ricrunner

I do. He is more brought along as a service dog ( registered), but would bring him along anyway. The company he gives, make's long lonely trips obsolete, and is a safety/ security thing as well. No one or animal can sneak up on us no matter where we are. I cannot take him into National Parks as it is banned (Australia), and some, not all RV parks wont allow him. I do worry when I shop, by leaving him out with bike, but found people are less likely to approach my gear and him when he is there. He is good company at night and wakes me up at the crack of dawn every morning. Their is a weight penalty though, excess water. food, trailer and him, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Does anybody else take their pet along with them?

Cyclist0108

If he is a service dog, shouldn't he be allowed anywhere?

ricrunner

Even thought he is registered, Australia does not reconise them. If in the city, can virtually go anywhere, but must show proof and yes can and will be discriminated at times and the legally can get away with doing that to you. But in the bush where I travel always, they do not reconise it, even at hospitals or at doctors. As you know Australia, is behind technologically, socially and mentally by at least 30 years.

KraneXL

Sounds fine to me. Just don't take him anywhere he's not wanted or allowed. To most people he's just a dog.

That's how the do it in the U.S. provided its a bona fied service and not a comfort.

Soody

is he an emotional support animal or are you blind and he gives barks from the trailer to help you steer?

ricrunner

I don't want to tell you what he is for, but it is a military related illness

Cyclist0108

Probably the best bet is a dog trailer. My main concern, especially in Australia, would be the heat. Dogs tend to suffer more in the heat than in the cold, at least in my experience.

ricrunner

I don't travel late spring, all of summer or early autumn as it is too hot in Australia. 40 C daily during those times. Mainly cool and cold weather, and always have enough water for him, but in one instance was out near Birdsville, unseasonaly warm day, and I used more water then usual, had one day to go, gave all remaining water to him, and I just did without. In my eyes, he comes first.

KraneXL

Emotional support dogs/animals are provisional and discretionary, and not legally protected under the ADA in the U.S.

Soody

Fair enough. Sorry, I shouldn't have joked about your dog.

Soody

I do think banning dogs from national parks is reasonable though, to protect native animals. We have the same rules in NZ.

travelinhobo

Never been to Aussieland and I know dogs can get stolen, but I think you shouldn't worry much about it when you tie him up outside the supermarket.

Interesting that the 'companion pet' has taken hold in other countries too. It's a scam here.

Cyclist0108

He said it is a registered service dog, so why don't we just assume he is telling the truth and take it from there?

seeker333

It's been done:

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=10087

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=13816

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=6195

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=20788

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/sear...&main_type=all

BigAura

DanBell

There's a poster on here who I cycled with on the Pacific coast for a bit a couple of years ago who had one of his dogs with him. I'd @ him but I'm not sure exactly what his username is. As above, they both seemed to enjoy it. You just need to plan out the logistics of it, which it seems you're already aware of. I found two abandoned kittens on my last long trip. I definitely had thoughts about keeping them, but in the end just dropped them off with people at nearby houses. I can definitely see the appeal of having a companion with you though.

ricrunner

Thankyou for these links, I had forgotten CGOAB and last time I looked had trouble finding links and stories I hadn't read. For the other commenters, yes, logistics have to be worked out, but as I have been touring with him for 3 years, mostly all problems have been solved.

Bassmanbob

Bassmanbob

seeker333

CGOAB is indeed a useful resource. I usually find desired info by googling "keyword1 keyword2 keywordx site:cgoab.com" for example. Specifying website is critical in this search string.

You're welcome and happy trails.

spinnaker

Because lots of people are scamming the system. They go online and buy a registration. Bang the animal is registered. It costs thousands to train a true certified service animal. They are raised from birth to be service animals and are given special training all the way. Not all of them make it. Not that they are particularly dumb or ill behaved, they just don't measure up to the stringent requirements to be a real service animal.

The airlines really needs to be more strict on this. .If you really need a service animal then you should have no problem paying the cost for a true certified animal or seek the funding to get an animal. Thankfully there are resources available for those in need.

indyfabz

I mentioned this before, but I know a woman who does that so she can fly her dog to her place in Florida for free. Sweet pooch, but the thing can barely service itself. From what I understand, airlines are going to start cracking down.

Cyclist0108

He is in Australia.

spinnaker

What difference does that make? I am sure the same BS is going on there too.

ricrunner

Some of you people think I am scamming. It is a MILITARY related medical issue, and The Aust. DOD and Dept. OF Veterans Affairs, sourced, paid for his training, he was registered, and is registered, and was assigned to me. Next time I mention my dog, I will not mention he is a registered service dog, as cynics will criticize and berate me and imply that I am lying. I just wondered if their were cyclists bringing their dogs along. Made the mistake of stating he is a service dog.