Federal Rules and Definitions for Service Animals Airlines
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) finalized its final rule on service animals airlines in January 2021, which remains the primary federal framework. Under this rule, airlines must recognize dogs as service animals if they are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Emotional support animals are no longer classified as service animals for air travel, and airlines may treat them as pets under their standard pet policies. Airlines may also require forms attesting to the animal's health, behavior, and training for flights over 8 hours. For details, see the DOT's Air Travel Consumer Report and guidance pages here.
Under DOT regulations, airlines can require that service animals be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times in the airport and onboard, unless the handler's disability prevents using these devices. The animal must fit within the handler's foot space or on the handler's lap. Airlines may deny boarding to a service animal that is too large or heavy to be accommodated in the cabin, that poses a direct threat, or that is not housebroken. Airlines must process requests to fly with a service animal in the cabin at least 48 hours before departure, and they may not require advance documentation beyond the DOT forms. The DOT's full rule text is available here.
Airline Policies, Fees, and Documentation Requirements
Major U.S. Carriers and Their Service Animal Rules
Delta Air Lines requires passengers to submit a Service Animal Attestation form and a Veterinary Health Form at least 48 hours before departure. United Airlines requires the same forms and allows only dogs and, in some cases, miniature horses as service animals. American Airlines requires advance notification and documentation and states that emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals. Southwest Airlines allows dogs as service animals and requires them to sit on the floor at the passenger's feet without blocking aisles. Alaska Airlines provides a clear checklist of required documentation and behavioral expectations for service animals in the cabin here.
Many airlines now charge pet fees for emotional support animals or pets, while service animals in compliance with DOT rules are typically exempt from cabin pet fees. However, airlines may still require that the animal be leashed or harnessed and that the handler remain in control at all times. Some carriers have reported an increase in documentation requests and behavioral incidents involving animals that do not meet the DOT's service animal definition. Airlines such as JetBlue and Spirit provide online portals for uploading service animal forms and health certificates at least 48 hours before departure. The DOT's summary of airline obligations is available here.
Travel Trends, Compliance, and Practical Tips for 2025
Documentation, Training, and Behavioral Standards
In 2025, most airlines continue to rely on the DOT's two forms: the Service Animal Transportation Form and the Veterinary Health Form. Handlers should ensure their dog is trained to behave appropriately in public settings, as airlines may deny boarding to animals that show aggressive behavior, relieve themselves in the cabin, or disturb other passengers. Airlines may also ask for additional documentation if the animal's training or purpose is not apparent. Behavioral incidents have led some carriers to tighten documentation checks and to require more detailed descriptions of the tasks the animal performs. The DOT's guidance on service animal forms and airline compliance is available here.