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When does the ACAA take over for the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows handlers equal access to public areas with their service dogs. different law, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), takes over for the ADA after security.
What can an airline request before air travel?
An airline can require that travelers with service dogs fill out an attestation that their dog is a task-trained service dog. This form will include an attestation that the service dog is not going to act aggressively and will either hold their need for the restroom or use the restroom in a sanitary way. This form will also require the trainer's contact information. While this causes confusion for many handlers, owner-trainers can simply put down their own information.
How does the ACAA differ from the ADA?
The ACAA requires that service dogs must be leashed, harnessed or tethered in the airport (after security) with no exception listed for handler's disability or a service dog's need to work off leash. This is more restrictive than the ADA.
Do service dogs have to take off their gear at security?
TSA cannot force a handler to remove their dog's gear for the purpose of screening. Some handlers choose to remove their service dog's gear and have them come through the metal detector without it. This is more risky than having a service dog come through with gear on since the dog is off leash at this point.
Other handlers may choose to keep their service dog's gear on for screening. If this is the case, the TSA agent will pat down the dog for screening.
For handlers that would like to take off all gear but their service dog's leash, TSA leashes (no metal) are available here.
Where does a service dog sit on a plane?
Service dogs typically sit under the seat in front of the handler. If the service dog cannot fit into the handler's footpace, the airline can accommodate by moving the handler to the bulkhead seats if possible. While service dogs are allowed to sit in their hander's lap, they are generally not permitted to occupy their own seat.
Where do service dogs go to the bathroom when traveling?
Many airports have pet relief areas, which are typically a room with turf or another material that the service dog goes to the bathroom on, and there is almost always a hose to wash the station when they're done.
