'Guide Dog for the Blind' Life  

Guide Dog for the Blind

Mark Cohen (67.68.93.43) -

Hello,

I am considering retiring to Costa Rica, and would like to know if you are familiar with any of the immigration rules and laws.

I will be bringing a Golden Retriever Dog with me. He is a certified Service Dog, not unlike a Guide Dog for the Blind. In Canada, the United States, and various islands in the Caribbean, he comes everywhere I go: restaurants, cars, homes, discotheques, dance halls, buses, taxis,

museums, airports, and any and all public and private buildings.

International laws say that even on aircraft either large or small my Service Dog is allowed to come with me in the cabin of the aircraft under my feet, and not be transported in the baggage compartment.

My Service Dog has been individually and specifically trained to mitigate the handicap that I have. My handicap is not visible and will

not effect my attending your classes. Is there special certification or registration that I may need from local or national authorities to allow

me to bring my dog everywhere I go? Do I need to get him a specific collar, harness, or scarf identifying him as a Service Dog or a Guide

Dog? If so, I would like to arrange for it in advance so as not to have any inconveniences upon my arrival.

Regards,

Mark Cohen

mark_h_cohen@http://hotmail.com

Daytime telephone number: (514) 855-0606

Evening phone number: (514) 772-0690

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Reply #1 seth from Texas -

Hi, I just tried to google up some information for you. Unfortunately, i did not find much. I noticed some hotels in Costa Rica saying that they accept guide dogs along with the customers. But that was all :( Sorry! Maybe try contacting some sort of government service system in Costa Rica over the phone to investigate more... Or contact your own local guide dog association, they may have some information?? Worth a shot! Good luck!

Reply #2 Old Grump from San Jose -

Some hotels will accept pets... I think Vida Tropical in Alajuela is one (if they haven't changed their policy).

You often see dogs in restaurants (especially the out door places).

I suspect if you have some kind of paper there won't be any problem, but I would ask at any hotel you want to stay at in advance.

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