09/02/2026
🐾 September is National Service Dog Month
This month is an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary work of service dogs—and the independence, support, and partnership they provide to people with disabilities.
It is also an opportunity for greater education.
What is a service dog? How is a service dog different from a therapy dog or emotional support animal? What is appropriate etiquette around a working service dog? And how can misrepresentation affect legitimate service dog teams?
These are important conversations—especially when we consider air travel, where a service dog must navigate an environment very different from everyday public access.
🎙️ On When Pets Fly®: The Veterinary Air Travel Podcast, I spoke with Blake Woody, CEO of Certify Canine, about service dog certification, awareness, misrepresentation, behavior, and real-world readiness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkXhNXHkvAs&t=34s
And there’s more to come.
📅 September 11, 2026 | 1:00 PM ET
I’ll be joined by Brittany Esparza and Becca Bell of Canine Companions for another important conversation about service dogs and air travel.
Throughout National Service Dog Month, I hope we can do more than celebrate these remarkable dogs. Let’s also learn how to respect, support, and protect the teams who depend on them.
— Nelva J. Bryant, DVM, MPH
When Pets Fly®: The Veterinary Air Travel Podcast
Safe Pet Travel Starts With Us™
When Pets Fly CareCredit PetTravel Canine Companions Certify Canine
