CAP and Service (Medical Assistance) Dogs

[EmLyn]

I have multiple disabilities and use a service dog.  Before I ask my question, I do want to state that CAP has been awesome about my use of a service dog.  She has accompanied to meetings at different squadrons and to SLS.  Nobody has ever given me a problem.

However, I am now thinking about doing some in-residence courses and by nature, I am a worrier.  I figure classes and conferences held at hotels would work like taking her to any other class or conference. My concerns deal more with those with housing in barracks, on base housing, and dealing with emergency services.  My SD already deploys on disaster assignments with me for another organization, but every group is different.

I guess my largest question is how to deal with barracks living with a service dog.   This is an unknown because I have never done this without one either.  In order to better prepare her for this, I need a better idea about barracks life and what difficulties we may encounter.

Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[lordmonar]

CAP conforms to ADA guidelines.

So....let the project/activity officer know of your special needs and he/she will be able to advise you on if they can reasonably accommodate you.

As a WAG.....there is almost nothing I can think of off the top of my head that should prevent you from participating in any of the in-residence courses.

[Brad]

The various military police organizations (Air Force Security Forces, Provost Marshal, Naval Security Force, and Military Police) use dogs all the time and I would hope are used to dogs living in the barracks with their handlers. Sure, open-bay recruit barracks and general enlisted and officer quarters are different yes, but still, you get what I'm saying I hope.

[sarmed1]

It would depend on the type of billeting available.  I would check with them. I know at McGuire they have specific rooms for personnel with working dogs; ie the generally don't book anyone else into those rooms and have specific door tags for housekeeping.

MK

[EmLyn]

Thanks you to everybody.

Like I said I am a worrier, but I'm feeling more comfortable now.  My background is K9 SAR (outside of CAP) but with new complications am having a hard time finding my place in my new world.  I understand that so much of what I love to do is now outside of my abilities, but really want to find a way to still contribute.  I'm hoping CAP helps me do that, as well as helps me regain some confidence.

Thanks again,
The Worry Wart Extraordinary

[JeffDG]

Give the course director as much advance notice as you can, and I'd bet they'll bend over backwards to make sure you can fully participate.

[abdsp51]

McGuire is the exception to the rule and not the norm.  MWDs are housed in a kennel when not on duty and in garrison that is where they stay.  They do not go home with the handler at all unless the dog is retired and adopted.  Down range is another story which I will not go into.

There should be no issue with your dog in any billeting facility though you may have to pay extra to be lodged in a pet friendly TLF.  Contact the base's lodging office to find out more.  Do be prepared though to show proof that your dog is a genuine service dog. 

[Eclipse]

When you're talking about civilian facilities such as a hotel, etc., then it will be based on the policies of that facility.

When you're talking about military billeting and housing, CAP is always 100% at the mercy of the whim
of the base commander, etc.

As indicated, advanced notice should be a given and realize it is likely out of the activity commander's control.

[EmLyn]

When you're talking about civilian facilities such as a hotel, etc., then it will be based on the policies of that facility.

Just an informational heads up, civilian facilities do not have a choice.  Federal laws, with very few exceptions, state that public accommodations, (ie: hotels, conference centers, restaurants) must allow service animals without any additional fees. 


abdsp51: What is TLF?  My SD wears her vest, has a collar tag, and has a photo id.  I also always travel with her complete vet record and my complete medical jacket including x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.  I wonder if that would be enough. Life used to be so much easier.

[Brad]

TLF = Temporary Lodging Facility Aka base hotel lol.

[Pingree1492]

I'm sure things used to be easier with the service dog situation.  Unfortunately, like a lot of other things, a few people looking to take advantage of the perks of the program has made it harder for those that it was actually intended for.  Too many pet owners have gone out and bought vests for their dogs and started claiming them as 'service animals' without any actual training for the pet, or need for a service animal from the owner.

As far as CAP goes, many of the older, open-bay style barracks were definitely not designed for folks with disabilities where walking or climbing up stairs becomes an issue.  And the old barracks that are still on active military posts do not have to conform to the ADA laws (though office buildings generally do).  If stairs aren't an issue for you, then you should be fine.  If they are, there are work-arounds, such as simply informing the activity director that you would need billeting on the ground floor.   Also, the old open-bay barracks generally have one or two rooms that are separated from the main housing area (where the cadre would sleep), so those rooms are also an option to request.

For an open-bay barracks in general, just imagine rows and rows of bunk beds and lockers in the middle of an open area, and you get the gist.  If you have a kennel for your dog, finding room for it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Other than the stairs issue and the total lack of privacy in an open-bay design, I can't think of anything else that would really be problematic with having a service animal. 

[EmLyn]

Thanks,

I actually meant pre-service dog life was easier.  I know all about those annoying "fake" service animals.  My community is overrun by them.  My personal favorite *cough* is the one whose only trained task is to bring joy. *rolls eyes*. I wish more businesses would conduct training for their employees on how to spot them.

The description of the open-bay barracks gives me something about which to think.   Most days this would not be a problem, but I do have cane days and wheelchair days.  They are as rare as I can make them and becoming rarer all the time.

[LSThiker]

When you're talking about civilian facilities such as a hotel, etc., then it will be based on the policies of that facility.

No it is not.  Federal law requires civilian facilities to accept working animals. 

I guess my largest question is how to deal with barracks living with a service dog.   This is an unknown because I have never done this without one either.  In order to better prepare her for this, I need a better idea about barracks life and what difficulties we may encounter.

Okay, so the answer is kind of.  The DoD is required to recognized service animals for civilians, but there can be a number of restrictions imposed not normally allowed by civilian counterparts.  First and foremost, not knowing what your service animal is for (not asking either), the DoA, due to the VA, does not recognize service dogs for behavioral health conditions (at least for Soldiers) as per AD 2013-1.  For Soldiers, the DoA only recognizes dogs obtained from accredited organizations recognized by the VA.  From my understanding, civilians do not fall into this restriction. 

The base commander can limit certain facilities for service animals (munitions depots, motor pools, flight lines, specific areas of a clinic/hospital, etc) due to safety reasons.  However, the base commander cannot limit whole facilities such as the installation, MWR, restaurants, PX, barracks etc.  With that said, the dog is not allowed to eat from the table (not that many service animals do) or violate certain health and hygiene rules of the base.  Public health, safety, and good order and discipline can trump the ADA access.  They can ask that you stay in specific barracks (private housing as opposed to open-bay barracks).

Unfortunately, there really is not one overall regulation, but rather a pot of them that govern the use of service dogs.  Although not technically required, ensure you always keep proper documentation for your dog on hand at all times.  In addition, unfortunately, I know the DoA, but other branches are probably similar. 

[EmLyn]

Thanks that was very informative.

Boy, do I need to learn acronyms! What is MWR?

[PHall]

Thanks that was very informative.

Boy, do I need to learn acronyms! What is MWR?

Morale, Welfare and Recreation

[LSThiker]

Thanks that was very informative.

Boy, do I need to learn acronyms! What is MWR?

Morale, Wellness, Recreation.  It would be facilities such as a base theater.

I forgot to include two important things:

1.  Dogs are required to wear the Service Animal Vest at all times.

2.  Dogs must be registered with the Provost's office, which is required to keep a registry of service animals.  Which, if I recall correctly, will ask for a copy of vaccinations.  Call the PM office prior and ask for all the required documents.

[Ed Bos]

If you don't mind my curiosity... What activity(s) are you planning on attending in barracks, or was this a more general question?

[EmLyn]

It was more a general question.  I had thought about attending NESA, but I chickened out. Finally, I thought it just might be easier to ask and get some insight. 

[a2capt]

The accommodations are not (always) the course/class. If open bay isn't conducive to your logistics needs, there may very well be other options. The absolute best place to start is with the activity contact.