Two people walking through an airport with guide dogs on leashes.

Recognized Guide and Assistance Dogs

Recognized guide and assistance dogs, regardless of breed or type, are trained to assist persons with motor disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, intellectual/relational disabilities, or other psychiatric disabilities.

Trained and recognized guide and assistance dogs may be carried in the cabin free of charge on ITA Airways flights.
For connecting flights, please check the regulations of the airline operating the individual flights; if your travel itinerary includes multiple airlines, you must confirm with each airline to ensure the dog is accepted on board.

A training certificate must be presented, certifying on letterhead (or with a legible stamp) from the relevant dog training center/institute that the dog is a service dog. Service dogs are not subject to quotas. The service must be requested at least 48 hours before the flight's departure and will be confirmed after all documentation has been verified.

Please note: Emotional support dogs are not considered trained assistance dogs and therefore cannot be transported free of charge on our flights. Their transportation is possible for a fee according to the procedures for carrying dogs in the cabin or in the hold, depending on the dog's weight.

If you are traveling outside of Italy, we recommend checking the regulatory and health requirements of your destination country in advance.

Remember, our ​Customer Information Assistance Office is available for any questions or information not covered here.

To ensure flight safety and cabin comfort, the dog must be trained to obey and behave appropriately in a public environment (e.g., not bark, growl, or attack people or other animals).

Small dogs are not required to travel in a carrier for the entire duration of the flight. If they travel without a carrier, they must use a leash and muzzle (if requested by the flight captain).
The guide dog must remain in front of the owner's seat and must wear a harness.

On board, the guide or assistance dog must adhere to the following rules:

  • The dog must remain under the direct control of the passenger at all times
  • The dog must not sit on seats or stand near emergency exits

Transportation of the dog is free of charge, even if it must be carried in the hold.
The passenger is responsible for any damage and additional costs incurred while transporting the dog.

Related

A passenger seated in an airport next to a pet carrier with a cat.

Pets in the Cabin

View the conditions and requirements for traveling in the cabin with your pet.

How to transport pets in the cabin
A passenger smiles in the airport while holding a dog and showing a document.

Travel Documents for Pets

View the documentation required for traveling with your pet in Italy and abroad.

Check required travel documents