot about helping your dog stay calm, but you’ve got to stay calm too. We all know dogs can pick up on emotions, and the more scared or stressed you are, the more scared and stressed they are. Make sure to take care of yourself so you can take care of them.

Final Thoughts

Flying with your service dog doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips and preparing ahead of time, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for both you and your dog. Do you have any other tips? Safe travels!

Photo credit: Gaspar Zaldo on pexels