CTA 101 - Your rights when travelling with a service dog

August 6, 2026 – Gatineau, QC – The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) reminds Canadians of their rights when travelling with a service dog under the Accessible transportation for persons with disabilities regulations (ATPDR).

What is a service dog?

The ATPDR define a service dog as individually trained by an organization or person specializing in service dog training to perform tasks that assist a person living with a disability. These tasks may include guiding individuals with visual disabilities, alerting persons with hearing loss, pulling wheelchairs, detecting seizures, or supporting mental health disabilities such as PTSD.

Your Rights

  • No additional cost: Transportation Service Providers (TSPs) must accept service dogs on board at no additional charge.
  • Adequate space: TSPs must provide sufficient floor space for the service dog to remain at your feet in a manner that protects the safety and well-being of both you and your dog.
  • Adjacent seating: If required, TSPs must provide an additional seat next to you to accommodate your service dog. The additional seat is free of charge for domestic travel.
  • Relief areas: Terminals must have designated areas for service dogs to relieve themselves.
  • Access to facilities: Passengers with service dogs must be permitted to use the washroom that has the most amount of space on board, regardless of where it is located.
  • Personnel training: TSPs staff must be trained to assist passengers travelling with service dogs.

Your Responsibilities

  • Advance Notice: Notify the carrier at least 48 hours before travel that you will be travelling with a service dog.
  • Documentation: Be prepared to provide proof that your dog is trained by an organization or person specializing in service dog training to assist with a disability-related need.
  • Control: You must maintain control of your service dog at all times during travel.

The ATPDR only apply to service dogs and do not address travelling with pets or emotional support animals. TSPs should be contacted for information on the transportation of these other types of animals, including any conditions that may apply.

For additional information, consult the CTA’s guidance material:

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