Global Travel Brands Back Standards for Assistance Dogs

Some of the biggest names in global travel and transport are backing a new campaign promoting high training and welfare standards for assistance dogs. The #BetterTogether campaign from Assistance Dogs International (ADI) highlights the benefits of well-trained assistance dogs for both service providers and customers, running during International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) from August 2 to 8, 2026 [97].

A Coalition of Major Carriers

The campaign features disabled people enjoying greater independence and access to air, rail, and ground transport when partnered with an ADI-certified assistance dog. Airlines including Qantas, Etihad, and easyJet, autonomous ride-hailing operator Waymo, and international rail service Eurostar have all backed the need for high training, behavior, and welfare standards when travelling with an assistance dog [97].

The Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, which handles 22,000 dogs and cats every year at one of the world's busiest airports, is also supporting the campaign [97].

"Airlines, ride-shares and train operators can be confident welcoming ADI-certified assistance dog teams because they are trained to the highest standards, developed over 40 years. More and more, the travel and transport industry recognizes the value of ADI standards, which ensure the safety and welfare of the assistance dog team and everyone else on board."

— David Locklin, Executive Director, Assistance Dogs International

What the Standard Covers

ADI standards are based on an industry-leading welfare and ethical framework covering a dog's breeding, training, working lives, and retirement. Well-trained, well-behaved, and well cared-for assistance dog teams are increasingly able to access planes, trains, buses, and taxis, as well as cafes, restaurants, health care facilities, and other public spaces [97].

ADI-certified assistance dogs also benefit from a tamper-proof ADI Digital ID, allowing venues and transport operators to quickly confirm a dog's certification is genuine [97].

Brands Weigh In

Individual partners echoed the campaign's message in their own statements. easyJet said the airline welcomes ADI-accredited assistance dogs on board free of charge, noting that "knowing that a dog has been trained by an ADI-accredited organization not only provides the support our customers need when they fly with us, but ensures the safety and wellbeing of all on board" [97].

Etihad said it "proudly welcomes ADI-certified assistance dog teams, ensuring they can travel with dignity and confidence across our growing global network," framing accessibility as "a shared responsibility" [97]. Eurostar confirmed it welcomes ADI-trained assistance dogs onboard its trains free of charge, with a booked space guaranteed next to their owner [97].

Qantas said it is "proud to partner with Assistance Dogs Australia and continue to welcome ADI-accredited assistance dog teams on board" as part of its push to make travel more accessible [97]. Waymo, meanwhile, positioned its ride-hailing service as a tool for independence, noting that assistance dog users gain "a reliable transportation option that helps remove barriers to everyday travel and unlocks greater access to work, healthcare, education, and the people and places that matter most" [97].

Why It Matters

The campaign arrives as ADI marks its role as the global leader in setting training, ethical, and welfare standards for assistance dogs, a mission it has pursued since 1987 [97][98]. By securing public commitments from major international carriers and ground transport operators during IADW, the #BetterTogether campaign aims to normalize consistent, high-confidence access for assistance dog teams across the travel industry, not just within individual countries or airlines, but as a shared global standard [97].