Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category
Service Dog Regulations & Traveling Internationally
Are you planning a trip with your Service Dog to another part of the world? Before you show up at the airport, or even before you book your flight, there are some important regulations and rules you will need to know when traveling with a Service Dog.
Service Dog Health Requirements
Of course, you will want your Service Dog to be at optimal health before traveling. But aside from that, every country has specific regulations when it comes to entering with a foreign animal.
Due to the risk of rabies, It is advisable to start preparing your Service Dog six months before your date of departure to avoid having your dog quarantined.
During this prep time, your dog should have an ISO microchip (this International Standards Organization is a 15 digit number that is accepted worldwide). If your pet does not have an ISO microchip, you can opt to have one implanted or to carry your own scanner.
Your dog may also be required to have two rabies titers before departure. This is essentially a test done to gauge your dog’s immune response to rabies (either through exposure to the virus or through vaccinations). Other blood work may also be necessary depending on the individual area’s regulations.
Service Dog Documentation Requirements
Even though your canine companion is a Service Dog, you will need to carry some important documentation with you when you travel out-of-state. This may include:
Health/rabies records, and microchip documentation from your veterinarian. These documents should also be notarized then certified by the U.S Department of Agriculture. A “good health” letter from your veterinarian stating your dog is healthy. This must be written on your vet’s own letterhead to be accepted. A letter from your health care professional stating that you require the assistance of the Service Dog. Outfitting your Service Dog with the proper identification gear like a vest or special harness.It is also recommended that you contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to find out if they have any bans on particular breeds of dogs. Also, you should call the Department of Ministry of Agriculture in the country you are planning to visit to ask about quarantine policies of incoming animals.
Lastly, have all your documents translated into the native language of the country you are planning on visiting. This helps cut down on the confusion if you are dealing with a non-English speaking individual.
Service Dog Requirements for Common International DestinationsAlthough each country and region of the world have their own policies when it comes to Service Dogs, we’ve gathered the information you will need to know for some popular vacation spots.
Mexico Service Dog Travel LawsTo enter into Mexico with your Service Dog, you must have;
Proof of rabies vaccination at least 15 days prior to entry. Will accept a 3-year rabies vaccination entering from the US or Canada. Proof of treatment for internal and external parasites within the last 6 months Health certificate from your veterinarian. This can be a template printed on their own letterhead. The second option is a USDA-accredited vet can issue the APHIS form 7001 or if traveling from Canada, the Canada Export Tri-Lingual Veterinary certificate can be used.Mexico does not require your Service Dog to be microchipped; however, it is strongly recommended.
Costa Rica Service Dog Travel Laws
To enter into Costa Rica with your Service Dog, you must have;
Rabies vaccination must have been given between 21 days to one year of entering Costa Rica. They will also accept a 3-year rabies vaccination. The dog must enter into the area at least 30 days prior to the vaccination’s expiration date. The Veterinary Certificate for Costa Rica must be filled out within 14 days of entry. An alternate copy translated into Spanish is also required. The certificate must then be endorsed by the State USDA office (United States) or the CFIA office (Canada). If you are traveling from the United States, you must also obtain a USDA health certificate for your Service Dog which has been endorsed by the USDA office. An import permit from your flight Internal and external parasite treatment within the last 15 daysYour Service Dog does not need to be microchipped to enter into Costa Rica.
Japan Service Dog Travel LawsWhen traveling to Japan, be sure your Service Dog has these requirements;
ISO microchip or bring your own scanner Advanced Notification Form must be filed at least 40 days in advance of import with the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) Rabies Blood Titer Test Must have two rabies vaccinations (inactivated or recombinant) within one year of entry A Japan Health Certificate filled out by an accredited veterinarian within two days of entry. Recently treated for both internal and external parasitesNote that Japan does require a quarantine period for all animals entering the country.
Hong Kong Service Dog Travel LawsBefore you travel to Hong Kong, the following requirements must be met for your Service Dog;
Microchipped with either a 9 or 15 digit code (you may also bring your own scanner) Import permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Rabies vaccination dependant on which country you are traveling from Certificate stating where the animal has resided (length of time dependant on country you are traveling from) Veterinary Certificate for Hong Kong issued by an accredited veterinarian within 14 days of entry Captain’s Affidavit stating your Service Dog did not leave or come in contact with any other animal during the flight. Philippines Service Dog Travel LawsIf you are thinking about traveling to the Philippines, these requirements must be met when concerning your Service Dog;
Import Permit/Veterinary Quarantine Clearance (good for two months) Rabies vaccination within the last 30 days and no longer than one year Additional vaccinations against canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, and canine parvovirus Health/Veterinary Certificate Treated for external and internal parasites within the last 48 hours France Service Dog Travel LawsDo you want to travel to France with your service dog? Here’s what your Service Dog will need;
ISO microchip (or bring your own scanner) Proof of current rabies vaccination Rabies titer test Health Certificate (dependant on country of departure)Service Dog Regulations When Traveling Internationally – Do Your Homework!
When you are planning a trip outside of your country, it’s important to do your homework in regards to a Service Dog. Remember to start the process at least 6 months in advance so you will have the time it takes to obtain the needed documents. In addition, be sure to follow all the requirements to the letter to ensure you and your Service Dog will be allowed into the region.
Service dog rules also change from time to time, so it is important to research what the latest rules are well in advance so you can prepare.
Happy Travels!
What you need to know about having a Service Dog Certificate
Do you feel that having a service dog can help you with an emotional, mental or physical disability? Service dogs play an important role for people in need. However, you may have heard that service dogs can run upwards of $30,000! This is more than most people can afford. The good news is you can get a service dog without being rich.
In this informational post, we are going to cover some helpful tips on service dog and service dog laws. This includes tips on adopting your dog from a shelter or local rescue, what the dog needs to have to be considered a service dog, and how to get your canine a service dog certificate.
Where Can I Get a Service Dog?
As we mentioned earlier, service dogs that have been bred, born and raised/trained to be in this field can be unaffordable and unreasonable for most people. But on the upside, they will come fully able to do the specific tasks you require from the service dog.
But what if you can’t afford these exorbitant fees?
You do have other options such as adopting a dog from your local shelter or rescue.
Why adopt a dog from a rescue or shelter?
Saving their life can save your life. Adopting a dog from your local shelter and rescue will provide you the feeling of knowing you are rescuing a life. The dog will know it too and provide you with unconditional love and affection. Adopting a dog from your local rescue or shelter are not only much less costly, but most have already been tested for illnesses, up-to-date on their vaccinations and (if old enough) have been spayed or neutered. Non-pure breed dogs are less prone to disease and genetic issues. Once you have trained your service dog, you will have a close connection that you will want to have for years and years.What Should I Look for in a Potential Service Dog?
Since the point of having a service dog is to help an individual with daily life, this dog will have to be highly trained to be out in public places. With this in mind, the characteristics to look for in a potential service dog are;
Calm temperament Willingness to be handled and eager to please Acceptance of strangers but alert of surroundings Willingness to be groomed Non-reactive to the business around them Motivated by treats or praiseCan I Train My Own Service Dog?
Yes! Once you have found a potential service dog, you have the options of either training it yourself or enlisting the help of a professional trainer. Training your service dog yourself is not as intimidating as it may seem at first! In addition, if you train your service dog yourself you have a deeper and more meaningful connection.
The first training your puppy or dog will require is the basic obedience. This includes sit, stay, down, and wait. Once your canine has these skills in place, then the training becomes more specific to your own needs.
How Long Does It Take to Train a Service Dog?
Each dog is different. Some dogs require 6 months of training while others can pick up new skills and tasks within a few weeks. The ADA Service Dog guidelines do not include mandatory training time. As long as your dog is well behaved in public and is trained to assist you with your disability, they can be considered your service dog(s). Once your service dog is able to help assist with your disability, you are able to take them into public places. Public places include restaurants, hotels, airlines, parks, beaches, and even your office.
ADA Service Dog Registry Requirements
Unfortunately, there are some people who may attempt pass off their untrained pet as a service dog. For this reason, airlines, restaurants, apartment managers/owners and other business have the right to enquire about what tasks your service dog provides for you and many will ask to see your service dog certificate.
Although, you may not necessarily need a service dog certificate as the ADA does not require this, having one helps you legitimize your need for one. This is also extremely beneficial if your disability is not clearly identifiable by the general public (ie you’re not in a wheelchair etc.). In addition, this will also help staff or government employees from discriminating against you accidentally. Unfortuantely, Service Dog rights are not part of standardize training.
Once your dog is fully trained, your next step will be to register your service dog and obtain a service dog certificate.
If you are not ready to train your dog to become a service dog, you may be interested in certifying your dog to become an Emotional Support Animal. Emotional Support Animals are Federally protected and can live with you in ‘no-pet’ housing and fly with you inside the airplane cabin. Emotional Support Animals do not have to be specially trained, unlike service dogs. For more information on Emotional Support Animals, here is a helpful article.
A Service Dog Certificate Makes Life a Bit Easier
Once your dog is fully trained to be in service, it’s well worth your time, money and effort to get a service dog certificate. Not every business or person may be as willing to accept your canine as a service dog, so having a physical custom service dog identification card or a digital copy on your phone, will save you time, stress, and frustration.
Having a service dog certificate just makes life a bit easier…
It’s travel season and Hawaii is the perfect destination for the summer. Kids are out of school, the weather is warm, and the tropical paradise known as Hawaii is a tourist destination fit for everyone. Even dogs! This blog post will give you some guidelines and information on bringing your pet to the most traveled vacation destination in North America. Make sure to read up on our previous post and get tips and more information about flying with your dog.
Hawaii has strict guidelines when it comes to bringing animals into the state and the ones that do not have proper documentation could be quarantined for months with the cost shouldered by the animal’s owner. However, the state extends consideration for people with special needs or disabilities who will need to travel with a pet companion. Remember to follow the guidelines and contact your local airline for any additional requirements for flying with your animal.
Service Dogs Flying to HawaiiIndividuals with service dogs will have to enter Hawaii through Oahu, where all animal inspections are facilitated, so make sure to have transfer arrangements if you need to be in another Hawaiian destination. However, in some cases, inspection may be facilitated at the Honolulu International Airport but only on specific times, per the Hawaii Animal Industry Division. For this to happen, arrangements should be made ahead of your travel plans.
Requirements for Traveling to Hawaii with your DogAs with all other pets coming to Hawaii, your service dog, regardless if it’s large or small, is also required to submit the following:
A documentation that the dog has been vaccinated and is up-to-date on these vaccinations. Proof that the dog has passed a rabies test, which must be done before traveling to Hawaii. Inquire from your veterinarian about this. Implantation of an electronic microchip, which you can also inquire from the vet. Health certificate from the vet to attest that the dog has been treated for ticks. Disclosure of tasks expected of the service dog for the disabled or person with special needs.A possible problem with large service dogs might occur with the airline itself, especially if you’re traveling via Hawaiian Airlines. According to their website, “Service animals must be small enough and confined to sit in the lap of a Qualified Individual with a Disability or in the space under the seat without invading another passenger’s seat area.” In this case, you can contact the airline and inform them about your large dog for a more suitable arrangement. The airline can provide the seat next to yours for the pet or book you at a different flight.
Puppies and Kittens Traveling to HawaiiAccording to the State of Hawaii website, puppies and kittens are not able to meet all of the requirements for the 5-Day-Or-Less program will be quarantined for 120 days. Due to the minimum amount of time needed to prepare a puppy or kitten to meet the requirements of the 5-Day-Or-Less program, a puppy or kitten will be about 10 months of age by the time the preparations are completed.
TESTIMONIALS
My landlord use to bully me about my emotional support animal. Service Dog Certifications informed me about rules associated with emotional support animals. Now I live with my ESA, Biscuit, without any worry.
Service Dog Certifications promptly responded to all my questions and was extremely helpful during the whole process. Thanks for everything!
I have been able to travel with my service animal stress free after getting help from Service Dog Certifications.
I have a disability that is not “obvious”. The service dog ID card helps me show people that I need my service dog without having to explain my disability to them.
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