Travelling the American Southwest with a Service Dog

Karl & Mazo

My name is Karl, and I am a retired veteran with 48 years’ experience in military and law enforcement.  During my service I worked closely in the working canine community.  

Mazo, is a full size Weimaraner dog who was originally a Military Working Dog for explosive detection but failed to complete her training.  I was able to adopt her from the Federal Government when she was released from duty.  In my retirement, I began to develop some mobility and balance issues, and it was suggested that I would need a cane or other mobility device for assistance.  Due to my background with dog handling and with the help of my physical therapists, I was able to train Mazo to assist me with everyday mobility issues. Mazo has been my service dog for 7 years. 

Booking for accessibility

When I was booking our journey, I informed them I wanted to bring my service dog and wondered if this was an available option.  I also asked about the hotel accommodation to request a walk-in shower and safety bars. After a conversation with our Vacation Consultant, Anoop Dhaliwal, I was convinced this was a good decision.  He was more than helpful.  He contacted each hotel and was advised they could meet our requests. He also informed me there would be space for Mazo to lie down close to our seats.   He also reminded me, with good cause, that the duration of the journey from Denver to Glenwood Springs would be about 8 hours without a stop.

I appreciated the candor of his warning which placed the responsibility on me to prepare Mazo for this journey.  Fortunately, she is an experienced traveler, and I was confident she could maintain herself for that period without a relief break. 

Onboard Experience

I have been a “train buff” all my life.  My wife and I have always enjoyed the relaxation of traveling by train and have worked that into many of our vacations both traveling by rail and taking rail excursions whenever we can.  I found Rocky Mountaineer on the internet and started to research the trip.  I looked at the SilverLeaf Plus service level and noted the use of the lounge car which was a good match for us and decided to purchase that.  I called and talked with a Vacation Consultant and arranged a tentative itinerary which was sent to review before purchase.  As you know I did make the trip.

We were met by a crew member who showed us to our seats. We were at the head of the coach and the two seats across the aisle were vacant, so our onboard Host advised we could use this area to allow Mazo to lie in if we wanted.  I was very pleased with this arrangement.  This way Mazo could stretch out and still have sight of me.

Each crew member visited with us early on the trip to ask if we were satisfied and if there was anything we needed.  The Train Manager also visited with us to discuss any needs.  

The SilverLeaf Plus lounge was especially comfortable for us all.  As the chairs do not move, I put Mazo close to me to avoid blocking the walking area. I usually put her under the table near the bulkhead, if possible.  We enjoyed this aspect of the trip. 

Rocky Mountaineer uses the term “world class service” and I would have to agree.  Every member of the Onboard Team was professional, friendly and competent. Food and beverage were served with grace and skill indicative of a 5-star restaurant.   The food was superb.  The lounge car Host on both trips was attentive and professional in every respect.  As the saying goes it was worth every penny!  The information on the areas and history involved was great. 

I would also like to compliment the support staff.  When we arrived at Glenwood Springs Station, the Station Manager approached us and personally escorted us to the only elevator in the building.  The representatives who met us at the hotel were most helpful in setting the pace for a great excursion.   I noticed on the motorcoach transfers that there are seats near the front reserved for those with disabilities and I found that very convenient. 

Travelling with a Service Dog

One feature of traveling with a service dog is that we are often approached by other passengers who want to meet the dog. I welcome these conversations to share the value of the working dog, but I do not allow others to pet her, although I am often asked.  I try to be tactful, by saying “I would prefer you did not, she is a working dog and cannot do her job if she is distracted.

Traveling with a service dog requires a little preparation.  I make a point to give her a long walk and exercise period before boarding.  It helps her to relax.  Most of the time she spends sleeping at our feet.  She is provided with ample “dog treats” during travel and I make sure she has enough water. It is important for the dog to have ample time to exercise before and after the train ride. 

The only surprise was a very pleasant one on the trip from Denver to Glenwood Springs.  The Train Manager told me that they planned a short stop at a small station midday, and I would be able to take Mazo off the train for a relief break. Although I was not planning on this, I certainly did not refuse it.  I am sure Mazo appreciated it as well.  They also made the same stop on the way back to Denver. 

Accessibility in Destinations

The hotels were excellent. All had walk-in showers, elevators and comfortable rooms.  No complaints at all. We only stayed the night in Denver each way and did not stray far.  The Rally Hotel was very helpful in helping us arrange transportation to the airport. They connected us with a car service who transported Mazo and us directly to the airport.

Moab was a very charming little town, and we enjoyed exploring it.  No problems at all getting around on foot.   I particularly enjoyed my sunrise walks with Mazo.  The Hoodoo Hotel in Moab was very dog friendly and was a great place for us to relax. 

Exploring Moab

Prior to the journey, I contacted Moab Express, one of Rocky Mountaineer’s partners, and arranged a private tour.  They responded with a driver and van suitable for transporting us and Mazo and we enjoyed a wonderful all-day tour to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Jim, our guide, was most helpful with our mobility needs and made sure we had the maximum opportunity to enjoy the sights.  He was well versed in the history of the area and provided a great educational tour. 

Advice for Future Guests

The accessibility onboard the train is excellent. You may want to consider purchasing a SilverLeaf Plus package that gives access to the lounge car to provide more room and movement for you and your service dog. 

Has your service dog traveled by train before? If not, you may want to consider a short excursion rail trip to acclimatize your service dog to the surroundings and note their reactions to the motion, train horns and such.  Further, the steps to a rail car are very steep and may be difficult for the dog to climb.  Practice can help the dog be confident