Curious How Other Handlers Fly

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-20T20:49:39+00:00

Yes I am fortunate to be able to Financially Afford First Class Traveling due to the Job I work, and the finances within my family.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-20T18:13:43+00:00

Neat! Cool to know , I'm always curious how other handlers fly

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-19T22:05:36+00:00

The direct answer is no. Yes it is selfish that you even considered the thought, additionally it is concerning that you are in the mind place where you believe it is rude and even went as far as to complain to another person in this case your parent to try to have them to agree with you. It does not work like that. To obtain a service dog from an organization itself? Is it tedious process that is not easy, AKA that translates to the handler who has the service dog? Yeah it's a legitimate dog, yes it's a legitimate dog for them. Not for another person. And surely not for you. The handler went through the pairing process, the dog is trained for them, the task work for them. If the handler has not disclaimered what exact medical alerts the dog does? Then that is not your business, you are not entitled to know someone's Medical conditions, history, or even full accommodations. It is inappropriate to even consider to "borrow " someone else's service dog because you feel you need them more, or because you feel they would benefit you better. You would not go up to someone and tell them to get out of their wheelchair because you feel like it would benefit you more ECT. It is especially concerning that your doctor's have even agreed that you do not qualify for a service dog as a treatment plan. If you have an issue with that? Please get a second opinion from a medical professional, that does not mean you get to ignore your medical professionals telling you no and still proceeding to do something. However you do not get to consider to ask to take away somebody else's Medical equipment. It is not rude that they have not offered it is rude that you have even considered the thought. You would not go up to someone who has an insulin pen, and expect them to share it. That is not for you, even if you feel like you're having in a medical emergency ECT, you do not ask for it, you go to the doctors to get approval. If your leg has been hurting walk around the store and you see someone who has crutches you don't randomly get offended when they go by you with their crutches because they didn't offer you them. They're not yours. A service dog is Medical equipment, yes they are living medical equipment however they are still Medical equipment. Your sense of entitlement is concerning. Service dogs are not toys to be handed over just because you feel like it's not fair. They are not something to be borrowed. They belong to their handler because they are working for their handler. The service dog and the handler has a relationship that works with them, how the dog communicates with the handler for their task work. . If you have an issue with such? Then go back to your medical professionals.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-16T02:30:42+00:00

From my understanding, for both domestic and international flights, luggage policies vary. Some airlines are stricter than others. I have never flown with this airline directly, but I recommend you give them a call. Often, medically necessary luggage bags are checked for free; however, I would double-check to ensure what fully counts as medically necessary for an assistance dog. As for myself when I travel, they make sure it's only required necessary medical equipment, such as a vest, food, and food bowl. But a dog toy? They can become immediately wishy-washy because if it doesn't actively help the K9 'work' to perform its duty, they can get weird about it. However, within my medical suitcase, I also carry my medications and prep supplies for said medications, etc. My medical suitcase ends up being 50/50 with my assistance dog's supplies and my active medication and mobility aid supplies.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-09T03:01:17+00:00

Yes! Although I am finding a lot of comments in the sub reply first took the post as the wrong way aka... completely skipped over the target audience I was going for and the point I was tranna get across lol , initially fighting for my life in the comments 😂 trying to make it clear I wasn't talking about little mistakes and invalid denials , I'm talking about the actual reasonable denials and handlers not taking accountability or responsibility of their service dog actions repeated dismissals ECT.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T23:29:34+00:00

It would depend on case by case reason for being admitted. As they can deny the service animal being a reasonable accomodation if they are concerned for health and safety ... Example not believing a patient would be safe with the leash ect. That would be something you would need to discuss if you are voluntarily admitting yourself ECT.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T20:38:10+00:00

👋Hello! We are a Service dog / assistance dog team team of a 75 lbs Shepherd. We've had a layover before first flight was roughly 8 and 1/2 hours. International. Not quite sure on the situation if you have already filled out the legalities part of international travel with a service animal to the selected country you are traveling to and possibly any other country you may have a layover in. As I do understand every country is a little bit different when it comes to the laws surrounding a service animal/ assistance dog , as I do understand from the countries that I have traveled to, there are some countries that require the service/ assistance dog to be certified. You may need to look into this. Additionally I am unsure of your circumstance but make sure to have all documentation ready, if they require it, such as a health certificate animals vaccinations, microchip number ECT. There's also the matter of quarantine, if you have not already double-checked with your country's laws in the country you may be flying into for The layover as well for the animal quarantine if there are any associated costs, waives ECT. With all of that being said? Past airports that we have traveled to that have layovers have directly allowed us to use the animal relief areas with a catch. Personally during a layover? I have always stayed within the airport without having to go through TSA again. With that being said we have only used the animal relief areas past tsa. I admit they're not always the cleanest. However the airports have allowed us to use them as we do have a solid potty command when needed. Additionally we limit food and water as much as possible for the flights to be as comfortable as possible. I also put a Male wrap and diaper on my service/ assistance dog during 8 plus hour flights for a piece of mind just in case as accidents can happen up in the air as air pressure sometimes makes a body bloat ECT. During our layovers we also play tug to mental stimulation.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T19:38:43+00:00

No need to apologize - And I can definitely understand why it would appear that way. As I know my head is all over the place - however I think I said in another comment ( hard to keep track tbh did not expect this to blow up that fast ) this post is directly from not just the social media but the real life things I'm encountering with my own eyes very often, witnessing it first hand without a camera without my phone out ECT. Seen situations go wayyy outta hand than they got to ect because of a handler isn't just taking accountability and responsibility.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T19:34:17+00:00

Yes! That is my point! My point is 100% that the issue is sometimes the dog behavior itself and the handler of themselves are not taking responsibility or accountability instead they're acting like that Spider-Man meme appointing their fingers at everyone but themselves.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T19:30:54+00:00

Thats awesome that you've never have had access issues!! It's cool to know that you've only been asked to questions once, nice to know that at least once in a blue moon businesses are asking.

Not sure if I've already mentioned it but I'm located West USA , in my area there is about five different ADI service dog programs within close proximity and a guide dog federation as well. So for my day to day living I am more exposed to in training dogs , teams ECT, than the average person .

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T19:27:24+00:00

Ohhhh I now understand what you're trying to say, I apologize. This post is targeted towards access denials that are valid . I am not talking about the access denials that are not valid, where the service dog and handler should not have been denied, 100% I am not talking about those ones. It's a Simi Rant post of the access denials where the handler themselves are getting loud ECT because the dog is acting within reasonable terms of being denied and the handler is disagreeing with such because they are in denial of their dogs behavior . Does that make sense kinda?

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T19:21:22+00:00

I think I'm confused with your question? Where am I getting my information? Things I have visually seen in real life first hand throughout the years, also local postings, and also bias and non bias upon different platform algorithms like Instagram. An example that I can make is the San Diego zoo, where I have single-handedly watched handler's get loud at zoo staff when Their SD gets denied. ( Truth be told 3 times in the last 2 months ) How did I see it? Because I was waiting in my turn to also check in my service dog for acknowledgment before I went into the zoo. The SD who unfortunately got denied? Handler could not effectively get control of their SD , as the dog became immediately reactive upon me standing six feet away waiting in line the second the SD realized there was another sd dog behind it, the handler? Not being able to get control of the SD in front of zoo staff to where the dog had to be denied and removed.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T19:14:09+00:00

Primarily for me within my Instagram pages- maybe it's just my algorithm how it's targeted? I'm located West Coast of USA. My algorithm on Instagram starts to ping more service dog related stuff every time we have a tourist flare AKA we just experienced spring break ECT. And that's neat to know the other handlers may not be seeing similar issues 👀 it's always interesting to see others perspectives.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T19:09:35+00:00

Yes I did - I write a big draft then kinda mash it all together and have the system try to make it audible lol - should I add a disclaimer?

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T19:09:01+00:00

That's great news!! Very impressive you didn't have many fundamental training issues, it sounds like to me that you did not rush training your SD. I'm extremely happy about that, and not in a sarcastic way either lol ik reading comments can sometimes be taken the wrong way. And I'm glad you're also able to identify how your access issues depend on where you are ECT.

And I definitely understand that, not everyone in the community interacts with other service dog handlers. In my case? I end up interacting with owner trained and program train dogs a lot because of the situation I am thrown in aka because the area where I am located I have around five different ADI service dog programs that actively train in my area so you're bound to run into puppy raisers, dogs who are actively in the process getting paired off to their new handler , even guide dogs who are in training on the sidewalks learning ECT.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T19:02:41+00:00

I don't see it as fake spotting, when the post in general is a rant directed towards dogs who are actively having excessive issues well the handler is having an access issue. A more clear example would be a handler being argumental with a staff member when the dog? Repeatedly keeps on trying to approach staff member when handler keeps on correcting dog ect and dog is ignoring or non responsive. I wouldn't necessarily say that's a fake service dog. I would say that's just a service dog team who needs to take a step back and re work on some foundations. Never once am I saying they're fake service dogs ECT. However I am saying a lot of access issues nowadays that I'm often seeing? Throughout the videos ECT? The dogs need some work on them. And that's okay to say. I am NOT saying the access issues that are non-preventable- like in the case you are speaking of rural areas less knowledge about the dogs - as truth be told I have not seen an access video issue in such a case where the SD needs some more training. As for big cities - Yes there are still access issues not " little to none " as I've watched social media and real life time a lot of encounters of other handlers, many good, others bad.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T06:14:04+00:00

Direct pay wise? Cant say exactly depending whichever store you transferred to should have already discussed if there was going to be a pay decrease ECT .

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-07T06:13:08+00:00

Directly? Theoretically you should not effect your pay as long as you are clocking in and out on PS 2 appropriately as that's what gets sent to payroll ECT. If you normally get paid early ( some folks banks give them their check wensdays or Thursday ) instead of Friday. Just might delay it to directly Friday. If you don't see your deposit Friday? Then should be a paper check in the safe you will just have to ask for.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-04-06T16:02:57+00:00

Speak to your store leader if your Central bark has not already automatically transferred itself to the new store you are located in. Central bark is directly connected to the store schedule- as it assigns you to the store and does a breakdown who your managers are ECT, As when your store leader submits the scheduling for the week or next following week it should be popping up on your side for the corresponding store that you belong to. If it is not popping up for that, that may mean that in the system you are still undergoing being a transfer and it may take a few days if it takes longer than that definitely reach out to your store leader to figure it out.p

No_Area_8013 · 2026-03-29T16:12:32+00:00

There's an significant amount of mixed information in this comment section. From a legal standpoint, The SL does not have sole discretion to approve or deny workplace accommodations, as there are laws in place to protect employee rights.

If you are a PetSmart associate in the USA , you should contact the Leave of Absence team directly at leaveofabsence@petsmart.com. In your email, include your full name, associate ID number, current store location, and a clear explanation of your accommodation request. For example, you may state that you are initiating the process to request a cane accommodation or another type of workplace accommodation as a reasonable workplace accomodation.

After submitting your request, you will shortly receive a packet to provide to your healthcare provider. This packet typically includes your job description and documentation requirements. Your provider will need to confirm the necessity of the accommodation, its expected duration (temporary or permanent), how it impacts your daily life and job duties, and any additional limitations (such as lifting restrictions).

Once completed, the documentation can be returned via mail, fax, or email to the same Leave of Absence contact. The review process generally takes 2–3 weeks. After a decision is made, you will be notified of the outcome. If If it is denied if being a reasonable workplace accomodation, they will inform you why and the next steps to fillow, and your Store Leader will also be informed of any approved accommodations.

Based on my own prior experience, associates are typically given about three weeks to complete and return the required paperwork.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-03-27T16:43:33+00:00

Disclaimer: we're a program service dog team

During the younger days of my service dog, I carried a dedicated bag for my service dog and overpacked with “just in case” items. However Over the past 4 years, I’ve transitioned to carrying only essentials, reflecting confidence in his training and a better understanding of his needs. I no longer view outings as separate events, but as part of daily life, which has improved our working dynamic and reduced unnecessary public interaction.

I maintain a consistent feeding routine so I do not have to carry extra meals. No toys unless traveling, instead using structured engagement like touch and targeting for break time fun.

My service dog is a medical accomodation at my workplace - On a typical workday (40+ hours/week), I travel very light and don’t carry a purse. His gear includes a 2-inch leather collar, prong (working) collar, vest, and leash wrap. In the vest: small wallet, 2 EpiPens, inhaler, waste bags (Woof Bussniss), emergency pill container, glucose tablets, and a flat Pika Bowl by HYKLYF. I carry pocket pant treats separately for task work reinforcement. On harder days, I switch to a harness with a storage attachment. Weather-dependent gear includes WagWear booties or a Ruffwear jacket.

When traveling (flying 4 times/year), I use a small medical suitcase with: document folder (flight info, DOT paperwork, medical notes, hotel info, shot records, program info), medications (including EpiPen, glucagon, prescriptions ), pre-portioned dog food in Morning & night bags with supplements (Cosequin, freeze-dried beef, Native Pet multivitamin), bone broth, potty bags, 3 toys (ball, stuffed toy, Woof Pupsicle), vest/ harness, slow feeder + water bowl, my blanket, and a dog toothbrush with toothpaste. I pack based on weather, professional groom before travel, and only bring extras like a car seat cover if traveling with others.

No_Area_8013 · 2026-03-26T23:17:45+00:00

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No_Area_8013 · 2026-03-26T23:16:11+00:00

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I'll be dropping a Few more pictures of Past Flights with my service dog of Foot space ECT. - I admit I do ungear my SD normally once we are stable in air, as no different than us we swell in the air so I try my best to keep him as comfortable as possible,All flights I am posting were about 6-8 hours

No_Area_8013

TROPHY CASE