There are many benefits of registering your service dog, the best being that you can take your animal anywhere you go.
While registering your service dog is not required, it does make traveling from place to place easier. Registering will save you the hassle and make transport and accompaniment a whole lot more convenient. It will give you flexibility, peace of mind, and added security.
Individuals with disabilities need service dog assistance to get through their days. Each furry friend is trained to assist differently, depending on the needs of their owner. It’s no surprise that they play essential roles in the lives of handlers.
Here are 6 places where your registered service animal can accompany you:
1. On a Plane
A registered service dog can accompany you on flights in the case of any sudden emergency. Each airline has rules for flying with a service dog, but the general guidelines are lenient, as long as the animal is not blocking any aisles and is under your control.
According to alternativeairlines.com, some of the best airlines for accommodating your registered animal include:
- American Airlines
- JetBlue
- Air Canada
- Delta Airlines
- Air India
For complete guidelines, visit the website of the airline you’re thinking about flying with. Many airlines require prior notification, and a few charges are applied. Make sure to research accordingly before flying.
2. At the Beach
Your registered service dog is allowed to accompany you on any beach. Just remember to check beach rules to determine if you are allowed to let your animal roam free (under careful supervision).
When taking your dog to the beach, pick a spot with shade, so there is no risk of overheating. Your pet is trained to behave and take care of you; however, don’t put them in an uncomfortable setting. Be sure to care for them by providing shade and water.
3. In Hotels
You are legally allowed to take your registered service dog to your hotel. According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), hotels cannot charge extra for allowing you to bring your animal with you.
Similarly, you are allowed to bring your service animal to an AirBNB as long as the entire home is being rented to you.
4. In Restaurants
The ADA also allows your registered service dog to accompany you in restaurants, bars, and cafes. While your animal is not permitted on tables and benches, they are allowed on the premises. This brings us to another benefit of registering your pet. Without proper documentation, restaurant managers can ask you to leave the premises.
5. In Rental Houses
According to the Fair Housing Act, your registered service dog can reside with you in any rented property- this rule stands for a range of property types, from apartments to mobile homes.
Landlords are required, by law, to allow registered service animals on the property, even if the contract states that the property does not allow any pets or animal visitations.
6. In Stores
Your registered dog has permission to accompany you to stores and shop-floors. According to the ADA, your animal must either be on the floor or carried in most cases.
Your service animal is required to be on a leash in most grocery/department stores.
Bottom Line
Registering your dog means you will have more flexibility. The registration process is relatively short and free of hassle, with quick results. Simply fill out a form, and your service dog will be registered.
Perhaps the most important thing to account for registering your service dog is the additional security. Whether you’re on a plane or in an Airbnb, your registered animal will be a comforting presence beside you. It’s definitely worth the effort to register.