Service animals assist people with disabilities. They are not pets, and they are not the same as emotional support animals. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for their disabled handlers, whereas emotional support animals generally do not perform specific tasks but rather provide emotional support to their owners through companionship. Examples of service animals include guide dogs for people who are blind and assistance dogs for people with physical challenges.
Although service animals are working animals and are not considered pets, the same preparations need to be made for these animals as for pets when traveling. The rules for traveling with service animals are less strict than they are for regular pets; however, it's still important to plan ahead to avoid travel delays. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States ensures that people with service dogs can get the help they need while traveling around the country, and Canada has similar laws to protect the rights of people with disabilities. The US Department of Transportation publishes information about traveling with service animals (https://www.transportation.gov/resources/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals).
If you're traveling internationally with a service animal, it's crucial to contact the nearest embassy representing the destination countryat least 30 days in advance to be sure you are complying with all the regulations in that country about traveling with a service animal. This way, you won't risk arriving without your important helper. Be ready to adapt to different countries' rules about disability support. Before traveling, reach out to organizations for people with your disability or training schools for service dogs in the country you're visiting to learn about the travel process. Also, be sure to understand the local laws and cultural views concerning animals.
