Training assistance dogs in Ontario since 2018 · 60 dogs trained Verify a credential  ·  hello@sensorydogs.ca
HomeAir travel

Flying with an assistance dog.

This is where families get hurt, so we would rather be blunt about it before you spend a dollar with us. If a trainer promises you cabin access, walk away.

The four things to understand

No private company can grant you cabin access. Not us, not anyone. Airlines set their own acceptance criteria and can require their own assessment, regardless of what document you hold.
There is no government service dog registry in Ontario. Any website selling a “national registration” or an official-looking ID is selling you nothing. Ours says “not a government document” on the card, because it isn’t one.
What we can do is prepare you to pass. Air Canada opened an assessment path for owner-trained service dogs in 2026, delivered through an approved partner. Our Travel Readiness module is built against it — including the 120-minute footwell settle that most teams fail.
And give you documentation that holds up. A dated training record, a named independent assessor, a task list, and a credential number the carrier can verify. Facts with dates — not a claim of entitlement.

The Travel Readiness module

  • 120 minutes continuous settle in a footwell-sized space, dog fully within the footprint
  • No vocalisation for the full settle period
  • Relief on cue on at least two surfaces — grass, concrete, gravel, turf, or pad
  • Documented ability to hold elimination eight hours or more
  • Security screening simulation, including separation and reunion
  • Escalator, moving walkway, and narrow corridor
  • Crowded gate settle with announcements and rolling luggage
  • Handler knowledge check on carrier timelines and relief planning

Dual-scored by two independent assessors. Video recorded without exception.

Before you book anything

Confirm your carrier’s current policy directly with them, in writing, and allow for their notification deadlines. Policies change, and the version on a forum is usually a year out of date. We will help you read it.

Planning a flight?

Tell us the route and the timeline and we will tell you honestly whether your team is ready, and what it would take if not.

Talk to us about travel