Accessibility is a human right and essential for the independence and full participation of persons with disabilities in society. It goes beyond accessible environments, products, and services to include necessary human or animal assistance.
For persons with disabilities or reduced mobility, assistance dogs are vital partners that foster independence, inclusion, and safety. They also play a crucial role for individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy, performing specialised tasks that enhance autonomy and well-being.
Given their essential role, assistance dogs are legally granted special access rights across all Member States. Handlers are entitled to enter public spaces and services with their assistance dogs—even where other animals are prohibited—free of charge and with reasonable accommodations, such as additional space when required. However, putting this right into practice has proved difficult. Denying access or imposing extra fees constitutes discrimination based on disability.
This document presents EDF’s key recommendations on the air transport of assistance dogs:
- Airlines should be flexible with documentation as long as the dog supports a person with a disability or reduced mobility and is trained. National credentials should be accepted, and ADI/IGDF certification should not be the sole requirement. Documents from national authorities or other accredited trainers should also be valid.
- Requirements for traveling with assistance dogs in the cabin free of charge should be minimal and non-discriminatory. Airlines must not impose unnecessary restrictions such as medical certificates, size or breed limits, or pre-notification rules that breach Regulation 1107/2006. Limits on the number of assistance dogs per flight should also be avoided.
- The European Commission should propose legislation to ensure mutual recognition of assistance dogs across the EU, potentially through an EU database or a unified assistance dog card.
Download the complete position paper below
EDF position paper on assistance dogs in air travel (Word document)
EDF position paper on assistance dogs in air travel (PDF document)