Guide Dogs and Service Animals While on International Exchange
Traveling internationally with a Guide Dog, Service Dog, or Service Animal? Consider these tips, suggestions, and practical advice from experienced travelers. Ask NCDE for information about specific countries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling with Guide Dogs, and Other Types of Service Animals:
- How do I take my service animal to another country?
- Does my service animal need a microchip?
- Where can I find out about the PETS Travel Scheme or the EU Pet Passport?
- Are there restrictions on certain breeds or types of animals?
- What will I need to take care of my service animal in another country?
- How do I keep my service animal healthy?
- What are the laws regarding service animals in other countries?
- Should I take my service animal with me?
- Where can I find out more information about traveling with animals?
How do I take my service animal to another country?
If you are planning to travel to another country with your service animal, start planning early. Acquiring some of the documentation necessary for some countries may take weeks or months.
- Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting for information on the policies and requirements of that country.
- Search for Consular offices in the U.S. The country’s Ministry of Agriculture may also be able to provide you with this type of information. Several countries have strict quarantine policies, but some may have different policies for service animals.
- Contact disability organizations or guide/service animal associations in the country you will be visiting for information on cultural attitudes towards service animals, particularly dogs. Search our Disability Organizations Worldwide database.
- Carry an official-looking letter introducing the service animal to government officials, business operators and anyone else who might attempt to restrict the animal’s access. It may also be a good idea to have the animals papers translated into the language of the destination country.
- Obtain health and rabies certificates from your veterinarian. Have these documents notarized and then certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Some countries also require other tests or the implantation of an identifying microchip (see later in this section for more information on microchips). Make sure to find out what is required for the country where you will be traveling.
- Obtain a letter from your veterinarian on letterhead stating that your service animal is in good health and up to date on all vaccinations. Some countries require that this documentation from your veterinarian be certified at your nearest foreign consulate office and/or USDA office prior to travel to the destination country or that the veterinarian be on their list of professionals approved to provide such documentation.
- Bring a letter from your health professional stating that you require the animal and for what reason(s). This may be particularly important if you have a non-apparent disability. You may want to get this letter translated.
- Outfit the service animal with recognizable gear. A jacket/ vest or guide dog-type harness with the words HEARING DOG FOR THE DEAF, SERVICE DOG/ANIMAL, or GUIDE DOG on the sides is a good way to let people know that your dog is an official service animal.
Does my service animal need a microchip?
When traveling internationally, it is a very good idea to consider a microchip implant to permanently identify the animal. Also, many countries are now requiring or advising people who want to avoid mandatory quarantine laws to microchip domestic animals that are being imported. The microchip number must be on all documentation related to the animal. The customs officials may want to scan for the microchip to be certain there is one present and record the number themselves.
It is important to note that U.S. microchips do not meet ISO (International Standards Organisation) standard microchips meeting specification 11784 or Annex A to 11785; therefore, you will need to do one of two things:
- Get your service dog implanted with a second microchip and re-vaccinated against rabies after the new microchip is implanted.
- Bring your own microchip reader. In many cases, it is easier and permissible to carry a microchip reader with you that will read your service dog’s microchip. Also, practice using the scanner and/or explaining its use and where they are likely to find the microchip (in some cases the microchip which is implanted in a service dog when a puppy can move to the front of the shoulder blade instead of being between the shoulders where customs officials are told to scan). If your service animal has an AVID microchip, you can rent a scanner by calling 1-800-336-2843. We recommend calling at least 7 business days before your trip.
Where can I find out about the PETS Travel Scheme or the EU Pet Passport?
You must allow at least a year of planning if you want to get your service animal certified under PETS or the EU Pet Passport. These certifications are helpful for people planning to travel to multiple countries with their service animal. These certifications are required in some cases. Check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit.
Are there restrictions on certain breeds or types of animals?
In the U.S. there are limitations on the type of animal a person may use as a service animal; a service animal is limited to a dog and miniature horses. Wild animals and those used for emotional support or comfort animals are not considered service animals in the United States. Service animal users are required to comply with all animal control regulations.
The rise of breed specific legislation is important for anyone wishing to travel with a service animal. In many cases the designation of an animal as a service animal does not exempt it from legislation banning or restrictions placed on certain breeds or types of animal. Be sure to check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit to make sure your animal will be allowed in the country once you get there. Also check for any applicable local laws in cities you plan to visit.
What will I need to take care of my service animal in another country?
- Food/Supplements
If you are carrying food with you, make sure that the food is manufacture sealed in its package. Ask your pet food supply store for sample packs for air travel. For short trips or animals with food or other allergies, carry what you will need (i.e. food, medication, shampoos) to travel. You can also order food and supplies online or direct from the manufacturer and have it shipped to your destination. Medication should be in original prescription bottles, sealed, and a note explaining what the drug is and its purpose should accompany you.
- Climate
Determine the climate to which you will be traveling and consider the climate from which you are coming since the animal will have their winter or summer coat.
- Going from a Cold Climate to a Warm/Hot Climate
When traveling from a cold climate to a warm climate, acclimatize your dog by:
- shaving the coat if possible
- brushing the coat often
- adding pedialyte® to water bowls to prevent dehydration
- putting freezer packs in the pockets of vests to cool down the dog
- purchasing a "cooler" collar for the dog to wear
- purchasing dog booties to protect the dog's pads
- Going from a Hot/warmer climate to a Colder Climate
When traveling from a warmer climate to cold climate, consider:
- purchasing dog vests/coats with insulation
- purchasing dog booties to protect the dog's pads
- brushing the coat frequently.
Some dogs will need to get used to any new gear before being able to work without being distracted by it.
How do I keep my service animal healthy?
- Carry a pet first aid kit with you. It’s not a bad idea to add what’s missing from the list for your service animal to the first aid kit for yourself.
- Take a pet first aid class. Even if you can’t physically perform the needed action you may be able to instruct another person and save your service animal's life.
- Identify veterinarians in the areas you plan to travel. Keep their names and contact info in a handy safe place.
- Set aside money for health certificates, vet visits, and fees related to travel with an animal.
- Ask your vet for some extra medications and or tranquilizers in case your service animal ends up having to travel in cargo. This is especially a concern for larger animals. This is something to consider since you know your animal best.
- Carry a head halter and/or muzzle. Make sure your service animal has been introduced to these items before travel. Some places may require a muzzle or muzzle like tool for dogs in public.
- Take care of yourself. Your service animal depends upon you as much as you do them. Make sure you are in good heath so you can take care of your service animal.
- Have a back up plan to meet the needs your service animal does in case they are not allowed to accompany you or become unable to work.
What are the laws regarding service animals in other countries?
While the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act give people with disabilities the right to be accompanied by service animals in the United States; it does not mean that you will have the same right in another country. To determine what are the laws regarding service animals in another country, it is often helpful to find out:
- Whether citizens of that country use guide / service dogs to mitigate their disabilities
- If there are guide / service animal training schools in that country
- If there are guide/ service animal training schools based in another country that place animals with people in the country you plan to visit
Check with one of the following organizations for more specific information:
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP)
IAADP's mission is to (1) provide assistance dog partners with a voice in the assistance dog field; (2) enable those partnered with guide dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs to work together on issues of mutual concern; (3) to foster the disabled person and assistance dog partnership.
International Guide Dog Federation of Guide Dog Schools (IGDF)
This organization provides guide dog schools in many countries the opportunity to share information at an annual conference and participate in its ambitious project to improve the health and temperament of future guide dogs.
Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
Non-profit programs in the assistance dog field which train guide, hearing and/or service dogs have come together in the last decade to develop Standards and Ethics designed to safeguard the welfare of assistance dogs, disabled students and graduates, as well as the community. ADI's quarterly newsletter and annual conference provide educational and networking opportunities for its members.
The National Service Animal Resource Center (NSARC)
A web-based Delta Society program, provides information and resources for people with disabilities who are considering getting a service dog or who are currently partnered with a service dog. The NSDC also provides resources for people with disabilities who have access problems entering the workplace and other public places with their service dogs.
Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu)
Assistance Dogs Europe is dedicated to supporting the work of assistance dog programs across Europe.
Should I take my service animal with me?
How a person chooses to deal with the challenges presented by their disability is an extremely personal decision that can vary from situation to situation. When trying to decide how best to meet your needs in a new environment, consider:
- How long have you and your current service animal been partnered? Those with a new service animal or a partner getting close to retirement may want to consider discussing travel with the training organization.
- Does your service animal have experience with all the elements of travel? Traveling presents a lot of situations your service animal may find new, confusing, overwhelming or frightening.
- Will you be permitted to use your service animal in the country you plan to visit? Service animals, particularly dogs, can evoke strong cultural reactions. Just because you may be allowed to travel with your service animal, does not mean you will be allowed to keep him or her in the place you are planning to stay or take him or her in public with you. Make sure you know how you and your service animal will be perceived.
- Are you prepared for the added challenge of traveling with your service animal? Traveling with a service animal is a lot like traveling with a small child. They have off days. They need a lot of extra care and attention to deal with the stress of traveling. They attract attention - and it’s not always good attention.
- Is your service animal the best way of meeting your needs in a new country? As capable as you and your service animal may be together, many people with disabilities find the amount of assistance they need when traveling goes up simply because some of the things they count on at home do not exist in this new environment. Consider the architectural and infrastructure differences of the country you will be visiting and be realistic about the situations your service animal and you will and won’t be able to tackle together. You may want to consider a personal assistant (see our personal assistant tip sheet) for some trips and let your service animal have a much deserved vacation or night off.
What should I know about air travel with my service animal?
In a nutshell, the main requirements of the Air Carrier's Access Act, which includes travel to/from the U.S. on foreign carriers, in regards to service animals are:
- Airlines shall permit dogs and other service animals used by people with disabilities to accompany them on a flight, and airlines need to accept as evidence that it is a service animal with identifiers such as identification cards, other written documentation, presence of harnesses, tags or the credible verbal assurances of a qualified individual with a disability using the animal. Read more about: Are there restrictions on certain breeds or types of animals?
- Note that for the service animal to travel in the cabin it need not necessarily perform a function for the passenger during the flight.
- Airlines shall permit a service animal to accompany a qualified individual with a disability in any seat in which the person sits, unless the animal obstructs an aisle or other area that must remain unobstructed to comply with FAA regulations.
- If a service animal cannot be accommodated at the seat location, the passenger has the opportunity to move with the animal to a seat location in the same class of service, if present on the aircraft, where the animal can be accommodated, as an alternative to requiring that the animal travel in the cargo hold.
- The animal can be disallowed access to the cabin if it:
- Poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others (e.g., animal displays threatening behaviors by growling, snarling, lunging at, or attempting to bite other persons on the aircraft) or
- Causes a significant disruption in cabin service (i.e., a ‘‘fundamental alteration’’ to passenger service). Inconvenience of other passengers is not sufficient grounds to deny a service animal carriage in the cabin.
- Although airlines are not permitted to automatically require documentation for service animals, if you think it would help you explain the need for a service animal, you may want to carry documentation from your physician or other licensed professional confirming your need for the service animal.
Ask about the airline’s policy on advance seat assignments for people with disabilities. For instance:
- Should a passenger request pre-boarding at the gate?
- Should a passenger request an advance seat assignment (a priority seat such as a (bulkhead seat or aisle seat) up to 24 hours before departure?
- Should a passenger request an advance seat assignment at the gate on the day of departure?
Click here for information on the Department of Transportation's 2008 issued final rules on service dogs related to the Air Carrier's Access Act. If you are traveling to other countries, there may be country regulations that need to be considered. For example, for those traveling to the United Kingdom, read DEFRA's Travelling with Assistance Dogs. See the following tipsheet for other air travel suggestions and notice of laws for other countries: Air Travel Tips for People with Disabilities.
Top of page
Where can I find out more information about traveling with animals?
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides information on all types of assistance animals, the services they provide and the laws that affect them. It includes resources about guide animals, hearing animals, service animals, guarding animals, seizure alert animals, and social/therapy animals, and provides links to organizations that train and place assistance animals.
Royal National Institute of the Blind (based in England) has an online database of international organizations for people who are blind or visually impaired.
World Blind Union is an international organization of and for people who are blind. A list of members, by country, is available on their website.
Travel Pets has a list of animal-friendly lodgings in U .S., Canada and other countries available on the following website. They also have information about "Important Import Policies" under specific country links in the "U.S. Canada International" section. This includes information about animal quarantines worldwide that travelers with service animals can use.
Takeyourpet.com provides a free online newsletter and travel tips. Information on lodging, vet resources and other services are available for members only (membership is low-cost, US$1.95).
TravelinWheels provides additional travel tips to prepare for and in flight travel with a service dog.
The services provided by the National Clearinghouse on Disability & Exchange (NCDE) are free with funding from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State. Our project is managed by Mobility International USA (MIUSA), a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower people with disabilities around the world through international exchange.
Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.
