
In modern life, any individual with a disability can get necessary assistance not only from doctors and therapists but also from dogs, cats, and other service animals. A service animal has become an integral part of the lives of those who need constant care, attention, and assistance in implementing usual day-to-day duties. A service dog is individually trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of its handler. These creatures make life much easier for humans with inabilities and are often not just companions or helpers but a vital necessity.
Therefore, legitimate service animals have the right to be close to the owner wherever he goes by law. One such place is the cabin of the aircraft during the flight. Flights are a quick and easy way to get to your destination. However, at the same time, for men with physical dysfunctions, flying can bring some inconvenience, and for humans with psychic maladies, it can be stressful, which will lead to the deterioration of their health condition. Therefore, animals that accompany their owners are a necessity rather than a privilege.
Laws regarding travel with service animals and emotional support animals
The one and only law governing air traveling with a service animal are the Air Carrier Access Act. By law, pets must be in the luggage compartment in special carriers during the flight. Besides, there are pet-friendly airlines that allow the transportation of animals in the cockpit. However, if you are the owner of a service dog and have a document confirming the status of the animal, you have the right to transport the animal to the cabin next to you.
Yet, your service animal must meet all the requirements of the air carrier to be admitted on the plane board. These requirements apply to the animal behavior and the condition of the carriage. Also, service animal users should be aware of the latest updates in the laws. Previously, service animals could accompany their owners on flights, regardless of their species. In accordance with the latest updates, it is better to avoid the transportation of unusual species of animals, but it doesn’t mean that laws limit service animals to only dogs.
The new laws also apply to flights with animals of emotional support. Nowadays, a man can transport emotional support animals only in the luggage compartment. Another option is to use the services of a pet-friendly carrier. Given that many people are not fully aware of the difference between ESA and a psychiatric service animal, it is worth noting that psychiatric service dogs enjoy all the freedoms of service animals.
Mandatory registration of a service animal
In order to enjoy all the benefits that the law provides for a service dog and its handler, the animal must be officially registered. First of all, an individual with a disability should consult his therapist or a specialist, who will be able to assess the patient’s condition and prescribe the right therapy.
In addition, the doctor determines what type of service animals are needed in every particular case. Service dogs of different types are trained to be able to bring the greatest benefit to their owners. For example, humans with visual impairments have guide dogs, and people with mental disorders need psychiatric service animals.
With the doctor’s prescription, you can take a service animal from an official training center or buy it from specialized companies. Nevertheless, a paper from the doctor is not the only necessary document for a service dog. If only an ESA letter is sufficient for emotional support animals, registration documents are required for service dogs.
So, if you already have a letter from the therapist, you may register your animal on the official websites, one of which is MyServiceAnimal Registrar. In addition, you can order a special ID card for your animal to eliminate the need to constantly explain the status of the animal in public.
Also, do not forget that in order to legally and easily travel with your pet by air, you must register a service pet on the carrier’s website. The registration form, as well as all the requirements for the transportation of a service dog, can usually be easily found on the airline’s website. The DOT forms must be completed no later than 2 hours before the trip.
What is needed to fly with a service animal?
Traveling with service animals requires compliance with certain rules. Before the flight of a passenger with a service animal, a special form must be filled out. Besides, at the airport, the carrier also assesses the animal for whether it can be in the cabin during the flight, considering the safety of other passengers. If airline employees notice significant disruption rules established by the airline, the animal may not be allowed on the flight. Yet, airlines cannot deny a service animal based solely on its breed or size. The first thing that should be assessed by the employee of the airline is service animal behavior. In case of violation of your rights, you can contact the Aviation Consumer Protection department.
The main reason for refusals to transport service animals in the cabin is if the animal poses a direct threat to the health or sanitation issue. That means that the dog must behave properly and mustn’t be aggressive or unmanageable. In addition, you must have a certificate from a veterinarian certifying the satisfactory state of health of the animal, as well as the fact that the animal is not a carrier of diseases or viruses.
There were several animal misbehavior incidents, so now all the animals must wear harnesses and muzzles to ensure the safety of the people around them. In addition, the animal can be placed exclusively in the handler’s foot space. It is best for air travel with an animal to buy a special carrier that will be comfortable for your pet. You also need to think about the natural needs of a service dog, such as food and the need for a toilet, especially for long flights.