International Air Travel
Flying with Guide dogs, sometimes referred to as Service or Assistance Dogs, will always be subject to quarantine laws, and will only be permitted to fly following clearance. This will involve obtaining the correct veterinary certification prior to flying. An airline is not permitted to deny access of guide dog, if the animal has all the appropriate identification. Always check with your airline in advance to see what documentation is required. For the duration of the flight, Guide Dogs must observe a number of safety regulations, for example, they must not obstruct aisles, as this is deemed a hazard in an emergency situation. Once your Guide Dog has been cleared for travel, flying with your dog should be at no additional expense, and is not considered in the same category as flying with pets.
Air Travel within Australia
According to Civil Aviation Regulations, dogs “accompanying a visually impaired or hearing impaired person as a guide or an assistant” are allowed on planes; all other service animals must fly in cargo unless the airline has received written permission from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Quarantine
If you are bringing a service dog to Australia, it will not be subject to the standard 30-day quarantine period as long as you and the dog meet the criteria specified by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.
Public Transit
Guide dogs, hearing guide dogs, and guide dogs in-training can travel for free on all public transport services. Other service animals may be allowed to use public transit, but you will need to obtain an Assistance Animal Pass in the state you are visiting. Contact details for these can be found within the information provided in the page dedicated to the particular state.
Public Spaces, Businesses
Guide dogs for people with vision and hearing impairments are permitted in public spaces and businesses. They are not considered pets and are not subject to “no pets allowed” regulations.
Travelling with a Service Dog
Service animals can help people with disabilities to be more mobile. Trains, planes, buses, and even cruise ships can carry people and their service animals to routine destinations or on to exotic adventures. If you are travelling with a Guide or Service Dog you may find the following traveller-tested tips from Delta Society USA useful:
- Be Prepared before You Depart
- Things Your Service Dog Needs to Know in order to Travel
- Be Able to Prove That Your Dog Is Yours
- Considerations for Traveling within the United States
- Considerations for Traveling Outside of the United States
- Rest & Relaxation Tips for Traveling with your Service Dog
- Service Animals and Service Dogs on Air Carriers
- How to Respond to Service Animal/Dog Issues
- Discrimination Complaints
Useful Websites
www.accessibletravel.com.au – Flying with a Guide Dog
www.flying-with-disability.org – Flying with Guide Dogs
www.deltasociety.org – Travelling with a Service Dog