Dogs have been more than just companions to humans for centuries; they have taken on essential working roles that enhance our daily lives and ensure public safety. A working dog is specially trained to perform tasks that assist humans, whether in service, therapy, facility support, law enforcement, search and rescue, or detection work. While service dogs are well known, many other types of working dogs play critical roles, from assisting individuals with disabilities to detecting contraband in airports and even locating missing persons in disaster zones.

Air travel with service dogs has become a topic of much discussion and regulation, especially in light of recent changes by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This article explores the rules and expectations surrounding service dogs on airplanes, their training requirements, and the general guidelines for ensuring a smooth and trouble-free flight experience for both the animals and their handlers.

One of the most common and intriguing questions in the realm of service dog training is, "What disabilities can or cannot be trained for?" Legally, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any condition defined as a disability can be addressed by a service dog. However, the practical reality depends on various factors, including the person, the dog, and the safety demands for the dog. For example, training a Pomeranian for mobility tasks is impractical due to the dog's size and strength limitations. This article will explore the range of disabilities that service dogs can be trained to assist with, while also considering the limitations and ethical considerations involved.