Traveling with Service Animals By Air, Road, Rail, and Ship Across North America

The number of trained service animals (not including therapeutic and emotional-support animals) has exploded in the U.S. and Canada, and many of these animals' handlers are avid travelers. But how does one approach a vacation with a service animal? In wonderfully practical language, Kisor and Goodier, both of whom use hearing dogs, walk the reader through all forms of travel with their partners. Mainly concerned with travel within North America, the book covers airline travel, long-distance trains, automobile and bus trips, cruises, and what documentation is required and/or advisable. Each chapter discusses the basics, such as how to ticket the service animal, choice of seats, when and how to toilet the animal, and concerns such as passing through TSA checkpoints, travel needs on cruise ships and trains, dealing with Uber and Lyft, and how to address the inevitable meetings with other animals. The final chapter on required and recommended paperwork is extremely thorough. Enlivened throughout with first-hand anecdotes of the authors and other service animal handlers, this long overdue handbook is a winner.--Nancy Bent Copyright 2010 Booklist

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Kisor and freelance travel writer Goodier, both seasoned travelers with service dogs, offer a guide for those wishing to do the same. Only dogs and miniature horses are recognized by the U.S. government as service animals. Coverage is for North America only, and includes chapters on air travel (getting through TSA, negotiating airports), train travel (finding elusive potty stops), cruise ships (dining and onshore excursions), and on the road, including buses. The authors, and others with service animals, share their experiences, from packing supplies for their animals to making sure the considerable paperwork is completed and identifying which rides at Disneyland are animal-friendly. Service animals and their human companions also have to deal with unexpected reactions from zoo animals and off-leash pets. Included are checklists, government regulations for most of the countries, corporate policies of many of the major carriers, advice for emergencies (including evacuation in case of a disaster), and a list of useful organizations. VERDICT A highly recommended resource for anyone who travels with a service animal, as well as for anyone who works in transportation, hospitality, or any business with public accommodations.--Susan Belsky, Oshkosh P.L., WI