I’m planning to fly from San Francisco to Miami to see my sister next year, and I use a manual wheelchair. I have heard such horror stories about wheelchairs being damaged in the baggage compartment, and I’m wondering if I can store a wheelchair in the aircraft cabin? Is this possible and if so, do I need to make advance arrangements to do this.
What the Law Says
Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), US aircraft with 100 or more passenger seats are required to have a priority stowage space for manual wheelchairs. This can be in the onboard closet or strapped to unused seats.
If the stowage space is in the closet, there must be room for one typical adult size folding chair. The dimensions of that space must be at least 13 inches by 36 inches by 42 inches. If the manual wheelchair does not fit in the prescribed area while it is fully assembled, the wheels or other components may be removed to make it fit. The removal must be done without any tools, and afterwards you can store the removed components with your carry-on luggage.
It should be noted that wheelchair stowage takes priority over all other items, including crew luggage; and it’s the crew’s responsibility to move their luggage and clear the space.
The airline can also opt to use the seat strapping method to stow a manual wheelchair in the aircraft cabin. If this method is used, there must be room for two manual wheelchairs.
At the Airport
There’s no advance notice required to store a wheelchair on the airplane, but it should be noted that priority wheelchair stowage space is only guaranteed if you preboard the aircraft. If you board during general boarding, you will have to compete with the other passengers for the onboard storage space, so it’s extremely important that you preboard.
Additionally, since there is only one wheelchair stowage space per aircraft in the onboard closet, it pays to be the first one to board the aircraft. So don’t wander away from the boarding area, and when boarding time approaches, make sure you are visible to the crew, so you won’t be forgotten.
It’s also important to note that wheelchairs or any other assistive devices are not counted as carry-on luggage.
If you encounter any problems when you ask to store a wheelchair in the aircraft cabin — such as the crew refusing to relocate their luggage — don’t hesitate to ask for the Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). These airline employees are trained to handle disability-related problems, and they will make sure that the ACAA rules are followed. For more information about the CRO, visit emerginghorizons.com/flying-with-a-wheelchair-remember-the-cro/.
Enacted in 1986, the Air Carrier Access Act, covers access-related travel issues on all US airlines, and on foreign airlines on flights to and from the US. And as with many regulations, it’s continually updated. The 2025 Air Carrier Act updates include minor wording changes and definitions, updated training requirements, and some specific changes in existing regulations. This update of the regulations focuses mainly on preventing and mitigating wheelchair damage, and providing timely and appropriate repairs when it does occur. Here are the highlights of what to expect in 2025. These 2025 Air Carrier Access Act Updates will take effect January 16, 2025 unless otherwise noted.
Notification upon Loading Wheelchair
As of December 17, 2025, airlines covered by the Air Carrier Access Act will be required to notify passengers when their assistive devices have been loaded and unloaded from the cargo hold.
Publication of Cargo Hold Dimensions
Airlines will be required to publish the dimensions of their cargo holds — and any limitations they may have — on their websites. This applies to all the aircraft in their fleet.
Prompt Return of Delayed Assistive Devices
As of June 6, 2025 airlines will be required to deliver delayed assistive devices within 24 hours for a domestic flight, 12 hours for an international flight, and 30 hours for a long international flight (more than 12 hours). The passenger will have the choice of picking up the delayed assistive device at the airport or having it delivered to a reasonable location.
Reimbursement For Accessible Ground Transportation
Passengers will be reimbursed for accessible ground transportation should they decide to pick up their delayed assistive device at the airport.
Prompt Repair or Replacement of Damaged Assistive Devices
As of March 17, 2025 carriers must offer passengers a choice in regards to repair or replacement of damaged assistive devices. Passengers can opt to have the carrier arrange for repair or replacement, or the passenger can arrange for repair or replacement at their chosen vendor. If the latter option is chosen, the carrier will transport the assistive device to the repair location and pay for the needed repairs.
It should be noted that the Montreal Convention still remains in effect for the liability limits for assistive devices damaged or lost on international flights. The carrier liability limit for this is $1731.
Appropriate Loaner Wheelchairs
If the airline provides a loaner assistive device because of loss or damage, and it does not meet the passenger’s needs, the passenger can find an appropriate substitute elsewhere. If this happens, the airline must reimburse the passenger for the rental within 30 days. The airline can require receipts, invoices or other documentation.
Rebooking Requirements for Service Failures
If a passenger’s assistive device will not fit into the cargo hold, the airline must book the passenger on the next available flight that can accommodate it. This will be done at no additional charge, even if a partner carrier is used.
New Onboard Wheelchair Standards
Finally, the 2025 Air Carrier Access Act updates include requirements for new safety standards and accessibility features for on-board wheelchairs. These include adequate padding, locking wheels, restraints and new size requirements. They go into effect for new aisle chairs purchased on twin aisle aircraft and aircraft with over 60 seats on October 2, 2026. And they go into effect for all other covered aircraft on October 2, 2031.
Flying with a child who lacks trunk support may appear impossible at first glance. Although the process is manageable with infants, as children grow it can become more difficult. That said, with a bit of research, preparation and education, flying can become a reality for toddlers, teens and even young adults who lack trunk support. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know to have a safe and comfortable flight.
Infants
Infants are pretty easy, as far as air travel is concerned. Basically you just need to bring along a Federal Aviation Association (FAA) approved Child Restraint System (CRS) – more commonly known as a car seat. It can be a forward or rear facing model, but it must have two FAA approved labels on it. One label must include the text, “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards”. The other label must include (in red) the text “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” Alternatively, it’s acceptable to have the two labels merged into one if all the appropriate text is included.
It’s important to remember that under FAA regulations, no carrier may prohibit a child (any passenger under 18) from using an approved CRS as long as they have purchased a seat, fall within the manufacturer’s height and weight limits for the CRS, and are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Toddlers
As a child that lacks trunk support grows, parents have to explore other options. The FAA limits what type of seating devices may be brought aboard the aircraft, but many parents use neck pillows, towels and blankets to help support their children. Seating the child next to the window sometimes helps too, as they can lean on it for support. That said, you have to be careful with what you bring aboard, because unless it’s FAA-approved, any homemade device that straps to the seat or is too big and bulky will usually get the boot.
The CARES Harness (amsafe.com/kidsflysafe-com/) may be an option for some children. This FAA-approved harness straps to the seat and can be used on children over one year old who weight between 22 and 44 pounds and can sit in their own seat.
Another option is buy a first-class seat and physically help help the child maintain his balance during takeoff and landing. After that he can recline, and because of the extra room in first-class, the seat goes back further.
A number of companies also offer FAA-approved CRS for toddlers. They all have height and weight limits, so it’s best to check the company’s website carefully for these restrictions. It’s also important to remember that in order to take any CRS on an airplane, it must be labeled that it is FAA approved for use on an aircraft. If a CRS does not have this label, it will not be accepted, even if the manufacturer says it’s approved. Labeling is extremely important.
Older Children — European Carriers
Once a child gets older and gains more weight, flying with a child who lacks trunk support can be more difficult. That said, if you plan to travel throughout Europe, you may be able to use the Meru Travel Chair (merushop.org/product/travelchair-enabling-disabled-children-to-fly/).
This seating device is designed for children from 3 to 11 years old, who weight up to 35 kg (77 pounds). It was developed with the support of the UK Civil Aviation Authority and families with disabled children. The chair fits into an airplane seat and has an adjustable headrest, footrest and a body harness that allows for various levels of support. It should be noted that the Meru Travel Chair is designed for an upright airline seat, and once installed the seat cannot recline.
The Meru Travel Chair is approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), but it is not approved by the FAA. And if you do plan to use the Meru Travel Chair, it’s essential to give the airline at least 48 hours notice or more, to make sure that the aircraft can accommodate the seating device.
Older Children — US Carriers
In the US, if you want to use a Meru Travel Chair or any other non-approved CRS, or if your child exceeds the height and weight limits for an approved CRS, you need to file for an FAA exemption.
You will need to file a petition for exemption from section 121.311(b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-121/subpart-K/section-121.311). This is the section that specifies that “each child aboard an aircraft operated under part 121 must occupy an approved seat with a separate safety belt secured about him or her, and must not exceed the specified weight limit for the restraint system.”
Many exemptions have already been granted for children who lack trunk support. With that in mind, sometimes it helps to look at these granted exemptions to know how to correctly word a request for accommodations. Two well written examples are #7831 (Joseph Castasus) and #9834 (Avery Ottenbreit). Although they are older, many people have successfully patterned their petitions after them.
If your exemption is granted, it’s good for five years and it’s valid on all US airlines. Most exemptions also carry over into adulthood if a child turns 18 before it expires. After a child reaches adulthood, they need to file for an exemption on their own behalf.
The FAA recommends filing an exemption at least 120 days prior to your travel dates; however you’re not required to hold any reservations in order to file for an exemption. There’s no cost to file for an exemption, so it’s worth a shot if you plan on flying with a child who lacks trunk support. For more information about how to file an exemption, visit www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/petition/.
Before You Fly
There are also a few things you need to know about accessible air travel before you head to the airport. First and foremost, know your rights (emerginghorizons.com/the-disabled-air-travelers-bill-of-rights/) under the Air Carrier Access Act. These rules apply to US airlines and to foreign airlines on flights to and from the US. Learn the law, so you know what to expect.
It’s also advisable to check with the airline in advance if you are traveling with a toddler or an older child who uses a CRS, as some small aircraft may not be able to accommodate a larger CRS. Additionally, some seating restrictions — such as no exit row seating — may apply to passengers who travel with a CRS. And it’s always a good idea to give the airline plenty advance notice if you are traveling with an exemption, so there are no surprises or delays at the airport.
Regulations about flying with a CRS vary around the world. Some are more restrictive, while others are more liberal. Copious research is needed for international travel. Never assume that policies will be the same overseas, as they are in the US.
Finally, if you experience an issues about your CRS on a US airline or on flights to and from the US, contact the Complaints Resolution Official (emerginghorizons.com/flying-with-a-wheelchair-remember-the-cro/). This airline employee is specifically trained to resolved access-related issues, and all covered airlines must have a CRO available by phone or in person. The CRO can be your best ally when you run into an access problem.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which has been on the books since 1986, details what services US airlines must provide to disabled passengers. These regulations also cover foreign air carriers that fly routes to and from the US. Although it’s a good idea to read the regulations in their entirety at www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382, there are a few key provisions that every traveler should note. With that in mind, I’ve created a Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights, which highlights those provisions.
Of course, sometimes there’s a big difference between the regulations that dictate what should happen, and what actually happens in real life. With that in mind, not only have I pointed out some possible air travel “realities”, but I’ve also included some helpful tips and tricks about how to remedy access missteps that could pop up along the way. And for your reference, I’ve also noted the specific parts of the ACAA that convey each right.
1. You Have the Right to Curbside Wheelchair Assistance
Curbside wheelchair assistance tops the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights. Some airports are huge, and slow walkers who use a cane or walker literally can’t manage the distance. Under § 382.91 of the ACAA, airlines are required to provide wheelchair assistance from the terminal entrance (or vehicle drop-off point) to the gate. Not only must they provide a wheelchair, but they must also provide someone to push that wheelchair and offer luggage assistance.
The reality of the situation is that sometimes this just doesn’t happen, even when you make advance arrangements. So what should you do if you are left stranded at the curb? The solution to this dilemma actually starts before the trip. Contact the airline prior to your departure and ask for the local number of the airline. Then put it in your cell phone so you have it handy if the airport wheelchair is a no-show. That way you won’t have to spend precious moments on hold and be forced to navigate through endless prompts, in order to get assistance.
And when all else fails call the airline out on social media. This shouldn’t be your initial response, but when your requests for assistance go unanswered, it’s sometimes the fastest way to get results.
Additionally, when you get to your gate don’t let them take the wheelchair away, even if you can easily make it down the jetbridge to the aircraft. The reason for this is that if there’s a gate change – which isn’t uncommon – you will need a wheelchair to get to your new gate. If they take that airport wheelchair away, you will be stranded. And sometimes that new gate can be quite a hike from the original gate.
2. You Have the Right to Remain in Your Own Wheelchair to the Aircraft Door
This is called gate checking your wheelchair and it’s absolutely something that you want to do. Why? First and foremost you will be more comfortable in your own wheelchair. Additionally, the less time the airline has your wheelchair, the less time they have to damage or misplace it. And under the ACAA US carriers are required to gate check wheelchairs whenever possible.
Of course the reality is that not everybody can stay in their own wheelchair all the way to the gate. In order to gate check your wheelchair it must have non-spillable batteries. If your wheelchair has spillable batteries you must arrive one hour earlier, surrender your wheelchair at check-in and then transfer to an airport wheelchair.
If your assistive device has Li-ion batteries, you may be able to stay in it all the way to the gate. Airlines are allowed to – but not required to – accept assistive devices with Li-ion batteries. And all the airlines have different requirements for the packaging, labeling and transport of these batteries.
Bottom line – know your battery, and travel with a non-spillable battery if at all possible. And contact the airlines directly to find out about their requirements or restrictions on Li-ion batteries. Finally, consult § 382.125 of the ACAA to find out the specifics of this provision.
3. You Have the Right to Preboard the Aircraft
Next up on the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights — preboarding. Under § 382.93 of the ACAA, airlines must offer preboarding to disabled passengers who request this service. Preboarding simply means that you board the aircraft before general boarding is announced.
There are several advantages to preboarding. First and foremost, you can take your time going down the jetway, and you don’t have to worry about being trampled or crowded by other passengers. Additionally, you’ll get first crack at overhead storage space, and people won’t be staring at you as you transfer to your seat. Finally, if your seat doesn’t have a flip-up armrest (it happens), the flight attendant can easily reseat you before the other passengers board.
The reality of the situation is that many airlines no longer make preboarding announcements. And under the ACAA, they aren’t required to announce preboarding, they are just required to offer it. With that in mind, make sure and arrive at your gate early, and tell the gate agent that you need to preboard the aircraft. Then — and this is the important part — make yourself very visible at the gate. Do not wander away. Out of sight is out of mind, and you certainly don’t want the gate agent to forget you.
4. You Have the Right to a Dignified Boarding
A very important facet of the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights is the right to a dignified boarding. A dignified boarding is either a level boarding or access to the aircraft by a lift. Under § 382.101 of the ACAA, US airline employees are never allowed to hand carry disabled passengers on board the aircraft.
Accessible boarding — either by a level jetway or a lift — is required on aircraft with 19 or more seats at US airports. Most larger airports have jetbridges, so you can just roll on the aircraft. At airports without jetbridges passengers deplane directly to the tarmac, via a portable stairway. At these airports, lift boarding is required if the airport has more than 10,000 enplanements (passengers) per year.
And although these boarding requirements also apply to foreign carriers that land in the US, it’s not a requirement at foreign airports. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to inquire about your boarding and deplaning options before you buy your ticket, especially on international flights. Additionally, don’t forget to ask about the weight limit of the lift if the airport doesn’t have jetways.
Also keep in mind, planes may enplane or deplane directly on the tarmac, even if the airport has jetbridges. This is usually a traffic issue, and it’s not uncommon at large airports. When this happens passengers deplane directly to the tarmac and are then bussed to the gate. If this is a possibility, it’s important to not only inquire about the availability of a lift, but also of an accessible bus.
5. You Have the Right to Appropriate Seating
Seating is another important topic addressed in the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights. To be honest, there’s a lot of confusion about what type of seating is required for wheelchair-users. Under § 382.61 of the ACAA, US aircraft with more than 30 seats must have movable armrests on at least half the seats. These flip-up armrests make transfers from the aisle chair a bit easier, and they are the only seating accommodation required for wheelchair-users.
That said, airlines cannot require a wheelchair-user to sit in a window seat or bar them from occupying an aisle seat. They can however prohibit a disabled passenger from sitting in an exit row.
Seating is further addressed in § 382.81 of the ACAA, which states that passengers with a fused leg or those who travel with a service animal are guaranteed bulkhead seating. It doesn’t require bulkhead seating for wheelchair-users or slow walkers. And if you qualify for bulkhead seating, it’s important to note that they do not have flip-up armrests.
The good news is, even though bulkhead seating is not required for wheelchair-users under the ACAA, many airlines routinely set aside these seats for any disabled passenger. Check with the carrier about their bulkhead seating policy if this is an accommodation you need. If they can accommodate you, great. If not keep checking until you find an airline that can. It’s also a good idea to check for airlines that offer open seating; because if you preboard you’ll have first pick of seats.
6. You Have the Right to Onboard Wheelchair Stowage on Most Aircraft
According to § 382.67 of the ACAA, US airlines must provide one priority wheelchair stowage space on aircraft with 100 or more seats.
This area must be at least 13 inches by 36 inches by 42 inches, which is deemed large enough to store a typical adult-sized wheelchair without having to remove the wheels. Although this space is usually located in the onboard closet, airlines can also strap a wheelchair to a row of seats. If the onboard wheelchair stowage space is in the closet, a sign must also be installed indicating that assistive devices stowed in this area get priority over all other items, including crew luggage.
The one thing to remember is that there is only one wheelchair stowage space per aircraft, and in order to use it you must preboard. So that’s one more reason to arrive at the gate early and take advantage of preboarding.
§ 382.123 of the ACAA also states that airline personnel are required to move other items — including crew luggage — in order to make room for a passenger’s wheelchair. Of course this doesn’t always happen, and sometimes the crew is reluctant to move their luggage. It’s a good idea to print out this section of the ACAA and take it with you in case that happens. And if that doesn’t work, then you’ll just have to enlist the assistance of the CRO (see #10 below).
7. You Have the Right to Fly
A very important tenet of the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights – airlines cannot deny you passage just because you are disabled. This is detailed in § 382.19 of the ACAA.
And although the airlines cannot deny disabled passengers passage, they can require them to travel with a safety assistant if they feel that they are unable to assist with their own emergency evacuation. That said the the only duty that a safety assistant has is to assist a disabled passenger in an emergency. And anybody – even someone you don’t know – can be a safety assistant. This is detailed in § 382.29 of the ACAA.
So if the gate agent says you can’t fly unaccompanied, all you have to do is ask another passenger to act as your safety assistant. Problem solved. Unfortunately not all gate agents know the law, so it’s a good idea print out this section of the regulations.
And if you have to, contact the CRO (see #10 below).
8. You Have the Right to Relieve Yourself on a Flight When Nature Calls
According to § 382.63 of the ACAA, accessible lavatories are required on all post-1992 US wide body aircraft. And if the aircraft has an accessible lavatory, it is also required to carry an on-board wheelchair.
The reality of the situation is that there are minimal requirements for an accessible lavatory. Basically they have to be big enough to accommodate the onboard wheelchair, and they must include an accessible call button, grab bars and faucets. There are no provisions for enough space for a caregiver or a transfer, so many folks can’t realistically use “accessible” airline lavatories. And again, they are only required on wide body (twin aisle) aircraft.
The good news is, that a revision of the ACAA to require accessible lavatories in single aisle aircraft is currently underway. Unfortunately the timeline for implementation is painfully slow, and if adopted as written, full implementation is at least 45 years away
For now, if you need a large lavatory, look to the newer wide body jets. Specifically, the 787 Dreamliner has a very spacious accessible lavatory. Also the newer Airbus 320 models have large space-flex accessible lavatories. Both of these models have plenty of room for both a wheelchair-user and a caregiver. Additionally it’s a good idea to check out the seating maps on www.seatguru.com. Although the site doesn’t list the exact size of the accessible lavatories, it’s easy to see the relative size compared to the standard lavatories.
And last but not least, if you will need the on-board wheelchair during the flight, ask the flight attendant to check and make sure it’s on the aircraft before takeoff. Sometimes they get offloaded and aren’t promptly replaced. And you don’t want to find this out in the middle of your flight.
9. You Have the Right to Compensation for Wheelchair Damage
Unfortunately wheelchair damage is sometimes a reality of air travel. § 382.131 of the ACAA addresses compensation for wheelchair damage.
On domestic flights (within the US), the airline liability limit for damaged assistive devices is the purchase price — not the replacement cost — of the item. And on international flights the airline liability limit for damaged assistive devices is covered under the Warsaw Convention ($25.29/kilo) or the Montreal Convention ($1731 limit).
So, if you have an older wheelchair, that costs more to replace today, you’ll be responsible for the difference. You’ll only be reimbursed for the original purchase price on domestic flights.
Although this coverage is limited, there are some steps you can take before your flight to make sure you will be adequately compensated. First and foremost, you should determine how much it would cost to replace your assistive device. Then check your homeowners insurance to see how much — if any — coverage you may have. Most policies cover personal property even when it leaves your residence; however some policies exclude assistive devices. And if your policy isn’t clear on this matter, call your agent for the most authoritative answer.
If you find that you don’t have any homeowners coverage, then shop around for a high deductible travel and baggage insurance that includes assistive devices. Again, it’s good to talk to a live person to make sure that you get adequate coverage. And make sure you get it in writing — don’t just rely on a random phone conversation.
10. You Have the Right to Have Your Disability-Related Complaint Addressed
This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights, as it offers an avenue to problem resolution. All US airlines and foreign airlines that fly to and from the US are required to have a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) on duty during operating hours. This person knows the law and is specifically trained to solve access related problems. This provision is included in §382.151 of the ACAA.
The reality of the situation is that not all airline employees are acquainted with the CRO or the disability complaint process. They are also sometimes not even aware of the ACAA. This is especially true of new hires.
So whenever you run into a wall on an access-related issue, always ask to speak to the CRO. If the employee you are dealing with does not know who or what the CRO is, then ask to speak to a supervisor. They are well aware of CRO duties, and they may even be a CRO; as it’s not uncommon for the airlines to have more than one CRO on duty at a time.
It’s also a good idea to bookmark the ACAA, so you can point out the law if you feel you are being mistreated.
Of course the goal of the CRO is to solve the problem on the spot, but if that doesn’t happen you can most certainly follow up when you return home. You can file an access related complaint directly with the airline within 45 days of your flight.
Additional Recourse For ACAA Violations
Even if you have already filed a complaint with the airline, you can also file a complaint with the Department of Transportation (DOT) for ACAA violations when you get home. This most likely won’t result in a solution to your specific problem, but the DOT has the authority to fine airlines for access shortfalls. And that usually results in better policies and procedures for passengers with disabilities.
I use a manual wheelchair and I’d like to train my dog to be a service animal so I can travel with him. There are so many places that offer training, certification and registration online, and I really have no idea of where to go. Can you recommend some certified trainers or schools, and also direct me to the official place to register my dog as a service animal?
Service Animal Training Resources
Service dogs help people in wheelchairs do a number of things. They can pick up things, open and close automatic doors, carry items, turn on lights and even retrieve a wheelchair that’s out of reach. That said, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), no official training, certification or registration is required for a dog to be considered a service animal. The only requirement is that the animal must perform a task or tasks to assist a person with a disability.
You can certainly self-train your dog to perform tasks to assist you — at home and when you travel. A good way to find an experienced trainer to work with you is to contact your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) and ask them for referrals to trainers that have worked with their clients. CILs are located throughout the US and they offer excellent disability-related resources. Here’s a directory to find one near you. ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory
There are also a number of reputable organizations that train service dogs and then pair them with folks who need them. These organizations usually begin with puppies and the training takes almost two years. After graduation each dog is paired with a person with a disability, and the team then undergoes additional training at the organization’s facility. Financial aid is usually available, and some service dog organizations operate as non-profits and provide the animals to qualified applicants at no charge. The wait for these animals can be several years; however since you want to train your own dog, these organizations aren’t a viable option for you.
Red Flags!
Finally, there are a number of websites that offer service dog certification, registration and equipment. In most cases you should steer clear of these sites, which are more commonly known as card mills. For a fee they will give you a card that says your dog is a service animal, add them to their registry and even send them a vest or a harness. Although there’s nothing technically illegal about this, it’s an unnecessary expense because in most cases you don’t need any official certification, registration or even a card for your dog to be classified as a service animal. Some of these websites also offer to certify dogs as emotional support animals, which are not recognized under the ADA or the Air Carrier Access Act (which governs accessible air travel).
It should also be noted that under the ADA, service animals are not required to wear tags, vests or harnesses that identify them as service animals. All that’s needed is the verbal assurance that the animal preforms tasks for an individual with a disability. Finally, be especially skeptical of any site that claims they are the “official service animal registry”, because according to the ADA there is no such thing.
I’m sure you’ll do a good job training your dog, and in the end you’ll have a great helper.
I use a manual wheelchair and I’d like to train my dog to be a service animal so I can travel with him. There are so many places that offer training, certification and registration online, and I really have no idea of where to go. Can you recommend some certified trainers or schools, and also direct me to the official place to register my dog as a service animal?