Article 7(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/06 (Annex 1) allows a disabled passenger or a passenger with reduced mobility to use, throughout the air journey, a recognised assistance dog, in accordance with the applicable national legislation, as also set out in ENAC implementing Circular GEN 02B (in Italian language). [CE]

However, the maximum number of assistance dogs that can be carried on board national aircraft is subject to the size and layout of the aircraft cabin. In particular, assistance dogs must be located in pre-established spaces, to minimise disruption of normal operations and not to affect emergency operations. Consequently, assistance dogs may not be allowed on board certain aircraft if one or both of the above requirements are not met.

Therefore, to avoid regrettable problems after purchasing the ticket and close to the departure time, passengers are advised to inform the airline as soon as possible that they need to carry an assistance dog, to enable the airline to check whether this is feasible, in terms of the number of assistance dogs possibly already booked on the same flight and the space available.