Emotional Support Animal: DCL, OKW, and BCV

[Cheshire Figment]

Here is the definition of Service Animal from the current revision of Title III.

"Service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual´s disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. The crime deterrent effects of an animal´s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition."

and here is my source http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleIII_2010/titleIII_2010_regulations.htm#a104

 

[dclfun]

when you get all the answers. This is a very confusing subject and I can see this changing in the next few years and onward.

It will change to become more restrictive and I can envision proof of training and of disability to be required. This is not necessarily a good thing as it encroaches on the rights of the disabled and can be a cost-deterrent to someone to have certification/proof, but it will prevent the sales of online "service dog" vests/patches and fake certifications that allow people to misrepresent pets for purposes of public access. The airlines have had lots of issues, BUT they do allow emotional support animals and as such, the OP should take advantage of bringing her ESD on the plane with her vs. having her fly as a pet.---Kathy

 

[mickeymaker2003]

It's definitely been very confusing for me so far! If I find that Lucie isn't allowed on the ship/in the hotels, I will probably fly with her as a regular pet in a crate, find an off site hotel that allows pets, and put her in Disney's kennel while we cruise. I'm not going to slap a vest on her and insist she be allowed on the ship. Not that it would work, but you get the point.

I just want to make sure I have everything in order. Once I have the facts, I will absolutely play by the rules. That's part of the reason I wanted to email DCL instead of calling, that way I have everything in writing. It just seems like it might be a little more difficult than I had anticipated to get definitive answers.

As far as I know, Disney's kennel doesn't allow overnight boarding of animals, so unless they have a different kennel for people who are cruising, you might need a different plan B.

 

[PrincessLuce]

Okay, I've got answers!!! I spoke with a very helpful agent from special services this morning. She said there was no problem with bringing Lucie onboard. I stated several times "Lucie is not a SA, she is an ESA." The agent said that DCL handles ESA's on a case by case basis. They do not have to allow them, but depending on what the animal is providing/the person's individual needs, they choose to. She also stated that PTSD is one of the few conditions for which they allow them, no questions asked.

I also asked her about Magical Express, Disney Resorts, and Disney port transfers. She stated that Lucie will be allowed on/at all of these things. She also got my resort reservation information and was able to email the resorts to let them know I am bringing an ESA. They will then contact me if they have any questions.

I almost started crying when I was on the phone with her. I know that sounds silly, but it was really stressing me out to think I might not have Lucie with me. This was a huge relief.

Thanks again for all the help, comments, information, clarification, etc!!! I will make sure to post back after our trip in December to let everyone know how things went!

 

[SueM in MN]

I have not had time to do much responding this week, but have been following this thread and the other posters are all steering you in the right directions.

 

[livndisney]

From the Disney website:

With the exception of service dogs for Guests with disabilities, pets are not permitted in the Theme Parks or Disney Resort hotels, or on the Disney Resort hotel or Theme Park buses. Pets may, however, stay in the air-conditioned facility, which is a member of the Pet Care Services Association.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/kennels/


SERVICE ANIMALS

Trained service animals are welcome in most locations throughout The Walt Disney World Resort. All service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times



http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plain-text/#/SERVICE ANIMALS

Cheshire posted the ADA rule on what a "service animal" is a few posts up.


In case you need it here is the info for the Kennel at WDW
Best Friends Pet Care: 877-4-WDW-PETS or visit WDW.BestFriendsPetCare.com

 

[Simba's Mom]

Okay, I've got answers!!! I spoke with a very helpful agent from special services this morning. She said there was no problem with bringing Lucie onboard. I stated several times "Lucie is not a SA, she is an ESA." The agent said that DCL handles ESA's on a case by case basis. They do not have to allow them, but depending on what the animal is providing/the person's individual needs, they choose to. She also stated that PTSD is one of the few conditions for which they allow them, no questions asked.

I also asked her about Magical Express, Disney Resorts, and Disney port transfers. She stated that Lucie will be allowed on/at all of these things. She also got my resort reservation information and was able to email the resorts to let them know I am bringing an ESA. They will then contact me if they have any questions.

I almost started crying when I was on the phone with her. I know that sounds silly, but it was really stressing me out to think I might not have Lucie with me. This was a huge relief.

Thanks again for all the help, comments, information, clarification, etc!!! I will make sure to post back after our trip in December to let everyone know how things went!

And I want to thank you! I wasn't aware of this whole issue of ESAs. I've learned a little about Service Dogs, through friends who've had them, but not ESAs. Would you suggest I google the topic to learn more or is there a website you'd recommend? This is something I'd like to know more about.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

You'll probably get a lot of conflicting info if you google. You just have to find reliable sources, not people saying "Well I say its a service dog when it's really an ES dog and no one gives me issues"

 

[Sammie]

Is DCL able to make the decision for Disney resorts, Magical Express and Parks. We all know how one section of Disney does not always know what the other is doing.

Just would hate for the OP to get there and the answer be different.

 

[Sammie]

And I want to thank you! I wasn't aware of this whole issue of ESAs. I've learned a little about Service Dogs, through friends who've had them, but not ESAs. Would you suggest I google the topic to learn more or is there a website you'd recommend? This is something I'd like to know more about.

Here is some additional info.

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/l...ns/TheNewADARegulations2010Serviceanimals.pdf

Emotional Support Animals and the ADA

Emotional support can be an important part in the lives of people with disabilities.

However, emotional support animals are not included in the definition of service animal under the ADA and are not considered service animals — even if a doctor states that the person has a disability and needs the dog for emotional support.

However, a psychiatric service dog that has been “trained to perform a variety of tasks that assist individuals to detect the onset of psychiatric episodes and [reduce] their effects” falls under the ADA definition of a service animal.

The ADA National Network by DBTAC publication, Service Animals and
Emotional Support Animals: Where are they allowed and under what conditions, gives examples of tasks performed by psychiatric service dogs as well as disability-specific tasks performed by other types of service animals.

•Psychiatric Service Dog can be trained to perform a variety of tasks that assist individuals with disabilities to detect the onset of psychiatric episodes and ameliorate their effects. The tasks performed by psychiatric service animals may include reminding the handler to take medicine; providing safety checks, or room searches, or turning on lights for persons with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; interrupting self-mutilation by persons with dissociative identity disorders; and keeping disoriented individuals from danger.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

If they are letting you onboard and in their hotels, that's their choice, but, like they said, it isn't done by law. I would not recommend taking your dog in the parks (if they choose to grant you access) because your dog is not public-access trained. Not only could it be a bad situation for your dog (i.e. stress) or you (i.e. dog misbehaving), but most ppl only know about guide or service dogs (or don't know anything at all) and think your dog is a service dog, so when they see your dog not behaving impeccably, it would be bad press for service dogs everywhere.

Your dog will not be allowed in the restaurants because of the health regulations; a restaurant can get shut down if they allow a pet inside.

On the ship, it would be a good idea to keep your dog out of the way of the public, too, by keeping him in your room and out of crowded areas. Make sure you get the proper health certificate and other paperwork needed, especially if you plan to take the dog off the ship at any of the ports of call.

Your dog isn't a service dog, no matter what your doctor says (a doctor has no business declaring a dog a service dog or not - that is not their line of work), so you can't normally take him into no-pets-allowed places beyond airplanes (with a doctor's letter that has to include specific things - check the ACAA for the list of specifics) and housing. Besides restaurants, a business could choose to allow you if you asked, though, like Disney is doing for you.

Be aware there isn't such a thing as certification for an emotional support dog. Sites that sell those (and fake certifications for service dogs) are scams.

Most places on land fall under the ADA. Cruises leaving from the U.S. fall under the ADA and under a newish (last Nov. or so) DOT law regarding ships (including cruiseships and other passenger vessels). Emotional support animals are not given access in either law. Planes are under the ACAA and emotional support animals are given access with a doctor's note (containing specific items/statements, including the statement that you have been diagnosed with a disability that is listed in the DSM IV); psychiatric service dogs also need the same type of note to get on airplanes.

Hopefully your dog will be okay, but realize that he might have a hard time with the aspects being in public bring. Do be prepared to kennel him instead of bringing him with you on the cruise if he doesn't seem to be doing well.

Also know that I know of no other cruiseline that allows emotional support animals onboard, so you'll likely have to stick with Disney for cruising.

 

[SueM in MN]

If they are letting you onboard and in their hotels, that's their choice, but, like they said, it isn't done by law. I would not recommend taking your dog in the parks (if they choose to grant you access) because your dog is not public-access trained. Not only could it be a bad situation for your dog (i.e. stress) or you (i.e. dog misbehaving), but most ppl only know about guide or service dogs (or don't know anything at all) and think your dog is a service dog, so when they see your dog not behaving impeccably, it would be bad press for service dogs everywhere.

Your dog will not be allowed in the restaurants because of the health regulations; a restaurant can get shut down if they allow a pet inside.

On the ship, it would be a good idea to keep your dog out of the way of the public, too, by keeping him in your room and out of crowded areas. Make sure you get the proper health certificate and other paperwork needed, especially if you plan to take the dog off the ship at any of the ports of call.

Your dog isn't a service dog, no matter what your doctor says (a doctor has no business declaring a dog a service dog or not - that is not their line of work), so you can't normally take him into no-pets-allowed places beyond airplanes (with a doctor's letter that has to include specific things - c
heck the ACAA for the list of specifics) and housing. Besides restaurants, a business could choose to allow you if you asked, though, like Disney is doing for you.

Be aware there isn't such a thing as certification for an emotional support dog. Sites that sell those (and fake certifications for service dogs) are scams.

Most places on land fall under the ADA. Cruises leaving from the U.S. fall under the ADA and under a newish (last Nov. or so) DOT law regarding ships (including cruiseships and other passenger vessels). Emotional support animals are not given access in either law. Planes are under the ACAA and emotional support animals are given access with a doctor's note (containing specific items/statements, including the statement that you have been diagnosed with a disability that is listed in the DSM IV); psychiatric service dogs also need the same type of note to get on airplanes.

Hopefully your dog will be okay, but realize that he might have a hard time with the aspects being in public bring. Do be prepared to kennel him instead of bringing him with you on the cruise if he doesn't seem to be doing well.

Also know that I know of no other cruiseline that allows emotional support animals onboard, so you'll likely have to stick with Disney for cruising.

All very good information, but I especially wanted to highlight the bolded part.

Even someone with a well trained actual Service Dog providing a vital service can be asked to remove the dog if it is misbehaving or is not under complete control of the SD user.
The trainer for our DD's Service Dog told us that the dog's first job is to be invisible and attending to the needs of our DD. The dog needs to notice things in the environment as they related to our DD. But, when he is down because we are eating in a restaurant or whatever, he needs to be down and invisible. He is very good at that and has almost been stepped on by waitresses at times as they forget he is there. Even if stepped on, he just looks up, does not bark or anything.
When he is home just being a dog, not working, he is not the perfect dog.
But once the vest is on and he is working, he knows that perfection is part of his job. His training got him used to all sorts of things in the environment that other dogs might bark at or misbehave.
Many family pets may be pretty good, but not prepared to be out in public like a SD is.
My other concern is that one of the 'self proclaimed service dogs' will not be prepared to be out in public and is going to hurt someone or the real Service Dog that someone relies on.

 

[Bete]

Honestly, I tried to stay out of this one, but somehow I feel compelled to speak out. I think I know why this is getting more relaxed in the public. I went to my support group on Alzheimer's this week and we had a VA guy there talking about veteran benefits. Recently, per the speaker, Obama has changed some words regarding this condition and making it easier for veterans to qualify for veteran disabilitiy with this condition and so on. The way the speaker spoke it sounded like they are going in a new direction with this condition and making it better and easier for veterans with the condition to get more benefits with VA. This may be what's leading Disney to allow it.

I do feel the good of the masses at WDW is more important than one individual; I'm not trying to be nasty or argumentive to the original poster. I can see an untrained, emotional support dog not acting like a service animal would under certain conditions. I think the liability factor is too great both for Disney and the individual. Disney has deeper pockets to be sued if something bad happens, but the individual could be sued, too. Many people visiting WDW are overwhelmed by the crowds and so forth. It has to be overwhelming for a dog, too. With the two going hand in hand and being overwhelmed at the same time with an untrained dog you could have a situation. I do believe we have to be considerate on both sides of this issue. You could be stressing your dog out, too in this circumstance.

If it's a small dog and you refuse to leave the dog behind for park travel I highly recommend a dog stroller and carrier combination for the dog to be contained. I use one personally all the time and it's not cruel. They are easy to handle, too. This is like a portable kennel when not attached to the stroller. There's even a container strap to secure the dog inside the portable kennel; so, when you open it the dog can't just run out. When you are in less of a public place you can give your dog more attention and freedom which should help you, as well. I really believe you are taking a big chance if the dog is not controlled in these highly stimulating environments. If it's a bigger dog, then I think you need to kennel the dog in your room with the do not disturb sign and take short jaunts to the park and go back and forth to be with your dog when it's necessary. I think these approaches are fair to all.

I don't own a service dog or an emotional support dog, but after reading all these posts I think you have to come up with a responsible decision that will be ok (maybe, not great for you) for you and the public.

Also, I think you need to have passion for others who could be in harms way; because, the dog is not trained. I'm sure even with a dog vest on there has been circumstances where children have crossed the line before the parent could control the situation even with a service dog. I do feel you are playing with fire, here.

In the end this could lead to repercussions for those with service dogs that are well trained and this wouldn't be fair, either. I see problems happening more so with an untrained dog. I would feel better if an emotional support dog went through the same training to pass as a service dog, but even then I would be more careful at a place like Disney.

My dog is very near and dear to me. I'm a caregiver for my Alzheimer's mom and the dog is a release for me; since, I'm so homebound with my mom. I would not subject my dog to these circumstances at Disney if she wasn't well trained like a service dog. Even then I would have more pre-cautions set in place at Disney.

 

[Piper]

I have a very well-trained dog who does many things for me. I have a hearing loss since a stroke last year and she alerts me to the buzzer going off on the dryer, microwave, oven, etc. and when someone is at the door. That is the only time she barks.

She rides in the basket of my ECV when I go to get my mail. She waits quietly in the basket while I am in the mailroom (no pets allowed in there.) She never barks at the people who come up to her or the pets we see in the halls or on our walks outside (well her walk, my ride) At the dog park, I don't have to struggle to get her back on her leash--I just go to the gate and she comes immediately and lays down so I can put her leash back on (she watches me all the time-even when she is playing with other dogs.) I don't even have to call her.

She alerts me to high blood sugar and on days when my pain level is high, she is right there. She actually hugs and snuggles -- and while it doesn't take away the pain, she does take my mind off it a little.

Would I take her on my cruise or to WDW--No! She does great here because she is in her comfort zone. I wouldn't stress her by taking her to such an unfamiliar environment with so many people, activities, etc. Will I miss her while I am gone? Yes definitely, but she will be giving her cuddles to my BIL and playing with her "cousin" Pepper.

PS--right now, she and her sister (who is a cat) are laying at my feet grooming each other! They have their front paws around each other and are licking away!

 

[hastingsmom]

My son has a standard poodle registered Service Dog through Dog Guides Canada. We have traveled Disney extensively with him. He is a dog that is considered "bomb proof". If your dog is not bomb proof, do not bring them to WDW parks. For your sake, and the dog's.
1. Relief areas are far and few between. Your dog must know how to hold it for hours and to only "go" on command.
2. temptations....are everywhere! Popcorn spilled, kid with an ice cream dripping, babies wanting to pet...etc. hard to expect an untrained dog to resist
3. distractions....fireworks are a dog's nightmare...so are crowds, parades, loud noises, children screaming yelling, etc....need I say more?
4. HEAT....we go in August and it is bloody hot. Our dog wears shoes for the hot pavement, and needs frequent cooling breaks. Think about the time of year and the weather.

WDW has a GREAT kennel near POR. Use it for park days for an untrained SA. WDW is hard on even the best trained SA's.

Best of luck! BTW...be sure to stress again and again to the hotel staff at check in that you have an ESA. We got "in trouble" once at Caribbean Beach as they didn't have Manny on file and thought we were hiding our pet in there.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Another thing to consider is even "bomb proof" dogs have slips. I don't bring this up as a "well if a fully trained service dog makes a mistake no one will blink if my non super trained dog does", but as "if a dog who's been through tons of training can get overwhelmed, a dog who hasn't will almost certainly freak out". A few trips ago we were watching the JAMMinators (for those who don't know, they're a group that performs in Futureworld at Epcot and do percussion on garbage cans and buckets) One of the performers who was playing garbage can lids and buckets...I guess he was just a little too weird and got a little too close for comfort because our dog let loose 3 quick deep fairly aggressive "do NOT come any closer otherwise we WILL have a problem" barks. He came out of his sit and took a step towards the performer, and the performer never broke stride in the music but he did take a few steps back. This all happened in the course of literally about 3 seconds, and just wasn't predictable. The dog had handled costumed characters, loud music, loud noises in rides, all sorts of stuff just fine but there was something here he just didn't like. When the performance was over (this happened during their last "song") the guy came over to apologize for scaring the dog, and the dog didn't react badly at all to the guy at this point. Probably just the right combination of things.

So my point (I promise I have one!) is that even the most well trained dog can and probably will get overwhelmed at something. If you don't keep your head when it happens or you don't have a good enough handle on your dog, things could go sour very very quickly. Better to avoid it IMHO.