Flying

Trainee mindDogs cannot fly in the cabin, even if the airline states they can with certain supporting documents. This is a mindDog policy and MUST be adhered to. mindDog only approves of certified dogs flying after their first successful PAT and with experience traveling on public transport. This will ensure that the dog is familiar with many different situations, people in narrow spaces and to be settled for an extended amount of time.

Documents & Booking your Flight

Getting on the net and just booking a seat is not an option. All airlines have a special handling department which must be contacted.

Trainee mindDogs cannot fly in the cabin, even if the airline states they can with certain supporting documents. This is a mindDog policy and MUST be adhered to.

All airlines will want evidence that the dog is a genuine assistance dog and has passed a PAT. There will be forms to fill out and handlers will need to contact mindDog to support them through the process. You will need a copy of your PAT and a letter confirming your dog is certified. The airlines will also ask for additional information outside of what mindDog can provide that you will need to organise.

If you want to fly with your dog in the cabin you must have completed the Mass Transit/Flying section of your PAT. You must also contact flying@minddog.org.au so that we can provide you with a copy of the relevant section of your PAT and a letter certifying its authenticity (please allow at least 2 weeks for this). We will also provide you with important booking information and advice on how to book to avoid any delays or issues. Airlines will not accept your dog traveling in the cabin without these two documents.

Some airlines have weight and size limits for assistance dogs travelling in cabin, you will need to check this.

Airport & Security

As soon as the team arrives at any airport the mindDog must be toileted. Most large airports have a great deal of hard landscaping and grass can be hard to find. Making a “check it out” visit prior to flying is a good idea. Some major airports have assistance dog toilet facilities inside their terminals, though not all dogs are keen to use these. Some airlines will provide an absorbent pad for your dog to lie on, but be prepared and also bring some yourself and a mat for your dog to lay on.

At the airport the mindDog will have to pass through security. This is a time when the team’s ability to handle new experiences will be sorely tested. Some security personnel will be hostile and invasive. You need to be aware of this and be as patient as possible.

Staff will want to “inspect” your mindDog. This usually involves removing his vest and “patting him down”. To keep everyone calm we suggest that you remove your dog’s vest at the beginning to minimise being handled by a stranger. And a treat whilst he is being touched.

The team also needs to be prepared for the inevitable waiting. While the flight maybe short, the time spent in the airport will not be. Your mindDog may encounter steep steps into the plane at airports which don’t have air bridges. The steps may be open.You must practice on open metal stairs so your mindDog is comfortable with this.

In the Cabin

While an assistance dog will usually board first, the aisles are always cramped. When a mindDog is flying in the cabin, the airline will give them a seat. This is not for them to sit in. The dog has to lie on the floor between seats. The “free” seat is to give them the room to do this. Again, it is absolutely vital that the dog is toileted before boarding the plane. Apart from treats, the dog must not be fed or watered whilst on the plane.

Your dog will have to be settled and calm throughout the boarding procedure, dealing with people stumbling, hoisting their luggage into overhead compartments, being confused about where they are sitting, and the general chaos. And don’t forget kids — “There’s a doggie!!” Getting your mindDog to sit in the front footwell of a car is the best way to train him to handle the cramped space and “weird stuff” going on above him. And lots of treats during training!

However, nothing can prepare a mindDog for take-off and landing. This is the time when the handler must pay absolute attention to their dog. Regardless of the aircraft’s size the noise, rattling and sensation of take-off is a startling experience for the first-time flyer. Super high value treats are very important here but you must be sparing in their use. If you are on an international or long haul flight too many treats can have unfortunate toileting consequences.

The mindDog will need to be focused completely on their handler and ignoring what is happening around them. The same applies to landing but here the handler needs to think about changes in air pressure. You can’t tell a dog to “pop” his ears, but you can give him something to chew on. This is important. Air pressure changes can be painful.

Upon landing the team will usually be taken off the plane first. But remember it may not be plain sailing to exit the terminal. For international travelers there will be bio security inspections, immigration and customs to deal with. And you will have to wait for your baggage. Most airports will have staff waiting for you so remember to ask them if the terminal has indoor toileting facilities. That outside patch of grass is going to be a long way off!

Some mindDogs fly often and have no problems. Others can fly once or twice and be absolutely fine. It is important to remember that every flight is the first one. It is not unusual for a frequent flyer to suffer increasing stress with each flight. Handlers who fly their dogs often need to be very aware of this and take special note of their dog’s stress levels.

Handlers must remember that they are representing mindDog whenever they travel. Their behavior reflects not only on them but also on the entire mindDog community and the broader assistance dog community. They must conduct themselves with integrity, courtesy, and patience at all times, demonstrating a positive example of good behaviour and teamwork. Setting a positive standard helps educate the public and reinforces the vital role assistance dogs play in supporting their handlers.