Traveling with Pup to Yellowstone and Wyoming. Any advice?

[RowdysMom]

We are going to yellowstone in July also! Maybe we'll cross paths! I'm taking a pet stroller, for both walking in the airport (I'll gate check it) and also in yellowstone. My husband is disabled and can't walk far at all, but we will want to get out of the car at times. I'm going to put Rowdy in the stroller, zip it up and I don't think anyone will even know there's a dog in there. I don't think my husband will be able to walk more than 100 feet frm the car, but even if he can and we decide to - I'll take Rowdy in the stroller.

[Nikitta34]

What fun! Maybe we'll run into each other. We are going sometime between July 2-13, I think. Not sure of the exact dates yet.

A stroller sounds like a great idea, but unfortunately I don't think it's a practical long-term investment since someday I will have to buy a stroller for my human baby and I wont' be able to push two! But I'll keep an eye out for a doggie stroller!!!! Maybe it will be you!

[Lee B]

If you have documentation that she's a service dog, then I don't THINK you would have a problem taking her on the kind of "hikes" you're talking about. I'd keep her in a carrier - maybe one of those chest type carriers like they use for babies (but made for dogs) so she is close to you.

I don't know how it would be handled if you wanted to go on long hikes, but service dogs cannot be denied access. That includes restaurants, etc. I just wouldn't make a big deal out of, trying not to call attention to the situation. Just act like it's normal - S.O.P. - and keep the letter handy. With luck, no one will even know she's there.

Needless to say, if you see bears or they are reported in the area, neither you NOR the dog should get out of the car.

[Nikitta34]

Originally Posted by Lee B

If you have documentation that she's a service dog, then I don't THINK you would have a problem taking her on the kind of "hikes" you're talking about. I'd keep her in a carrier - maybe one of those chest type carriers like they use for babies (but made for dogs) so she is close to you.

I don't know how it would be handled if you wanted to go on long hikes, but service dogs cannot be denied access. That includes restaurants, etc. I just wouldn't make a big deal out of, trying not to call attention to the situation. Just act like it's normal - S.O.P. - and keep the letter handy. With luck, no one will even know she's there.

Needless to say, if you see bears or they are reported in the area, neither you NOR the dog should get out of the car.

I agree about keeping a low profile and hopefully not even having to address the issue. It's always so awkward to explain the whole service dog thing. I flew on a plane a couple months ago and as we were getting off, a woman two rows back saw that I had a service dog and asked, "What service does she provide for you??" I was so flabbergasted that she'd have the audacity to ask that I just stammered something about "she provides a service". I wanted to tell her that it is a rude question to ask, but I just just too in shock. I mean, it's one thing if the flight attendant or restaurant manager, etc, asks. It's completely another thing for a random stranger to ask!

And we will definitely stay away from any and all wild animals.

[Lee B]

Originally Posted by Nikitta34

I agree about keeping a low profile and hopefully not even having to address the issue. It's always so awkward to explain the whole service dog thing. I flew on a plane a couple months ago and as we were getting off, a woman two rows back saw that I had a service dog and asked, "What service does she provide for you??" I was so flabbergasted that she'd have the audacity to ask that I just stammered something about "she provides a service". I wanted to tell her that it is a rude question to ask, but I just just too in shock. I mean, it's one thing if the flight attendant or restaurant manager, etc, asks. It's completely another thing for a random stranger to ask!

And we will definitely stay away from any and all wild animals.

It is illegal to ask what "service" the dog provides - it falls under HIPAA. However, people are used to seeing larger dogs as service animals, not itty-bitties like Yorkies, so it raises interest (and eyebrows!). Your doctor's letter is useful, but do you have a card from an organization that you can hand to nosy attendants? It has the law printed on it, as well as a picture of your dog. It's irrefutable - or you could sue. PM me if you need details.

My husband - in addition to a multitude of other problems - is subject to seizures. Bella senses the subtle electromagnetic changes in him prior and goes berzerk, allowing him time to sit down, to get to some place safe, to take an extra dose of medicine.

Little dogs can perform certain "services" better than larger dogs.

[Nikitta34]

Originally Posted by Lee B

It is illegal to ask what "service" the dog provides - it falls under HIPAA. However, people are used to seeing larger dogs as service animals, not itty-bitties like Yorkies, so it raises interest (and eyebrows!). Your doctor's letter is useful, but do you have a card from an organization that you can hand to nosy attendants? It has the law printed on it, as well as a picture of your dog. It's irrefutable - or you could sue. PM me if you need details.

My husband - in addition to a multitude of other problems - is subject to seizures. Bella senses the subtle electromagnetic changes in him prior and goes berzerk, allowing him time to sit down, to get to some place safe, to take an extra dose of medicine.

Little dogs can perform certain "services" better than larger dogs.

I do have a card with Meg's picture on it, but I do'nt have any of those business-card style cards. Apparently those are really helpful, too?

And I'm just not sure about the service dog in the park thing... Yes, service dogs must be allowed legally, and I'll stick to the main trails, but it's a public safety issue because a dog could attract wild animals. So I'm really not sure about the legality of it. Guess I should just call the National Park Service and ask...