The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 requires all air carriers to allow service animals on board the plane. A service animal is a working animal and not the same as a pet. Service dogs are trained to guide the blind, aid the hearing impaired and perform tasks to aid people with physical or psychiatric disorders. Air carriers are not allowed to charge more for the service animal. ACAA requires the dog to fly free in the seat of the passenger or in front of the seat on the floor. No exit aisles can be blocked.
Provide the air carrier with an identification card, certificates or any other documentation that proves the dog is a service animal. In the case of guide dogs the harness or markings on tags will be enough to prove the dog is a service animal.
Arrive at the airport early to allow for documentation of the service animal to clear and to provide plenty of time for security screening. If you or the service animal alarms the metal detector additional screening will be required.
Tell the screening officers that you have a service animal when you approach the line. This will enable them to guide you and your service animal through the screening process. Let the officer know how you should go through the metal detector, either together or separate.
Control the service dog when it is being screened. It is your responsibility to control the dog from biting, nipping or moving away from the screening officer. The officer will ask for permission to touch the service dog and will not remove the harness or equipment including packs, but will physically search the items.
Prepare to go through the screening process every time you leave the secure area. If you need to leave the area to walk the service dog you will still need to undergo screening again when you return. Walk the service dog before screening if possible.
Contact the embassy in the country you will be visiting to find out the regulations on service animals, if you are going out of the country. Check to see if your service dog is a banned breed in the area. Contact the commonwealths of America and Hawaii if you are leaving the continental U.S. for any rules that will affect the service dog.
Obtain veterinary records of rabies and other shots needed and have your doctor write an official letter stating that you need the dog as a service animal. These documents might need to be notarized for the country you are visiting.
