Service dogs, regardless of breed or type, are fully trained to do work or perform tasks to benefit a qualified individual with a disability. Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companion animals, and service animals in training are NOT service animals.
Airlines must recognize dogs as service animals and accept them for transport on flights to, within, and from the United States. Airlines, though not required, are free to transport other species for passengers if they choose to do so.
Question: "Can an Airline deny my service dog?"
Yes, the airlines can deny transport to a service dog if it:
Violates safety requirements - e.g., too large or heavy to be accommodated in the cabin; Poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others; Causes a significant disruption; or
Violates health requirements - e.g., prohibited from entering a U.S. territory or foreign country.
Airlines may also deny transport to a service dog if the airline requires completed DOT service animal forms and the service animal user does not provide the airline with these forms.
How do airlines determine whether an animal is a service animal?
Airlines can determine whether an animal is a service animal or pet by:
Asking an individual with a disability if the animal is required to accompany the passenger because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform;
Looking for physical indicators such as the presence of a harness or vests;
Looking to see if the animal is harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered; and
Observing the behavior of the animal.
What kind of documentation can be required of persons traveling with your service dog?
Airlines may require:
(1) a U.S. DOT form attesting to the animal's health, behavior, and training; and
(2) a U.S. DOT form attests that the animal can either not relieve itself or relieve itself in a sanitary manner if the animal is on a flight that is eight or more hours.
Tips for Traveling with a Service Animal
At the airport
If your service animal needs to relieve itself, please ask an airport or airline professional for the location of the nearest service animal relief areas.
Onboard the aircraft
Your service animal must be permitted to accompany you in the space under the seat in front of you.
Certain small service animals may be permitted to sit on your lap, if it can be done so safely.
Your service animal cannot block a space that must remain unobstructed for safety reasons (ex. an aisle or access to an emergency exit).
An airline is not required to upgrade you to a different class of service to accommodate your service animal.
Airlines cannot refuse to allow your service animal onboard because it makes other passengers or flight crew uncomfortable.
Your service animal must behave properly. An animal that engages in disruptive behavior (ex. barking or snarling, running around, and/or jumping onto other passengers, etc. without being provoked) will not be accepted as a service animal.
Traveling outside of the United States?
Here are a few things to remember if you're planning to fly outside of the United States with your service animal.
U.S. airlines traveling to foreign countries are subject to the requirements of that foreign country regarding the acceptance of service animals; not all countries permit service animals from other foreign countries.
Check whether your destination country permits your animal and any other requirements to enter and exit legally.
Encounter A Problem?
If you believe your rights under the Air Carrier Access Act are being or have been violated, ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). A CRO is the airline's expert on disability accommodation issues. Airlines are required to make one available to you, at no cost, in person at the airport or by telephone during operating times.
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