Service dog

[Suzi Brown]

After several trips to Panama I have decided to relocate to the Boquete region. On my initial trips the issue of a service dog was not a consideration, as I was not paired with my dog until Feb. this year.I am severely hearing impaired, and as such have problems being alerted to many things hearing individuals take for granted.( knocks at the door, phone ringing, alarm clock, fire/smoke alarm). While US citizens are federally protected by the ADA, I fear that I may run into "issues" in Panama because of lack of knowledge regarding the assistance I require for normal daily living activities. My dog is not a pet, but my partner, and I am concerned as to how I will be received. Any thoughts, or anyone witha similar situation, please respond.

[Suzi Brown]

Thanks... I noticed that you had responded to another couple planning the move to Panama. Would I be able to discuss the actual move with you and the issues that may arise? Or if that is not possible, perhaps another contact?

[Suzi Brown]

Dear Howling Success,
Thank you for your reply....I usually leave the house to go out knowing that I will undoubtably meet someone who wishes to speak to me about my service dog. It is hard because my disability is not readily evident until I try to communicate. I feel that with the gift of my companion, I should be willing to spend time educating others as to how he assists me and has made my life more "normal". Thank you for your support.

[Al - Planet Telecom]

I ran into a couple in Boquete some months ago. They were visiting from Canada. She was visually impaired and had a service dog. I asked her about it since my good friend is blind and has a service dog as well. She said it was virtually a non-issue and had no problems travelling with her service dog, using public transportation and staying in hotels. I would suggest maybe getting in touch with SENADIS which is the national secretariat of disabilities here in Panama. http://www.senadis.gob.pa/ they should be able to shed light on access requirements for public areas, taxis, and businesses.

I also came across this, but I am not sure if the law has passed or not. 

http://200.46.254.138/apps/seg_legis/PDF_SEG/PDF_SEG_2010/PDF_SEG_2...

Hope this helps.

Saludos

Al

[Suzi Brown]

I ran into a fake service dog yesterday in my local supermercado. He was aggressive, and barking...just plain bad behavior. His owner responded by popping him in the mouth...equally bad response. The dog had a service dog jacket, undoubtably bought online. My dog was quiet and did not respond to the fake. It was so evident to me that this is a pet someone wants to bring with them. It is actually a crime to present an animal as a service dog, but I doubt there are any teeth to punish these people. I did explain to all within earshot that their dog was NOT a service dog, and that my guy is the "real" thing. These fakes make it difficult for me!

[Judy Sacco]

Maybe Kris Berg knows something about this.  Will your dog wear the jacket-like thing that says "service dog" on it.  Maybe it should also say that in Spanish.  I have never seen a service dog here, so you will probably have to do some explaining.

[Al - Planet Telecom]

Hopefully SENADIS may have a brochure or something that could be handed out if there are any issues.

[Suzi Brown]

The organization that gifted my service dog to me requires that he wears his vest when out in any public venue. I have seen the labels in Spanish online. Thank you for your input.