Assistance or service dogs are those that have been individually trained to help people with a special need. Emotional support animals are not globally recognized as a service animal.
If you need to travel with an assistance dog, you must meet the following general requirements:
- Indicate it during the booking process in the Passenger Details section by selecting the option Passengers with special needs, or notify us at least 48 hours before the flight departure through our Customer Service Center. If the notification is made less than 48 hours before departure, we will do our best to confirm that there are no issues with flying with your assistance dog. However, we strongly recommend that you inform us in advance.
- Present an official physical certificate qualifying it as an assistance dog or guide dog. Bear in mind that a doctor’s note is not enough to certify that you need to travel with an assistance animal. If the dog does not have the above mentioned official certificate, it will not be admitted on board. The training of the assistance dog must have been certified by an accredited organization, such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI), International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), Assistance Dogs Assessment Association (ADAA), or the Spanish National Organization for the Blind (ONCE).
- The dog must be at least 3 months old and be duly identified through a tattoo or microchip.
- Carry with you the dog's immunization record. The provided documents must certify that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days before the flight.
- For Sweden, Ireland and United Kingdom it is also required a tapeworm treatment. Vet must include the following details: Name and manufacturer of the product, date and time they treated your dog, stamp and signature.
- For international flights, a passport for the animal will also be required (ask your veterinarian how to request it).
If you are traveling outside the European Union, check the travel requirements with the consulate of the destination country.
Flights from/to the UK
In addition to the general requirements, you must comply with the requirements established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), which include:
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- Notifying the airline at least 48 hours before the flight’s departure (during the booking process or through the Customer Service Center) that you are travelling with an assistance dog.
- Training certification: your assistance dog must be trained by an accredited organization member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), or the Assistance Dogs Assessment Association (ADAA). If trained elsewhere, you must provide proof that the training meets or exceeds the standards set by these organizations.
- Written declaration: a statement from you as the dog's owner or handler, detailing the specific tasks your dog performs to assist with your disability.
- Assistance Dog ID card: It is recommended to help facilitate the verification process at the airport.
Flights to/from Ireland
The following will be required, in addition to the general requirements:
- EU or Schengen countries: tapeworm treatment.
- Rest of countries: Tapeworm treatment, blood test showing the treatment was effective, and send an email to petmove@agriculture.gov.ie informing about your pet.
- If you are only travelling to Ireland, as well as the documents listed above, you will need:
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- For passengers arriving from countries outside the EU or the Schengen area, notice must be made to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Marine using the Pet Import Portal page, at least 24 hours before the scheduled arrival time.
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Please note...
- For acceptance, the dog must be clean, well-behaved, and under the passenger's control at all times.
- The dog must remain on the floor, under the seat, and be secured with a safety harness before and during takeoff and landing. For safety reasons, dogs cannot block any aisles or other areas used for emergency evacuations.
- You must bring the necessary care items for the dog, such as a water bowl, blanket, absorbent pads, sanitary bags, and others.