Seeing Eye Dog, Walter expertly stepping out on the job. Walter (a black Labrador) walks in his blue & white harness, looking sideways at the camera guiding his Handler, Nina Smith (TravelPaws Founder & Director), visible only by her red boots.
Welcome from Nina Smith:
Audio Description:
Nina says "Hi, I'm Nina, my Guide Dog Nixon and I would like to welcome you to TravelPaws"
What TravelPaws Offers
Handler travel information
Information on the travel process, rules for specific countries, and tips & checklists.
International Handler Community
Do you want to share travel stories and learn from other handlers across the world? Join our Community.
Education and Awareness
Are you a business, service provider or member of the public? Do you want to ensure positive experiences for Handlers?
An update from TravelPaws
Please note that as of June 2025, the TravelPaws website will not be developed further as our Founder & Director has had to step back for health reasons. We are working to ensure that the website, and the valuable travel resources it contains, remain available for the Assistance Dog community.
If you believe in equal access and removing obstacles for people with disabilities, please consider donating to our GoFundMe to help keep this resource available. All contributions are greatly appreciated.
Travel Obligations and Tips
You don't have to compromise your independence, safety, security or mobility when you travel.
Leaving your Assistance Dog behind is like leaving your eyes, legs, ears, safety or security behind.
You should not be forced to leave your dog behind because the process is too hard.
Countries have different requirements, processes and exemptions for entering and leaving with an Assistance Dog.
Start with Introduction to Travel Rules then browse Travel Impacts for current topics that may impact your trip.
Steps & tips for Handlers embarking on international or domestic travel, as well as information for the tourism sector on improving Handler travel experiences.
Guide Dog Nixon, relaxing but always watching. Nixon, a palomino coloured lab, is lying on a lawn in harness with his head up, attentively watching.
Business and Public Index
Tourism Sector Checklists
If you're a business or individual involved in the tourism sector, read through our checklist range on accessible tourism to find out how best to ensure positive travel experiences for Handlers.
Interaction Principles
Check out TravelPaws' guidelines for having respectful interactions with Handlers and their Assistance Dogs, which were put together using insights from our global network of Handlers.
Public Access Campaigns
Get involved in our #StopRefusals campaign, which aims to reduce instances of Handlers being refused service by taxi and rideshare drivers by raising awareness about the public access rights of Assistance Dogs.
The TravelPaws Goal
We want Handlers to have the opportunity to TRAVEL WITHOUT BARRIERS.
TravelPaws is transforming the travel experience with your Assistance Dog by:
- encouraging you to consider the possibilities of travel
- connecting you with other Handlers to share experiences
- unravelling the complex maze of official travel requirements
- developing informative in-house resources
- presenting all information in a digestible format
- advocating to eliminate barriers & enable urgent travel
Dedications
I would like to shout out a huge thank-you to my beautiful first Seeing Eye Dog, Walter and my dear Guide Dog, Nixon both of whom, in different ways, helped me find my passion to travel again.
In April 2026, Lyla joined the team as my new Guide Dog. It’s still early in her journey, so there are no stories to share just yet, but she is already a very welcome part of the team. She’s a cheeky little princess. Remaining as a pet, Nixon is clearly enjoying this new chapter, and it has brought so much joy into his life.
Nina Smith
Founder & Director, TravelPaws.
