JetBlue, American Airlines, and probably other airlines now insist that flyers get an 8-digit ID number to fly with a service dog. Having a signed copy of the new DOT form form is not enough. And you need to get it 48 hours before you fly. And you need to have a paper boarding pass (because the code will be printed on there, but won’t be on your electronic one). And the code isn’t for a lifetime—it expires when the dog’s rabies immunization expires. We are appalled by this burdensome requirement.

This is a picture of the DOT form, but the best way to get the form is to use the official link because then you get a PDF that you can fill out on your computer (you don’t need a printer, but you need a computer).

This mandatory service dogs ID code (Service Dog ID Number also known as SVAN ID) involves the new DOT form, plus an extra step.

Some airlines now require service dogs to submit the DOT form to Open Doors Organization, but they need to approve your application. Once they do that you get a service animal ID number. It’s 8 digits (not the 10 digit ID number from usservicedogregistry.org). That needs to be used before any flight 48 hoursahead. It can be done online. You put in the animals ID number and the flight info and then the dog is registered and can fly. The ID number lasts as long as the rabies vaccine the dog has received. It has to be on your printed boarding pass (the electronic boarding pass doesn’t have the number on it).

This new procedure might make it easier for some handlers to breeze through with priority seating and peace of mind that any dogs are either in a carrier or registered. The downside to this is being unable to make last-minute changes. If you suddenly need to change your flight and are allowed to, your dog is not allowed. It’s not that complicated (although it is burdensome), but it’s definitely something that service dog handlers should know about if they end up flying.