Archive for the ‘Flying’ Category
Delta carries approximately 250,000 Service and Emotional Support Animals each year. However, as of March 01, 2018, they are tightening their policy for these working animals in an effort to reduce “misbehavior” by dogs (and other creatures). Although the carrier is required by law to admit Service animals and ESA’s into the cabin of the craft, they can and are putting extra rules into place.
What is the new policy? How does this affect those with disabilities that need a Service Dog? Read on for the important facts you will need to know before you book your next flight with Delta.
What is a Service Animal?
There is a difference between a Service Animal and an Emotional Support Animal. Service animals are typically dogs that have been trained to perform a specific task for an individual with a disability. This can be any number of things from picking up dropped items to opening doors, to alerting the person to an oncoming medical situation.
The Emotional Support Animal, on the other hand, is there only to provide the individual with comfort and support. These can be of any species of animal and do not need to be trained for a specific service, other than comfort.
Why is Delta Changing Their Service Dog Policy?Delta has seen a surge of 150 percent in service animals (that by Federal law must be allowed to fly uncaged and at no additional cost to the passenger) since 2015. However, there have been incidences of customers “attempting to fly with comfort turkeys, gliding possums known as sugar gliders, snakes, spiders and more.”
This has increased the complaints from Delta passengers concerning allergies, and other disturbances, as well as abuse to the Service Dog policy, with some of these clients just trying to fly their pets for free.
With an average of more than 200 service animals and 500 support animals flying on a daily basis, and the fact that in-flight incidences with these types of animals have risen 84 percent since 2016, Delta felt the need to change-up their policies.
Delta said; More untrained animals are being brought onto planes, where they urinate, defecate, bark, growl, lunge and exhibit other behavior uncommon among companions that are properly taught.”
What is the New Delta Policy Regarding Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals?As of the first of March 2018, Delta will require all passengers with service dogs or emotional support animals to submit proof of health or vaccinations. This will have to be done through Delta’s website 48 hours before flight time.
Those customers requiring an ESA or Psychiatric Service Animal must (in addition to the health record) sign a document stating the animal’s “ability to behave in the cabin or risk being barred from boarding or removed from the plane.”
However, Delta does not require any proof that the animal has graduated from obedience school. But be aware that you will need to provide a letter prepared and signed by your licensed mental health professional explaining why you need an ESA to accompany you on the flight.
Where can I get the new Delta service dog forms?
Before you fly with Delta, be sure to visit their website to download the proper forms you will need before your flight. The new Delta service dog travel forms can be accessed here.
Behaviors Delta Will Not TolerateWith these stricter policies, Delta urges those folks traveling with animals in the cabin of the aircraft to have their “working” animals under control at all times. Behaviors that will not be tolerated include;
Growling Jumping on passengers Relieving themselves in the gate area or cabin Barking excessively, not in response to a handler’s need or distress Eating off seat back tray tablesDelta reserves the right to refuse transportation for any animal exhibiting unruly behavior.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trip on Delta airlines and need a Service or an Emotional Support Animal, be sure to have your animal’s health or proof of vaccination certificate. If you are traveling with an ESA or psychiatric service animal, you will also need a note from your mental health professional stating your need for the animal. Be sure to visit Delta’s website for further downloads and let them know you will be traveling with a “working” animal 48 hours prior to your flight. To register your service animal and receive your service dog certification, complete the registration in the link below.
It’s travel season and Hawaii is the perfect destination for the summer. Kids are out of school, the weather is warm, and the tropical paradise known as Hawaii is a tourist destination fit for everyone. Even dogs! This blog post will give you some guidelines and information on bringing your pet to the most traveled vacation destination in North America. Make sure to read up on our previous post and get tips and more information about flying with your dog.
Hawaii has strict guidelines when it comes to bringing animals into the state and the ones that do not have proper documentation could be quarantined for months with the cost shouldered by the animal’s owner. However, the state extends consideration for people with special needs or disabilities who will need to travel with a pet companion. Remember to follow the guidelines and contact your local airline for any additional requirements for flying with your animal.
Service Dogs Flying to HawaiiIndividuals with service dogs will have to enter Hawaii through Oahu, where all animal inspections are facilitated, so make sure to have transfer arrangements if you need to be in another Hawaiian destination. However, in some cases, inspection may be facilitated at the Honolulu International Airport but only on specific times, per the Hawaii Animal Industry Division. For this to happen, arrangements should be made ahead of your travel plans.
Requirements for Traveling to Hawaii with your DogAs with all other pets coming to Hawaii, your service dog, regardless if it’s large or small, is also required to submit the following:
A documentation that the dog has been vaccinated and is up-to-date on these vaccinations. Proof that the dog has passed a rabies test, which must be done before traveling to Hawaii. Inquire from your veterinarian about this. Implantation of an electronic microchip, which you can also inquire from the vet. Health certificate from the vet to attest that the dog has been treated for ticks. Disclosure of tasks expected of the service dog for the disabled or person with special needs.A possible problem with large service dogs might occur with the airline itself, especially if you’re traveling via Hawaiian Airlines. According to their website, “Service animals must be small enough and confined to sit in the lap of a Qualified Individual with a Disability or in the space under the seat without invading another passenger’s seat area.” In this case, you can contact the airline and inform them about your large dog for a more suitable arrangement. The airline can provide the seat next to yours for the pet or book you at a different flight.
Puppies and Kittens Traveling to HawaiiAccording to the State of Hawaii website, puppies and kittens are not able to meet all of the requirements for the 5-Day-Or-Less program will be quarantined for 120 days. Due to the minimum amount of time needed to prepare a puppy or kitten to meet the requirements of the 5-Day-Or-Less program, a puppy or kitten will be about 10 months of age by the time the preparations are completed.
May 07
How to Fly with Your Dog
Dog in cabin of airplane
Dogs might have a troubling experience taking their first flight as they are only used to enjoying car rides, but being on a flight is a whole new story. It is important to be aware of the Airline Pet Policy, the Pet Travel in the US restrictions and other restriction on International Pet Travel before taking your dog on a flight. Follow the ten tips below to ease your travel with your dog:
Book beforehand: It is essential to book the ticket for your dog early because not more than one or two dogs are allowed on a flight. Also, before purchasing the ticket, make sure when you call the airline, there is a seat available for your dog. If the seat is available, book the same ticket for your dog and yourself on the phone call. Book a non-stop flight: It is better to take that flight which is direct, and flying on a weekday is also a good choice. This is because airports are less busy on weekdays. Fly in the morning or evening in the summer, and midday during winter when your dog is travelling in the cargo hold, in order to avoid harsh weather conditions. Check with the Vet: Get your dog checked with the veterinarian and keep the vaccinations Make sure you get a health certificate from your vet 10 days before you leave. If you plan to travel outside of US, take care of the international health care requirements. Get a dog carrier: There are a variety of carriers available to match each type of dog. The carriers can be either hard-sided or soft-sided, but soft-sided carriers are convenient to carry and can easily be put under the seat. The downside is that this is allowed only in the cabin. Go through the Airline Pet Policies size restrictions to check if your carrier will fit under the seat. Buy a hard plastic carrier with holes for the purpose of ventilation if your pet is travelling in the cargo hold. There must be enough space in the carrier for the dog to stand, lie down and move around with ease. The airline will reject transport if the carrier lacks all of this. Give your dog identity: Put the name of the dog along with the address and phone number on the carrier. Also, write the address and phone number of the person who could be contacted at the place where you are going. Keep a photo of your dog with yourself in case he gets lost, you will really need the picture to show to the airline employees or the local authorities. What is even better is to use some permanent form of identity like a microchip or tattoo to help others identify your dog. Help your dog get comfy with the new carrier: Take your pet for trips around town in his new carrier, weeks before travelling. Dogs are less stressed while travelling when they are familiar with their carrier. Feeding your dog: It is always recommended to feed the dog around 4 hours before the flight because he might feel uncomfortable with a full stomach during the flight. However, giving water to the dog is okay even right before the flight. Don’t take the dishes out of the carrier so that the airline can put in food or water in case the flight gets delayed. Take your dog out for exercise and excretion before leaving for the airport. Reach the airport early: Try to get to the airport early and bring your dog’s health certificate along. With a pet, airlines don’t allow checking in more than 4 hours before the flight. Usually, airlines permit arriving only 2 hours before time of the flight. Those people who bring along their pets are required to check-in at the counter and curbside. Self service check-in is not permitted. Don’t sedate your dog: It is okay for those who get nervous during the flight to take valium before flying, however the same can’t be done with the dogs. Dogs should not be given sedatives because they cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues for the dogs. They are more vulnerable to the pressure caused by high altitudes and taking such drugs can create a hindrance in their natural ability to manage stability or equilibrium, so when the carrier is moved, the dog is exposed to a lot of danger. However, it is advised that you should contact your vet regarding this. If he or she allows sedation and considers it necessary, then write the name of the drug and its prescribed dosage on the carrier. Once you’re there: After reaching your destination, take your dog on a walk before heading to your hotel. This will help the dog get familiarized with the new environment and understand that things will be the same even at this new place. This way when you enter your hotel, your dog will feel at home and will be ready for what you have planned for the week.Items to pack:
Keep in mind to pack the following things for your dog : health certificate, medical records, comb, brush, products for flea control, an extra collar with id tags, paper towels, stain remover, the usual bottled water, leash, poop bags, a toy and a blanket, your dog veterinarian’s contact information, contact info of your destination in case of an emergency, emergency medicines, pet wipes, sufficient dog food for the trip, dishes for food and water and a list of all those restaurants and attraction sites at your destination that might interest your dog.
TESTIMONIALS
My landlord use to bully me about my emotional support animal. Service Dog Certifications informed me about rules associated with emotional support animals. Now I live with my ESA, Biscuit, without any worry.
Service Dog Certifications promptly responded to all my questions and was extremely helpful during the whole process. Thanks for everything!
I have been able to travel with my service animal stress free after getting help from Service Dog Certifications.
I have a disability that is not “obvious”. The service dog ID card helps me show people that I need my service dog without having to explain my disability to them.
We can take our Buford everywhere we go without being harassed anymore. The identification cards help us resolve any issues before it becomes an issue. Thanks!!!
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