Good dog.
Great travel buddy!
We test and certify service dogs to fly in the cabin with you, and to be calm partners everywhere else: restaurants, the supermarket, the doctor's office. It all starts with a free 30-minute evaluation.
Temperament ✓ · Obedience ✓ · Public access ✓
Your buddy, by your side
Most of our pups train for the big trip. The same good manners make them welcome everywhere else, too.
- Most popularThe airplane cabinCurled up at your feet from takeoff to landing.
- RestaurantsUnder the table, not on the menu.
- The supermarketWalks right past the rotisserie chicken.
- The doctor's officeCalm in the waiting room, even when you're not.
- HotelsA quiet roommate who never hogs the remote.
- Subway, cabs & carsUnbothered by rush hour.
Three tests. Zero cramming.
Your pup passes all three to earn the K9 Companion ID card. Take them in one day or spread them out.
Temperament
The vibe check.
A stranger saying hi, a sudden noise, a rolling suitcase out of nowhere. We're looking for a curious dog who bounces back fast.
$80Basic Obedience
Sit, stay, and leave the pretzels alone.
Sit, stay, come, down and heel, on cue and with distractions. Neither a gate agent nor a waiter will wait for "one more try".
$150Public Access
A dress rehearsal for real life.
We head somewhere busy with real airport-terminal buzz: a mall, a train station, a crowded sidewalk. Your pup shows they can stay calm.
$250The good-dog checklist
Every certified K9 Companion dog is tested against AKC-based public access standards, right here in the city.
Manners on the street
- The basic 5: sit, stay, come, down and heel
- Goes potty only in appropriate places
- Enters and exits doorways without pulling
- Walks calmly through crowded city sidewalks
- Shrugs off city distractionsHorns, sirens, construction, skateboards, bikes, grates and grass
- Stops at the corner, waits, and crosses without pulling
- Ignores food on the sidewalk
Indoors & on the go
- Holds a 3-minute down-stay in a public lobby or outdoor area
- Handles stairs, steps and elevators with full controlEnters, rides and exits calmly
- Is fully house trained
- Rides the way you travelCar, subway, cabs, and the airplane cabin
From couch to cabin in 5 steps
Your dog sets the pace.
- 1
Free evaluation 30 minutes
At our place on West 80th, at your home, or anywhere you like. We get to know your dog. No tests yet, just hellos.
- 2
Temperament test Same day or later
Run it right after the evaluation, or book a day that suits you.
- 3
Obedience test Your call
Passed temperament? Take obedience the same day or schedule it for later.
- 4
Public access test Field trip
A real-world outing with crowds, noise and bustle.
- 5
Takeoff Certified
Your dog gets an ID card just like Panda's. Book that flight.
One fare. No baggage fees.
Every test-day payment counts toward your total.
You pay for each test when your dog takes it, and it counts toward the full certification. Pay by Venmo, Zelle or cash.
SchedulingAirline rules, in plain English
US airlines ask you to fill out the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form before you fly. Here's what the big three ask for.
American Airlines
- At least 4 months old and fully vaccinated
- Harnessed, leashed or tethered at all times
- Must fit safely at your feet. Final approval happens at the airport
- Too big? You may need to rebook, buy a seat, or ship as a checked pet
Delta Air Lines
- At least 4 months old and fully vaccinated
- Stays in your lap or on the floor, never in another passenger's space
- If one seat isn't enough, you can buy another seat
- Or check your dog to the cargo hold at no extra charge
United Airlines
- At least 4 months old and fully vaccinated
- Trained to help an individual with a disability
- Sits in the floor space at your seat, clear of the aisle
- Flies with its owner, or with its trainer while in training
Airline policies change. Always check your airline's page before you fly.
Hi, I'm Panda!Your dog is family. We train them like it.
K9 Companion is run by Richie Mahboub, an AKC evaluator. Our trainers bring more than 30 years of combined experience and more flights than we can count.
Panda, our own mini goldendoodle, was our first graduate.
Book your free evaluation
Pick a time that works for you. We'll meet at our place, your home, or anywhere you like.
Scheduling