At Jefferson Lines, we want people of all abilities to choose our bus line for safe, convenient, and affordable travel. And if you happen to be accompanied by a service animal, rest assured that you and your friendly helper are always welcome abroad! 

What Constitutes a Service Animal?

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal “…is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability,” (ADA).

About Jefferson Lines Pet Policy

Passengers are allowed the service dogs necessary to travel. The service animal is the responsibility of its partner and must be leashed, harnessed, or transported using a carrier during bus travel. Service animals are not permitted to be seated in the aisle or occupy an individual seat. Your service animal must sit on your lap, or inside your space, at all times during travel. 

According to the ADA, animals that have not been trained to perform a specified job or task, do not qualify as service pets. Therefore, if a pet is used for emotional support, therapy, or companionship, they will not be accepted as a service animal on our bus.

For more information on our pet policy, please review our terms and conditions. If you have questions, we’re here to help you find the answers and solutions you need before your upcoming trip. 

Feel free to call us at 858-800-8898 or email us at info@jeffersonlies.com.

Tips for Traveling with a Service Animal

If this is your first time traveling with a service animal, or perhaps it’s your first time booking a ticket with Jefferson Lines, we’ve compiled a few helpful tips for traveling with your animal.

Be Sure to Have Your Paperwork Ready

Just as you’ll want to have your ID and bus ticket handy, you’ll also want to ensure any registration paperwork you have for your pet is available—should you need to present it during travel. 

Please note that the ADA does not require documentation as proof that an animal has been certified. However, drivers are permitted to ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what type of work or task the animal has been trained to perform. Sometimes, having this paper helps streamline the process.

Make Sure To Give Your Pet a Chance to Relieve Itself

Be sure to give your pet some time to go outside and relieve itself before boarding. This can often be a hassle when traveling by plane, as you usually need to go through TSA a second time once you leave the airport. However, with Jefferson Lines, we offer many convenient bus stop locations and amenities, so you can feel free to go outside to take your dog out and come back when your bus is getting ready to board.

Arrive Early

Remember to try to arrive early to your bus stop, so you have time to check in and board—without feeling rushed. Our friendly team of drivers are there to assist you, as needed. And all our businesses are wheelchair accessible.

For tips on traveling with a disability, we have a helpful resource page to walk you through the services we offer (including early boarding) to make your trip more comfortable and tailored to your individual needs. 

Remember to contact us if you have additional questions about your trip or to learn more about how we can best serve you.

Keep Your Service Animal Close By

As we mentioned earlier, your service animal will need to be leashed, harnessed, or comfortably seated in a carrier before you board the bus. This will help you keep your service animal close by and in your control at all times.

Ask for Help When Needed

As always, our team is here to support your travel experience. We want you to feel empowered and respected from departure to arrival. If you have any concerns, or just need assistance, contact us for help. We do recommend that you contact us at least 48 hours before your trip. This way, we can assure the best experience possible for you and your service animal.