Service Dogs and Airlines

Vest? Tags? Doctor’s note? Nothing?

What has worked best for you and your dog? Any recommendations? Pros? Cons?

The ADA states that a service dog does not need to be identified as a service dog. However they suggest it as it reduces conflicts.

I for one use both a vest and a tag on Gunny and Rainy.

Sussie, Gunny and Rainy.

Yesterday I received yet another call from someone distraught. It was over the fact that they had sent money in to a Service Dog registry and received nothing in return. I really feel sorry for people that get “roped” into that situation. I am also angered by the so called “registries” that dupe people of their money like that.

ADA does not require a Service Dog to be registered. ADA does not require that a dog be trained by a professional. ADA’s only requirement is that the dog is well behaved in public, be identified in some way (either by vest or tags) that it is a Service Dog, and be on a leash unless the service that the animal performs requires it to be off leash.

Other things to keep in mind.

ADA rules override all state and local laws (In other words, if a city passed a rule stating that no animals were allowed in a certain area. ADA laws override that for service dogs). Business owners cannot post a sign stating “Guide Dogs Only”. Though it is not illegal for them to have the sign, they must allow ALL Service Dogs entry into their establishment.

Places open to the public (were anyone can just walk in or pay an entrance fee and walk in) cannot ask you what the Service Dog is for. However they can ask if it’s a Service Dog. Private places that are not open to the public or require a membership to enter, can ask you what duties the dog performs for you, but cannot stop you from entering. (The only exception to the rule is Costco, as they were giving special permission by the Courts as to whether they will allow you to enter their store with your Service Dog no matter what type of Service Dog it is, this was stated to me by a Costco rep. This is happened due to the case of Susan Grill vs. Costco in 2004).

Sussie and Gunny
http://thegunnyfund.chipin.com/the-gunny-fund

I recently sent an email to my customers who purchased Service Dog ID Tags and asked which airlines they and their service dog had flown on and if they had incidents when they presented their Service Dog ID. The overwhelming results where that they had no problems what-so-ever. I was surprised by how many people said that they use jetBlue and the airline made it easy. The few responses I did receive about issues were scattered and no incidents where they and their service dog were not allowed to fly. Issues that did arise seamed to be caused by the attendant and not the airline. Many readers stated that they also took papers from their doctor just as back-up.

The airlines that people said they had flown on were: Southwest Airlines,Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, jetBlue, American Airlines, US Airways, America West, Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air France, KLM, Iberia and Spirit.

One reader responded that the issues she had had were not with the airlines but with Greyhound and Amtrak. Others responded that they had issues with airport security and not the airlines themselves.

I decided to put the feedback I got here and give those that wish to share their experiences with everyone. You can leave your comment right below.