Canine Compostela

Not true, strictly speaking. This certificate is NOT from the Pilgrim Office or issued under authority from the Cathedral officials. Here is the operative language, cut & pasted from the El Pais story...

“Before APACA launched its initiative, it contacted the Church in Compostela responsible for issuing the certificates to humans, asking if they would extend the service to dogs, but to no avail. Consequently, the canine certificate does not yet have official status, but APACA and Neo’s owner have not yet thrown in the towel.”

Dog owners must be aware of this distinction and NOT press Pilgrim Office officials to issue this certificate. They should instead contact APACA.

Hope this helps.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/neo-first-dog-with-xacobea-credential.53913/
Everything is already Saïd about it in the above .

Wish you well , Peter .

JabbaPapa said:

I made neither of those claims, so what exactly is "untrue" in my pointing out that "a certificate" can now be obtained for the animals that some pilgrims may take with them on pilgrimage ?

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I know. However, some may read into your original post without considering the full context.

My purpose was to just set the record straight so people did not show up at the Pilgrim Office expecting something for their pets that is, at present, not on offer.

Hope this helps

I think we are both on the same page here. I think it is great that pets get recognition. But, I also understand the Church’s position.

And just to throw some more info into the round: There is indeed a welcome certificate issued by the pilgrims office (occasionally) for SERVICE dogs (seeing eye dogs) that have made the camino to guide a seeing impaired pilgrim. It is not a Compostela (obviously) but a document that acknowledges the support dogs efforts. Over the last years I have met a few pilgrims who were offered said document. BC SY

SYates said:

And just to throw some more info into the round: There is indeed a welcome certificate issued by the pilgrims office (occasionally) for SERVICE dogs (seeing eye dogs) that have made the camino to guide a seeing impaired pilgrim. It is not a Compostela (obviously) but a document that acknowledges the support dogs efforts. Over the last years I have met a few pilgrims who were offered said document. BC SY

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I was hoping you would not bring that up. Yes, that special-use certificate has been available at the Pilgrim Office for some years now. It is ONLY available in-person and on request.

However, I am told that the number issued is nil, as it is limited to only those sight-challenged peregrinos, who managed to make their way to Santiago assisted SOLELY by their blind guide dog.

That is why I did not mention this. My concern is for the ‘armchair lawyers’ out there who will show up and insist that their disability and entitlement is equal to someone who cannot see where they are walking unaided. It is NOT. The certificate is intended to be used only rarely.

Anyone who thinks they or their pet is entitled should sincerely try to walk in the mocassins of a sight-challenged person. Only then can one truly realize the exceptional and extraordinary nature of this special certificate. I am in awe and admiration of anyone who would dare to undertake any Camiño with that physical limitation.

Again, I knew this but chose not to go there.

BTW, in the US the airlines have finally petitioned the federal government to set restrictions on what ‘service animals’ must be allowed in the cabin. It really has gotten out of control, of late.

We’ve recently seen news stories about ferrets, peacocks, monkeys, and Vietnamese potbellied pigs, whose owners demand accommodation, and a free ride for their pet in the cabin. But my favorite is the uncrated python...seriously! You cannot make this stuff up.

Hope this helps.