Service animals on dcl

[mmouse37]

I did not want to take another thread off topic with this question so I am posting it here....what have people's experiences been with service animals onboard.

The quote below was from someone on a DCL cruise and I was surprised that this animal was considered a service animal....

Also on this cruise were another elderly couple that just seemed to be everywhere we were. Every time we turned a corner, there they were. They had this little froo-froo dog they dressed in cute little clothes and pushed around in a stroller. They allowed people to take pictures of and with the dog; they allowed children to come pet the dog, all the while calling the dog a "service dog". They would hold up lines and block the flow of traffic with their "photo ops" and were just generally annoying. Where I come from, one does not allow people to touch or socialize with a service dog. I really wanted to ask what type of service this dog provided, but I bit my tongue as I realized I couldn't say it without sounding rude. So I'm saying it here!!!

I am sort of shocked that DCL would allow it. I know they allow service animals and I have no problem with service animals whatsoever....but I find it strange in the above scenario that people were allowed to touch and play with it. I also thought service dogs/animals were not to be played with while in service. But, I fully admit I am no expert on service dogs/animals by a long shot so maybe some service dogs/animals are permitted to be petted.

Anyone know the criteria DCL has on what is considered a service animal or not.....what sort of proof is required? Just curious as I would like to learn more about it. I know a few Disers who have brought their service animals onboard and spoke about their experiences...but would like to hear more.

MJ

 

[orlandothebeagle]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2006/oct/16/lifeandhealth.medicineandhealth
Dogs that bark to warn epileptics about an oncoming seizure and help them when they have a fit could be available in Britain under a programme being considered by UCB, the global biopharmaceuticals group.

One its top drugs is Keppra, an anti-epilepsy treatment for adults and children, and in April last year, it announced a partnership with Canine Assistants, a US not-for-profit organisation that trains dogs to assist people with disabilities. UCB sponsors the training of seizure-response dogs for those with epilepsy.

The labradors and golden retrievers are taught to look after the person when they have a fit, and some are also able to predict an oncoming seizure - warning their owners by barking or licking their hands. When the seizure happens, the dog uses different methods to look after its owner.

Rich Denness, of UCB's central nervous system division, also responsible for the partnership with Canine Assistants, said: "Some dogs will lie over the patient and keep them stable. Others will go straight to the fridge for some water, go to the phone, or go to get some medicine."

UCB funds the training of the animals, as well as the lifetime costs of food and vet fees once the dog is given to a person with epilepsy, which amounts to about $18,000 per animal. The funding comes from UCB's marketing budget, and a full-scale campaign has been launched around Canine Assistants, with some of the dogs regularly travelling to the US for epilepsy events. The group is considering rolling the programme out to the UK - where about one in 130 people has epilepsy - and other parts of the world to create a global network.

By the end of this year, Canine Assistants will have a waiting list of 1,000 people in the US, and it estimates that more than 200 of those will be asking for seizure-response dogs. The UK also has a number of charities that train dogs for the disabled, but only one - Support Dogs - specialises in seizure-alert dogs that can predict an epileptic fit between 15 and 50 minutes before it occurs.

A spokeswoman for the UK's Epilepsy Action said: "We hear a lot of stories of people being attacked when having the seizures, and they are concerned about going out in public. Having a dog makes it a bit safer."

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

It's my understanding that service animals have credentials that prove it. So, I would guess that the couple was telling the truth or DCL didn't check the credentials.

Typically, "guide" or "hearing" dogs aren't played with since distraction can cause them to fail.

But there are service dogs who's job is to 'fetch' things for people who have limited mobility. There are service dogs for people with psychiatric disorders because the dogs help them deal with their anxieties.

I know of a woman who's son has epilepsy and autism and his dog his trained to alert others if he has a seizure- AND be a loving companion much like the type of service dog I mentioned before. With people with autism, sometimes in stressful situations they will start to 'self stim' (rocking back and forth, hitting their head, arm flapping ect) and the dog is also trained to engage them to distract from this behavior.

Common sense and courtesy dictate that a person should always check with the owner or handler before petting any dog. It is especially important with service dogs, and if they are 'working' they will have a vest to indicate such.

 

[tvguy]

Well.....the dog COULD be a legitimate service dog. Or the owners convinced a medical professional to document the dog as such.

But political discussions are prohibited on these boards and frankly to go further might cross that line.
Let's just say I often question whether a lot of folks with service dogs, handicapped placards*, and those little rascal scooters really need them, and most of all that isn't fair to those who REALLY do need them.

*Case in point. The gentleman who frequents my grocery store and has handicapped license plates on his brand new CORVETTE. He calls the store from his cell phone when he arrives and a bagger comes out to help him out of the car, and they have to help him back in the car. But when his daughter brings him in her Focus, he can get in and out of THAT car without assistance.

 

[kcashner]

And I know a woman at church who had a handicapped placard on her mirror for her mother who had a heart condition. The mother has been dead for 3+ years, but the hang tag remains on her mirror and she uses handicapped parking places. OK--so that's wrong.

As far as I know, you have to do the medical form to bring a service animal on board. If the guest has a verandah they will set up a sandbox on the verandah, if the guest doesn't have one there will be a sandbox set up on the "not so secret" deck 7." DCL follows the ADA regulations concerning all disabilities even though they are not registered in the US and would not have to.

We worked as puppy "trainers" with a service dog; the animals live with a family for a year wearing their vests and getting socialized before they are taken to one of several training programs to prepare them to be seeing eye dogs. A huge part of our "training" was the idea that when the vest is on, they are "on duty" and don't play (nor do others play with them.) We also had the joy of "dog sitting" a pair of seeing eye dogs while their owners were at a banquet (they felt it would be sub-optimal for the dogs to be squashed under a table for a few hours). As soon as the harnesses came off, the dogs were in major "PLAY WITH ME" mode.

Anyhow, I digress....it has been my experience that service animals are not played with or petted while "on duty," and certainly not without the owner's permission. There are many conditions with animals trained as assistants--from smelling to alert diabetics to high blood sugar levels to sensing impending seizures to fetching, carrying, and opening doors to functioning as eyes and ears for their owners. I would have to assume that the couple managed to get a physician to sign for the need for this "service animal" in order to bring it on DCL. The service animals I've seen on board were the much more typical variety.

 

[shaylahc1]

I was wondering this too. We were on the EBTA and there was a small dog (a chiuahua?) that was carried around in a "pouch" that was labeled "service dog". I, too, wondered exactly what such a tiny dog could do that was serviceable His owner just carried him the whole cruise, I thought it was a bit strange...

 

[Silverfox97]

I saw a chiuaua labeled service animal at WDW once - my husband and I just stopped dead in our tracks in disbelief!!

 

[mirandag819]

I saw a chiuaua labeled service animal at WDW once - my husband and I just stopped dead in our tracks in disbelief!!

This site lists Chihuahuas as one of the most common service dogs because of their personality and temperament.... I would have never thought of them as being able to be a service dog, but apparently it is common.

http://servicedogsamerica.org/faq.html

 

[Silverfox97]

I see that - hearing dogs. Nice. Guess with ears the size they have......

 

[chabs]

I can shed a little light on this. I recently went to school with my lab to be a certified therapy dog. Not to use for me or anyone in my family, but eventually I would like to take my dog into nursing homes and hospitals to visit. Anyone can register their dog to take the class. Once your dog passes the therapy test and becomes a certified therapy dog, it is illegal to deny the dog access when working. The key word is working. Some people choose to take advantage of this and use the certificate to take their dog everywhere with them. It is hard for the stores (or cruiseline) to determine whether or not the dog is really working, thus the line is blurred between a dog truly working or a dog parents that just want to take their dogs everywhere.

 

[atinkerbellmom]

This came up once before. I do not have the thread saved to my User CP anymore as I deleted it. One point I want to make it that I think it is being abused to the fullest. Yes, I think service dogs are great, but I do think some are abusing this right and privilage. My brother has his little fu fu dog labled as a service dog and I tell you.... There is nothing wrong with my brother! Actually he has taken the stupid little dog (sorry but the dog is mean) on 2 different cruises. Last cruise in May, they actually made them leave the ship mid cruise in a POC because the little snipper, snipped at two children on two different occassions. It almost makes me sick to even know he brings this little snipper into restaurants and every place else with him. So I do know it is abused. I just think it is a shame, because my DD has had a couple of allergic reactions on DCL from a dog being in the room prior to us. He always comes home bragging about how the dog was brought everywhere and how everyone the little ....... (Fill in the blank of what I may be thinking). He comes back with pictures of strangers with the stupid dog and of the dog in Mexico. I almost wish we had a service police. So if someone is bringing FeeFee because they do not want to leave her at home and not because she helps them, I think that is very sad.... So I do know it is being abused! I guess maybe we need to get more strict guidlines.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

Actually, your post reminds me about the dogs who would visit my DD when she was in the children hospital. It was such a nice reprieve for sick children to be able to see and interact with a dog. My DD wsa only 8 months old at the time and it was the first dog she ever petted- and she enjoyed hugging him.

We still have the baseball style card with the dogs picture and details on it.

I can shed a little light on this. I recently went to school with my lab to be a certified therapy dog. Not to use for me or anyone in my family, but eventually I would like to take my dog into nursing homes and hospitals to visit. Anyone can register their dog to take the class. Once your dog passes the therapy test and becomes a certified therapy dog, it is illegal to deny the dog access when working. The key word is working. Some people choose to take advantage of this and use the certificate to take their dog everywhere with them. It is hard for the stores (or cruiseline) to determine whether or not the dog is really working, thus the line is blurred between a dog truly working or a dog parents that just want to take their dogs everywhere.

 

[IngridRalph]

There was a Chihuahua on the EBTA.

 

[CelticBelle]

I dont have a service dog and I havent trained one, but my sister and BIL had their dogs registered as service dogs.

From my understanding anyone can have their dog registered as a service animal. Many people register their dogs or other pets as well so that they can keep them with them at any time. For many elderly people the companionship of a dog or another animal, can calm them and lower their blood pressure. Seems amazing. Ive also heard of people that kept their pets around because they would get panic attacks and extreme anxiety. The point is that there are many reasons someone could keep a service animal that may not be immediatly obvious. Do people take advantage? Of course. And im sure may times is hard to tell.

Another very interesting point I just learned a few months ago. It is actually ilegal (in CA at least) to ask for proof that the animal is a service animal. Im sure its required for plans, ships, etc, but if you take the animal to Target or the grocery store they technically cant ask for proof. If they do its considered discrimination. Yes im sure people abuse this also.

Just thought Id throw my 2 cents in with what I know.

 

[tvguy]

Another very interesting point I just learned a few months ago. It is actually ilegal (in CA at least) to ask for proof that the animal is a service animal. Im sure its required for plans, ships, etc, but if you take the animal to Target or the grocery store they technically cant ask for proof. If they do its considered discrimination. Yes im sure people abuse this also.

Just thought Id throw my 2 cents in with what I know.

I smell a news story in the California information!

I suspect to be on the ship they have to have the papers showing they are a service dog, and vet records too.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

This came up once before. I do not have the thread saved to my User CP anymore as I deleted it. One point I want to make it that I think it is being abused to the fullest. Yes, I think service dogs are great, but I do think some are abusing this right and privilage. My brother has his little fu fu dog labled as a service dog and I tell you.... There is nothing wrong with my brother! Actually he has taken the stupid little dog (sorry but the dog is mean) on 2 different cruises. Last cruise in May, they actually made them leave the ship mid cruise in a POC because the little snipper, snipped at two children on two different occassions. It almost makes me sick to even know he brings this little snipper into restaurants and every place else with him. So I do know it is abused. I just think it is a shame, because my DD has had a couple of allergic reactions on DCL from a dog being in the room prior to us. He always comes home bragging about how the dog was brought everywhere and how everyone the little ....... (Fill in the blank of what I may be thinking). He comes back with pictures of strangers with the stupid dog and of the dog in Mexico. I almost wish we had a service police. So if someone is bringing FeeFee because they do not want to leave her at home and not because she helps them, I think that is very sad.... So I do know it is being abused! I guess maybe we need to get more strict guidlines.

Thanks for posting,its a sad story.

I dont have a service dog and I havent trained one, but my sister and BIL had their dogs registered as service dogs.

From my understanding anyone can have their dog registered as a service animal. Many people register their dogs or other pets as well so that they can keep them with them at any time. For many elderly people the companionship of a dog or another animal, can calm them and lower their blood pressure. Seems amazing. Ive also heard of people that kept their pets around because they would get panic attacks and extreme anxiety. The point is that there are many reasons someone could keep a service animal that may not be immediatly obvious. Do people take advantage? Of course. And im sure may times is hard to tell.

Another very interesting point I just learned a few months ago. It is actually ilegal (in CA at least) to ask for proof that the animal is a service animal. Im sure its required for plans, ships, etc, but if you take the animal to Target or the grocery store they technically cant ask for proof. If they do its considered discrimination. Yes im sure people abuse this also.

Just thought Id throw my 2 cents in with what I know.

Thats mad !!

I smell a news story in the California information!

I suspect to be on the ship they have to have the papers showing they are a service dog, and vet records too.

I should hope so!!

 

[Inkmahm]

Where do dogs pee and poop on the ship?

 

[NancyIL]

Another very interesting point I just learned a few months ago. It is actually ilegal (in CA at least) to ask for proof that the animal is a service animal. Im sure its required for plans, ships, etc, but if you take the animal to Target or the grocery store they technically cant ask for proof. If they do its considered discrimination. Yes im sure people abuse this also.

Just thought Id throw my 2 cents in with what I know.

Don't ask...don't tell?

 

[everafter1]

I took a hospitality law class back in college (so keep in mind that was a few years ago), but we learned the same thing CelticBelle metioned. Apparently most hotels and businesses can't really ask the reason behind a service animal and the owner does not have to provide proof that it's a service animal. They also have all sorts of service animals for all sorts of reasons. We read one case study about a woman who had a teacup pig as a service animal for anxiety... Again, I took this class several years ago, so things may have changed, but it was interesting to learn.

 

[DVCconvert]

I'd like to know if I could bring my service animal, "Fluffy", into the dinning rooms each night with me?

Will I have to dress-up Fluffy on Formal Night???

"Fluffy" is one cool Komodo!!

I can't wait to go down Pelican Plunge with him!!



Can DCL supply a pack n play for Fluffy?....of course it will have to be a sturdy one to support my 150 lb "baby"!!




PS/ MJ - you or anyone is welcomed to "touch and play with" Fluffy!