In December 2020, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) announced final revisions regarding air travel with service dogs. See our previous alert which includes the full file of the final ruling. 

Since these new finalized rules became effective in January, major U.S. airlines have changed their policies regarding acceptance of emotional support animals in passenger cabins.  

AKC Government Relations is pleased to introduce a new flyer that provides general, easy-to-understand information about these recent policy changes. 

We’re also pleased to share information about Service Dog Pass, a program in development by the not-for-profit American Service Dog Access Coalition, co-founded by AKC, to reduce the burdens faced by disabled individuals when travelling with service dogs and to help address issues associated with poorly trained service dogs. The Service Dog Pass opt-in credentialing system is based on nationally approved standards and aligns with the DOT’s mission of ensuring America’s air transportation system is safe for the travelling public and accessible to individuals with disabilities. 

To learn more about Service Dog issues, visit AKC GR’s Service Dog Key Issues Page.