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I will be traveling with a service dog to St. John in Aug. in the US a full access service is allowed anywhere. Does anyone know what I will encounter on the island?
Hello Lesa, welcome to the VInow message board.
Service dogs are covered in the Americans with Disabilities Act; and the act applies in the U.S. Virgin Islands. If the the need is obvious it is unlikely you'd be asked anything. If its not obvious, you will likely be asked if its a service dog or have to explain that its a service dog. And of course if the dog isn't well behaved and not responding to your commands as it should - you could be asked to remove the dog from the business.
Service dog aside, just looking at the dog friendliness aspect: a lot of people have pet dogs, but its not super common to see them out and about in public areas - mostly because dogs generally aren't allowed in restaurants, stores, businesses etc. You'll see people walking dogs in residential areas. There is some fear of dogs, so people might cross the street or move away from an oncoming dog even if told the dog is friendly. There are a couple dog events throughout the year, Wagapalooza is the big one on St. John.
Hope that helps. If you have any other questions let us know. Thanks for visiting VInow.com.
How big is your dog?
They don't fly large dogs in cargo during summer due to heat.
There are also breed restrictions.
Better check with airline.
Will they allow a large service dog in the passenger section?
Follow up comment... Hadn't seen anyone with a service dog in a restaurant in the USVI that I remembered when I answered the question last month. But saw one a few nights ago. It was a popular bar/restaurant and the dog was sitting/standing by owner at all times, and was held by a leash. Was a younger crowd and its a casual bar... both of which might make a difference... but no one seemed bothered by or to notice the doggy sitting at the bar - didn't see anyone go over and pet/interact with the dog, nor did anyone seem to avoid it.
Hello Alana33, good follow-up questions...
Alana33 wrote:
Will they allow a large service dog in the passenger section?
Take a look at AA website... at https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/service-animals.jsp regarding service animals. Looks like service animal can't block aisle so if too big for lap or in front of seat they have to be checked in kennel.
