I have a blind brother

[Harambe]

Hi everyone, I am so happy I found this community!

My brother is blind and has a guide dog. We are planning to do some of the Camino del Norte together. Will there be any issues with his dog at the albergues? If it helps, we will be traveling very early in the season - only a couple weeks from now.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

My brother is blind and has a guide dog. We are planning to do some of the Camino del Norte together. Will there be any issues with his dog at the albergues? If it helps, we will be traveling very early in the season - only a couple weeks from now.

Spanish law requires access for leader dogs. Not so much for "comfort animals (particularly alligators).

 

[Jan_D]

If it helps, we will be traveling very early in the season - only a couple weeks from now.

The bigger problem might be that some of the albergues will be closed. They tend to open for the season around Easter time, and some only open in June/July. If you go to Gronze, at the bottom of the page they list the albergues. If you click on the "albergue de peregrino" they should give you opening dates. Otherwise you can see other accommodation options ("albergue juvenil" is a youth hostel; "hostal" or "pension" are types of hotel).

 

[Former member 49149]

Hi everyone, I am so happy I found this community!

My brother is blind and has a guide dog. We are planning to do some of the Camino del Norte together. Will there be any issues with his dog at the albergues? If it helps, we will be traveling very early in the season - only a couple weeks from now.

I found the following on the csj website.
By law service dogs have much greater access to areas forbidden to pet dogs, including albergues, so it is possible to go on pilgrimage with your working companion. You must carry your dog’s service certification documentation,and it would be wise to have a brief Spanish and/or French translation to ensure hospitaleros or restaurant owners understand that you have a service dog with you. It is worthwhile to try and contact any Spanish association for similar service dogs to see what advice or assistance they can offer.

 

[Harambe]

Thanks for the help everyone! Many albergues will be closed, but there are a solid few open year round or starting in March. I have our route mapped out so we should be able to hit open albergues. Thanks for the note about the certification and contacting a spanish seeing eye dog association.

I really appreciate the help!

 

[Icacos]

Enjoy your camino. I found the birdsong in the early morning before the sun comes up particularly beautiful.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

You won't have any trouble at all. Hospis go to great lengths to accomodate all kinds of special needs. Have a great camino!

 

[lettinggo]

Hi everyone, I am so happy I found this community!

My brother is blind and has a guide dog. We are planning to do some of the Camino del Norte together. Will there be any issues with his dog at the albergues? If it helps, we will be traveling very early in the season - only a couple weeks from now.

Hola
It may sound weird but I think maybe you should consider knee pads for your brother.
The terrain can be rugged and the feeling of safety that knee pads would give, could be important.
Also, it could look somewhat cool - serious Camino gear and the dog of course has to have straps carrying water bottles.
Also remember to get a pilgrim passport for your dog,
Buen Camino to the three of you!
Lettinggo

 

[Iriebabel]

Thanks for the help everyone! Many albergues will be closed, but there are a solid few open year round or starting in March. I have our route mapped out so we should be able to hit open albergues. Thanks for the note about the certification and contacting a spanish seeing eye dog association.

I really appreciate the help!

Hola Harambe I will be on the Norte in just 8 days hope to meet you and your brother and service animal. I will be the girl with the metal brace on the left leg, walking very slow so you can catch me hahah. I have had some experience with service dogs so hopefully I can help if needed. I would add for you to search on this site for others who have travelled with animals wheather service animal or other wise specific to the Norte. Also reach out to @Nomad Pack he maybe a good source of information for you in terms of a person travelling with animals. Hope we run into each other...Buen camino!