does anyone know if i need to get a doctor's note to fly with my service dog to HI? Alaska Air says yes, my doctor says 'no', that a certificate for the dog is all they should require
does anyone know if i need to get a doctor's note to fly with my service dog to HI? Alaska Air says yes, my doctor says 'no', that a certificate for the dog is all they should require
thx
cin
They're both wrong, however, if you have a certificate then they have to accept it. See page 21 in this guide.
For a service dog, there must be a physician’s statement which certifies the user is disabled and the service dog is required because of the user’s disability (OR a certificate of training of the service dog by a training program accredited by Assistance Dogs International, Inc., or a service dog training program with equally rigorous administrative, operational and training standards); and what tasks the animal has been trained to perform.
It looks like this could be a State requirement for Hawai`i:
I see. The link I posted has to do with the flight itself. The state has additional requirements to have the dog there. I'm not sure if that is right or wrong for the state to do that. I assume these requirements comply with the ADA.
(2) For entering Hawaii, it is indeed the Amercans With Disabilities Act that applies. Due to Hawaii being a rabies-free island, its schema for the admission of certain service animals does comport with the ADA.
(4) Do yourself a favor, and begin the process as early as possible, even if just an initial e-mail contact to let them know that paperwork will be going to them at some point in the future.
(5) Do yourself a second favor, and ensure that you request an inspection in the terminal, or else the dog must be brought by the airline to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility for verification of compliance with requirements and examination of the dog for external parasites. It will then be necessary for you to walk about 10 mins to their location, outside the passenger terminal.
Quote:
KEY POINTS FOR QUALIFYING AS A SERVICE DOG OR AN EXEMPTED GUIDE DOG
The dog must have current rabies vaccination. (Documentation of the vaccination must include the product name, the lot or serial number, and the expiration date of the lot.)
The dog must have an electronic microchip implanted for identification.
Prior to arrival the dog must have passed one OIE-FAVN test after 12 months of age, with a level of 0.5 I.U. rabies antibody or greater. The laboratory will not perform the tests unless the microchip number accompanies the test request form. A passing test result is valid for three (3) years.
The dog must have a standard health certificate issued not more than 30 days prior to arrival in Hawai`i, attesting that the dog was treated within 14 days of arrival with a product containing Fipronil or an equivalent long-acting product labeled to kill ticks. A valid health certificate is required for each entry into Hawai`i.
For a service dog, there must be a physician’s statement which certifies the user is disabled and the service dog is required because of the user’s disability (OR a certificate of training of the service dog by a training program accredited by Assistance Dogs International, Inc., or a service dog training program with equally rigorous administrative, operational and training standards); and what tasks the animal has been trained to perform.
To prevent delays on arrival, it is strongly advised that all required documents be sent to the Rabies Quarantine Branch well ahead of your intended arrival date. Information can be mailed to the Animal Quarantine Station, 99-951 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, HI 96701 or faxed to (808) 483-7161. Staff may be contacted by telephone (808) 483-7151 or (808) 837-8092 or e-mail: rabiesfree@hawaii.gov to assist you with preparations.
The Rabies Quarantine Branch must receive notification at least 24 hours in advance of arrival information and location where the dog will be staying. Information can be faxed to 808-483-7161.
On arrival in Hawai`i, the dog must be brought by the airline to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility for verification of compliance with the above requirements and examination of the dog for external parasites. If all is in order, the dog will be released at that point.
Qualified Guide dog and Service dog users may request inspection in the terminal at Honolulu International Airport between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, by notifying the Rabies Quarantine Branch 7 days or more before arriving. In these cases, a “Notice of Terminal Inspection” with tracking number will be issued and sent to the user. To avoid confusion and delays, this Notice must be presented to airline representatives upon arrival in Hawai`i. After inspection, if all is in order, the dog will be released.
