12. Could we have guide dogs in space? (A K2S Question)

From The Space Library

Space is a challenging environment for humans and might be a lot more difficult for dogs who wouldn't necessarily understand weightlessness. I believe that service animals would go to space only when people are allowed to bring other pets. There is another huge issue – again, a mobility question, of how a guide dog could help you in a weightless environment. A traveler using a guide dog needs to be able to direct the dog. Typically the dog takes you around things where as the long white cane is designed to come in contact with items. In the environment of space, not coming in contact with objects will further disrupt your orientation.

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Answer provided by Mark A. Riccobono, Robert O. Shelton, Ph.D.

Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer

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