Client Information Información para Clientes

Aviation Assessment Evaluación de Aviación

Ensuring flight-ready service dogs meet the highest standards. Asegurando que los perros de servicio listos para volar cumplan con los más altos estándares.

Why Aviation Assessment Matters Por Qué Importa la Evaluación de Aviación

Our aviation-specific assessment verifies that your service dog is prepared for the unique demands of air travel, giving you and airline staff peace of mind. Nuestra evaluación específica de aviación verifica que su perro de servicio está preparado para las demandas únicas del viaje aéreo.

DOT & ACAA Compliant Conforme a DOT y ACAA

Our assessment process is designed to align with the requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Upon successful completion, handlers receive certification that demonstrates compliance with federal aviation accessibility regulations. Nuestro proceso de evaluación está diseñado para cumplir con los requisitos establecidos por el DOT y la ACAA.

Air Travel Confidence Confianza en Viajes Aéreos

Fly with confidence knowing your service dog has been independently assessed for flight readiness. Our evaluation covers confined-space behavior, noise tolerance, settling under seats, and interaction with cabin crew and passengers—all critical factors for a successful flight experience. Vuele con confianza sabiendo que su perro de servicio ha sido evaluado independientemente para la preparación de vuelo.

Refusal Procedure Support Apoyo en Procedimientos de Rechazo

In the event that an airline questions your service dog's credentials, SAYGAV provides documented certification and, where appropriate, direct support to help resolve access disputes. Our team understands the legal framework and can assist handlers in navigating airline-specific procedures. En caso de que una aerolínea cuestione las credenciales de su perro de servicio, SAYGAV proporciona certificación documentada y apoyo directo.

Important Note Nota Importante

SAYGAV Academy offers aviation assessment to evaluate your service dog's readiness for air travel. However, handlers must also check airline-specific requirements, as individual carriers may have additional policies or documentation requests. For the most current federal regulations and airline obligations, please consult the U.S. Department of Transportation website. SAYGAV Academy ofrece evaluación de aviación para evaluar la preparación de su perro de servicio para viajes aéreos. Sin embargo, los manejadores también deben verificar los requisitos específicos de cada aerolínea.

Eligibility Elegibilidad

The SAYGAV Aviation Assessment is open to service dog teams trained through any of the following pathways: La Evaluación de Aviación de SAYGAV está abierta a equipos de perros de servicio entrenados a través de cualquiera de las siguientes vías:

Owner-Trained Entrenado por el Dueño

Handlers who have personally trained their service dog to perform disability-mitigating tasks. Manejadores que han entrenado personalmente a su perro de servicio.

Privately Trained Entrenado Privadamente

Dogs trained by a private professional trainer or training company on behalf of the handler. Perros entrenados por un entrenador profesional privado en nombre del manejador.

Non-ADI Organizations Organizaciones No-ADI

Teams trained by organizations that are not members of Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Equipos entrenados por organizaciones que no son miembros de ADI.

Required Documentation Documentación Requerida

All applicants must submit the following documentation before an assessment can be scheduled. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Todos los solicitantes deben presentar la siguiente documentación antes de que se pueda programar una evaluación.

01

Veterinary Health Form Formulario de Salud Veterinaria

A completed veterinary health form confirming your dog is in good physical health, free of contagious disease, and fit for travel. Must be issued within 12 months of the assessment date and signed by a licensed veterinarian. Un formulario de salud veterinaria completado que confirme que su perro está en buena salud física.

02

Vaccination Records Registros de Vacunación

Up-to-date vaccination records, including rabies, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus), and bordetella. Records must show current vaccination status with dates administered. Registros de vacunación actualizados, incluyendo rabia, DHPP y bordetella.

03

Liability Insurance Seguro de Responsabilidad

Proof of current liability insurance coverage for your service dog. This must include third-party liability coverage and be valid for the duration of your assessment and certification period. Prueba de cobertura de seguro de responsabilidad civil actual para su perro de servicio.

04

Healthcare Provider Letter Carta del Proveedor de Salud

A letter from a licensed healthcare professional (physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker) confirming that the handler has a disability as defined under the ADA and that the service dog performs tasks that directly mitigate the disability. Una carta de un profesional de salud licenciado que confirme que el manejador tiene una discapacidad según la ADA.

05

Task Demonstration Videos Videos de Demostración de Tareas

Video recordings demonstrating a minimum of three (3) trained tasks that your service dog performs to mitigate your disability. Each task must be clearly shown in a real-world setting, with the dog responding to handler cues reliably and consistently. Videos should be unedited and recorded in adequate lighting. Grabaciones de video que demuestren un mínimo de tres (3) tareas entrenadas que su perro de servicio realiza.

06

Signed Agreement Acuerdo Firmado

A signed agreement acknowledging the terms and conditions of the SAYGAV assessment process, including the code of ethics, assessment criteria, and certification requirements. This agreement must be signed by the handler prior to the assessment date. Un acuerdo firmado reconociendo los términos y condiciones del proceso de evaluación de SAYGAV.

Brachycephalic Breed Restriction Restricción de Razas Braquicefálicas

Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, including but not limited to Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese, are not eligible for the Aviation Assessment due to documented altitude-related health risks, including respiratory distress at cabin pressure. These breeds may still be eligible for the Public Access Assessment. Handlers are encouraged to consult with their veterinarian regarding breed-specific air travel considerations. Las razas braquicefálicas (de nariz corta), incluidas Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus y Pekineses, no son elegibles para la Evaluación de Aviación debido a riesgos de salud relacionados con la altitud.

The Process El Proceso

From application to certification, here is what to expect at each stage of the Aviation Assessment process. Desde la solicitud hasta la certificación, esto es lo que puede esperar en cada etapa del proceso.

1

Application Submission Envío de Solicitud

Complete and submit your application along with all required documentation. Ensure all forms are filled out accurately and all video demonstrations meet the specified criteria. Applications with missing or incomplete documentation will be returned. Complete y envíe su solicitud junto con toda la documentación requerida.

2

Documentation Review Revisión de Documentación

Our team reviews all submitted documentation, including veterinary records, healthcare provider letters, insurance documentation, and task demonstration videos. We verify the completeness and validity of each item. You will be notified if any additional information is required. Nuestro equipo revisa toda la documentación presentada. Se le notificará si se requiere información adicional.

3

Pre-Assessment Video Interview Entrevista de Pre-Evaluación por Video

Upon acceptance of your application, we arrange a video-based interview with you and your service dog. This session allows our team to discuss the assessment process, address your questions, observe your dog's general demeanor, and determine whether proceeding to an in-person evaluation is appropriate. This is a collaborative conversation, not a pass/fail test. Una vez aceptada su solicitud, organizamos una entrevista por video con usted y su perro de servicio.

4

Assessor Assignment Asignación de Evaluador

A qualified SAYGAV assessor is assigned to your case based on your location and schedule. You will receive the assessor's credentials and contact information, along with available dates and locations for the in-person evaluation. Se asigna un evaluador calificado de SAYGAV a su caso según su ubicación y horario.

5

In-Person Assessment Evaluación Presencial

The final stage is a comprehensive in-person assessment conducted by your assigned assessor. The evaluation covers obedience, task performance, public behavior, stress management, and aviation-specific scenarios including confined-space behavior, noise tolerance, and interaction with unfamiliar people. Upon successful completion, you receive your SAYGAV Aviation Certification. La etapa final es una evaluación presencial integral realizada por su evaluador asignado.

Assessment Day: What to Bring Día de Evaluación: Qué Traer

On the day of your in-person assessment, please ensure you arrive with the following items. Being prepared helps the assessment proceed smoothly and demonstrates your readiness as a handler. El día de su evaluación presencial, asegúrese de llegar con los siguientes artículos.

  • Settling mat or blanket for your dog Tapete o manta de asentamiento para su perro
  • Portable water bowl and fresh water Tazón de agua portátil y agua fresca
  • Treat bag with training rewards Bolsa de premios con recompensas de entrenamiento
  • Cleanup supplies (waste bags, paper towels) Suministros de limpieza (bolsas de desechos, toallas de papel)
  • Current photo identification Identificación con foto vigente
  • Copies of all submitted documentation Copias de toda la documentación presentada

Training Standards During Assessment Estándares de Entrenamiento Durante la Evaluación

During the assessment, our evaluators observe the handler-dog team's working relationship and the dog's response to commands. The following standards apply: Durante la evaluación, nuestros evaluadores observan la relación de trabajo del equipo manejador-perro.

Visual & Spoken Cues Señales Visuales y Habladas

Dogs must respond reliably to both visual (hand signals) and spoken (verbal commands) cues. Handlers may use either or both methods, provided the dog demonstrates consistent, prompt responses. Excessive repetition of commands or raised voice will be noted. Los perros deben responder de manera confiable a señales visuales y habladas.

No Food Luring Sin Uso de Comida como Señuelo

Food may be used as a reward after task completion but must not be used to lure, bribe, or prompt the dog into performing a behavior. The dog must demonstrate that it performs tasks based on training, not food motivation. Treats should remain in the treat bag until used as a reward. La comida puede usarse como recompensa después de completar una tarea, pero no debe usarse como señuelo.

Handler Conduct Conducta del Manejador

Handlers are expected to demonstrate calm, confident leadership throughout the assessment. The handler-dog team should work as a cohesive unit. Physical corrections, verbal reprimands, or any use of aversive tools is not permitted during the assessment. Se espera que los manejadores demuestren un liderazgo tranquilo y seguro durante toda la evaluación.

GAV staff at airline check-in

Fees Tarifas

Initial Assessment Evaluación Inicial

$95

One-time fee Pago único

Annual Renewal Renovación Anual

$95

Per year Por año

Aviation Assessment certificates are valid for one (1) year from the date of issue. Handlers must complete the annual renewal process, which includes updated documentation and a renewal fee, to maintain their certification. Failure to renew before the expiration date will require a new full assessment. Los certificados de Evaluación de Aviación son válidos por un (1) año desde la fecha de emisión.

Ready to Fly? Listo para Volar?

Take the first step toward aviation certification for your service dog. Our team will guide you through every stage of the process, from application to certification. Dé el primer paso hacia la certificación de aviación para su perro de servicio.