Global travel brands back assistance dog standards campaign

Assistance Dogs International is using International Assistance Dog Week to rally airlines, rail operators and ride-hailing companies behind stricter training and welfare standards for assistance dogs. The campaign aims to expand access for disabled travelers while reducing friction for service providers.

Why it matters: - Assistance dogs with consistent training and welfare standards can make air, rail and ground transport more accessible for disabled people. - Service providers also gain clearer expectations for safety, behavior and customer handling when they welcome ADI-certified assistance dog teams. - The campaign reinforces access not just on planes and trains, but in taxis, cafes, restaurants, health care facilities and other public spaces.

What happened: - Assistance Dogs International launched the #BetterTogether campaign during International Assistance Dog Week, which runs 2-8 August 2026. - Qantas, Etihad, easyJet, Waymo and Eurostar backed the push for high training, behavior and welfare standards for assistance dogs. - Heathrow Animal Reception Centre also supported the campaign. - The campaign highlights disabled people gaining greater independence and access when partnered with an ADI-certified assistance dog.

The details: - ADI said its standards are built on a welfare and ethical framework covering breeding, training, working lives and retirement. - ADI-certified assistance dogs receive tamper-proof ADI Digital ID to prove they are genuine. - ADI accredits assistance dog training organizations on five continents. - ADI also runs the #Paws4Access campaign to push for inclusive access to transport, hospitality and leisure for tens of thousands of assistance dog teams worldwide. - Heathrow Animal Reception Centre handles 22,000 dogs and cats each year at one of the world’s busiest airports. - EasyJet said it welcomes ADI-accredited assistance dogs on board free of charge. - Etihad said it welcomes ADI-certified assistance dog teams at no additional cost across its global network. - Eurostar said it welcomes ADI trained assistance dogs onboard free of charge and gives them a booked space next to their owner. - Qantas said it continues to welcome ADI-accredited assistance dog teams on board through its partnership with Assistance Dogs Australia. - Waymo said accessible transportation helps people who travel with assistance dogs live more independently and reach work, healthcare, education and daily destinations.

Between the lines: - The backing from major airlines, rail operators and a ride-hailing company signals growing acceptance of ADI certification as a practical access standard. - ADI is also using the campaign to pressure businesses and governments in places where disabled travelers still face discrimination or inconsistent rules. - The emphasis on behavior and welfare standards suggests the industry wants fewer disputes over whether an assistance dog team should be allowed to travel.

What's next: - ADI says it will keep promoting public accessibility and challenging discrimination where service providers do not follow inclusive practices. - The campaign is expected to keep running throughout International Assistance Dog Week and beyond as ADI expands awareness of its standards. - Travelers can find ADI member organizations through the group’s website and contact channels provided in the announcement.

The bottom line: - The travel industry is increasingly treating ADI-certified assistance dogs as a standard path to safer, simpler access for disabled passengers.