Traveling with a service dog can be very manageable, but it helps to plan ahead. The rules are different for planes, public transit, and cars, and the practical experience is different too.
In general, the goal is not just to get from one place to another. The goal is to make the trip as low-stress and safe as possible for both the handler and the dog.
December 16, 2024: There's a new rule that most airlines now have--in order to fly with a service dog, you need a special 8-digit code (SVAN ID, or Special Service Request SSR code) that you get through the Open Doors Organization (then you need to tell the airline what the code is at least a couple days ahead of time so they can print it on your boarding pass). With many airlines, without this code, you won't be allowed to board your plane.
Here's our entire article on: Steps to Get the New 8-Digit Service Dog ID Code (SVAN ID) for Airline Flights
1. Flying With a Service Dog
Flying with a service dog is much more common than many first-time handlers expect. Airline and TSA staff see service dogs regularly, and the process is usually smoother when the traveler is prepared.
Under current U.S. Department of Transportation rules, airlines may require a traveler with a service dog to complete the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form.[1][2] If the flight is scheduled to last more than eight hours, the airline may also require the Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.[2]
It is smart to check the airline’s website before traveling and complete any required forms ahead of time. Many handlers also notify the airline in advance that they will be traveling with a service dog. That is not always legally required, but it often makes the trip easier.
Airport Security
At security, tell the TSA officer that you are traveling with a service animal. TSA states that officers will not separate you from your service animal during screening.[3][4]
The exact screening process can vary. TSA may inspect the animal’s harness, leash, collar, or vest, and they may perform additional screening such as a hand swab or other screening of equipment.[3][4] Because procedures vary by airport and by the circumstances of the screening, it is better to expect some flexibility than to assume the exact same process every time.
Travelers who want extra help can contact TSA Cares or request passenger support before the trip.[5][6]
Seating and the Flight Itself
On the plane, the dog usually lies on the floor in the handler’s foot space. Some handlers prefer a bulkhead seat for the extra floor area, while others prefer extra-legroom seating that still allows under-seat bag storage. The best choice depends on the dog’s size and the traveler’s priorities.
In practical terms, flying is demanding for dogs. It usually means staying settled in a small space for an extended period while dealing with noise, crowding, unusual smells, and cabin pressure. Because of that, shorter and simpler itineraries are usually better.
For most handlers, a direct flight is easier than a connection. A connecting flight adds more transitions, more crowds, more waiting, and more chances for things to become stressful.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals are no longer treated as service animals under current airline rules.[2][7] That is one of the biggest changes in recent years.
Practical Tips for Flying
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Check the airline’s service-animal page before you travel.
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Complete any required DOT forms in advance.
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Consider a direct flight whenever possible.
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Arrive early enough that you do not have to rush the dog through the airport.
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Think about the dog’s stress level, not just your own schedule.
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Bring whatever ordinary dog supplies you may need, including water and cleanup items.
2. Bus and Subway Travel
Public transit systems such as buses and subways are generally covered by ADA transportation rules, and service animals are generally allowed.[8][9]
That said, legal access and good experience are not the same thing. Buses and subways can be loud, crowded, unpredictable, and physically tight. Many dogs tolerate that well enough, but it is not a low-stress environment.
On subways, standing with the dog can sometimes be easier than sitting, especially if it helps you protect the dog’s tail and feet in a crowded car. On buses, the safest practical setup often depends on how crowded the bus is and how much space is available. The big goal is to keep the dog out of traffic flow, out of the aisle, and under good control.
3. Traveling by Car
For car travel, safety matters most.
The safest setup is usually to have the dog secured in the back seat or cargo area, ideally in a crate or with another secure restraint system that does not allow the dog to interfere with driving. Letting the dog ride loose in the front seat may feel companionable, but it increases risk in a sudden stop or crash.
Many handlers use one of two setups:
Option 1: A crate or kennel
A crate in the back seat or rear cargo area is often the safest and calmest option. Many dogs feel more secure in a contained space, and it prevents interference with the driver.
Option 2: A secure restraint in the back seat
Some handlers secure the dog in the back seat using a properly fitted restraint system. The main point is that the dog should not be free to climb forward or shift around the vehicle during travel.
Food and Motion Sickness
Some dogs are prone to motion sickness, especially on longer rides. It is often easier on the dog not to feed a full meal right before travel. Water, breaks, and route planning also matter.
Bottom Line
Traveling with a service dog is usually very doable, but it goes best when the handler plans for both the law and the dog’s experience.
For planes, check airline rules and complete the DOT forms.[1][2] For airport screening, expect TSA procedures to vary somewhat, but know that TSA says you will not be separated from your service animal.[3][4] For buses, subways, and cars, think beyond access rights and focus on safety, stress, and practical control.[8][9]
A trip is more likely to go well when it is simple, well-planned, and fair to the dog.
Sources
[1] U.S. Department of Transportation. Service Animals. Explains current airline rules for service dogs and when airlines may require DOT forms.
[2] U.S. Department of Transportation. U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form.Current sample form and related instructions, including the separate relief attestation for flights over eight hours.
[3] Transportation Security Administration. I have a service animal, what type of screening should I expect? States that TSA will not separate the traveler from the service animal during screening.
[4] Transportation Security Administration. Disabilities and Medical Conditions. Explains that service animals may receive additional screening and that TSA will conduct appropriate checks of the passenger, mobility device, and service animal.
[5] Transportation Security Administration. TSA Cares. Information on assistance available to travelers with disabilities and medical conditions.
[6] Transportation Security Administration. Passenger Support. Information on requesting support during the airport screening process.
[7] U.S. Department of Transportation. U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Final Rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals. Explains that emotional support animals are no longer treated as service animals under the airline rule.
[8] U.S. Department of Justice. ADA Title II Regulations. Public transportation systems operated by state and local governments are covered by ADA rules.
[9] U.S. Department of Justice. ADA Title III regulation / service animal provisions. General ADA service-animal framework supporting access in covered transportation-related public settings.
More resources:
➡️ How do you travel with a service dog?
➡️ Can a service dog go to school with a student?
➡️ What's the best way to train a service dog?