Service Dog Help!

[kandeebunny]

I recently got a service dog! (HOORAY!!!) She is little, her name is Tinkerbell and she is a chihuahua! (yep even small dogs can be service dogs) This Christmas will be my first trip to WDW with her. I have spoken to my resort, she will be accomidated there. I have spoken to the kennels so should she be overwhelmed she is welcome there (at no cost!)

My question lies in the parks/restaurants/other resorts/busses.

I have her papers, and she is getting a vest, though I do not know if she will have it by then. I don't want to get stopped every 100 feet with her having to show her papers, that puts a damper on the fun.

How does this work, for those of you who have done it before?

 

[robinb]

I'm sorry, I don't have an answer for you. I assume that if she has a vest and you show your papers when you enter the park/area you should be fine. You may run into trouble without the vest. Is there any way to get it sooner?

I'm curious ... how does such a tiny dog help you? It's OK if you tell me to MYOB .

 

[BubblPopElectrc]

I believe it's illegal to question a service dog.

Maybe someone else will have a more solid answer.

 

[ducklite]

I believe it's illegal to question a service dog.

Maybe someone else will have a more solid answer.

Actually it's only illegal to not give access to a service dog wearing identification--a vest, a harness, etc.

It is not illegal to request proof that a dog is a legitimate service animal if it is not clearly identified as such.

To the OP--if it's a service animal, why would you look at kennels? Service animals should accompany you pretty much at all times--there are certain rides and attractions that they are not welcome in for a variety of safety related reasons.

I ahve traveled to WDW with a friend who uses a service dog, and the dog was always with my friend, in his room, at restaurants, on many rides. Offhand the dog wasn't allowed on any coasters, Alien Encounter (Now Stitch), and Peter Pan. On AE, the CM's allowed the dog to accompany my friend to his seat, then they took the dog by the leash--not harness--to a waiting area outside. When the ride was over, they brought the dog back so my friend could exit.

At Peter Pans FLight the CM was very upset that the dog was in teh park to begin with. He was a real jerk.

At many of the restaurants, "treats" were brought to the dog.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

I'm curious ... how does such a tiny dog help you? It's OK if you tell me to MYOB .

Seizure notification and anxiety control are two off the top of my head.

Anne

 

[Lewisc]

It doesn't generally make sense to bring a service animal to a water park, particularly during a hot summer day. Obviously the service animal can't go on any of the attractions.

To the OP--if it's a service animal, why would you look at kennels? Service animals should accompany you pretty much at all times--there are certain rides and attractions that they are not welcome in for a variety of safety related reasons.
Anne

 

[ducklite]

It doesn't generally make sense to bring a service animal to a water park, particularly during a hot summer day. Obviously the service animal can't go on any of the attractions.

Ah...you're right, I wasn't thinking of the water parks.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

I wanted to point out something (Thanks LewisC!) to the OP. WDW CM's are NOT required to take your dog for you when you go on rides or attractions that don't allow service animals to ride. You would need to have a companion take your animal while you ride.

DO NOT expect anyone not in your party to handle your dog for you. While we've had good experiences with this, it hasn't happened at every ride, and we have had to split up sometimes so someone could stay with the dog.

One other thing--there are designated places for your dog to "use the hydrant." None of them are actually IN the parks. Some are backstage, while others are outside near the kennels. Please ask at guest services when youa rrive, and plan on walking your animal at regular intervals.

You'll also want to bring a water bowl, as they are not allowed to use WDW restuarant crockery for animals. They will be happy to fill your bowl, or give you a cup of water to fll it with.

Anne

 

[Talking Hands]

It doesn't generally make sense to bring a service animal to a water park, particularly during a hot summer day. Obviously the service animal can't go on any of the attractions.

That's rediculous. My deaf/blind friend takes her dog with her everywhere including water parks. The dog doesn't go on any of the rides but does guide her to them and then one of us takes her to the exit to meet my friend. If we are just swimming we loop the leash around the chair leg and she waits for us to return. No problem at all

 

[Lewisc]

Service dogs are permitted in water parks.

I'm not sure you're allowed to leave an dog unattended, even if you are allowed, many dog owners aren't comfortable leaving an animal alone in the hot sun.

That's rediculous. My deaf/blind friend takes her dog with her everywhere including water parks. The dog doesn't go on any of the rides but does guide her to them and then one of us takes her to the exit to meet my friend. If we are just swimming we loop the leash around the chair leg and she waits for us to return. No problem at all

 

[kandeebunny]

The vest is difficult to get because her final certification thing is Saturday and we leave the 23rd...also she is 5lbs so getting a vest her size is difficult as is.

My dog is an Anxiety Control dog...for a few years I had fainting spells (syncope) and still do one occasion...but due to my size (5'2 and 90lbs) as well as joint and connective tissue disorders a large dog was not a good match for me. Since I have gotten better with the Syncope, but am still having anxiety due to the incidents it was suggested I have a service dog. She knows I'm going to have a spell before I do and barks so that i sit with her.

Thank you for reminding me to bring a bowl for her!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Here is a link to the official Disney General Disability Information Page, with info about Service Animals in the theme parks. If it doesn't go right to the part about Service Animals, just scroll around.
It does have a list the attractions where Service Animals are not allowed - most of them have things that could scare or upset most dogs or it could be dangerous for the dog or other guests. If you go to the individual Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for each park, there is more information about each attraction (there is a link to the Guidebooks for each Theme or Water Park at the top of the Disney General Disability Information Page). The information for the water parks say (The Blizzard Beach page says exactly the same):
Service Animals

Trained service animals are welcome in most locations throughout Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. All service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times. Guests should follow the same attraction entrance procedures as described for Guests using wheelchairs. Due to the nature of the attractions at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, as well as health and safety concerns, service animals are not permitted to ride any of the water attractions or to enter any of the water areas of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. A member of the Guest's party must remain with the animal at all times.
This is a link to the official ADA FAQs page for businesses to know how to deal with Service Animals. A business may not require the animal to have any special harness, certification or marking. If they are not sure that the animal is a service animal, the business may ask the person with a disability whether it is a service animal and what service it provides. They can't ask what the person's disability is. The FAQ gives some examples of services a dog may provide, but they are examples, not a complete list.

 

[kandeebunny]

Sue thanks that was extremely helpful!!!

 

[robinb]

The vest is difficult to get because her final certification thing is Saturday and we leave the 23rd...also she is 5lbs so getting a vest her size is difficult as is.

I found this place:
http://www.sitstay.com/store/clothing/service1.shtml

They say:

o get the GIRTH use a fabric measuring tape (not a metal tape) and measure your dog around the rib cage just behind the front legs while your dog is standing. You can also use a string around your dog and then measure the string. If you have a really small dog, you can get the Tiny, cut a strip out and sew it back together with a sewing machine. This will allow you to go down to a 9" girth.

She knows I'm going to have a spell before I do and barks so that i sit with her.

Awesome!

 

[Lewisc]

Sue--Thanks for providing the official information. I didn't think guests were allowed to leave their dogs unattended nor did I think CMs were allowed to watch the animals.

Given that the dog isn't allowed in any of the attractions and a member of the party must stay with the dog at all times using a kennel is an alternative many guests might consider. Logically the guest who's staying with the service animal could otherwise be with the disabled guest.

Here is a link to the official Disney General Disability Information Page, with info about Service Animals in the theme parks. If it doesn't go right to the part about Service Animals, just scroll around.
It does have a list the attractions where Service Animals are not allowed - most of them have things that could scare or upset most dogs or it could be dangerous for the dog or other guests. If you go to the individual Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for each park, there is more information about each attraction (there is a link to the Guidebooks for each Theme or Water Park at the top of the Disney General Disability Information Page). The information for the water parks say (The Blizzard Beach page says exactly the same):
Service Animals

Trained service animals are welcome in most locations throughout Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. All service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times. Guests should follow the same attraction entrance procedures as described for Guests using wheelchairs. Due to the nature of the attractions at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, as well as health and safety concerns, service animals are not permitted to ride any of the water attractions or to enter any of the water areas of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. A member of the Guest's party must remain with the animal at all times.
This is a link to the official ADA FAQs page for businesses to know how to deal with Service Animals. A business may not require the animal to have any special harness, certification or marking. If they are not sure that the animal is a service animal, the business may ask the person with a disability whether it is a service animal and what service it provides. They can't ask what the person's disability is. The FAQ gives some examples of services a dog may provide, but they are examples, not a complete list.

 

[dclfun]

What organization is placing the dog with you? You should notify them that you are travelling and will need a vest for the trip. You may get some questioning about your dog since she is small, esp. if you do not have an apparent disability. The only question they are allowed to ask is what tasks the dog does for you that you cannot do for yourself- a SD must be able to perform tasks. No one is allowed to ask about the nature of your disability. I have never been questioned about my SD at Disney and find that CM's are usually helpful by asking if she needs water, etc. It is not productive to your bond with your dog to place her in a kennel and while this may not pertain to your vacation, in the future if you are seen as being able to function without your dog then you set yourself up for "issues" of people being able to question your need to have the dog in the first place ( this is more for a workplace, but just something to think of ). It's like travelling with a baby- your responsibility will be to the dog, not for yourself to have a good time, although that doesn't mean you won't have a good time...just a matter of priority. My dog went out for her morning walk one day at Disney and had diarrhea which meant we weren't going to the parks that day. As time goes on you will sense your dogs needs more and her level of comfort- it takes a little more effort at first. Also remember to pack emergency meds and know the doses required. Have a wonderful vacation and congrats on your new partner. ---Kathy ( and Skye)

 

[dclfun]

I also wanted to add about the "task question". You should just be able to say that your dog is a medical alert dog. You won't need to say what the alert is for or what your condition is. You don't need to worry about your privacy being compromised or having to answer a personal question about your disability. I have a friend with a hearing alert dog and she is often questioned- just don't get flustered and be polite but firm if someone is asking you about your SD. ---Kathy

 

[tinkwannabe2]

http://cgi.ebay.com/SERVICE-DOG-VES...ryZ66766QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This person makes vests and can make them small enough for a 4 pound dog.

 

[spotdog]

This could be a very hot topic

I don't want to flame anyone, but as a theatre venue manager and disabled person, I have been taught that I cannot question anyones disability. I can, however, ask what service an animal performs, that the person cannot perform for themselves.

I am pretty permissive unless the animal unneccessarily disrupts a performance or creates a mess. The ranting and raving woman who demanded that her assistance cats be admitted without explanation or she would sue was escorted out.

On this note, any documentation for a "smaller than average" legitimate, trained service animal would help overwhelmed theatre managers to welcome you and your dog.

 

[dclfun]

I can understand how someone might feel about seeing a SD approaching, esp. one in a "homemade" vest or one not provided by a SD organization. There is alot of controversy over emotional support animals, which are not considered SD's because they do not perform tasks and thus in certain states are not allowed public access. In the OP's case she mentioned having "medical attacks" that her dog alerts for. While none of us need to know what the medical issues are, an alert dog's task it to notify it's handler of an impending medical situation. Someone whose dog is disruptive must be given the chance to get their dog under control or they may legally be asked to leave the premises. SD's must behave in an exemplary fashion- no barking, growling,elimination accidents etc. and should not disrupt the function of a place of business. ---Kathy