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How to Travel with a Service Animal

Written By: Karen Robertson, MS, CPDT-KSA #58327
Clinically Reviewed By: Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhD, LPC, NCC
Published: March 17, 2021 • Last reviewed: April 16, 2026
⚕ This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or clinical advice.
Quick Answer
To travel with a service animal, ensure your animal eats, drinks, and relieves itself at least 4 hours before departure. Arrive early at airports to locate pet relief areas and take advantage of priority boarding available for service animals. Never place animals in overhead bins - they must stay with you. Pack essential items including service animal documentation, veterinary health certificates, leashes, food, water, medications, and comfort items.

When it comes to traveling with your furry loved one, especially for the first time, you want to be prepared. Follow our successful tips to ensure safe and fun traveling:

EAT. DRINK. POOP. PLAY.

Travel with Dog on Airplane

Whether you are traveling by airplane, boat, or automobile, make sure your pet, emotional support animal, or service dog eats, drinks, poops, and play at least 4 hours prior your scheduled departure. Bring Fido offers more tips and details for first time travelers.

ARRIVE EARLY.

If flying with your animal, arrive early to the airport to ensure timely security. Make note where the pet relief areas are located in the airport. The pet relief area is designated for your animal to relieve itself while you wait to board a plane or when you land from a long flight.

PRIORITY BOARDING.

Remember, emotional support animals and service dogs may board flights during pre-check, which means you may board before everyone else does. This early boarding ensures you may become comfortable and settled without the distraction of others around you.

WARNING – NO OVERHEAD BIN.

Animal’s Should Never Be Placed in an Overhead Bin

In recent news, a 10 month-old puppy died when a United Airlines flight attendant demanded the pup be relocated to the overhead bin from the carrier underneath the seat. You are permitted to travel with your animal on your lap or seated around your feet. Do not let a flight attendant or anyone jeopardize the life of your furry companion.

RELAX. ENJOY.

Relax and enjoy the flight. When you are calm, your animal will be calm too. Check out Rover.com for more information on flying with your pet or emotional support animal.

PACKING LIST. PACKING LIST

  • Don’t forget these important items when packing your pet’s or emotional support animal’s baggage:
  • Service/Emotional Support Animal Letters from your health care provider
  • Veterinarian’s Health certificate and medical records
  • Any Specific Airline Form
  • Leash and poop bags
  • Spare collar with identification tag
  • Enough dog food and treats for the entire trip
  • Plenty of bottled water (a sudden change can upset your dog’s stomach)
  • Food and water dishes
  • Your dog’s favorite toy and blanket
  • Any special medication your dog might need
  • Pet wipes or grooming products

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do with my service animal before traveling?
Make sure your service animal eats, drinks, poops, and plays at least 4 hours prior to your scheduled departure. This helps ensure they're comfortable and settled during the journey.
Can service animals board flights early?
Yes, emotional support animals and service dogs may board flights during pre-check, which means you can board before other passengers. This early boarding helps you and your animal get comfortable and settled without distractions.
Where can my service animal sit during a flight?
Your service animal can travel on your lap or seated around your feet. Animals should never be placed in overhead bins, as this can be dangerous and potentially fatal.
What documents do I need when traveling with a service animal?
You'll need service/emotional support animal letters from your healthcare provider, veterinarian's health certificate and medical records, and any specific airline forms. Keep these documents easily accessible during travel.
What supplies should I pack for my service animal?
Pack a leash and poop bags, spare collar with ID tag, enough food and treats for the entire trip, bottled water, food and water dishes, your animal's favorite toy and blanket, any special medications, and pet wipes or grooming products.

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