Although Worldwide Animal Travel does not handle service animal travel directly, they receive hundreds of calls with questions on the topic. While they specialize in general inquiries for pet transport services in Canada, they’ve reached out to me, Emmie Fletcher, for insights specific to service animals. As someone who works closely with service animals and their handlers, I’ve put together helpful tips for those of you preparing to travel with your service animal.
Travelling with your service animal is an essential part of a successful working partnership. Your animal companion is there to make life easier, and to give you the confidence and freedom to explore more than you might have without them.
That said, the logistics of travelling with a service animal can feel overwhelming. While local trips might only need minor adjustments, flying or long-distance travel presents new challenges. Many service animals haven’t encountered these situations during training, so it might be a first for both of you.
In this blog, I’ll share some practical tips to help you, and your service animal feel prepared and confident—wherever your journey takes you.
1. Obtain The Necessary Documentation
Travelling with a service animal usually involves extra paperwork. You may need to You may need to notify the transportation company, in advance and be ready to show documentation that confirms your animal’s role and training history.
I also recommend getting a letter that confirms your right to travel with your service animal, along with written confirmation from the transportation provider. This can be incredibly helpful if you run into any issues during boarding or while enroute.
2. Vet Checks
If you’re flying, check which vaccinations your service animal may need and whether there are any quarantine requirements. For example, entering Canada may require a rabies vaccination certificate, depending on your country of origin and your animal’s certification.
Some airlines also ask for a “fit to fly” letter to confirm your animal is healthy and free from contagious diseases. Beyond legal requirements, it’s just good practice to make sure your service animal is physically ready for the journey. If they’re prone to motion sickness, your vet can suggest solutions that won’t interfere with their ability to assist you during travel.
3. Consider The Practical Aspects
Toileting can be tricky on long journeys. If your service animal is trained to go on cue or in a specific place, think ahead about how you’ll manage this. Many airports and stations have designated relief areas—look them up in advance so you can plan accordingly.
In the weeks before your trip, reinforce toileting cues if needed. Accidents can happen, but being prepared helps both of you travel more comfortably.
Also, don’t forget to pack water. On planes, ice cubes from the airline can be a great alternative to a water bowl.
4. Practice Settling In Small Spaces
Planes and public transport often require your service animal to settle in a tight space. Even if they’ve been trained for this, it might have been a while since they last practiced, especially in the case of larger dogs. Before your trip, rehearse settling in a space similar to what you’ll encounter. This helps refresh their training and builds their comfort in confined environments.
5. Visit The Waiting Area In Advance
Airports can be overwhelming, even for well-trained service animals. If possible, do a trial run of your journey up to the point of boarding. This might mean going to the airport for a walk around or using a gate pass to access the airport without a flight ticket.
This kind of exposure helps your service animal get used to the sights, sounds, and smells they’ll encounter—and it can help you feel more confident too.
6. Be Prepared, So You Can Enjoy Your Trip
Travelling as a disabled person can be challenging, but doing a partial trial run beforehand, preparing your service animal and knowing your rights can help smooth anxieties and help you enjoy your trip.
Written by Emmie Fletcher.
As a service dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of travelling with a working dog—and the challenges that can come with it. My goal is to break down the process into manageable steps, so you and your service animal can travel safely and happily.
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