Nicole&Becker
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2009
- Messages
- 101
I would like to post this as a reminder to some, new info for those who don't know, and something to think about when visiting WDW in general.
For those who don't know, Service Dogs and other Service Animals who assist those with disabilities (even invisible disabilities), are allowed anywhere the public in general is allowed. So even though the cabins themselves are not "pet friendly", service dogs, by law, are allowed. So service animals are allowed in all areas of WDW that the public is allowed including restaurants, shops, some rides, all hotel rooms if they are staying there, all hotel lobbies, everywhere. So don't be startled if you see them there. Service dogs are not required by law to wear special vests or harnesses, so it is best to assume if a well mannered dog is somewhere it shouldn't be with a person even if they look healthy, that dog could be a service dog. Service dogs are also allowed inside the cabin on airplanes, in cabs, on buses, and any other public and hired transportation.
So if you are going to be there the same time we are, be on the look out for a very big chocolate lab while you are there. We will be around in the parks and depending on the heat, he may or may not be wearing his vest or might be wearing a cooling jacket. Remember your manners when seeing a service dog.
Service animal etiquette:
The Rules!!
#1 Never pet a service animal without asking the handler first. These dogs are working and focusing on their disabled handler and cannot be distracted. It could be very dangerous for the handler if the dog is distracted while on duty. Distracting a service animal with noises, food, petting, or gestures is really rude and could be dangerous for the handler. Please instruct children not to distract a service dog, and never to pet a dog they don't know without asking first. Please also do not be offended if the handler says no. That dog might not be able to be petted at that time, or the handler does not want the dog to get too distracted from work at that time. Some dogs get really excited with other people and might have a hard time refocusing on the handler after an interaction. So some handlers just do not allow that kind of contact while the dog is working. Please be understanding and inform children that this might happen if they ask and why.
#2 Always talk directly to the handler and not to the animal. It is like when men talk only to a woman's chest. It is not very nice at all.
#3 Treat people with a service animal just like anything else. They are people just like you and should be treated like you would want to be treated. A disability, no matter what it is, is not contagious, so don't be afraid of disabled people or their helpers.
#4 All service animals are held to a really high standard but everyone can have an off day. If you come across a service dog that is disruptive with constant barking, growling, being aggressive, or eliminating in public, you should notify a manager or security as that dog should not be in public and the law allows a business to deny access to a dog that is acting that way. However, you should also ask the handler if they are ok and if their dog is ok first or at least ask the manager to check on the handler. That dog could also be alerting to a pending crisis with the handler. The dog could also be hurt or sick. So be courteous.
#5 Do not offer a dog food without checking with the handler. If the handler says No, don't be offended as the dog may be on a special diet or allergic to some things. The other thing to know is that many service dog handlers are scared to accept food for their dogs from strangers as there have been many dogs purposely poisoned by activist members in the last 5-10 years. So the general rule among service animal handlers is not to accept food from strangers for their dog and not ever allow the dog to eat anything that has an unknown origin.
Service animals such as guide dogs, hearing alert dogs, mobility assistance service dogs, seizure alert dogs, medical alert dogs, psychiatric service dogs, and all other types of service dogs and other animals are very valuable and in some states it is against the law to interfere with a service animal in any way. So mind your manners, inform your children on how to correctly approach someone with a service animal and know what to do. It is important to the handler and makes their time so much nicer when people know and follow the rules.
To all parents: As a service dog handler with children as well, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it when other parents tell their children why they cannot pet the nice doggie over there. It really makes my whole time where ever we are so much easier. Please do not assume or tell your children the dog is mean or could bite them as this is not true and could foster a life long fear of dogs which is unhealthy to everyone. Service dogs are highly trained. It takes at least 2 years to train a service dog, and costs between $20-50,000 to train them. These animals do not need a special license or ID card or certification. They do not need to come from a special school. Many people train their own service animal with the help of professional trainers.
These animals can do a variety of tasks including but not limited to: picking up dropped items, opening doors, fetching items, alerting to and responding to a medical crisis, guiding a blind person, alert a deaf person of sounds, protecting someone while they are having a seizure from falling or hurting themselves, helping a person walk, responding to and helping with psychiatric conditions, and many others.
If anyone would like to know more, please feel free to ask any questions you have either here or privately. Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation! We look forward to having many pleasant interactions with others while we are at WDW.
For those who don't know, Service Dogs and other Service Animals who assist those with disabilities (even invisible disabilities), are allowed anywhere the public in general is allowed. So even though the cabins themselves are not "pet friendly", service dogs, by law, are allowed. So service animals are allowed in all areas of WDW that the public is allowed including restaurants, shops, some rides, all hotel rooms if they are staying there, all hotel lobbies, everywhere. So don't be startled if you see them there. Service dogs are not required by law to wear special vests or harnesses, so it is best to assume if a well mannered dog is somewhere it shouldn't be with a person even if they look healthy, that dog could be a service dog. Service dogs are also allowed inside the cabin on airplanes, in cabs, on buses, and any other public and hired transportation.
So if you are going to be there the same time we are, be on the look out for a very big chocolate lab while you are there. We will be around in the parks and depending on the heat, he may or may not be wearing his vest or might be wearing a cooling jacket. Remember your manners when seeing a service dog.
Service animal etiquette:
The Rules!!
#1 Never pet a service animal without asking the handler first. These dogs are working and focusing on their disabled handler and cannot be distracted. It could be very dangerous for the handler if the dog is distracted while on duty. Distracting a service animal with noises, food, petting, or gestures is really rude and could be dangerous for the handler. Please instruct children not to distract a service dog, and never to pet a dog they don't know without asking first. Please also do not be offended if the handler says no. That dog might not be able to be petted at that time, or the handler does not want the dog to get too distracted from work at that time. Some dogs get really excited with other people and might have a hard time refocusing on the handler after an interaction. So some handlers just do not allow that kind of contact while the dog is working. Please be understanding and inform children that this might happen if they ask and why.
#2 Always talk directly to the handler and not to the animal. It is like when men talk only to a woman's chest. It is not very nice at all.
#3 Treat people with a service animal just like anything else. They are people just like you and should be treated like you would want to be treated. A disability, no matter what it is, is not contagious, so don't be afraid of disabled people or their helpers.
#4 All service animals are held to a really high standard but everyone can have an off day. If you come across a service dog that is disruptive with constant barking, growling, being aggressive, or eliminating in public, you should notify a manager or security as that dog should not be in public and the law allows a business to deny access to a dog that is acting that way. However, you should also ask the handler if they are ok and if their dog is ok first or at least ask the manager to check on the handler. That dog could also be alerting to a pending crisis with the handler. The dog could also be hurt or sick. So be courteous.
#5 Do not offer a dog food without checking with the handler. If the handler says No, don't be offended as the dog may be on a special diet or allergic to some things. The other thing to know is that many service dog handlers are scared to accept food for their dogs from strangers as there have been many dogs purposely poisoned by activist members in the last 5-10 years. So the general rule among service animal handlers is not to accept food from strangers for their dog and not ever allow the dog to eat anything that has an unknown origin.
Service animals such as guide dogs, hearing alert dogs, mobility assistance service dogs, seizure alert dogs, medical alert dogs, psychiatric service dogs, and all other types of service dogs and other animals are very valuable and in some states it is against the law to interfere with a service animal in any way. So mind your manners, inform your children on how to correctly approach someone with a service animal and know what to do. It is important to the handler and makes their time so much nicer when people know and follow the rules.
To all parents: As a service dog handler with children as well, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it when other parents tell their children why they cannot pet the nice doggie over there. It really makes my whole time where ever we are so much easier. Please do not assume or tell your children the dog is mean or could bite them as this is not true and could foster a life long fear of dogs which is unhealthy to everyone. Service dogs are highly trained. It takes at least 2 years to train a service dog, and costs between $20-50,000 to train them. These animals do not need a special license or ID card or certification. They do not need to come from a special school. Many people train their own service animal with the help of professional trainers.
These animals can do a variety of tasks including but not limited to: picking up dropped items, opening doors, fetching items, alerting to and responding to a medical crisis, guiding a blind person, alert a deaf person of sounds, protecting someone while they are having a seizure from falling or hurting themselves, helping a person walk, responding to and helping with psychiatric conditions, and many others.
If anyone would like to know more, please feel free to ask any questions you have either here or privately. Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation! We look forward to having many pleasant interactions with others while we are at WDW.
