{"id":4311,"date":"2022-12-05T20:06:41","date_gmt":"2022-12-06T02:06:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/?p=4311"},"modified":"2025-10-15T12:44:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T17:44:52","slug":"flying-with-a-service-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/flying-with-a-service-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Flying With a Service Dog (Including Large Breeds)"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve never flown with a service dog before, or it is your first time flying with one since the rules were changed in January of 2021, then you may be wondering what you need to do. Traveling with a service dog may feel a bit overwhelming at first, but the <\/span>Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)<\/span><\/a> has set federal regulations that every airline flying to or from the USA must abide by.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a uniform set of regulations for all airlines makes traveling with a service dog just a little easier. We\u2019ll also help you make the process as smooth as possible by providing you with all of the information you need to prepare for a flight with your service dog. So keep reading for up-to-date information on how to fly with a service dog (including those that are large breeds).<\/span><\/p>\n

What Does the Department of Transportation (DOT) Consider a Disability?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Air Carrier Access Act is a law protecting disabled individuals from discrimination when traveling via air. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) works to regulate all types of travel, including air travel. As such, the DOT follows ACAA guidelines and rules regarding disabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Under these rules, only those with disabilities can fly with service dogs. \u201cDisability\u201d is defined as any physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include things like breathing, walking, hearing, seeing, working, sleeping, and other essential activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

As you can see, the DOT recognizes both physical and mental disabilities. Physical disabilities include things like blindness, deafness, epilepsy, or even temporary disabilities such as a broken leg. Mental disabilities include (but are not limited to) PTSD, anxiety, autism, depression, and phobias.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is a Service Animal?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The ACAA also provides a specific definition of what a service animal is. First of all, service animals can only be dogs. Furthermore, they must be specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for someone with a disability.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ACAA\u2019s definition states very clearly that emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered service animals. However, the ACAA does include mental health disorders or impairments under the umbrella of \u201cdisability.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, those with mental disabilities are welcome to fly with service dogs. Because mental disabilities are recognized, psychiatric service dogs<\/a> (PSDs) are also acknowledged as a type of service animal and are allowed to fly in airplane cabins with their users free of charge.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Tasks Do Service Dogs Perform?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dogs are so versatile that they can be trained to help with almost any disability. As such, there are many different types of service dogs and many different tasks that they can perform. Let\u2019s take a quick look at some of the different kinds of service dogs and what they can do. Understand that this list is by no means exhaustive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guide Dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Guide dogs are one of the most well-known types of service dogs. They are used by those who are visually impaired and help them cross streets, avoid obstacles, and safely make it to their destinations. They quite literally act as their user\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medical Alert Dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Medical alert dogs are used by people with serious health conditions. They can alert their users to bodily changes that could become life-threatening if they are not addressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, a medical alert dog can be used by those with diabetes to alert them to a spike or drop in blood sugar. The user is then able to take the appropriate medication to prevent a medical emergency. Medical alert dogs are often used by people with epilepsy, diabetes, and cardiac or blood pressure issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Psychiatric Service Dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

For those suffering from mental health disabilities, psychiatric service dogs can help provide comfort and a sense of normalcy. Psychiatric service dog tasks include things like grounding, deep pressure therapy, and disruption of repetitive or self-harming behaviors. People with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders often benefit from psychiatric service dog tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing Assistance Dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Hearing assistance dogs help those who are deaf or hearing impaired. They can notify their users of specific sounds, such as alarms going off or even the crying of a child. These dogs will usually notify and then lead their owners to the sounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mobility Assistance Dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mobility assistance dogs can do a lot for those who have trouble getting around on their own. They can pull wheelchairs, open doors, fetch objects, and use their bodies as crutches to help their owners stand up or sit down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other Service Dog Tasks<\/span><\/h3>\n

Service dogs are typically trained to meet the needs of a specific individual, so they won\u2019t all be able to do the same things. However, there are many other tasks service dogs can do that don\u2019t always fit under a specific umbrella. These tasks include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n