News

Mar 09, 2025

Service Dog’s Day at Disney Is Pure House of Mouse Magic

If Disneyland is truly the most magical place on earth, then everyone deserves to go there - especially adorable, hard-working service dogs. Well, one lucky service dog, a beautiful Golden Retriever

If Disneyland is truly the most magical place on earth, then everyone deserves to go there - especially adorable, hard-working service dogs. Well, one lucky service dog, a beautiful Golden Retriever named Maverick, recently got to spend a day at the Magic Kingdom, and it was every bit as wonderful as you might expect.

Just check out this video to see Maverick’s glorious day at Disneyland.

Isn’t this just magical?

If we had to pick a favorite moment from this adorable video, we'd go with the part where Maverick gets to enjoy some belly rubs and scratches from Stitch! It’s pretty much the epitome of cuteness overload!

And, of course, Maverick, being the good boy that he is, got to pick out a souvenir, which appears to be a Simba stuffed animal.

Related: Disneyland's Acceptance and Treatment of Their Resident Cat Colony Is So Inspiring

The Internet was practically falling head over heels for this video. More than a few dog parents jokingly bemoaned this video out of fear that if their fur babies saw it, they would demand a trip to Disneyland, too. Hey, dogs are definitely capable of jealousy, so they might be onto something there, LOL.

Disneyland absolutely allows service dogs to accompany their humans into the park, which is as it should be. Can the happiest place on earth really be the happiest place on earth if our canine service companions can’t come with us?

There are certain rules that the Magic Kingdom has in place for service dogs and their humans. Firstly, trained service dogs are welcome in most locations throughout the park. However, their humans must have them on a leash or in a harness while they are there.

If guests encounter a location in the park or a ride where service dogs are not allowed, the park has cast members who are available to discuss alternative rides or the possibility of using a portable kennel.

The park recommends giving service dogs vests or harnesses that identify them as service animals so that staff members and other guests will understand that the dog is working. However, Disneyland staff are prohibited from demanding any documentation that proves your animal is a service dog.

Instagram user imbluethesiberian, who posted this video, clarified in the comments section that although Maverick does have a vest identifying him as a service animal, she also allows him a “break” command so that he can take a break from work and enjoy himself in the Magic Kingdom.

Additionally, she stated that she told some of the Disneyland cast members that they were allowed to pet him at her discretion. This is important to note because while people are not supposed to pet or play with service dogs under normal circumstances, their owners can decide if they want to make any exceptions to that rule.

Some people with service dogs might never be okay with anyone petting their dog. Others might make an exception so that their dog has an opportunity to fully enjoy the most magical place on earth. We are glad that Maverick got the chance to take a break from work and enjoy his time at Disneyland!

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