Can I Travel With My Service Dog?
/Can I travel with my Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) or Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD) Service Dog?
Absolutely! PSD’s and DAD’s are service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act, so there are very few restrictions about where they can go with their owners. Under Title II and Title III of the ADA, a service animal is permitted to accompany its handler into a building or facility where members of the public, clients, customers, and program participants have access. Since service animals are not classified as pets, the “no pets policy” does not apply to service dogs. This includes restaurants, grocery stores, malls, department stores, movie theaters, hotels, etc. and other locations where pets are not permitted. Under federal law, a business can ask two questions about the dog:
1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What task does the dog perform?
The establishment does however have the right to deny access if the dog appears to be a threat to the other patrons, including being overly aggressive, growling, barking, etc. and if the dog impacts regular business practices.
Under the ADA, service dogs can travel on planes, trains, buses, trams, cruise ships, and other transportation vehicles provided that the animal has good training, and as with public venues, does not pose a threat to other passengers or the operation of the vehicle. The Air Carrier Access Act, which sets guidelines for service animals accompanying their handler by plane has similar guidelines. Additional guidelines could include documentation requirements, size restrictions, and quarantine procedures.
There is a helpful video posted on the U.S. Department of Transportation website. The information is provided to all travelers and can be helpful for individuals with disabilities who are traveling with a service animal to, from, or within the United States. A brochure can also be viewed and printed from the following link: Air Travel with service Animals.
When traveling by airplane, train, or boat it is best to notify the transportation agent when booking you will be traveling with a service dog. This will usually make check in smoother for you and allows the agent to provide the best accommodation available to you.
Be aware on travel requirements when traveling to Hawaii with your service dog as many time sensitive requirements and testing must be in place prior to travel. Visit State of Hawaii Animal Industry Division for additional information.
Please feel free to roam about the country!
