I never thought a dog would be my greatest travel companion until I was matched with my beautiful service dog, Jojo VI. I have always had a huge love for both dogs and traveling, but my love for both things changed when I was medication-injured in September 2021, resulting in my paralysis. Having Jojo means I don't have to do anything alone and I always have her companionship, even when traveling. But there are a lot of things that go into preparing to travel with a service dog, as well as many challenges that might you might not expect.
Preparation
Whether you are flying to another state or cruising to another country, there is almost always some kid of additional paperwork that is required for a service dog to travel. When traveling within the United States, all airlines require a U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, which has you submit basic information like your animal's name, breed, weight, vet information, and rabies vaccination information.
When you are trying to cruise with a service dog, there is usually a lot more that is needed when it comes to paperwork. Usually, you must do all the research for this yourself because the cruise lines don't want the liability or responsibility of each country's requirements and laws. The best place to start with international service animal paperwork is the USDA.gov website. Locations like Mexico and Canada can be simple, requiring rabies vaccination information, possibly a health certificate, proof of flea and tick medications, and a fecal within 30 days of travel. But these requirements are subject to change at any time, so it's important to always check the USDA.gov website for updated requirements.
Outside of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, service dog paperwork can be brutal and extremely stressful. You definitely want to weigh the pros and cons to make sure it's worth the stress not only on you to complete the paperwork, but also the stress that the trip might cause your dog as well.
Etiquette
If you are new to the service dog community, or maybe even if you are years into your life with a service dog, you probably have already experienced at least one time or two navigating etiquette issues with the public. As someone who has cruised quite a bit and have been on a few with my service dog as well, guests who are cruising and even staff on board can be completely oblivious to the fact a dog on a cruise ship is working and is there for a reason.
I honestly think the hardest part about traveling with a service dog is learning how to navigate all the uneducated people who think it's appropriate to pet a working dog without permission or to make kissy noises and clap in their face. People will stop me on a daily basis and start talking about how much they miss their dogs and wish they could bring them on a plane or a cruise ship, or just start to ask overly invasive questions that you wouldn't think would be appropriate for a stranger in public.
I think it's really hard for a lot of people to accept that a disabled person with a service dog just wants to be able to vacation like "normal" without being approached every five minutes. It can honestly be really exhausting trying to keep up with symptoms, care for a service dog, and stay vigilant to protect my service dog's ability to do her job successfully. If you see a service dog team in public, chances are they just want to live as normal a life as possible.
Advice
You definitely want to do a lot of research and ask many questions before you decide to get a service dog, but you need to continue to do research and ask questions even after you get your service dog. Here is a list of questions you should ask yourself before traveling anywhere with your service dog:
- Am I prepared for the extra planning that comes with traveling with a service dog?
- Have I contacted a reputable source to fully understand the travel requirements?
- How will I handle situations where strangers don't understand service dog etiquette?
- How will I handle being denied public access in another country?
- Have I planned for emergencies and looked up the nearest vet options?
- Have I packed all of the necessary supplies?
- Do I know how to keep my dog comfortable and focused in crowded or loud spaces?
- What are the pros and cons of taking my service dog on this trip?
It is definitely important to care for yourself and your needs, but when you have a service dog you also must care for them and their needs whether you are at home or traveling. There are probably so many situations where you will without a doubt want to have your furry companion by your side, but it is also okay if you feel like it is in the best interest to leave your service dog with a trusted person if you don't feel like it is an appropriate outing or vacation to bring them along.
I stressed myself out for over a year after I got my service dog because I thought I had to take her everywhere. I made myself extremely sick stressing over the paperwork and not understanding what I needed to do for certain international locations. I finally realized that of course I want my dog with me, but it's okay to give her a break and let her stay with someone I trust instead of making myself ill from the stress over the paperwork.
Every service dog team is different. Traveling with a dog isn't ever easy, but it is important to decide what is best for you.
About the author
Aspen Baxter is passionate about promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and mental health awareness. Living as a paraplegic with Autism, Aspen has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of multiple disabilities. Following a medication injury in 2021 that resulted in her paralysis, Aspen has become an advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in all aspects of life.
Aspen's ride is a Quickie Nitrum with an Empulse R90.
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