Guide Dogs and Service Animals

Frequently asked Questions about traveling with Guide Dogs, and other types of Service Animals:

1. How do I take my service animal to another country?
2. Does my service animal need a microchip?
3. What will I need in order to take care of my service animal in another country?
4. What are the laws regarding service animals in other countries?
5. Where can I find out about the PETS Travel Scheme or the EU Pet Passport? 
6. Should I take my service animal with me?
7. Where can I find out more information about traveling with animals?
   

Getting your service animal into a foreign 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. The NCDE also has tip sheets with specific information about some countries.
• 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. Top of Page
  

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 the case of one NCDE staff’s service dog she discovered that the microchip which was implanted when he was a puppy had moved to the front of his shoulder blade instead of being between his 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. Top of Page

Traveling under the PETS Travel Scheme or EU Pet Passport

You must allow at least a year planning if you want to get your service dog 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. Top of Page

Banned Breeds/Animals

In the U.S. there is no limitation on the type of animal a person may use as a service animal. However, service animal users are required to comply with all animal control regulations. The rise of breed specific legislation is extremely 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 breed 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. Top of Page

Caring for your Service Animal in a New Environment

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:
1) shaving the coat if possible
2) brushing the coat often
3) adding pedialyte® to water bowls to prevent dehydration
4) putting freezer packs in the pockets of vests to cool down the dog
5) purchasing a "cooler" collar for the dog to wear
6) 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:
1) purchasing dog vests/coats with insulation
2) purchasing dog booties to protect the dog's pads
3) 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.

Health

with you. It’s not a bad idea to just add what’s missing from the list for your animal to the first aid kit for yourself.

Even if you can’t physically perform the needed action you may be able to instruct another person and save your partner’s life.

. Keep their names and contact info in a handy safe place.

for health certificates, vet visits, and fees related to travel with an animal.

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 you know your animal best.

. Make sure your animal has been introduced to these items before travel. Some places may require a muzzle or muzzle like tool for dogs in public.

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 partner.

Determining the Law regarding Service Animals

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 the laws regarding service animals in another country are 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 who 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 / assistance dog partnership.

International Federation of Guide Dog Schools (IFGDS)
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, as well as for new programs and individuals interested in the future of the assistance dog field.

The National Service Dog Center (NSDC)
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)
dedicated to supporting the work of assistance dog programs across Europe.

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Deciding whether to travel internationally with your service animal or not

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. Traveling with as service animal is a unique addition to inherent challenges of travel for anyone -- disabled or not. When trying to decide how best to meet your needs in a new environment, consider:

1. How long have you and your current service animal been partnered? Those with a new partner or a partner getting close to retirement may want to consider discussing travel with the training organization.
2. 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.
3. 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 them in the place you are planning to stay or take them in public with you. Make sure you know how you and your service animal will be perceived.
4. 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.
5. 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. Top of Page
   

ONLINE RESOURCES:

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 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, listed by country, is available on their website.

Travel Pets has a list of animal-friendly lodgings in US, 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.

Paws4Travel’s offers general tips for traveling with an animal in UK and Europe and a list animal-friendly lodgings and some veterinarians in UK and abroad.

The Ramblin’ Cat provides information primarily on traveling with a cat, but also provides an overview of animal (dog and cat) import policies for many countries.

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).

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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.