Disney Dogs

Every year my family goes to Disneyland the week before Christmas; crowds are normally low due to cold/rainy weather and holiday conflicts. As former southern California residents, we need our Disney fix once a year.

My lab from back home, Brandy, has come with us for the last five or six years we've been going, but this year Espresso got to join us at the Happiest Place on earth. Well, in the Happiest Kennels on earth anyway.

When Walt Disney built the original park back in 1955, he built the Kennel Club to prevent people from leaving dogs in their cars. This day-service only kennel costs $20 for the day and includes food and water. The only catch is that you must have a copy of your dog's vaccination records (or have your vet fax them to you the day of, as many forgetful people do) and you are responsible for coming to take your dog out for pee breaks and walks every 3 to 5 hours (they make you sign a form saying you'll do this). But that's something any responsible pet owner should be used to doing anyway.

For example, the above picture of Brandy and Espresso was taken on one of their kennel-breaks right outside of California Adventure. And anyone who has been to Disneyland understands the picture to the left. Ignore the floating hand of my boyfriend - we didn't trust Espresso to stand there by herself.

Dogs are allowed in Downtown Disney and the large area between California Adventure and Disneyland. Doggies are even welcome on the tram from the parking lot to the parks. Non-service dogs just aren't allowed inside the actual park.

Correction. There is one dog allowed in the Disneyland.