Tourism Sector

Tourist Attractions

Time to read: Approximately 2 minutes

Here is a list of information that may be helpful to a Handler when deciding whether to visit a tourist attraction. Note that it is not an exhaustive list, so please take the time to consider what else might be useful for a Handler to know about the specific attraction you work at.

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.

Make sure to inform a Handler of:

  • How long it will take to get to the tourist attraction from where they are staying.
  • How long any associated activities (eg. walks, tours) will take.
  • The terrain at the attraction. Is there perhaps a smooth concrete path, or is it rocky and uneven? Note that it is especially important for a Handler to know if there are paths with wire meshing, as a dog’s paws can get stuck in these if the dog is not wearing boots.
  • Whether there has recently been weed spraying at the site. Some common weed sprays can be toxic to dogs.
  • Whether there is wildlife at the site. The presence of other animals can make it difficult for the dog and the wildlife. Additionally, Handlers have to consider the potential transmission of diseases between animals so they can mitigate the risk of their dog being placed under quarantine.
  • Whether there is a trained staff member that can look after their Assistance Dog whilst they participate in an activity.

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

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Access

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