Johannesburg, September 2025 – National Service Dog Day, observed across the world on Saturday 20 September, is a special day to honour the vital role of service dogs in assisting individuals with disabilities and recognising their impact on improving lives.
In recognition of this special day, LIFT celebrates the extraordinary contributions of service dogs who transform lives through their unwavering dedication, intelligence, and compassion. From emotional support companions, highly trained life-saving medical and mobility dogs, to search and rescue heroes, these remarkable canines show us every day what it means to be a true partner.
LIFT has an ongoing partnership with Paws4life and K9 Search and Rescue Association of South Africa (K9SARA) to support the vital work of service and rescue dogs. This partnership enables K9SARA dogs to reach emergency sites more quickly, and ensures that emotional support and assistance dogs can travel alongside their owners with ease and dignity.
The Importance of travel support for working dogs: Why travel dog support matters
Both Paws4life and K9SARA emphasise how critical it is for dog-friendly airlines like LIFT to allow dogs to travel in the cabin. This accommodation ensures the animals arrive calm and ready to assist, reducing stress for both dogs and handlers. It also supports the mobility and independence of people relying on assistance dogs.
One of Paws4life’s most inspiring stories is of the founder’s own German Shepherd who helped her recover from a traumatic brain injury and severe anxiety – a testament to the power of unconditional canine support.
“I developed depression, complex PTSD, and severe anxiety. During that time, I struggled to engage with others and often avoided speaking to people altogether. I had a German Shepherd then, and he became my lifeline. Whenever I felt anxious, he would gently bring me to the floor and provide deep pressure therapy. After my brain injury, I often felt completely off balance, but he would stand patiently, helping me regain my footing and even assisted me to get back up if I fell. He was my constant support, helping me reconnect with the world one small step at a time”, says Calika Morries Engelbrecht, Lead Trainer / Behaviourist at Paws4life.
For those with support dogs, making sure they are comfortable on a flight is important. “As much as they support us, it’s also nice to show them a little TLC, bring a chew toy for them to chew on, and just reassure them that you’re together every step of the way. And if you’re a chatterbox, it’s okay to talk to them as much as possible – just be mindful, their ears do act up as well”, says Calika.
K9SARA: Heroes on four paws
With over 20 years of service and thousands of successful search operations, K9SARA is South Africa’s premier search and rescue dog organisation. Operating across multiple provinces, these highly trained dogs and their handlers specialise in finding lost or trapped people in disaster zones such as floods, building collapses, and wilderness areas.
“Our dogs are rigorously trained for two years to master skills for live rescues, disaster recovery, and trailing,” explains the K9SARA team. “Their work brings hope and closure to families in their darkest moments”, says James Smart, WC Joint Chair Person at K9SARA.
A standout story is that of Echo, a Disaster Dog who not only helped find survivors during the George building collapse in 2024; but also provided comfort and emotional support to rescue teams during and after the crisis, proving these dogs are invaluable both on and off the field.
Expanding the definition of support: Psychiatric, Autism & Medical Assistance Dogs
Working dogs serve in a wide range of roles beyond search and rescue. Among the most impactful are:
- Psychiatric & Autism support dogs: These dogs are trained to perform deep pressure therapy; lying across the abdomen or diaphragm to help regulate breathing during anxiety or panic attacks. They also assist with grounding techniques, helping individuals focus on sensory input to shift away from panic states. Daisy is a Psychiatric and Autism support dog, with Snow being a Psychiatric Assistance dog in training.
- Diabetic alert dogs: These dogs detect when blood glucose levels are too high or too low and alert their handler. Some are trained to retrieve fruit, drinks, or medication; tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
- Seizure alert & assistance dogs: These dogs can detect an impending seizure and prompt their handler to sit or take medication. Others assist during and after a seizure, providing comfort and retrieving essential items.
- Hearing assistance dogs: Trained to alert their handler to sounds such as doorbells, ringing phones, or someone calling their name; these dogs restore connection and responsiveness in everyday environments.
- Mobility assistance dogs: Trained to alert their handler to sounds such as doorbells, ringing phones, or someone calling their name; these dogs restore connection and responsiveness in everyday environments.
Sunel Oelofse, Customer Support Manager at LIFT, sums it up perfectly: “Our policy of welcoming working dogs onboard not only safeguards the wellbeing of service dogs and their handlers but also promotes greater independence and freedom for people with disabilities. With dogs safely by their side, passengers experience reduced travel stress and enhanced confidence, ensuring that no one has to face their journey alone.”
About LIFT:
LIFT is operated by Global Aviation Operations (Pty) LTD trading as LIFT. LIFT is SA’s first fully flexible airline, offering hassle-free changes and cancellations, generous legroom, and complimentary vida e caffè coffee and snacks at no extra charge. LIFT’s goal is to make travel comfortable, convenient, and stress-free.
LIFT is constantly introducing solutions that focus on elevating the traveller experience. From its Premium option with generous legroom, to the safe and secure LIFT Wallet, offering quick refunds with no payment delay and allowing passengers to fly with small dogs in the cabin.
LIFT loves local! This is evident in partnerships and collabs with local brands like Vida, and Grumpy Snacks, and its well-loved in-flight surprises featuring local artists. From silent discos, book launches and fashion shows to LIFT’s partnership with SA MasterChef Winner and renowned South African singer, Zolani Mohola, LIFT enjoys nothing more than celebrating SA’s talent and success.
LIFT offers up to 28 daily flights, facilitated by their passionate, customer-obsessed team on the ground and in the air.
