In order for your pet to qualify as a service dog it must:

  1. Be well behaved.
  2. Be potty trained.
  3. Not be a barker. 

*If your pet is already registered as a service dog, great. If not, I can help guide you through the process to get them certified.

Does my dog qualify as a service animal?

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.

How is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) different form a Service Animal?

An emotional support animal provides emotional support, comfort, or aid to an individual through companionship, unconditional positive regard, and affection. The ESA does not have to be trained and is considered a "pet" whereas a Service animal is not.  ESA's are not allowed on cruise ships.

Are businesses allowed to question me or deny me service?

In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability. 

Can I be asked to leave if my service dog is being disruptive? 

Yes. If a service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, staff may request that the animal be removed from the premises.  Also the service animal may be asked to leave if the business or state/local government feels that the dog’s presence would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, programs, or activities provided to the public. In most settings, a service animal will not fundamentally alter the situation. But in some settings, a service dog could change the nature of the service or program. For example, it may be appropriate to keep a service animal out of a sterile environment such as the ship's medical center or out of pools and hot tubs.

 Why are there so many sites that require payment for a certificate, a vest, or a card and are those legitimate? 

Your service pet legally does not require any of these.  These websites are there to take your money for overpriced items that you can order on from favorite online stores (Amazon, Walmart, Temu, etc.) at a fraction of the price.

Cruising with your pet

Where do service dogs relieve themselves on a cruise ship? 

Cruise ships don’t have vast swaths of grassy areas made for dogs! Fortunately, most cruise lines have areas designated as service dog “relief boxes.” The service dog owner can request a service dog relief “box.” This box is typically filled with mulch, sod, wood shavings, or faux grass and kept in a private service area.  

Can a service dog go anywhere passengers go on a cruise ship? 

A service dog may accompany their owner anywhere other passengers have access. However, some cruise ships may prevent service dogs from entering areas where their presence might pose a health hazard, like the medical bay or swimming pool area. For the most part, service dogs can accompany their owner to the cruise’s shops, restaurants, and onboard ship activities. 

Will the staff watch my service dog for me?  

As much as anyone would love to spend time with an adorable service dog, cruise ship staff are not obligated to watch a service dog. Furthermore, many cruise ships don’t allow owners to leave their service dogs unattended, even in their cabins or staterooms.  Cruise ships often stop at various ports, and passengers disembark for land activities. If a service dog owner disembarks, they must either take the service dog with them or make arrangements for the dog to be cared for. Grooming, walking, and relieving the service dog are also not the responsibility of the cruise ship staff.  

Does the cruise ship offer dog food for my service dog? 

The cruise ship does not carry dog food, so service dog owners must bring enough food for their dogs to last the duration of the trip. Even all-inclusive cruise ships do not offer food for service dogs. 

Does my service dog have to be on a leash?

Service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the person’s disability prevents use of these devices. 

Air travel with your pet

How do airlines determine whether an animal is a service animal?

Airline staff will be looking for physical indicators as to whether or not your dog appears to be a service dog.  They will look for a harness or vest, look to see that the animal is leashed and will observe the animal's behavior.

Under what circumstances may airlines deny transport to a service dog?

Airlines are permitted to deny transport to a service dog if is not behaving appropriately. They will certainly deny transport if you have not completed the proper forms required by the DOT and the specific airline.