From: nsmca@acad3.alaska.edu
Subject: Re: Travelling with a dog in Alaska+
Organization: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1992 01:51:26 GMT

In article <19921229144324CSMSETS@MVS.OAC.UCLA.EDU>, CSMSETS@MVS.OAC.UCLA.EDU (CSMSETS) writes:
> In article <1992Dec29.210737.890@unet.net.com>, on 29 Dec 1992 21:07:37 GMT,
> philg@bozo.net.com (Phil Geller) writes:
> 
>>
>>Can anyone offer advice on travelling with a dog in Alaska?
>>I'm considering an RV type trip in a VW van.  I expect we
>>will want to take the ferry at least one way.
>>
>>Some questions come to mind:
>>        - Is Alaska more open to having dogs enter businesses
>>          and hotels than they are in the lower 48?
>>
Businesses are generally not a problem, but it is better to leave the dog
outside, tied up. Hotels are just like hotels in the lower 48.  Some smaller
ones might be a littlel bit relaxed, but you might have to keep the dog in the
RV when your at a hotel (if your staying there), might want to keep your dog on
a lease, alot of dogs and animals from all ove the US come up here especially
during the summer months and alot of possible disease problems come up to.
Mixed in with the local disease/health problems.. Also if you go thru Canada
which you will have to, if you come up either on the Alcan (alaska Highway) or
the Ferry to Skagway and then to Whitehorse and then the Alaska Highway.. Or
you try the Casier(sp) Highway. You will have to find out the Canadian rules 
on animals and such.. Might get a copy of the "MILEPOST" and its companion
Book.. Milepost is a book of info on the roads, mileposts, rules and regs, and
such about the Alaska Highway or other Highways to Alaska, including the Ferry
System.. IF you do plan to come up, you might want to make reservations for
ther Ferry as soon as possible, normally 6 months out, the ferry gets booked
real fast.. See if you can email a person in Anchorage or some other city
where someone can get you the address of the local visitors board.. And also
how to get the MILEPOST.. It has been many years since I came up the Ferry or
the Alcan..


>>        - Are dogs allowed in state and national parks?

Yes, but they need to be on a lease (but you can get away with things in some
parks, due to the size of parks at times..)
>>
>>        - Are there any special health concerns (giant ticks or fleas?)

Pavia (not sure if I spelled it right, ask a vet), heart worm, and especially
rabies. Especially in some parts of Alaska. The Foxes get it and pass it on..
Also some other wild life get it.. Its a interesting site to see a caribou with
rabies.. (real sad)
>>
>>        - Where do dogs stay when you are on the ferry?  Can they remain
>>          in a vehicle?  Are they allowed visits?

As far as I know, the Ferries have kennels and that is where your dog woul dbe
at, there are rules of when they can get vistors.. Some small dogs might get
away with it..

>>
>>The dog is a spayed Dobie, if that makes any difference.  She's really up
>>for this trip.

Dobies have a bad rep with somepeople, even spayed ones.. But you might already
know of this problem..
> 
> If you are going during the warmer months I would be very concerned
> about heartworm. I had a girlfriend from Alaska and she used to tell
> me horror stories about the mosquitos. I think the best bet would be
> to ask your vet.
>             --Ed


Michael Adams
Alias: Morgoth/Ghost Wheel 
nsmca@acad3.alaska.edu
Nome, AK..

PS: A person to possibly send email to to ask for Visitor Info is 
FXHELP@acad2.alaska.edu and ask for any organizations on the UACN who is for
tourism and such..