Flying with a service dog or ESA
United States
Since 2021 the Air Carrier Access Act recognises only trained service dogs (including psychiatric service dogs). Airlines must carry them in the cabin free of charge. They may require the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form — submitted up to 48 hours before departure, or at the gate for last-minute bookings — plus a relief attestation for flights of 8 hours or more. They may limit you to two dogs and require the dog to fit in your foot space. They can't refuse by breed. Emotional support animals are treated as pets: pet fee, carrier, and the airline's size limits apply.
Canada
Under the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations, large carriers must accept a service dog trained by an organization or person specializing in service dog training, at no charge, with adequate floor space or a free adjacent seat on domestic flights. Give at least 48 hours' notice and be ready to show proof of professional training — an ID or letter from the trainer naming you and the dog. Owner-trained dogs don't meet the federal definition. ESAs aren't covered; each carrier sets its own policy, and some accept emotional support dogs with documentation.
Cross-border
For Canada–US flights you'll usually need both the DOT form and the Canadian carrier's requirements. Check the CDC's dog import rules for entering the US.
Checklist
- ☐ Notify the airline ≥48 h ahead
- ☐ DOT form (US) / trainer documentation (Canada)
- ☐ Vaccination record and municipal licence
- ☐ Harness or leash; relief plan for long flights
- ☐ Bulkhead seat request if your dog is large