Service animals serve as a replacement body part for people with disabilities (PWDs). They are trained to accompany their handler wherever they go. Yes, even when going to a different city, state, or country and riding a specific type of transportation, a service animal should always remain beside its handler.
But service animals aren’t like ordinary pets. The former have different travel needs than the latter. They also are protected by different rights and have unique perks that help a disabled person travel easily and comfortably. Read more to learn about what items you should pack in your travel bag and the rights that protect you and your service animal as you go on a trip.
What Does the ADA Say About Traveling with Service Animals?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects your right to travel to places while bringing your service animal with you. It also requires a majority of public and private accommodations such as airports and restaurants to provide accessibility for both you and your service animal’s needs.
However, your rights will vary depending on where you’re going, what mode of transportation you’re taking, and the nature of your visit. People with disabilities aren’t required to pay a surcharge in establishments where pet fees are necessary.
If a service animal were to cause damage to a transportation, lodging, or accommodation company, the person accompanied by the animal may be charged. But in general, traveling with a service animal into places and countries that abide by the ADA law and similar legislation shouldn’t cause problems.
8 Things to Pack While Traveling With a Service Animal
1. Documentation
Bring the proper documentation that proves your service animal’s legitimacy. It may come in an identification card, certificate, or written document. Businesses won’t always ask for documentation and proof of training. But still, be prepared.
2. Food, water, feeding bowl, and water bottle
Bring a food supply that would keep your service animal full and healthy for the entire duration of your trip. Always refill your animal’s water bottle to quench their thirst wherever you go. Lastly, provide your animal with a bowl for drinking water and eating their food.
3. Poop bag
Be a responsible service animal handler. Pick up their droppings as you would do in your own home and community. If you can’t do this alone, ask someone for help.
4. Collar, leash, and vest
Keep your service animal by your side and under control. Collars and vests will also help people identify your four-legged companion as a service animal at first glance.
5. Treats and toys
Even with extensive training, service animals have a tendency to act up. This is a common occurrence when they’re bored. If you cannot keep your service animal under control, establishments have the right to ask you to remove your animal from their premises.
It’s best to have toys and treats to keep your animal from acting up or when you’re rewarding their obedience.
6. Bed or blanket your service animal is familiar with
Service animals can feel anxious when sleeping in an unfamiliar place. This is why you should also bring their blanket or bed because they need a familiar scent for a sense of security. This will help them rest confidently no matter where you go.
7. Vaccination records
At most times, accommodation authorities will ask for your service animal’s updated vaccination records to ensure the safety of other people and animals. Rabies, distemper, parvo, and animal flu are serious topics. Your animal’s vaccination records should be kept together with its registration documents.
8. Medication
Some service animals are prone to motion sickness. That is why you‘ll need to keep a medical kit to give your animal the medicine for such problems. You should also pack your medical kit with first aid supplies in case your animal gets injured during your travels.
Because PWD and service animal rights vary depending on the location, you must know about them in advance by inquiring with the authorities of the places you’ll visit. This will help you bring all the necessary items that you and your service animal will need for the entire trip.
Check out more blog posts about service animals below!
- 8 Care Tips for Your Companion and Assistance Animal According to Veterinarians
- 7 Top Tips for Responsible Pet and Assistance Animal Ownership
- Psychiatric Service Animal vs Emotional Support Animal: What’s the Difference?
- The 7 Best Service Dog Breeds for People With Disabilities
- What Are The Different Types Of Service Dogs? (And What They Do)
Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.
The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.
Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below. 