Animal Airways Launches Global Initiative To Ensure Accessible Air Travel For Guide Dog Users

(MENAFN- Pressat) London, UK – 27 August 2025 – Animal Airways, a British company specialising in veterinary travel logistics and pet relocation, today announces a groundbreaking international service designed to support blind and visually impaired passengers flying with their guide dogs. The initiative addresses long-standing gaps in regulation, veterinary support, and documentation processes that have left many travellers without adequate solutions.

The Global Need

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 39 million people worldwide are blind , with an additional 246 million living with moderate to severe vision impairment . This represents an immense global community of potential guide dog users - highlighting the responsibility to ensure that wherever guide dogs travel, they are supported with professional veterinary care, documentation, and safe transport solutions.

A Human Story: Elad and his Guide Dog Mirvis

Beyond the statistics, the experience of real passengers brings the issue to life.

Elad Davidovich , a blind traveller, has flown across the world with his guide dog Mirvis. On a recent journey supported by Animal Airways, Mirvis was upgraded to the business class cabin - giving him the extra comfort and space that large guide dogs often need.

“Elad loves sharing the story,” says the Animal Airways team.“Every time he lands, he tells people how Mirvis settled quietly by his side throughout the flight, and how stress-free the experience was compared to past trips. For Elad, it's not just about reaching a destination - it's about travelling with dignity and independence.”

The Global and UK Context

The United Kingdom is home to one of the world's largest and most respected assistance dog organisations: Guide Dogs UK , which, as of late 2024, supports 3,197 active guide dog partnerships .

But the challenge is not only British - around the world, major guide dog associations are striving to support thousands of partnerships between blind people and their guide dogs.

Animal Airways has already facilitated flights across multiple continents, ensuring veterinary clearances, paperwork, and airline approvals are in place before departure. With its strong British base and global expertise, the company is uniquely positioned to support this international community.

“Across Britain and internationally, guide dog users face similar barriers,” explains Luiza Rosemberg, one of the veterinarians at Animal Airways .“Our mission is to work hand-in-hand with charities, airlines, and regulators worldwide to ensure that guide dog owners can travel freely and safely, wherever life takes them.”

Addressing the Gaps

While airlines have made progress in recognising the rights of passengers with assistance animals, there remains no organisation that manages the full chain of veterinary care, legal compliance, documentation, and safe transport for guide dogs.

Animal Airways fills this gap. With over 30 years of veterinary and regulatory expertise, the company now offers a comprehensive travel service tailored to guide dog users. Services include:

• Veterinary pre-clearance and health certification in compliance with IATA and governmental requirements.

• Preparation and submission of all travel documentation, including airline and border control forms.

• Custom flight-path planning to minimise stress for both passenger and animal.

• Continuous support before, during, and after flights to ensure smooth journeys.

A Call for Partnerships

Animal Airways is not only offering services, but also calling for collaboration.

“Air travel should be about inclusion, dignity, and independence,” adds Rosemberg.“By removing unnecessary obstacles, we can transform not just the flying experience, but the lives of thousands of people who depend on their guide dogs daily.”

To achieve this, Animal Airways is inviting partnerships with charities in the UK and worldwide, as well as with airlines that want to strengthen their accessibility policies.

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