Living with a panic attack disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and a sensory processing disorder is challenging as a travel writer, but my life changed for the better when I started flying with a service dog six years ago.

My panic attacks are often triggered by airline travel, which is not ideal considering my occupation, but incorporating my first service animal, Bobbi, a 65-pound pit bull, into my travel routine was a serious game changer. Bobbi was trained to alert me moments before I had a panic attack and then assist me during the terrifying time it lasted. For the first time in forever I felt like I could breathe at work.

After Bobbi passed away during the pandemic, I began flying with my second service dog, Poppy, a 13-pound Chiweenie. Since late 2021, Poppy has flown around 70 flight segments with me on trips in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and the Caribbean, so I’d say we have become experts on everything you need to know about flying with a service dog. Here’s the scoop.

What is a service animal?

The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a service animal as any dog or miniature horse individually trained to perform a task or do work in the aid of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability. The service dog training does not have to be done by a specific agency in the U.S. but can be done by a trainer or even the person with the disability.

In fact, the ADA specifically states that “covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that an animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry.” The same rules apply when taking a service dog on a plane. So, skip all those websites advertising service dog certification cards purchasable online; they are a complete scam.

There are many legitimate organizations that train service dogs for people with disabilities, including Freedom Service Dogs of America, but going through an organization like this is not required by law.

The ADA only mandates the animal has been trained to perform a specific task to assist the person with the disability. For Poppy, these tasks include alerting me before I have a panic attack and assisting me during one. Poppy is also trained to ignore other people and dogs when wearing her vest, to never bark unless she is alerting me before a panic attack (and then she uses just one short bark) and to sit quietly at my feet when dining at restaurants or in other public places.

These are all guidelines that the ADA outlines owners must follow when traveling or taking a service animal into businesses pets are not allowed in. Additionally, you will need to make sure your animal is trained to not relieve itself in a public setting.

Can service dogs fly on planes?

Yes, service dogs can fly on planes in the U.S. and on flights to most countries that originate in the U.S. or return directly to the U.S. from the international destination. The Air Carrier Access Act is the Department of Transportation regulation that mandates airlines allow service dogs on planes. Prior to Jan. 2021, this law also allowed emotional support animals to fly with documentation from a medical doctor verifying the animal was necessary for comforting the passenger. ESAs did not have to be trained

But after rampant abuse of the system that included people taking everything from peacocks to snakes to untrained and aggressive dogs on flights, the DOT revised its regulations to allow airlines to ban ESAs from the skies. Although the ultimate decision was left up to the airlines themselves, all major U.S. and Canadian carriers quickly changed their policies to stop non-ESA pets from flying. You can still fly with a small dog (under 25 pounds), but the pup must be in a carrier and you will need to pay the airline pet fee to fly.

Can service dogs fly internationally?

Many countries allow service dogs to fly internationally, but some do not and U.S. airlines traveling to foreign countries are subject to the laws of the foreign country they are traveling to. You will need to check with your airline about the country’s laws before booking a flight with your service animal.

Just because a service animal is allowed to fly internationally does not mean you can automatically enter the country. You will need to follow the country’s health regulations. Some countries, such as Mexico and Canada, make it extremely easy for American dogs to clear customs, requiring only a paper copy of a valid rabies vaccine and a brief agriculture screening looking for parasites or obvious signs of disease.

All other countries require dogs to have an international health certificate at minimum to enter their borders. Some countries, such as South Africa, also require advance permission from the ministry of health, which makes traveling internationally with a service dog a serious endeavor.

To fly to European Union countries and Switzerland with your service dog, you’ll need an EU health certificate from your veterinarian that is then endorsed by a vet at the USDA. The entire process must be done within two weeks of entering the EU and costs around $300. The good news is that once you get to Europe, in many countries it is quite easy to visit a European veterinarian and get your pup an EU Pet Passport, which will be good for subsequent trips to the continent for as long as their rabies vaccine is valid.

Do service dogs fly for free?

Yes, service dogs always fly for free.

Is there a weight limit for service dogs on planes?

There is no specific weight limit for service dogs on planes, but the ACAA does allow airlines to deny transport to a service dog if it is too large or heavy to be accommodated in the cabin. Your service dog must be able to either slide beneath your seat or sit at your feet without touching another passenger or impeding their leg room. Airlines are also not allowed to discriminate by breed.

What proof do airlines need for service dogs?

You don’t need to provide any proof or certification papers to take your service dog on a flight. But nearly all airlines require you to fill out a Department of Transportation form annually that attests to your service dog’s health, behavior and training. Lying on the form or faking a disability to fly with a service animal can result in felony charges. You will also want to bring along a paper copy of your animal’s current rabies vaccine.

For flights longer than eight hours, you must also fill out a form stating your dog can either refrain from using the bathroom on the flight or provide a plan for how they will relieve themselves — such as wearing a diaper or using a pee pad.