SERVICE DOG AIR TRAVEL
Travel ready, one clear step at a time.
Understand the DOT form, your airline’s process, and the documents that help your trip go more smoothly.
Start here
Check your airline’s requirements
Complete your DOT form before travel
Keep vaccination and travel documents handy
Educational guidance only — we do not train, certify, register, evaluate, or confirm service animals.
CALM TRAVEL STARTS WITH A PLAN
DOT FORM SUPPORT
Complete your form in three calm steps.
Keep it simple: use your current travel details, double-check your answers, and follow the airline’s submission instructions.
01
Vaccinate your dog for rabies
Your dog needs a current rabies vaccine from a licensed veterinarian. Ask for a rabies vaccine and rabies certificate. You do not need to say your dog is a service dog.
02
Complete your DOT form
Fill out the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form with your information, your dog’s information, vaccine details, and training information.
03
Submit your DOT form
Each airline has its own process. Some forms are uploaded online. Others are shown at the airport. Follow your airline’s steps below.
AIRLINE REQUIREMENTS
Find your airline before you fly.
Policies can change. Always confirm the latest timing and submission details directly with your airline.
American Airlines
UPLOAD ONLINE. Use American’s Service Animal or Special Assistance process. Submit about 48 hours before travel. Keep a copy. American may issue a Service Animal ID.
United
ADD TO RESERVATION. Open your reservation, choose Special Requests, add a Task-Trained Service Dog, and complete the DOT form. Submit 48 hours before travel when possible.
JetBlue
SUBMIT IN ADVANCE. Complete the service animal form and DOT form. If booked more than 48 hours ahead, submit at least 48 hours before travel.
Spirit
UPLOAD ONLINE. Submit a new form for each reservation and a separate form for each dog. Guest Care will notify you after review. Keep a copy.
Frontier
UPLOAD ONLINE. Submit 48 hours before travel when possible. If you book within 48 hours, bring the completed form to the airport.
Avelo
BRING TO THE AIRPORT. Add Trained Service Animal under Special Assistance. Date the form on or after ticket purchase. Check in with an Avelo employee.
Delta
UPLOAD ONLINE. Submit a Service Animal Request and upload the DOT form about 48 hours before departure. If booked late, bring paperwork to the airport.
Southwest Airlines
BRING FORM TO THE AIRPORT. No advance notice is required. Bring the completed DOT form to the ticket counter or departure gate on travel day. Keep your dog leashed, harnessed, or tethered and under control.
Keep the essentials close.
A little preparation makes airport time easier for you and your dog.
Rabies certificate & local vet
Keep your dog’s current rabies certificate with your travel documents. The rabies vaccine must be given by a licensed veterinarian. Ask for a rabies vaccine and rabies certificate — you do not need to say it is for service-dog travel.
Know your rights. Plan your comfort.
Learn about airline and public-access rights, clear questions staff may ask, self-trained service dogs, and how to request a Complaint Resolution Official if there is a problem.
What you need before you start
Keep these items close before you fill out the DOT form.
Your name and contact information
Your dog’s information
A rabies certificate from a veterinarian
Your veterinarian’s information
Your airline and flight information
Use true and accurate information. By using this guide, you confirm that you already have a service dog.
Make travel day easier
Choose a window seat for any size service dog. This helps your dog stay in its own space. For a larger dog, think about buying an extra seat. Bring poop bags, wipes, and pee pads for emergencies only. Do not feed your dog right before the flight. Take a long walk and bathroom break before travel. Keep a printed or saved copy of your completed DOT form with you.
After you submit the DOT form
An airline may call to check your information, or it may not. Watch for unknown phone numbers. They may ask what task your dog is trained to do. You may not need to share your exact diagnosis.
What makes a dog a service dog?
A service dog is trained to do a specific task that helps with a disability. You can train your own dog and list yourself as the trainer. A certificate, registration, vest, or ID card does not make a dog a service dog.
Certificates and ID cards are optional
You do not need to share your diagnosis. You may be asked if your dog is required because of a disability and what task it is trained to perform. Keep your answer short, specific, and truthful — for example, alerting to blood sugar changes, medical episodes, or medication reminders.
UnitedServiceDog.com
One of many optional ID-card websites. We are not affiliated with them, but we have had good personal experiences with them.
Clear information for calmer travel.
This site provides educational form-assistance information only. We do not train, certify, register, evaluate, or confirm service animals.