Dogs are not permitted at Winter Count. The exception to this rule is service dogs and dogs belonging to instructors. (Starting in 2023, we allowed instructors to bring their dogs if they could hold to a stringent list of behaviors. By most measures, it was a great success.)

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Service Dogs

Service dogs are allowed in all parts of camp. Having papers and/or a vest for your dog does not mean they are a service dog. They must meet the following requirements:
 

• A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
 

Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

If we suspect that your dog is not qualified to be a service dog, you may be asked the following questions:

1. Is this a service dog required because of disability?

2. What is it trained to do to mitigate the disability?

Service dogs or dogs belonging to instructors will be required to leave camp if any of the following occur: barking, jumping on children or adults, growling, lunging at anyone, defecating and not being cleaned up after, running free without being leashed, stealing other people’s items, and not maintaining a "heel" position. If you bring a service dog that misbehaves, you will be required to leave the property without a refund.

Please do not try to pass your dog off as a service dog if it isn’t one. The State of Arizona does not recognize emotional support dogs as service dogs.

Your understanding of our position in this matter is greatly appreciated.

The gatherings that we know of that permit dogs are Between the Rivers and Rabbitstick. There are probably others.