Individual countries and airlines set their own rules for travelling with an assistance dog, and some only grant access to teams trained by an accredited organisation. With the right information and a little research before you book, travelling with your assistance dog does not need to be stressful. The notes below are provided to help your research — always confirm the current requirements with the specific airline and country before you travel.
Contact the airline and the destination country's authorities well in advance (many require at least 48 hours' notice for an assistance dog). Ask what evidence of training and what health documentation they need, and keep digital and paper copies of everything with you.
Within the EU, recognised assistance dogs normally travel in the cabin at no extra charge and rest on the floor in front of the handler's seat. Rules for travel between Great Britain and the EU changed from 1 January 2021 — check pet-travel and assistance-dog guidance for both your departure and arrival countries, including microchip, rabies vaccination, and tapeworm requirements where they apply.
As our home base, Portugal recognises assistance dogs in public spaces under national law. Carry your dog's identification, vaccination record, and the training record / certificate, and confirm specific venue or transport requirements ahead of time.
Evidence that the dog meets recognised training standards (the certificate and record number), proof of vaccination and microchip, and a written description of the tasks the dog is trained to perform. Good documentation makes the process smoother for both you and staff.
Important information
Public access and import laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. It is the handler's responsibility to understand and comply with the laws and regulations that apply to their trip. Lisbon Assistance Dogs does not make access determinations on behalf of airlines or governments.