We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alison Ruggio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alison, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I always thought I’d have one big epiphany—that cinematic, lightning-bolt moment where everything would suddenly make sense and I’d know exactly what to do with my career. And I think a lot of us are waiting for that moment to show up before we give ourselves permission to chase our dreams.

For me, I always knew I wanted to start a business. I just didn’t know what that business would be. Over the last five years, I’ve had multiple defining moments—but it took four years (and some serious soul-searching) to finally map out what would become my now business: Paws on Planes.

The biggest turning point came in May 2020, when my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. At the time, I had just moved to a small town—Red Oak, Iowa—to be with my fiancé. I began flying back and forth between Iowa and California to care for my mom during her treatment, while working a full-time job—in the middle of a global pandemic. It was one of the hardest seasons of my life—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

In the midst of hospital visits and Zoom meetings, my anxiety hit an all-time high. The moment that changed everything was realizing how powerful—and healing—Luciano’s presence really was. His cuddles brought my level-12 stress down to something manageable. He was the only thing that consistently grounded me. I didn’t know it at the time, but what he was doing is called tactile support—a trained service dog task. And let me tell you: anyone who struggles with anxiety could benefit from it.

But the hardest part? I couldn’t always have him with me. That’s when I began my Service Dog Journey—learning the laws, the training requirements, and how to navigate the chaos of airline policies and travel logistics. It wasn’t easy. There were moments I felt completely lost.

But five years later, that experience became my mission. That’s when the vision for Paws on Planes clicked: there has to be a better way to help people navigate their first flights with a service dog or pet. That moment—raw, painful, and deeply personal—was the birth of my business. I wanted to create the kind of support I desperately needed back then.
Sometimes, your lowest point carves the clearest path forward. What broke me also built the blueprint for how I could help others. I didn’t plan this career—I lived into it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Me, My Services & Practice:
I’m Alison, founder of Paws on Planes Inc.—a business born from heartbreak, healing, and the unconditional love of one dog named Luciano.

When I was at my lowest—grieving my mom, juggling cross-country travel, and barely holding it together—Luciano became more than a pet. He was my anchor. My calm. My reminder that I didn’t have to face anxiety and grief alone. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was experiencing the therapeutic power of a psychiatric service dog.
And that’s when everything changed.

Paws on Planes was created to help others travel for the first time with their pet or service dog—stress-free—in one of the most overwhelming environments out there: airports.

Our mission is simple:
To make travel accessible, empowering, and stress-free for people flying with their pet or service dog. We specialize in helping first-time travelers feel fully prepared.

What We Do:
(1) One-on-One Travel Coaching – I guide clients step-by-step through everything they need to fly with their dog—whether it’s a beloved pet or a fully trained service animal. We typically work together across three tailored calls so nothing is left to chance.
(2) First Flight Prep – From required documentation and navigating airline portals to airport protocol and what to pack for your dog, I take the guesswork (and stress) out of the equation.
(3) Beyond the Flight – Travel doesn’t stop at the gate. I offer training strategies and real-world tips for navigating hotels, rideshares like Uber and Lyft, and other public spaces—so your dog is prepped for the entire journey.
(4) Customized Support – No two clients are the same. Your dog, your travel plans, and your mental health needs are all part of the conversation. My goal is to make sure you’re supported on every level.

I started this business because I know how overwhelming it is to fly with your pet or service dog for the first time—especially while managing TSA security checks, airport chaos and changing airline regulations. I created the service I wish I had five years ago for my first flight.

Now I’m the one walking people through it—step-by-step, paw-by-paw.

What makes Paws on Planes different?
It’s built from lived experience. It’s driven by empathy. And it’s focused on helping you and your dog travel confidently, comfortably, and without unnecessary stress.

My goal is:
To help my clients thrive—whether they’re traveling for adventure, work, or simply because they can.
And more than that, I want to build a community of thoughtful pet parents—people who invest time and care into raising well-behaved dogs that can be welcomed into pet-friendly spaces. Because when we prepare our dogs for the world, we create more opportunities to share meaningful moments with them—wherever life takes us.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

The most important skill I’ve developed in this field isn’t found in a textbook or a certification—it’s emotional resilience.

When I started Paws on Planes, I had a deeply personal mission and a lived experience that gave me purpose. But purpose alone isn’t enough. I had to learn how to build a business around that mission—how to serve people, create value, and structure my services in a way that was clear, intentional, and scalable.

And that meant stepping far outside my comfort zone and developing entirely new skills:
• Marketing that feels authentic—not salesy
• Systems that create a seamless, low-stress client experience
• Messaging that’s focused, not watered down

I also had to get comfortable with something that surprised me: being visible.

I’m the face of this brand. I am the story behind it. And the more I show up as myself—flaws, setbacks, breakthroughs and all—the more trust I build with the people who need my help the most.

Because here’s the truth: this isn’t just about travel logistics. It’s about helping someone reclaim their independence.
When you work with people navigating anxiety, grief, or invisible disabilities—often while preparing for something as intimidating as a first flight—you have to be more than knowledgeable. You have to be grounded when they’re overwhelmed. You have to be calm when they’re spiraling.

Sometimes, I’m the first person to say, “You’ve got this. And I’m going to walk you through every step of the way.”

That’s what this work really takes.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

For me, it’s not about slick ad campaigns or endless social media posts—it’s all about word of mouth. When you’re in a business as personal as this one, nothing speaks louder than the genuine referrals of satisfied clients. I built Paws on Planes on real connections and authentic experiences.

When someone overcomes the chaos of their first flight, feeling supported every step of the way, they can’t help but tell a friend. That recommendation—rooted in personal success and trust—is the best form of marketing there is. It’s proof that when you do your work with heart, the results naturally amplify your message.

Every time a client refers a friend or colleague, it reaffirms that my approach of blending lived experience with actionable guidance works. And that, more than any traditional marketing strategy, has been the engine behind my business growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pawsonplanesinc.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/pawsonplanesinc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564912670494
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-ruggio-mpa-15a6b922
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/paws-on-planes-red-oak?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Image Credits

my photos