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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Dogs can go on strike, demand their fair share

This just in: animals are able to exhibit a wide range of emotions. I'm sure you're shocked. But there's more to it than that and it's pretty fascinating.

When Friederike Range and her colleagues at the University of Vienna in Austria asked 43 trained dogs to extend a paw to a human they were able to scientifically prove what most of us already knew: that dogs have a complex range of emotions that not only include happiness, but also jealousy and pride — and most interestingly, the ability to know when they're getting the shaft.

In the study groups of dogs were trained to "give paw" or "shake." The researchers noted that all of the animals performed the trick almost all of the time whether they were given a reward or not. But here's the interesting part: since the dogs were in a group they could see what was going on with the others. And when other dogs received a treat for shaking, but they did not, they became less interested in giving a shake. They even showed more signs of stress and aggravation. In effect, it was proven that dogs can understand the concept of fairness and will go on strike. Researchers call it "jealousy" but that has a negative connotation. I think it is more similar to how most humans would react in an office environment if a boss were to give out raises to others but not to you. You'd probably become less inclined to go that extra mile, and rightly so.

The study, published in New Scientist magazine, proves that it's not just humans and chimpanzees that show this type of complex behavior. It explains why some dogs are jealous of a new baby and some even try to negotiate for position in the family (or pack). Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society and former Guggenheim Fellow, confirms this with his studies of carnivores. One of his main focuses is studying cognitive ethology (the study of animal minds). He believes that some animals can express empathy and may even have a moral sense.

It may be something that's been obvious to us, but when science can back it up then it becomes tangible. That's science we can use.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Could robots replace service dogs or assistance animals?


"Waiting for laser command." El-E, a robot designed at the Center for Healthcare Robotics at Georgia Tech in Atlanta demonstrates picking up a box of Claritin after the user points to it with a laser.

This morning CNN reported on a new technology from the Center for Healthcare Robotics at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia. It's a 5 foot tall gray metal robot called El-E (pronounced Ellie) and it's being designed to help assist with patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. See El-E in action.

The robot is able to drive itself around a room and has proximity sensors that allow it to navigate itself and it's arm around obstacles — and can be directed to pick up an object with a green laser pointer. For example, if the person using the robot wants an object off of a shelf such as a hairbrush or TV remote, they would point the laser pointer at the object and El-E would fetch it and bring it to the person. El-E can also open cabinet doors and drawers as well as room doors.

What's interesting is that after a short time people seem to begin to respond to the robot as a companion. CNN interviewed Norma Margeson, an artist living in Georgia who has ALS. "Oh, I love it," she said. "I think it is such a unique character. It has a personality all its own. It can be a friend, a very good friend." That may not be a coincidence because Charles Kemp, the director for the Center of Healthcare Robotics lead his team in studying assistance animals as part of the developmental research for El-E.

El-E is, of course, a long way from being available to the public. We don't think that a robot could ever replace the warmth and companionship of an animal, but it may be an additional tool to help people with mobility and motor impairments in the future.


Saturday, November 22, 2008

Traveling with your assistance animal

It's that time of year again that many of us begin to think about traveling to be with family and friends for the holidays. While traveling with your trained assistance animal is your privilege, there are some steps you need to take to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

Know what to expect
The Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration has universal guidelines for traveling with your assistance animal. But each airline interprets them slightly differently.

Some people are uncomfortable flying, and so are some animals
Even the best trained assistance animal may have difficulty flying and you need to judge your own animals temperment before you consider flying. If you are at all concerned about how your assistance animal will react to flying consider driving, Amtrak or Greyhound. Please note that while emotional support animals are afforded the same privliges as assistance animals under the ADA law they will also require special documentation from your doctor.

Contact your airline before you travel
The crew may need to make preparations for your boarding, so you must call to make them aware of what type of animal you use. The agent may also be able to help you select the most comfortable seat for you and your animal. Find a direct flight if possible because it will make for an easier experience for you and your animal.

We've provided some links to the major carriers to make your life easier. Carrying certificates of training or identification cards, such as the ones we provide will help speed things along.
Before you arrive, limit water and exercise your assistance animal
Most likely, it will be a long time before you'll find a good place for your service animal to relieve themselves again. Note: If you need to leave the secure boarding area to relieve your animal, you must undergo the full screening process again. Inform the Security Officer upon your return to the security checkpoint and she/him will move you to the front of the screening line to expedite the screening process.

Arrive at the airport early and let security know that your animal is not a pet
Inform the Security Officer that the animal accompanying you is a service animal and not a pet. This will provide you with an opportunity to move to the front of the screening line since the Security Officer may need to spend more time with you. Again, carrying appropriate identification such as cards or documentation, presence of a harness or markings on the harness, or other credible assurance of the passenger using the animal for their disability is required. At no time during the screening process will you be required to be separated from your service animal.

Be polite and accommodating of the Security Officers
Being polite and friendly with the Security Officers will go a long way to making your admission quicker. Remember, they have a stressful job and treating them with respect will make things easier. Security Officers have been trained how to treat assistance animals and their handlers. They know not to communicate, distract, interact, play, feed, or pet service animals.
You must assist with the inspection process by controlling the service animal while the Security Officer conducts the inspection. You must maintain control of your animal in a manner that ensures the animal cannot harm the Security Officer.

Proceeding through Security
Advise the Security Officer how you and your dog can best achieve screening when going through the metal detector as a team (i.e., whether walking together or with the service dog walking in front of or behind you). If the walk through metal detector alarms in the situation where you and your service dog have walked together, both you and the dog must undergo additional screening.

If the walk through metal detector alarms on either you or your service dog individually (because you walked through separately), additional screening must be conducted on whoever alarmed the walk through metal detector. If your service dog alarms the walk through metal detector, the Security Officer will ask your permission and assistance before they touch you service dog and its belongings. The Security Officer will then perform a physical inspection of your dog and its belongings (collar, harness, leash, backpack, vest, etc.) The belongings will not be removed from your dog at any time.

Check in at the gate
After you've gone through security, check in at the counter at the gate. Let the flight attendants know that you have an assistance animal. If this is your first time flying with your assistance animal on this airline, ask them what you need to do. Most likely you will be allowed to board the aircraft first.

Boarding the airplane
Once you've passed through the skybridge to the aircraft, the flight attendants on board will guide you to your seat. Most airlines require your assistance animal to use the space at your feet. Small dry treats for your animal will help them feel more comfortable. Avoid bringing water onto the plane for your dog.

Happy Thanksgiving and safe traveling!
We want to wish all of you a warm and happy Thanksgiving holiday! You can always refer others to confirm your registration here with your 10 digit code. Safe traveling!

Friday, October 3, 2008

We've listened. And now we're ready to start working on the update!

During the month of September the United States Service Dog Registry invited everyone to write in with their suggestions about how they would like to see the the registry improved. And we had an amazing response—bigger than we had anticipated! We want to warmly thank all of you who wrote in with your suggestions (and many compliments)! We're still going through all of our e-mails, categorizing suggestions and tabulating votes for specific things. We also want to remind everyone that not all of your suggestions will be able to be included either because of cost issues or because they will compromise privacy. But we do have a few exciting things that we are ready to say will be officially included in the next update:

The United States Service Dog Registry (Version 2.0)


Profile Pages
By far, most people writing in wanted to be able to do more with their profile pages. They wanted to be able to include links to their social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and their blogs. So the biggest improvement we are planning for the Registry is a complete revamping of everyone's profile page. We will allow the option to link to all of your social networking sites and blogs directly from your profile page. We will also be making it easier for everyone to link back to your United States Service Dog Registry profile page from other social networking sites.

Name Change It seems most people refer to their dogs as Service Dogs, some people refer to them as Assistance Dogs or Assistance Animals, and yet another smaller group of people prefer to call them by what disability they help with (ie. Hearing Dog, Guide Dog, Epilepsy Dog, etc). While we won't be changing the name of the registry at this point, we have decided to start using the term "Assistance Animal" because it is more inclusive. We will have a new tagline on all of our materials where it will fit, "United States Service Dog Registry, Assistance Animal Registration Service."

Memorial Pages We've had quite a few requests to create Memorial Pages for Assistance Animals who have passed on. Therefore we will be allowing users to "deactivate" the working status of their dog and retire it's 10 digit ID, which will be yours forever.  Your dog's profile page will remain up as a memorial, and we will include a place for you to include a short epitaph in memory of him or her.  If you have a new Assistance Animal, we will also allow the option for you to link to your previous animal's memorial profile page.

These are only a few of the improvements we will be making to the Registry. As we move further into our programming stage we will be able to announce more. And of course, the registry will still be free as always — including every improvement we will make. Again, thank you for your responses and we look forward to working hard on making this Registry better for all who need it!


Wednesday, September 3, 2008

We're updating our website and services, now is your time to be heard!

We are going to be conducting a major overhaul of the United States Service Dog Registry starting in October, which means you once again have the chance to give us your input to make this Assistance Animal Registry exactly what you need! We're going to be including a lot of new features. We will slightly revise the site layout with more information, add the ability to register other types of animals and allow access to a few more items in our shop. Please send us your comments and we will take them into consideration when we perform our update. Now is your chance to be heard!

Introducing Reggie!
Reggie is our new Assistance Animal mascot who is helping us get the word out about the Registry. Some of you may have already met him on Flickr or if you have ordered something from us. He's going to be a big help in educating the public about the different types of Assistance Animals in use today.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Service Dogs (and their handlers) should consider taking the Canine Good Citizen test too

Training your dog to help with your disability is a very complex and time consuming process. Some people who put in many hours training their dog to help them with their own epilepsy, mobility issues, blindness, psychiatric conditions, etc. do not take into consideration how their dog behaves toward others in public. One of the best things you can do to help train your dog is to take the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test. While we don't require it, the United States Service Dog Registry highly recommends getting your dog retested with the AKC's Canine Good Citizen test every two years.

The test is fairly simple and consists of 10 items. Don't be nervous. The test is easier than you may fear.

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.

Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.

Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.

Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").

Remember, the impression you give others about your Service Animal will last forever. You work hard training your dog to assist you, make sure your dog is trained to work with the public too.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

We need your help! The Department of Justice is proposing a new definition of Service Animals

We need your help! The Department of Justice is revisiting the definition of a service animal and this is our chance to make the definition something that helps service dog handlers everywhere! There are three parts to this post and we've organized them to make it easier for you to understand this quickly. 
  1. What is the newly proposed definition of a Service Animal?
  2. What do we think needs to change?
  3. How can you help?
We've long needed a new and updated definition of Service Dogs that includes more specifically the many different types of dogs in use today. Now is our chance to make the definition exactly what we want it to be. For the most part, we think the new definition is a big leap forward. However we have some things we would like to see changed. The United States Service Dog Registry is in full agreement with the IAADP's changes to the law. 


1. What is the newly proposed definition of a service animal?
New Proposed Service Animal Defintion
PART 36-NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY BY PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS AND IN COMMERCIAL FACILITIES
Subpart A-General  
PROPOSED DEFINITION

Service animal means any dog or other common domestic animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals who are blind or have low vision, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, fetching items, assisting an individual during a seizure, retrieving medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and assisting individuals, including those with cognitive disabilities, with navigation.  The term service animal includes individually trained animals that do work or perform tasks for the benefit of individuals with disabilities, including psychiatric, cognitive, and mental disabilities.  The term service animal does not include wild animals (including nonhuman primates born in captivity), reptiles, rabbits, farm animals (including any breed of horse, miniature horse, pony, pig, or goat), ferrets, amphibians, and rodents.  Animals whose sole function is to provide emotional support, comfort, therapy, companionship, therapeutic benefits, or to promote emotional well-being are not service animals. 

2. What do we think needs to change?  
There are four things we would like to see changed:
  1. We think "minimal protection" needs to be removed from the definition. It's confusing. Service Animals aren't guard dogs.
  2. There needs to be guidelines about what "other species" are accepted as Service Animals. Other animals would need to meet the same standards of behavior as assistance dogs currently do.
  3. There should be no size or weight limit on service animals. Period.
  4. The phrase "do work" is confusing and does not sufficiently define the difference between service animals and emotional support animals, which are not covered under the ADA law.
3. What can you do to help?
Please fill out the form at Regulations.gov and copy-paste the four things from above into the Public Comment field at the bottom of the form. Remember, the deadline is August 18, 2008!


In a hurry? Have your Documentation Package sent to your travel destination

We just had an order request from someone who was leaving for a trip and wanted a Documentation Package — but she was departing in two days! No problem. After she placed her order we sent her PDF's of the certificate and ID cards for her to print out at home along with her boarding pass.  Then, instead of having the package sent to her home we sent it via Priority Mail to her hotel at her destination so she would have it for her trip home. It's just another way the United States Service Dog Registry trying to make life easier for Service Dog Handlers.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Raising money for people who need Service Dogs

Yesterday someone asked us if we knew of sources who could help with funding for Service Dogs. As all of you reading this blog probably already know, training a Service Dog involves a lot of work and time. Costs from a reputable trainer can reach up to $20,000, according to Susquehanna Service Dogs, a program of Keystone Human Services. Often that total amount is offset by private donations and very few people actually pay that much, but the actual cost to a handler can be quite considerable.

Raising that much money can be a daunting task for just about anyone. People have turned to friends, held small fundraisers, gotten help from local businesses and churches — and in one case even opened a lemonade stand to help cover the high cost of a Service Dog. But what if you are unable to raise money for your Service Dog? There are a few programs like the Assistance Dog United Campaign that help provide financial assistance. But be prepared for a wait. Even with their high cost, there is usually a waiting list for well trained Service Dogs. Some organizations like Pawsibilities not only train Service Dogs but also try to find sponsors to help pay for the dogs.

Take your time and do your research. See if you can meet with people who have received dogs from the trainer or organization you would like to get your animal from. Pairing with a Service Animal is an extremely personal decision for you, and one you will have to live with for years to come.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

What does the law say about flying with your Service Dog?

If you have a Service Dog, you may have read parts of the law concerning air travel. While it may not be the most exciting bedtime story of all time, we do recommend reading the whole thing. Below is the full text of the policy guidelines which is distributed to airline and airport employees. We've bolded the "in a nutshell" part of the policy which describes the most important parts of the policy in brief.

4910-62-P
68 FR 24875, May 9, 2003
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary
14 CFR Part 382
Docket No. OST-2003-15072
Guidance Concerning Service Animals in Air Transportation
AGENCY: Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary.
ACTION: Guidance Concerning Service Animals in Air Transportation.
SUMMARY: This notice publishes a revision to the Department of Transportation’s Guidance Concerning Service Animals in Air Transportation, originally published in the Federal Register on November 1, 1996 (61 FR 56409, 56420). It is the result of the Department’s review of a September 19, 2002, submission of suggested improvements to the existing guidance from representatives of the disability community and the airline industry.
ADDRESSES: This guidance document is available on the Department’s Web site at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/ and future updates or revisions will be posted there. Questions regarding this notice may be addressed to the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, C-70, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Damon P. Whitehead, Office of the General Counsel, Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590; (202) 366-1743; fax: (202) 366-7152; E-mail: damon.whitehead@ost.dot.gov.


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
WASHINGTON, DC

POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING SERVICE ANIMALS IN AIR TRANSPORTATION

In 1990, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) promulgated the official regulations implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Those rules are entitled Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel (14 CFR Part 382). Since then the number of people with disabilities traveling by air has grown steadily. This growth has increased the demand for air transportation accessible to all people with disabilities and the importance of understanding DOT’s regulations and how to apply them. This document expands on an earlier DOT guidance document published in 1996 , which was based on an earlier Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) service animal guide issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in July 1996. The purpose of this document is to aid airline employees and people with disabilities in understanding and applying the ACAA and the provisions of Part 382 with respect to service animals in determining:
  1. whether an animal is a service animal and its user a qualified individual with a disability;
  2. how to accommodate a qualified person with a disability with a service animal in the aircraft cabin; and
  3. when a service animal legally can be refused carriage in the cabin.
Background
The 1996 DOT guidance document defines a service animal as “any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If the animal meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless of whether it has been licensed or certified by a state or local government.” This document refines DOT’s previous definition of service animal by making it clear that animals that assist persons with disabilities by providing emotional support qualify as service animals and ensuring that, in situations concerning emotional support animals, the authority of airline personnel to require documentation of the individual’s disability and the medical necessity of the passenger traveling with the animal is understood.

Today, both the general public and people with disabilities use many different terms to identify animals that can meet the legal definition of “service animal.” These range from umbrella terms such as “assistance animal” to specific labels such as “hearing,” “signal,” “seizure alert,” “psychiatric service,” “emotional support” animal, etc. that describe how the animal assists a person with a disability.

When Part 382 was promulgated, most service animals were guide or hearing dogs. Since then, a wider variety of animals (e.g., cats, monkeys, etc.) have been individually trained to assist people with disabilities. Service animals also perform a much wider variety of functions than ever before (e.g., alerting a person with epilepsy of imminent seizure onset, pulling a wheelchair, assisting persons with mobility impairments with balance). These developments can make it difficult for airline employees to distinguish service animals from pets, especially when a passenger does not appear to be disabled, or the animal has no obvious indicators that it is a service animal. Passengers may claim that their animals are service animals at times to get around airline policies that restrict the carriage of pets. Clear guidelines are needed to assist airline personnel and people with disabilities in knowing what to expect and what to do when these assessments are made.

Since airlines also are obliged to provide all accommodations in accordance with FAA safety regulations (see section 382.3(d)), educated consumers help assure that airlines provide accommodations consistent with the carriers’ safety duties and responsibilities. Educated consumers also assist the airline in providing them the services they want, including accommodations, as quickly and efficiently as possible.

General Requirements of Part 382
In a nutshell, the main requirements of Part 382 regarding service animals are:
  • Carriers shall permit dogs and other service animals used by persons with disabilities to accompany the persons on a flight. See section 382.55(a)(1-2).
  • Carriers shall accept as evidence that an animal is a service animal identifiers such as identification cards, other written documentation, presence of harnesses, tags or the credible verbal assurances of a qualified individual with a disability using the animal.
  • Carriers shall permit a service animal to accompany a qualified individual with a disability in any seat in which the person sits, unless the animal obstructs an aisle or other area that must remain unobstructed in order to facilitate an emergency evacuation or to comply with FAA regulations.
  • If a service animal cannot be accommodated at the seat location of the qualified individual with a disability whom the animal is accompanying, the carrier shall offer the passenger the opportunity to move with the animal to a seat location in the same class of service, if present on the aircraft, where the animal can be accommodated, as an alternative to requiring that the animal travel in the cargo hold (see section 382.37(c)).
  • Carriers shall not impose charges for providing facilities, equipment, or services that are required by this part to be provided to qualified individuals with a disability (see section 382.57).
Two Steps for Airline Personnel
To determine whether an animal is a service animal and should be allowed to accompany its user in the cabin, airline personnel should:
  1. Establish whether the animal is a pet or a service animal, and whether the passenger is a qualified individual with a disability; and then
  2. Determine if the service animal presents either:
  • a “direct threat to the health or safety of others,” or
  • a significant threat of disruption to the airline service in the cabin (i.e. a “fundamental alteration” to passenger service). See 382.7(c).
Service Animals
How do I know it’s a service animal and not a pet?
Remember: In most situations the key is TRAINING. Generally, a service animal is individually trained to perform functions to assist the passenger who is a qualified individual with a disability. In a few extremely limited situations, an animal such as a seizure alert animal may be capable of performing functions to assist a qualified person with a disability without individualized training. Also, an animal used for emotional support need not have specific training for that function. Similar to an animal that has been individually trained, the definition of a service animal includes:
  • an animal that has been shown to have the innate ability to assist a person with a disability; or
  • an emotional support animal.
These five steps can help one determine whether an animal is a service animal or a pet:
1. Obtain credible verbal assurances: Ask the passenger: “Is this your pet?” If the passenger responds that the animal is a service animal and not a pet, but uncertainty remains about the animal, appropriate follow-up questions would include:
  • “What tasks or functions does your animal perform for you?" or
  • “What has it been trained to do for you?”
  • “Would you describe how the animal performs this task (or function) for you?”
As noted earlier, functions include, but are not limited to:
A. helping blind or visually impaired people to safely negotiate their surroundings;
B. alerting deaf and hard-of-hearing persons to sounds;
C. helping people with mobility impairments to open and close doors, retrieve objects, transfer from one seat to another, maintain balance; or
D. alert or respond to a disability-related need or emergency (e.g., seizure, extreme social anxiety or panic attack).

Note that to be a service animal that can properly travel in the cabin, the animal need not necessarily perform a function for the passenger during the flight. For example, some dogs are trained to help pull a passenger’s wheelchair or carry items that the passenger cannot readily carry while using his or her wheelchair. It would not be appropriate to deny transportation in the cabin to such a dog.


If a passenger cannot provide credible assurances that an animal has been individually trained or is able to perform some task or function to assist the passenger with his or her disability, the animal might not be a service animal. In this case, the airline personnel may require documentation (see Documentation below). There may be cases in which a passenger with a disability has personally trained an animal to perform a specific function (e.g., seizure alert). Such an animal may not have been trained through a formal training program (e.g., a “school” for service animals). If the passenger can provide a reasonable explanation of how the animal was trained or how it performs the function for which it is being used, this can constitute a “credible verbal assurance” that the animal has been trained to perform a function for the passenger.

2. Look for physical indicators on the animal: Some service animals wear harnesses, vests, capes or backpacks. Markings on these items or on the animal’s tags may identify it as a service animal. It should be noted, however, that the absence of such equipment does not necessarily mean the animal is not a service animal.


3. Request documentation for service animals other than emotional support animals: The law allows airline personnel to ask for documentation as a means of verifying that the animal is a service animal, but DOT urges carriers not to require documentation as a condition for permitting an individual to travel with his or her service animal in the cabin unless a passenger’s verbal assurance is not credible. In that case, the airline may require documentation as a condition for allowing the animal to travel in the cabin. The purpose of documentation is to substantiate the passenger’s disability-related need for the animal’s accompaniment, which the airline may require as a condition to permit the animal to travel in the cabin. Examples of documentation include a letter from a licensed professional treating the passenger’s condition (e.g., physician, mental health professional, vocational case manager, etc.)

4. Require documentation for emotional support animals: With respect to an animal used for emotional support (which need not have specific training for that function), airline personnel may require current documentation (i.e., not more than one year old) on letterhead from a mental health professional stating (1) that the passenger has a mental health-related disability; (2) that having the animal accompany the passenger is necessary to the passenger’s mental health or treatment or to assist the passenger (with his or her disability); and (3) that the individual providing the assessment of the passenger is a licensed mental health professional and the passenger is under his or her professional care. Airline personnel may require this documentation as a condition of permitting the animal to accompany the passenger in the cabin. The purpose of this provision is to prevent abuse by passengers that do not have a medical need for an emotional support animal and to ensure that passengers who have a legitimate need for emotional support animals are permitted to travel with their service animals on the aircraft. Airlines are not permitted to require the documentation to specify the type of mental health disability, e.g., panic attacks.

5. Observe behavior of animals: Service animals are trained to behave properly in public settings. For example, a properly trained guide dog will remain at its owner’s feet. It does not run freely around an aircraft or an airport gate area, bark or growl repeatedly at other persons on the aircraft, bite or jump on people, or urinate or defecate in the cabin or gate area. An animal that engages in such disruptive behavior shows that it has not been successfully trained to function as a service animal in public settings. Therefore, airlines are not required to treat it as a service animal, even if the animal performs an assistive function for a passenger with a disability or is necessary for a passenger’s emotional well-being.

What about service animals in training?
Part 382 requires airlines to allow service animals to accompany their handlers in the cabin of the aircraft, but airlines are not required otherwise to carry animals of any kind either in the cabin or in the cargo hold. Airlines are free to adopt any policy they choose regarding the carriage of pets and other animals provided that they comply with other applicable requirements (e.g., the Animal Welfare Act). Although “service animals in training” are not pets, the ACAA does not include them, because “in training” status indicates that they do not yet meet the legal definition of service animal. However, like pet policies, airline policies regarding service animals in training vary. Some airlines permit qualified trainers to bring service animals in training aboard an aircraft for training purposes. Trainers of service animals should consult with airlines, and become familiar with their policies.

What about a service animal that is not accompanying a qualified individual with a disability?
When a service animal is not accompanying a passenger with a disability, the airline's general policies on the carriage of animals usually apply. Airline personnel should know their company’s policies on pets, service animals in training, and the carriage of animals generally. Individuals planning to travel with a service animal other than their own should inquire about the applicable policies in advance.

Qualified Individuals with Disabilities
How do I know if a passenger is a qualified individual with a disability who is entitled to bring a service animal in the cabin of the aircraft if the disability is not readily apparent?
  • Ask the passenger about his or her disability as it relates to the need for a service animal. Once the passenger identifies the animal as a service animal, you may ask, “How does your animal assist you with your disability?” Avoid the question “What is your disability?” as this implies you are asking for a medical label or the cause of the disability, which is intrusive and inconsistent with the intent of the ACAA. Remember, Part 382 is intended to facilitate travel by people with disabilities by requiring airlines to accommodate them on an individual basis.
  • Ask the passenger whether he or she has documentation as a means of verifying the medical necessity of the passenger traveling with the animal. Keep in mind that you can ask but cannot require documentation as proof of service animal status UNLESS (1) a passenger’s verbal assurance is not credible and the airline personnel cannot in good faith determine whether the animal is a service animal without documentation, or (2) a passenger indicates that the animal is to be used as an emotional support animal.
  • Using the questions and other factors above, you must decide whether it is reasonable to believe that the passenger is a qualified individual with a disability, and the animal is a service animal.
Denying a Service Animal Carriage in the Cabin
What do I do if I believe that carriage of the animal in the cabin of the aircraft would inconvenience non-disabled passengers?

Part 382 requires airlines to permit qualified individuals with a disability to be accompanied by their service animals in the cabin, as long as the animals do not 1) pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others (e.g., animal displays threatening behaviors by growling, snarling, lunging at, or attempting to bite other persons on the aircraft) or 2) cause a significant disruption in cabin service (i.e. a “fundamental alteration” to passenger service). Inconvenience of other passengers is not sufficient grounds to deny a service animal carriage in the cabin; as indicated later in this document, however, airlines are not required to ask other passengers to relinquish space that they would normally use in order to accommodate a service animal (e.g., space under the seat in front of the non-disabled passenger).

What do I do if I believe that a passenger’s assertions about having a disability or a service animal are not credible?
  • Ask if the passenger has documentation that satisfies the requirements for determining that the animal is a service animal (see discussion of “Documentation” above).
  • If the passenger has no documents, then explain to the passenger that the animal cannot be carried in the cabin, because it does not meet the criteria for service animals. Explain your airline’s policy on pets (i.e., will or will not accept for carriage in the cabin or cargo hold), and what procedures to follow.
  • If the passenger does not accept your explanation, avoid getting into an argument. Ask the passenger to wait while you contact your airline’s complaint resolution official (CRO). Part 382 requires all airlines to have a CRO available at each airport they serve during all hours of operation. The CRO may be made available by telephone. The CRO is a resource for resolving difficulties related to disability accommodation.
  • Consult with the CRO immediately, if possible. The CRO normally has the authority to make the final decision regarding carriage of service animals. In the rare instance that a service animal would raise a concern regarding flight safety, the CRO may consult with the pilot-in-command. If the pilot-in-command makes a decision to restrict the animal from the cabin or the flight for safety reasons, the CRO cannot countermand the pilot’s decision. This does not preclude the Department from taking subsequent enforcement action, however, if it is determined that the pilot’s decision was inconsistent with Part 382.
  • If a passenger makes a complaint to a CRO about a past decision not to accept an animal as a service animal, then the CRO must provide a written statement to the passenger within 10 days explaining the reason(s) for that determination. If carrier personnel other than the CRO make the final decision, a written explanation is not required; however, because denying carriage of a legitimate service animal is a potential civil rights violation, it is recommended that carrier personnel explain to the passenger the reason the animal will not be accepted as a service animal. A recommended practice may include sending passengers whose animals are not accepted as service animals a letter within ten business days explaining the basis for such a decision.
In considering whether a service animal should be excluded from the cabin, keep these things in mind:
  • Certain unusual service animals pose unavoidable safety and/or public health concerns and airlines are not required to transport them. Snakes, other reptiles, ferrets, rodents, and spiders certainly fall within this category of animals.
  • In all other circumstances, each situation must be considered individually. Do not make assumptions about how a particular unusual animal is likely to behave based on past experience with other animals. You may inquire, however, about whether a particular animal has been trained to behave properly in a public setting.
  • Before deciding to exclude the animal, you should consider and try available means of mitigating the problem (e.g., muzzling a dog that barks frequently, allowing the passenger a reasonable amount of time under the circumstances to correct the disruptive behavior, offering the passenger a different seat where the animal won’t block the aisle.)
  • If it is determined that the animal should not accompany the disabled passenger in the cabin at this time, offer the passenger alternative accommodations in accordance with Part 382 and company policy (e.g., accept the animal for carriage in the cargo hold).
What about unusual service animals?
  • As indicated above, certain unusual service animals, pose unavoidable safety and/or public health concerns and airlines are not required to transport them. Snakes, other reptiles, ferrets, rodents, and spiders certainly fall within this category of animals. The release of such an animal in the aircraft cabin could result in a direct threat to the health or safety of passengers and crewmembers. For these reasons, airlines are not required to transport these types of service animals in the cabin, and carriage in the cargo hold will be in accordance with company policies on the carriage of animals generally.
  • Other unusual animals such as miniature horses, pigs and monkeys should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Factors to consider are the animal’s size, weight, state and foreign country restrictions, and whether or not the animal would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or cause a fundamental alteration (significant disruption) in the cabin service. If none of these factors apply, the animal may accompany the passenger in the cabin. In most other situations, the animal should be carried in the cargo hold in accordance with company policy.
Miscellaneous Questions
What about the passenger who has two or more service animals?
A single passenger legitimately may have two or more service animals. In these circumstances, you should make every reasonable effort to accommodate them in the cabin in accordance with Part 382 and company policies on seating. This might include permitting the passenger to purchase a second seat so that the animals can be accommodated in accordance with FAA safety regulations. You may offer the passenger a seat on a later flight if the passenger and animals cannot be accommodated together at a single passenger seat. Airlines may not charge passengers for accommodations that are required by Part 382, including transporting service animals in the cargo compartment. If carriage in the cargo compartment is unavoidable, notify the destination station to return the service animal(s) to the passenger at the gate as soon as possible, or to assist the passenger as necessary to retrieve them in the appropriate location.

What if the service animal is too large to fit under the seat in front of the customer?
If the service animal does not fit in the assigned location, you should relocate the passenger and the service animal to some other place in the cabin in the same class of service where the animal will fit under the seat in front of the passenger and not create an obstruction, such as the bulkhead. If no single seat in the cabin will accommodate the animal and passenger without causing an obstruction, you may offer the option of purchasing a second seat, traveling on a later flight or having the service animal travel in the cargo hold. As indicated above, airlines may not charge passengers with disabilities for services required by Part 382, including transporting their oversized service animals in the cargo compartment.

Should passengers provide advance notice to the airline concerning multiple or large service animals?

In most cases, airlines may not insist on advance notice or health certificates for service animals under the ACAA regulations. However, it is very useful for passengers to contact the airline well in advance if one or more of their service animals may need to be transported in the cargo compartment. The passenger will need to understand airline policies and should find out what type of documents the carrier would need to ensure the safe passage of the service animal in the cargo compartment and any restrictions for cargo travel that might apply (e.g., temperature conditions that limit live animal transport).

What if an airline employee or another passenger on board is allergic or has an adverse reaction to a passenger’s service animal?

Passengers who state they have allergies or other animal aversions should be located as far away from the service animal as practicable. Whether or not an individual’s allergies or animal aversions are disabilities (an issue this Guidance does not address), each individual's needs should be addressed to the fullest extent possible under the circumstances and in accordance with the requirements of Part 382 and company policy.

Accommodating Passengers With Service Animals in the Cabin
How can airline personnel help ensure that passengers with service animals are assigned and obtain appropriate seats on the aircraft?
  • Let passengers know the airline’s policy about seat assignments for people with disabilities. For instance: (1) should the passenger request pre-boarding at the gate? or (2) should the passenger request an advance seat assignment (a priority seat such as a bulkhead seat or aisle seat) up to 24 hours before departure? or (3) should the passenger request an advance seat assignment at the gate on the day of departure? When assigning priority seats, ask the passenger what location best fits his/her needs.
  • Passengers generally know what kinds of seats best suit their service animals. In certain circumstances, passengers with service animals must either be provided their pre-requested priority seats, or if their requested seat location cannot be made available, they must be assigned to other available priority seats of their choice in the same cabin class. Part 382.38 requires airlines to provide a bulkhead seat or a seat other than a bulkhead seat at the request of an individual traveling with a service animal.
  • Passengers should comply with airline recommendations or requirements regarding when they should arrive at the gate before a flight. This may vary from airport to airport and airline to airline. Not all airlines announce pre-boarding for passengers with special needs, although it may be available. If you wish to request pre-boarding, tell the agent at the gate.
  • Unless pre-boarding is not part of your carrier’s business operation, a timely request for pre-boarding by a passenger with a disability should be honored (382.38 (d)).
Part 382 does not require carriers to make modifications that would constitute an undue burden or would fundamentally alter their programs (382.7 (c)). Therefore, the following are not required in providing accommodations for users of service animals and are examples of what might realistically be viewed as creating an undue burden:
  • Asking another passenger to give up the space in front of his or her seat to accommodate a service animal;
  • Denying transportation to any individual on a flight in order to provide an accommodation to a passenger with a service animal;
  • Furnishing more than one seat per ticket; and
  • Providing a seat in a class of service other than the one the passenger has purchased.
Are airline personnel responsible for the care and feeding of service animals?
Airline personnel are not required to provide care, food, or special facilities for service animals. The care and supervision of a service animal is solely the responsibility of the passenger with a disability whom the animal is accompanying.

May an air carrier charge a maintenance or cleaning fee to passengers who travel with service animals?
Part 382 prohibits air carriers from imposing special charges for accommodations required by the regulation, such as carriage of a service animal. However, an air carrier may charge passengers with a disability if a service animal causes damage, as long as it is its regular practice to charge non-disabled passengers for similar kinds of damage. For example, it could charge a passenger with a disability for the cost of repairing or cleaning a seat damaged by a service animal, assuming that it is its policy to charge when a non-disabled passenger or his or her pet causes similar damage.

Advice for Passengers with Service Animals
  • Ask about the airline’s policy on advance seat assignments for people with disabilities. For instance: (1) should a passenger request pre-boarding at the gate? or (2) should a passenger request an advance seat assignment (a priority seat such as a (bulkhead seat or aisle seat)) up to 24 hours before departure? or (3) should a passenger request an advance seat assignment at the gate on the day of departure?
  • Although airlines are not permitted to automatically require documentation for service animals other than emotional support animals, if you think it would help you explain the need for a service animal, you may want to carry documentation from your physician or other licensed professional confirming your need for the service animal. Passengers with unusual service animals also may want to carry documentation confirming that their animal has been trained to perform a function or task for them.
  • If you need a specific seat assignment for yourself and your service animal, make your reservation as far in advance as you can, and identify your need at that time.
  • You may have to be flexible if your assigned seat unexpectedly turns out to be in an emergency exit row. When an aircraft is changed at the last minute, seating may be reassigned automatically. Automatic systems generally do not recognize special needs, and may make inappropriate seat assignments. In that case, you may be required by FAA regulations to move to another seat.
  • Arrive at the gate when instructed by the airline, typically at least one hour before departure, and ask the gate agent for pre-boarding -- if that is your desire.
  • Remember that your assigned seat may be reassigned if you fail to check in on time; airlines typically release seat assignments not claimed 30 minutes before scheduled departure. In addition, if you fail to check in on time you may not be able to take advantage of the airline’s pre-board offer.
  • If you have a very large service animal or multiple animals that might need to be transported in the cargo compartment, contact the airline well in advance of your travel date. In most cases, airlines cannot insist on advance notice or health certificates for service animals under the ACAA regulations. However, it is very useful for passengers to contact the airline well in advance if one or more of their service animals may need to be transported in the cargo compartment. The passenger will need to understand airline policies and should find out what type of documents the carrier would need to ensure the safe passage of the service animal in the cargo compartment and any restrictions for cargo travel that might apply (e.g., temperature conditions that limit live animal transport).
  • If you are having difficulty receiving an appropriate accommodation, ask the airline employee to contact the airline’s complaint resolution official (CRO). Part 382 requires all airlines to have a CRO available during all hours of operation. The CRO is a resource for resolving difficulties related to disability accommodations.
  • Another resource for resolving issues related to disability accommodations is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s aviation consumer disability hotline. The toll-free number is 1-800-778-4838 (voice) and 1-800-455-9880 (TTY).
Glossary
Direct Threat to the Health or Safety of Others
A significant risk to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by a modification of policies, practices, or procedures, or by the provision of auxiliary aids or services.

Fundamental Alteration
A modification that substantially alters the basic nature or purpose of a program, service, product or activity.

Individual with a Disability
“Any individual who has a physical or mental impairment that, on a permanent or temporary basis, substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.” (Section 382.5).

Qualified Individual with a Disability
Any individual with a disability who:
  1. “takes those actions necessary to avail himself or herself of facilities or services offered by an air carrier to the general public with respect to accompanying or meeting a traveler, use of ground transportation, using terminal facilities, or obtaining information about schedules, fares or policies”;
  2. “offers, or makes a good faith attempt to offer, to purchase or otherwise validly to obtain . . . a ticket” “for air transportation on an air carrier”; or
  3. “purchases or possesses a valid ticket for air transportation on an air carrier and presents himself or herself at the airport for the purpose of traveling on the flight for which the ticket has been purchased or obtained; and meets reasonable, nondiscriminatory contract of carriage requirements applicable to all passengers.” (Section 382.5).
Service Animal
Any animal that is individually trained or able to provide assistance to a qualified person with a disability; or any animal shown by documentation to be necessary for the emotional well being of a passenger.

Sources
See: 14 CFR 382.5, 14 CFR 382.37(a) and (c), 14 CFR 382.38 (a)(3), (b), (d) & (h)-(j), 14 CFR 382.55(a)(1)-(3), 14 CFR 382.57, “Guidance Concerning Service Animals in Air Transportation,” (61 FR 56420-56422, (November 1, 1996)), “Commonly Asked Questions About Service Animals in Places of Business” (Department of Justice, July, 1996), and “ADA Business Brief: Service Animals” (Department of Justice, April 2002).

Questions regarding this notice may be addressed to the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, C-70, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20590. A copy of this notice will be published in the Federal Register.

An electronic version of this document is available on the World Wide Web at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov
Issued in Washington, DC on May 2, 2003.


Samuel Podberesky,
Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings