Everyone knows Disneyland and the Walt Disney World amusement parks are the happiest places on earth, but most associate such conviviality with children and families. Well, Disney’s concept of family is truly all-encompassing. They strive to accommodate the needs of the youngest at heart and the oldest, as well as the four-legged.
Yes, you read right. Fido, Rover, and Fluffy are welcomed guests, too. Not in the parks (unless they’re service dogs), but at any of the on-site kennels.
But, like anything, there are some rules you need to follow if you’re planning to bring your family pet along on your Disney vacation.
Using the Disney Kennels:
• In order to board, you must have a copy of your pet’s vaccination record with you. For dogs, they must be vaccinated against Rabies, Parvovirus, D.H.P., and Bordetella. For cats, Rabies, Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitus and Calcivirus. (This is a simple print out your vet can send along with you.)
• Availability is first come, first served, no reservations. (Yes, the kennels can, and often do, fill up, especially during busy seasons. But say the kennel at the Magic Kingdom is at capacity. Often they will try to find room in one of the other kennels at either Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom.)
• Kennel fees are per animal, per day. (Disneyland in California runs about $15 per day. The Pet Care Kennels at the Walt Disney World parks are comparable with that, perhaps slightly less.)
• Water is provided, but walking services are not. Guests are required to walk their pets two to three times a day.
• No native wildlife or exotic species are allowed.
The Pet Care Kennels at Disney are members of the American Boarding Kennel Association. There are spaces for big dogs as well as small, and all are inside an air-conditioned building.
When we lived in Jacksonville, Florida, we’d often head down to Orlando for a weekend. When Budly was alive, we’d bring him with us. Then when Murphy came along, we’d take him too. It’s nice to have them there instead of worrying about leaving them behind at a hotel. Throughout the day we were able to walk them, make sure they got dinner and treats, and still enjoy a full day of rides and fun ourselves.
If you decide to take your pet with you, I hope your experience proves as happy as all of mine have.
Related Blogs: Disney (Unofficial) Amusement Parks