Leaving for Disney next month with my Service Dog, any tips?

lilmissdisney216 · May 2, 2015

So next June will be my SD Disney and I's first trip as a working team to Disney World. I'm really excited but a bit nervous about our trip. I have no idea what to bring other than the obvious (food, water, collar, leash, etc) but I am totally lost on anything else. I am looking forward to seeing how she'll deal with all the next experiences and we have worked so hard to get her ready for this journey.

I want her to shine and be the best that she can be. I put alot of work into her training and I have no doubt she'll do great.

If anyone has any tips on what to expect going to WDW with an SD it would be awesome! Would be great to get some insight from other SD teams as well. Thank you!

Meredith and SD Disney :tinker:

Frank Masotti · May 2, 2015

While not required by law, Your best bet would to be your vest on your partner at all times and keep your paperwork proving you have a laget service dog. I am no lawyer, just informed. One other thing, have a great time there.

aaarcher86 · May 2, 2015

I'd second the vest suggestion to avoid petting as much as possible. Booties would be helpful. The asphalt gets really hot.

nikkislaght · May 2, 2015

We were at Disneyland this last week, and saw a couple of service dogs.. there were all doing a wonderful job. it got into the high 80's a couple of days,, and we saw one dog with booties on.. I thought it was a good idea because the black roads of Disney got very very hot... it may be something you might consider..?? the cast members were really great with the dogs ,, they had big crates at the rides for the dogs to wait in.. have a great time

Goofy14sure · May 2, 2015

Is that SD Disney in your picture? She's a cutie! I'd give a big vote to the boots. The pavement and concrete are hot and they are good on slick floors too. They also give protection from things that might be on the floor like chemical cleaners and other weird stuff.

A doggie water bottle or collapsable water bowl would be a must. I like the bottles with a drinking bowl top.

SMD · May 2, 2015

Every SD I see in DL has booties. Also, keep track of her tail. I've noticed that many people see an open space and move towards it, but aren't looking at the ground. I've seen some close calls and one tail run over while waiting for the parade.

Luvchefmic · May 2, 2015

She is beautiful. I agree with the booties, get them and get her used to wearing them before you come. Also don't forget to bring copies of her current vax records, her license and her rabies tag too should be on her collar. Have a great time !

I've got a dachshund named Disney too :goodvibes

Ms_Butterfly · May 3, 2015

Two travel dog bowls (one for water, one for food)
Dog food, supplements, measuring utensils, etc.
Extra leash (in case your leash breaks)
Extra collar (same reason)
Dog toy for downtime in your hotel room
Poop bags (including extras, just in case)*
Boots, if needed and your dog is trained to wear them*
Dog water bottle for the parks, such as this one: * http://www.campingworld.com/shoppin...bnBk5QVQWGMbasfUT1e1KjSAiR1lp6gg9-xoCpVjw_wcB
Disney-themed bandanna *
Energy treats or electrolyte-replacing drink mix (such as K-9 Carnivore Cookies and K9 Go Dog mix, both from http://www.K9power.com )*
Grooming supplies, including rinseless shampoo
Maps of the parks with the relief areas marked (or at least a list of where they are)*

Ones marked with an asterisk you'll want to bring to the parks.

Remember, if you have a psychiatric service dog and are flying, you will need a doctor's letter that fits the requirements of the ACAA.

Have fun!

Luvchefmic · May 3, 2015

No offense Ms Butterfly with your suggestions I don't think this is one necessary: Energy treats or electrolyte-replacing drink mix (such as K-9 Carnivore Cookies and K9 Go Dog mix, both from http://www.K9power.com )*

Water alone will keep the dog hydrated. I have 7 and we live down here, they're very active in all temps.

The dog will be fine without them and I wouldn't suggest adding something new to their diet especially when they are traveling and in a new environment.

Chloe ERRT · May 4, 2015

I am the Director of Emergency Rapid Response Team, a non-profit Search and Rescue Team and have a Service Dogs for Veterans Suicide Prevention Program. You can always find us around World Showcase in EPCOT.

What ERRT uses is Musher's Secret http://musherssecret.net/index.html it is perfect to prevent salt burns during winter and protects paws from the hot asphalt. NO Booties in Florida can cause a dog to have Heat Exhaustion.

If you want to watch the fireworks with your SD, you need to go everyday. Your SD will get used to them by the 5th day. I would do 2 leashes on first day if your SD is not used to fireworks, collar and harness. That is what I had to use for 3 days when I train a SD for Firework Training. Tink and Cinderella or Tink and Honey can help your SD for the fireworks.

You need your tags on collar or harness at all times.

This is better water bowl for water, especially on Disney Transportation. http://www.elitek9.com/64oz-Clear-Buddy-Bowl/productinfo/K01LC/ It does not spill in vehicles.

You need to make sure you have plenty of poop bags. Disney does not supply them.

This is the best leash for Disney.
http://www.elitek9.com/6-X-1-Remington-Lead/productinfo/L17/ since it is visible.

Need any help especially medical, I am always around Walt Disney World, grab a Security Guard and ask if they seen Chloe in any of the Theme Parks. They all know who I am.

Hoodie · May 4, 2015

Please use the booties! I was at Universal last week and saw a service dog without them. The poor dog was limping along and trying to raise her paws high to get off the pavement. It was pretty obvious she was hurting.

Chloe ERRT · May 4, 2015

Hoodie booties can be worse, this is why people need to use Musher's Secret. Dog limping never used paw wax.

SDs also need to use their claws. They do not have access to their fingers, it is like putting Bondage Mittens on your hands.

Now the wax on other hand is like the sole on the shoes when it is applied.

The dog limping sounds like the dog was in the park for a good 8 hours.

Worst WDW park for SDs Hollywood Studios.

Ms_Butterfly · May 5, 2015

Luvchefmic said:
No offense Ms Butterfly with your suggestions I don't think this is one necessary: Energy treats or electrolyte-replacing drink mix (such as K-9 Carnivore Cookies and K9 Go Dog mix, both from http://www.K9power.com )*

Water alone will keep the dog hydrated. I have 7 and we live down here, they're very active in all temps.

The dog will be fine without them and I wouldn't suggest adding something new to their diet especially when they are traveling and in a new environment.

A lot of service dogs do not work for as many hours or as much walking around in their daily lives as they do at Disney, just like most people don't. If a dog is working that much more, especially since mealtimes will be much further apart, it is good to give them some energy treats to help them out. The drink is helpful, too, and is made for working dogs (as well as performance dogs). It isn't about being in Orlando - I have lived and travelled much more south than that - but about working harder than normal. While some dogs, like people, do have sensitive stomachs, it is typically fine to change up a dog's diet and it is recommended. People feed different treats all the time. And if someone doesn't want to buy bottled waters for their dog, the drink will help cover up the nasty tap water taste (it is a vanilla flavor powder).

lilmissdisney216 · May 9, 2015

thank you all for the wonderful tips!!!! they're easing my nerves! We will be driving to WDW with Disney so she can be comfy and cool in the car. Its outfitted for dogs (I drive an 08 honda element) and she loves it!

We have mushers secret in my groom box (which will be coming to wdw with us, I'm a groomer in training at the professional grooming place I work at now). I also made some minnie mouse theme bows for her ears.

I wanted to know where you guys find the Disney themed bandanas? I have a U of M one for her and a tie die paw print one for when we get there with tie die bows (we're staying at POP so I thought that would be appropriate). We have a wire cage that will be strapped down in the back of the car for the trip down (we plan on leaving the door open so she can go in and out of there as she pleases) and a pop up for the room (easier to transport). I also have a collar with new tags and 2 spare leashes ( one cloth, one leather) just in case. Bringing her head halter, martingale, and any other collars she may need. Extra vest/harness and her shot records. I get super OCD when I'm in trip planning mode. I even looked up local veterinary clinics in case we need it. Want to make sure all our bases are covered in the event that anything should happen. Been getting her used to her new gear too here at home before we use it in Disney. this is the first time she's had the "cape style" SD vest as she has had the DogLine harness since she's been working with me. She's wearing the cape in my profile photo.

I also purchased an LED light that hangs off the collar and can either be solid color or blinking. WOuld help for the crowded nights in the parks and out at night in general.

SueM in MN · May 9, 2015

Chloe ERRT said:
Hoodie booties can be worse, this is why people need to use Musher's Secret. Dog limping never used paw wax.

SDs also need to use their claws. They do not have access to their fingers, it is like putting Bondage Mittens on your hands.

Now the wax on other hand is like the sole on the shoes when it is applied.

The dog limping sounds like the dog was in the park for a good 8 hours.

Worst WDW park for SDs Hollywood Studios.

Our dog did not like booties at all. The trainer suggested Musher's Secret and we use it year round in Minnesota.
The dog loves getting it out on. He lays down on his back with his feet up in the air for his 'foot massage'

Ms_Butterfly · May 10, 2015

Bandannas and collars, including Disney-themed ones, are abundant on Etsy - but beware that site is addictive! I have gotten Tinker Bell bandannas from eBay, too.

lilmissdisney216 · May 11, 2015

Ms_butterfly: the addiction bug that is Etsy bit me last night! I found the cutest collars for Disney and some bandanas for her as well!!! I just have to decide on one and we will be good.

Ms_Butterfly · May 12, 2015

Can't say I didn't warn ya!

Good luck choosing just one!

Leaving for Disney next month with my Service Dog, any tips?

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