Archive for the ‘Service Dog Tips’ Category
France is a place where most people would love to visit at least once in their lifetime. From the gourmet food and pastries to the outstanding architecture, France offers a vacation like no other.
If you need a Service Dog to help you navigate your way, or use one for other medical reasons, you can still enjoy all France has to offer; you just need to plan ahead.
In this post, we will provide you with a complete travel guide for a Service Dog in France. Don’t book your flight until you have all the facts.
Traveling to France With a Service Dog With an EU PassportBefore you can travel to France with your Service Dog, he or she must have a series of requirements completed. This can be in the form of an EU Pet Passport.
What is an EU Pet Passport?
The EU (European Union) Pet Passport is a document issued by an official veterinarian in a European Union Member State (a country within the EU) or other designated country that contains official health information related to a specific pet. The purpose of this document is to make it easier to travel between the EU Member States and for animals returning from the EU to other countries.
Note: an EU Pet Passport cannot be obtained in the U.S.
Who Can Fill Out an EU Pet Passport?
There are several sections that need to be completed on the EU Pet Passport. These sections are labeled as;
Authorized Veterinarian – referring to an EU veterinarian A Veterinarian – any licensed vet including those from the U.SIt is very important that each veterinarian fills out there own sections. Failure to do so could have the Pet Passport denied.
Service Dog Requirements Without an EU Pet PassportIf you do not have an EU Pet Passport, you will have to complete a checklist of requirements before you can bring your Service Dog into France.
1. An ISO Compliant Microchip – these are 15 digits long (11784 and 11785). If your Service Dog does not have this type of microchip, you can either bring a compatible microchip reader with you or contact the EU Veterinarian at your destination point to see if he/she has the appropriate reader. You can also have a USDA accredited vet implant the EU microchip.
Remember, the number and implantation dates of both microchips must be documented on the EU Health Certificate.
2. Rabies Vaccination – Must occur AFTER the microchip was implanted or on the same day. However, any rabies vaccination administered before the microchip is considered invalid.
If your pet had a non-ISO compatible chip implanted at the same time as or before your pet’s most recent vaccination, your pet would not have to be re-vaccinated even if it had to be re-microchipped with an ISO compliant chip to travel to the EU.
Vaccinations that are valid from one to three years are acceptable as long as they are current and given according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
The vaccinations also cannot expire before entering France.
3. 21 Day Vaccination Waiting Period
Your Service Dog must wait 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination before traveling to France.
Vaccination is considered “primary” when it’s given at the same time or after a microchip implantation, or it is given after the previous rabies vaccination has expired.
4. The EU Health Certificate
Service Dogs must have an accredited veterinarian issue, complete, and sign the EU Health Certificate. This certificate must be issued within ten days of entering into France.
5. APHIS Endorsement
After your veterinarian has issued the EU Health Certificate, have your completed paperwork endorsed by your local APHIS Veterinary Services office.
APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) will be able to provide specific information about the process and fees associated with the endorsement of the EU Health Certificate.
Click here to download a non-commercial Health Certificate for your Service Dog.
Please Note: According to their website;
“The EU health certificate is valid for travel within the EU for up to 4 months from the date it is issued by the USDA Accredited Veterinarian as long as the rabies vaccine documented on it does not expire.
After entering the EU, dogs who are subsequently traveling to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway will need to be treated for tapeworms by an EU veterinarian within 1-5 days before entering those countries.
The EU veterinarian will add the tapeworm treatment information to the EU health certificate issued in the United States. It is your responsibility to ensure your pet meets the import requirements of each country you visit.”
Traveling in Paris With Your DogThe public transportation rules in Paris are very dog-friendly. You may travel with your dog in subways and trains as long as you purchase a ticket for your dog and they are leashed. Unfortunately, buses do not allow dogs in Paris.
Traveling to France With Your Service DogBefore you book your flight from the U.S. or Canada to France, be sure to start the lengthy process of getting your Service Dog ready to travel.
As we covered, your Assistance Dog will need to have an ISO compatible microchip, and up-to-date rabies vaccination. You will also need to have an EU Pet Passport in place or the five-step alternative process taken care of before your Service Dog will be admitted into France.
Following this process will ensure your Service Dog is ready and able to travel abroad.
There are approximately 18 million Pit Bull-type dogs in the United States, (or 20% of the dog population). The “Pit Bull,” however, is not a definitive breed, but rather a catch-all term for any dog that exhibits the appearance of this bully breed (not necessarily its genetic makeup).
In general, there are four breeds widely referred to as the “Pit Bull.” These include; the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
These breeds are similar and do share some common characteristics, which could be why they are commonly confused for one another.
In this post, we will explore the American Pit Bull and answer the question of; can a Pit Bull be a Service Dog?
General Traits of the American Pit BullUnfortunately, over the years, unscrupulous people have given the “Pit Bull” a bad name. These dogs have gained the reputation for being vicious killers out for blood. Nothing could be further from the truth.
A well-bred “Pit Bull” is friendly, loving, and a devoted companion. They have no idea of their size and believe that any lap is an opportunity for love and affection.
Although the Pitty is very keen on its surroundings, it does not make a good watchdog. Yes, the Pit Bull will alert you to someone at your door, but only because it is eager to greet its “guests.”
The Pit Bull is a sturdy, energetic dog, that is very tolerant of children. However, as with any dog, early socialization and exposure to different sights, sounds, people, and other dogs is highly recommended.
Because of its need for love and affection, the American Pit Bull does not do well when left alone for extended periods-of-time.
American Pit Bull Terriers have a great need to chew. They also have powerful jaws that can (and will) make quick work of cheap or flimsy toys. Be sure your Pitty has only tough, durable toys that can’t be chewed up and swallowed.
American Pit Bull Terriers are best suited to owners who can offer firm, fair training, and gentle, consistent discipline.
Fast Facts About the American Pit Bull
Height: Up to 19 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 to 85 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Characteristics: Pit Bulls are known for their loyalty and eagerness to please. This makes them a wonderful candidate to be trained as a service animal.
The American Pit Bull as a Service DogDespite the stigma attached to the Pit Bull, they do make excellent Service Dogs. They are large enough and strong enough to pull a wheelchair, as well as offer physical support for those with balance or mobility issues.
Their loyal, dedicated, and intuitive nature makes them a natural for offering emotional or physical comfort for those individuals with psychological or psychiatric conditions like PTSD, depression, or social anxieties.
The American Pit Bull can also be trained to be a Medical Alert Service Dog. These animals respond to various health issues such as low blood sugar, oncoming seizures, or low oxygen levels. They can also be trained to remind people to take their medications.
Click here to Register your Service Dog Breed Legislation and the Pit Bull BreedsDue to the misconceptions of the Pit Bull breeds, many regions have imposed a ban on owning these dogs. However, according to the Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to discriminate against a person owning a Pitty breed when it is used as a Service Dog.
There are also two organizations on a mission to change the stigma of the Pit Bull breeds.
The Animal Farm Foundation’s Assistance Dog Training Program (New York) trains shelter Pit Bulls to push wheelchairs and to help people regain their mobility and avoid falls. It’s believed to be the only American training school that exclusively trains shelter Pit Bulls to be service dogs.
Another group in Chicago, Pits for Patriots, trains rescued Pit Bulls as comfort, therapy, and support dogs for veterans, police officers, and firefighters. The organization’s co-founder, Kelly Yearwood, says;
“veterans and first responders identify with bully breeds because they’ve both seen a lot of trauma.”
Can an American Pit Bull Be a Service Dog?
The American Pit Bull (and all the Pitty breeds) can make excellent Service Dogs. However, like any other dog, early socialization, proper training, and positive reinforcement all work together to create a well-rounded canine.
Service dogs are entitled to public access rights with their handler. This means that you and your service dog can go anywhere that you are allowed to go – like office buildings, stores, no-pet apartments, etc.
If you think a Pit Bull is a breed that will work best for your disability, be sure to seek out a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Get all the information you can on the specific dog, then go to work training it up in the ways of service.
You will be happy you did.