Tourism Sector

Eateries

Time to read: Approximately < 1 minute

The experiences of Handlers when dining out are greatly impacted by eatery policies and practices, and the attitudes of staff. Here is a list of factors that make a great dining venue for Handlers.

Guide Dog Nixon, a golden Labrador, stands with his Handler, Nina Smith (TravelPaws Founder and Director), at the water’s edge of a beach. Nixon, wearing his identifying harness, is looking out toward the ocean at a ferry in the distance. Nina is visible only by her black leggings and the bottom of her blue coat.

Ways to improve a Handlers experience of dining out include:

  • Advising all staff that there is an Assistance Dog in the establishment, and where specifically the dog is located.
  • Advising the Handler where the restroom is located.
  • Intervening if other patrons distract or feed the Assistance Dog. Such behaviour can negatively impact a Handler’s outing.
  • Ensuring that Handlers are not seated outside or in corners simply because of their Assistance Dog.
  • Ensuring that Assistance Dogs are not made to sit on concrete, where they may get a chill, when there is carpet available in other spots.
  • Seating the Handler and Assistance Dog in a location with good ventilation.
  • Seating the Handler and Assistance Dog away from a thoroughfare (eg. entrance to a kitchen) where there is a greater risk of the dog being stepped on.

These are the key areas that are important to a Handler on holidays:

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