Assistance Dogs At Bhx: All You Need To Know

If you're travelling with an assistance dog, it's important to know which airports and airlines accommodate them. Birmingham Airport (BHX) does allow certain dogs on its premises and on board flights operated by specific airlines. EasyJet, for instance, permits only well-trained service dogs with valid paperwork in the cabin free of cost. British Airways also allows assistance dogs to travel in the cabin free of charge, but this service cannot be booked online and the number of dogs allowed in the cabin may be limited.

Assistance dog requirements

Assistance dogs are defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as dogs that are "individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability". The ADA includes both physical and mental illnesses in its definition of disability, such as depression, severe anxiety, or PTSD.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistance dog, a person must have a physical, emotional, or mental health disability. The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, or working.

Training

The dog must be trained to take specific actions when needed to assist the person with their disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability. The ADA does not require professional training; people with disabilities have the right to train their dogs themselves. However, the dog must be able to perform work or specific tasks to assist with the disability. Some examples of tasks include guiding visually impaired individuals, pulling a wheelchair, sensing a medical alert, tactile stimulation during a panic attack, reminding the handler to take medication, and scouting a room for someone with PTSD.

Behaviour

A service dog must be under the control of its handler at all times and must not exhibit aggressive behaviour towards people or other animals. It should refrain from sniffing behaviours unless released to do so, and should not solicit food or affection while on duty. The dog should also be able to tolerate novel sights and sounds in various public settings without becoming overly excited or hyperactive.

Verification

If it is not obvious what service the dog provides, the handler must be willing to answer two questions:

• Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
• What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request documentation for the dog, require the dog to demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability.

Identification

Although not required by the ADA, it can be helpful for assistance dogs to be clearly identified with accessories like ID cards, vests, tags, and certificates. This can help prevent confusion and hostility from people in public spaces who are ignorant of assistance dog rights.

Transporting assistance dogs

If you are travelling with an assistance dog, it is important to be aware of the requirements and procedures to ensure a smooth journey. Here is a guide to help you navigate the process of transporting assistance dogs:

Before Your Trip

• Check with the Airport and Airline: Not all airports and airlines accommodate assistance dogs, so it is crucial to verify their policies in advance. Some airlines, such as British Airways, allow assistance dogs to travel free of charge in the cabin, while others may have different arrangements.
• Registration and Forms: Many airlines require you to register your assistance dog online before your trip. You may need to fill out specific forms, such as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form, to provide information about your dog's health, training, and behaviour.
• Notify in Advance: It is recommended to notify the airline and airport at least 48 hours before your flight. This will give them time to make any necessary arrangements and ensure that your assistance dog meets the required standards.
• Documentation: Ensure that your assistance dog has all the necessary documentation, including vaccination records, health certificates, and training accreditation. Keep these documents with you during your trip.
• Destination Requirements: Research the requirements for your destination country or city. Some countries, like the United States, have specific regulations for importing dogs, including assistance dogs. Make sure you comply with these requirements to avoid any issues upon arrival.

During Your Trip

• Arrive Early: When travelling with an assistance dog, it is advisable to arrive at the airport early to allow for any additional checks or procedures.
• Behaviour and Control: Your assistance dog must remain under your control at all times and display appropriate behaviour in public and on board the aircraft. Ensure that your dog has received behavioural training to meet these expectations.
• In-Flight Arrangements: You may need to provide a dog car safety harness or equivalent to secure your assistance dog during take-off, landing, and whenever the seat belt signs are on. Additionally, consider bringing a fleece or vet-bed, along with absorbent pads, for your dog's comfort.
• Relief and Care: It is your responsibility to take care of your dog's needs during the flight. Cabin crew may not be able to provide assistance, so make sure you have everything your dog requires. When connecting to another flight, allow extra time for clearance and relief of your dog.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the specific requirements of your chosen airline and destination, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your assistance dog.

Paperwork for assistance dogs

While there is no explicit information about the paperwork required for assistance dogs at BHX Airport, there is some general information about the paperwork required for assistance dogs in other contexts. Here are some paragraphs detailing the paperwork required for assistance dogs:

Firstly, it is important to note that assistance dogs are not required to be certified or registered as such. However, registering your assistance dog can be helpful for identification purposes and to eliminate doubt about the dog's role. Registration can also provide stress relief for owners when out in public with their assistance animal. The registration process typically involves providing the dog's name and an image, as well as the handler's name and contact information.

When travelling with an assistance dog, specific paperwork may be required depending on the airline and destination country. For example, British Airways requires that assistance dogs be registered online using the Open Doors Organisation portal. This process involves submitting a form specific to your travel destination – one form is for travel to or from the US, while another is for travel to the rest of the world. This process will provide you with an assistance dog ID, which simplifies the process for future trips. Additionally, for travel to the US, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires a CDC Dog Import Form, and additional vaccination documentation if the dog has been in a high-risk rabies country.

For travel to the UK, pre-approval from the UK Animal Reception Centre is mandatory, and you will need to present this pre-approval letter before boarding your flight. All dogs entering the UK must also meet the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme. Once you arrive, an Animal Reception Centre officer will meet you and your dog to carry out clearance checks. After completing these checks, your dog's harness will be tagged to indicate that it has been cleared for entry.

It is important to note that the requirements for assistance dogs can vary by airline and destination. Always check with your airline and the relevant government agencies to ensure you have the correct paperwork for your assistance dog.

Assistance dog fees

Assistance dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin on British Airways and EasyJet flights, which both operate out of BHX Airport. However, there may be fees associated with travelling with an assistance dog depending on your destination.

British Airways

If you are travelling to London Heathrow Airport (LHR), your assistance dog will need approval from the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC). The HARC charges a fee of £410 for animals that do not meet the criteria for assistance animals.

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

If you are travelling to London Gatwick Airport, you will need to contact the Animal Reception Centre there.

Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI)

To fly with an assistance dog to Edinburgh, you will need to email Scotland's animal travel agency at least 48 hours before your flight. You will also need to carry an ID card or valid certificate from the organisation that trained or supplied the animal.

All other destinations within the United Kingdom

For all other UK destinations, your assistance dog will need a pre-approval letter from the Animal Reception Centre in your destination city. You will need to travel with this letter and any required health documentation.

Other countries

If you are travelling to a different country, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate for any regulations or restrictions.

EasyJet

EasyJet does not transport pets, but it does allow trained service dogs in the cabin free of cost.

Other airlines

If you are flying with another airline, you should check with them directly to understand their policies and fees for travelling with an assistance dog.

International travel with assistance dogs

Research Country and Airline Requirements:

Before planning your trip, thoroughly research the regulations of your destination country and the airline you intend to travel with. Individual countries and airlines have their own rules regarding access for assistance dogs, and failing to comply with these rules may result in difficulties during your journey.

Ensure Proper Training and Certification:

Assistance dogs are generally required to have specific training and certification. Your dog must be trained to assist with a disability or medical condition and exhibit appropriate behaviour in public and on board an aircraft. Ensure your dog meets these criteria, as untrained or emotional support dogs are typically not granted the same privileges.

Register Your Assistance Dog:

Most airlines require you to register your assistance dog before travel. Contact your chosen airline or refer to their website to understand their specific registration process and any associated forms that need to be filled out. It is recommended to register your dog immediately after booking your trip.

Prepare Necessary Documentation:

Gather all the necessary documentation for your assistance dog, including vaccination records, health certificates, and training certifications. Ensure these documents are up-to-date and valid for your destination country and airline. Keep them easily accessible throughout your journey.

Notify Relevant Authorities:

In some cases, you may be required to notify the relevant authorities about your assistance dog in advance. For example, when travelling to the UK, you must contact and receive pre-approval from the UK Animal Reception Centre at least 72 hours before your flight. Check the regulations of your destination country to ensure you comply with all necessary procedures.

Understand Airline-Specific Policies:

Different airlines have varying policies regarding assistance dogs. For instance, some airlines may require your dog to be secured to your seat during the flight or provide specific equipment for this purpose. Familiarize yourself with these policies to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Make Arrangements for Your Dog's Needs:

Remember that it is your responsibility to take care of your dog's needs during the flight. Bring any necessary items, such as a fleece or absorbent pads, and ensure your dog has adequate opportunities for relief during layovers or connections.

Allow Extra Time During Travel:

When travelling with an assistance dog, it is advisable to allow extra time for clearance and other procedures. This is especially important when connecting to another flight to ensure you and your dog can comfortably reach the departure gate for your next flight.

Stay Informed About Updates:

Regulations and requirements can change, so it is essential to stay up to date. For instance, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced new requirements for dogs entering the U.S., including additional documentation and specific entry points for dogs from high-risk rabies countries.

Contact the Airline Directly:

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact the airline directly. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their specific policies and requirements for travelling with assistance dogs.

Frequently asked questions