Food For Dog Help

D

DG25

Mouseketeer
Joined
Nov 4, 2015
I can not find an answer to this one. WWYD?

I travel only Alaska airlines (AA), I am flying first class this time.

Last time I flew they allowed the dog food as a medical on the way out, but gave me huge problems on the way home, and made me pay $25 for the bag, I called and complained but they insist this is the rule, dog food is not a medical equipment. We are going for 16 days.

So here are options I am thinking, but want to hear from anyone else who may have suggestions?

I could take dog food as one of the free bags, since we are going first class, but it means taken up room in bag 50 cups of dog food. I also have extra, like vest, bowls, mushers secret, water bottles, sleeping mat, such that all needs to go, if I put that all in a bag it won't be free because of dog food, if I separate it out, it means not having just equipment in one bag, which means it won't be free. Which means I will need 4 bags to get this all there (2 for me and two for dog).

Second, I could have it shipped, but I read somewhere that they no longer except deliveries free and there would be a charge, ( any one know where I can find this info, I would love to know more about this).

Those are the only two things I can think of, anyone else think of something else.

We are going DME, since I can't drive. Which again brings up issues, I am blind and need to get threw airport by myself, I can do that no problem, but to have to separate this into four bags and get threw airport myself with a dog and 4 bags, just seems like to much work. And doing DME means no stop at stores, just so you know that is not an option.

So if I can find out more about shipping to resort (oh we are staying WL and the BRV). I could buy not only the dog food but also the supplies and have it all sent to resort, and when done just dump it all, maybe cheaper than paying all the extra fees.
 
disney david said:
I found this info which might help it dose state food and supplies can be flown for free as medical equipment by law. So maybe call back and ask to speak to a manager or if they have a disability department ask to speak to their manager. Hope it helps sorry if it dose not.

http://www.anythingpawsable.com/tra...lete-step-by-step-guide-updated/#.WKnCWTw8JR4
Click to expand...

That's a commercial website - OP should call/email using the info from this link:

https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities

Commercial websites are not always accurate. They might mean well, but they may be a little exuberant in their explanations.
 
[QUOTE="DG25, post: 57144982, member: 565758"

Second, I could have it shipped, but I read somewhere that they no longer except deliveries free and there would be a charge, ( any one know where I can find this info, I would love to know more about this).
[/QUOTE]

For items shipped via normal carriers, like the Postal Service, FedEx and UPS and other similar services, the fee is $5 per package. Amazon Prime Pantry falls in this category, since it is shipped.

For items delivered by the company directly to Bell Services at the hotel, there is no fee. This would be things like Amazon Prime Now, Garden Grocer, and preferred vendors for wheelchairs and ECVs, as well as similar services. Some of those services may have their own delivery fees, but WDW won't charge a fee.

Depending on the type of dog food you need you may be able to order it and have it delivered or shipped.

SW
 
I found this document from the US Department of Transportation. I do not know if it is the latest guidance on the issue, but it may serve as a starting point for you:

Title:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF AVIATION ENFORCEMENT AND PROCEEDINGS
WASHINGTON, DC

May 13, 2009
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Air Travel of People with Disabilities Under the Amended Air Carrier Access Act Regulation

URL: http://www.iaadp.org/QConcerningAirTravelofPeoplewithDisabilities(May132009)1.doc

It is also available at the DOT website at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/disability-rule-frequently-asked-questions-may-13-2009 and the actual PDF of the document is at https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/FAQ_5_13_09_1.pdf

QUOTE:

Section 382.125 - Assistive Devices Stowed in the Cargo Compartment

1. Are food and equipment that a service animal requires to function as a service animal considered assistive devices under Part 382?

Answer: Equipment used by a service animal (e.g., harness, leash, vest) in conjunction with its work as a service animal is an assistive device under the rule. Food is not equipment under this definition and therefore when tendered as carry-on or checked baggage, the standard size, weight, and baggage allowance limits of the carrier may apply.

END QUOTE
 
Last edited:
We used a grocery service called Dizzy Dolphin and I know the lady that runs it, Chris, would be able to help you. This way you would not have to carry it through the airport or even through Magic Express. Bell Services would bring it right to your room.
http://www.dizzydolphindelivery.com/
 


Last edited:
DG25 said:
We are going DME, since I can't drive. Which again brings up issues, I am blind and need to get threw airport by myself, I can do that no problem, but to have to separate this into four bags and get threw airport myself with a dog and 4 bags, just seems like to much work. And doing DME means no stop at stores, just so you know that is not an option.

So if I can find out more about shipping to resort (oh we are staying WL and the BRV). I could buy not only the dog food but also the supplies and have it all sent to resort, and when done just dump it all, maybe cheaper than paying all the extra fees.
Click to expand...

The airports have porters and Wilderness Lodge has Bell Services who can assist you with luggage.

As a first class traveler you get two checked bags free, in addition to your normal carry-on allowance. If you had two checked bags for yourself, would the dog supplies - but not the food - fit into a carry-on size bag ? One of the "spinner" four wheel ones in particular I find easy to navigate through most of the airport (there is a trick to them on carpet, you have to push down a little bit, but they still will go), much easier than the old-style two wheelers. Also, there is no reason the dog supply bag has to be FULL, just packed such that the contents dont get damaged.

Then you would only have the food to purchase and ship, which might be easier to do. And you woudn;t have to abandon the other items, just the extra food.

As for purchasing food. We have used Garden Grocer multiple times and been happy with them. They have a minimum $40 order and a $14 delivery fee. They will deliver to Bell Services at the resort, so there is no $5 resort package receiving fee. Since you are staying for such a long stay, it may be worthwhile to get things like water, beverages, snacks and possibly other things from them or another service as well, rounding out an order. Those are the kinds of things we get from them.

SW
 
Only problem is grocery stores don't sell quality dog food. So if the OP uses a quality brand and unless garden grocer will go to a specialized store....
I would look into just having to food shipped and paying the $5 pkg fee, but that's just me. I don't feed my dog just any kind of dog food. I only feed her quality dog food and it's not available from a grocery store. Our brand isn't even available at Pet Smart! I could order it online but I buy it from a farm style feed store.
 
stitchlovestink said:
Only problem is grocery stores don't sell quality dog food. So if the OP uses a quality brand and unless garden grocer will go to a specialized store....
I would look into just having to food shipped and paying the $5 pkg fee, but that's just me. I don't feed my dog just any kind of dog food. I only feed her quality dog food and it's not available from a grocery store. Our brand isn't even available at Pet Smart! I could order it online but I buy it from a farm style feed store.
Click to expand...

This is exactly why I suggested Dizzy Dolphin. They are more personalized shoppers and will go any where to get what you need.
We too feed our dogs a non-grocery store brand but this past year we switched to the Kirkland Brand carried at Costco. It it non grain and has no corn. It settles very well with our dogs sensitive skin.
 
Twende said:
This is exactly why I suggested Dizzy Dolphin. They are more personalized shoppers and will go any where to get what you need.
We too feed our dogs a non-grocery store brand but this past year we switched to the Kirkland Brand carried at Costco. It it non grain and has no corn. It settles very well with our dogs sensitive skin.
Click to expand...
But for me, I would have to research where my brand was sold and frankly, I believe It would be cheaper to pay the $5 resort fee than a fee to a company that has to shop on my behalf. So that is,why I suggested ordering it and having it delivered.
 
DG25 said:
I can not find an answer to this one. WWYD?

I travel only Alaska airlines (AA), I am flying first class this time.

Last time I flew they allowed the dog food as a medical on the way out, but gave me huge problems on the way home, and made me pay $25 for the bag, I called and complained but they insist this is the rule, dog food is not a medical equipment. We are going for 16 days.

So here are options I am thinking, but want to hear from anyone else who may have suggestions?

I could take dog food as one of the free bags, since we are going first class, but it means taken up room in bag 50 cups of dog food. I also have extra, like vest, bowls, mushers secret, water bottles, sleeping mat, such that all needs to go, if I put that all in a bag it won't be free because of dog food, if I separate it out, it means not having just equipment in one bag, which means it won't be free. Which means I will need 4 bags to get this all there (2 for me and two for dog).

Second, I could have it shipped, but I read somewhere that they no longer except deliveries free and there would be a charge, ( any one know where I can find this info, I would love to know more about this).

Those are the only two things I can think of, anyone else think of something else.

We are going DME, since I can't drive. Which again brings up issues, I am blind and need to get threw airport by myself, I can do that no problem, but to have to separate this into four bags and get threw airport myself with a dog and 4 bags, just seems like to much work. And doing DME means no stop at stores, just so you know that is not an option.

So if I can find out more about shipping to resort (oh we are staying WL and the BRV). I could buy not only the dog food but also the supplies and have it all sent to resort, and when done just dump it all, maybe cheaper than paying all the extra fees.
Click to expand...

I assure you that the Resorts are still very much in the business of accepting deliveries for Guests. Yes, there is a $5 fee per item delivered, but it is not currently being applied to items that are delivered to the Resort by local vendors, like Garden Grocers, Owner's Locker, or medical equipment rentals.

As others have said, flying first class, you should get 2 checked bags for free. If you use the DME tags that are sent to your home, those two bags will go from your departure airport all the way to your room at WDW, courtesy of DME. The procedure for that is to make sure you check in for your flight at the Alaska Airlines departures desk before you go through the TSA security checkpoint. Alaska Airlines will make sure that your 2 checked bags go all the way to MCO, and DME will pick them up for you if they have the special DME tags on them. (the ones that are like the standard checked baggage tags but direct your luggage to a WDW Resort)

This then leaves you with 2 bags and your dog. If you decide you want to ship things ahead (and it doesn't have to be all of the dog food - if I were in your shoes, I would want to carry with me at least a day's worth of food & any medicines you need, in case your luggage is lost or delayed) then there will be the $5 charge for each item that is shipped to a Guest at a WDW Resort. In your case it may well be worth the extra fee to have your dog's supplies waiting for you.

Many stores (like PetCo, PetsMart, etc) will drop ship your online order wherever you want. That would allow you to bring along some food from home for the trip to WDW, use the food you have shipped in to WDW while you are there, and then take some of the remaining for the trip home with you. Additionally, it wouldn't wipe out your supply at home; I always hate to have to turn around and go shopping as soon as I get home from a trip!

I hope you all have a lovely trip!
 
I would still bring some dog food with you. We are not in a perfect world and stuff happens like the package going to the wrong resort or getting lost or whatever. At least have a few days supply; so, you have time to fix the situation if a problem occurs.
 
This is a heck of a lot harder than it seems. Now I have to convert cups into pounds. Comes out to 21 lbs of dog food for our trips. I found a place that ships it. I can do 4lb, 11 lb, 15 lb or 30 lb bags. I'm like great I'll do 2 11 lb bags. Then I start to think, will she need more, like us humans, we walk Disney and eat more, but it's hot, and we drink more. So would anyone want to take a guess as to how much more a dog may eta, 1/2 cup a day, or 1 cup a day at home she eats supposedly 1 cup in am and 1 cup in pm, but I know I give her some treats, and I know I don't measure exact. We do walk a lot, my fit bit usually puts us on average 9000 steps a day. Last year in Disney we did 16 to 20 thousand steps a day. So double the walking we normally do. Last year I had a different dog, she was on a stricken diet, but I did allow special snacks when we were there. This dog is not on a diet so food will be enough, just how much to increase it by? At home I buy 30 lbs and it takes four weeks, so I can't figure out why it is telling me so much more. If I can't figure it out, I'll just do the 30 lb bag and dump the left overs, not like Disney can use 10 lbs of dog food. And yes, I buy premium dog food, $2 a lb but over the life of a working dog that isn't much. And yes, I will pack a bag with four or five cups in it just incase something happens, just like with humans, I pack 2 days of meds in my purse and throw the rest in my suitcase.
 
DG25 said:
This is a heck of a lot harder than it seems. Now I have to convert cups into pounds. Comes out to 21 lbs of dog food for our trips. I found a place that ships it. I can do 4lb, 11 lb, 15 lb or 30 lb bags. I'm like great I'll do 2 11 lb bags. Then I start to think, will she need more, like us humans, we walk Disney and eat more, but it's hot, and we drink more. So would anyone want to take a guess as to how much more a dog may eta, 1/2 cup a day, or 1 cup a day at home she eats supposedly 1 cup in am and 1 cup in pm, but I know I give her some treats, and I know I don't measure exact. We do walk a lot, my fit bit usually puts us on average 9000 steps a day. Last year in Disney we did 16 to 20 thousand steps a day. So double the walking we normally do. Last year I had a different dog, she was on a stricken diet, but I did allow special snacks when we were there. This dog is not on a diet so food will be enough, just how much to increase it by? At home I buy 30 lbs and it takes four weeks, so I can't figure out why it is telling me so much more. If I can't figure it out, I'll just do the 30 lb bag and dump the left overs, not like Disney can use 10 lbs of dog food. And yes, I buy premium dog food, $2 a lb but over the life of a working dog that isn't much. And yes, I will pack a bag with four or five cups in it just incase something happens, just like with humans, I pack 2 days of meds in my purse and throw the rest in my suitcase.
Click to expand...


This may be a question that would be better asked in a forum for service animals, or a veterinary forum. I honestly couldn't begin to calculate the dietary needs of a true service animal that was on it's feet moving around and working during a standard "Disney day".
 
What is the price difference between 2 11-pound bags and 1 30-pound bag?

I ask because on Amazon - Blue Buffalo is $48 for a 40 pound bag and $60 for 2 15 pound bags.
 
Go with the 30 pound bag and be safe. You said it yourself you did double the walking going to Disney World. This cost is such small insurance to keep your dog nourished and healthy. I would never sweat the small things like having a little more dog food for your dog.
 
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