Guide dog life
Where Do Guide Dogs Do Their Business 💩 On a Ship?
Can you even take a service dog on a ship…
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Yes, service dogs can accompany their handler on ships.
Booking the trip
I would advise the service rep when booking my voyage, that I’m bringing my guide dog on board. I’d have Cooper’s license, proof that he is a certified guide dog, with me at all times.
I may never be asked to provide proof, but either way, I’m prepared.*
Where do guide dogs do their business on a ship?
Dog relief areas will vary but ships do have designated ‘facilities’ for dogs.
Some have green fake-grass areas complete with fire hydrant, and instructions for disposing of the poop.
Others will provide large trays filled with wood chips / mulch in specific areas. Again, there are instructions and even hand sanitizers.
If I’d tell them Cooper is 90 lbs. they would probably give us the flowerbed-sized model.
Some ships will give the handler access to a separate area, similar to dog relief areas in airports.
How long can your guide dog hold it?
You may be wondering how long a guide dog can hold. I’ll use Cooper again as my example of what we do while traveling.
Staying in a hotel
At hotels, the first thing I track down is the designated dog relief area(s).
In the morning he waits for me to brew a coffee. I’m pretty sure he knows that means more time to sniff around for the perfect spot. Then we’re set to go.
Depending on our schedule, I’ll make a mental note to take him again at supper time at the latest, then once again before bedtime.
Before going into a public building, I’ll give him the opportunity again, so he’ll feel comfortable, sometimes he goes but sometimes not.
He can hold for quite a while but I don’t test his limits.
Note: *The blind person’s rights act in the provinces of Canada state that certified guide dogs with their handler, have the same access to places as any individual without a guide dog.
