Cruising With A Service Dog....everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

[DUTRAVEL]

Welcome back, Den! So glad you had an epic cruise, and after you get caught up, let us know more details. Thanks for getting Alaska prepped for us. Photos are always welcome!!

 

Glad to hear you had the balcony box. I'm so glad that's becoming more of a possibility, it seems. Sure would make life easier.

 

We're in a hotel tonight (leaving our car here for a couple of weeks on a park & fly package) and board our cross-country flight to Seattle in the morning. First time to fly together as a team. Then sail on Monday!

 

Have a great trip Chris. I know that Raylene will do great on the plane. Looking forward to hearing all about your trip when you return.

 

Dianne

[Quampapetet]

Well, now that I have read through the almost thirty pages of posts made since I was last here in May.... :o

 

DKD, sorry to hear about the cancer, but I urge you to see a veterinary oncologist about it. Going to your regular vet is like you going to your GP (General Practitioner) for something like cancer.

 

Rangely, same goes for you, and I can recommend a place in your area (New England Veterinary Oncology Group, NEVOG, which has multiple locations).

 

Someone asked about St. Maarten. I was with a group, so we did our own private tours for the group in each port, but I didn't have any access issues, including to a delicious French bakery and large souvenir shop (I honestly can't remember where else we went on that island, maybe a beach?). I don't think I saw any stray dogs there.

 

Jaeger's handler, congratulations on graduating from team training!

 

Oh, and when flying with a service dog, feeding depends on the time of the flight. For morning flights, I don't feed breakfast until we reach the destination. For afternoon and evening flights (unless they're short), I feed breakfast early in the morning (around 5a) so they have the chance to potty it out before we leave. I have never done an overnight flight with a service dog, so flying has never interfered with dinner. Water is taken away a couple hours before leaving. HOWEVER, now that airports are required to have relief areas in the secure area, there's really no need anymore to withhold food or water. You may want to contact your airports in advance about where the relief areas are.

 

 

We're doing okay here. It is hard to believe that it has already been eleven months since I brought my girl home from the trainer! (And a year since my for girl passed.) Crazy how time flies sometimes. She is doing great, her alerting is on point, and she's excellent at her other tasks.

 

Maybe next time won't be as long checking in on you guys!

Edited August 27, 2016 by Quampapetet

[Caribbean Chris]

All you CCI dog partners, see today's Parade magazine if your Sunday paper includes it. There's a CCI team on the cover and article inside.

[Caribbean Chris]

Hi, Quam!

 

Well, everybody, all worked out well for yesterday for my maiden air voyage with Raylene. Long travel day. We flew Tampa to Seattle with a two hour layover in Dallas.

 

Glad Bob booked day passes for the AA Admiral's Club so we had a quiet place to sit away from crowds. In Tampa, there NO dog relief area inside security at least in the terminal where we were. The Admirals Club woman very helpfully called for an AA manager who came and escorted us outside via locked corridors and a freight elevator to a non-public area with grass. He had to stand and wait for Raylene to do her thing, then lead us back to the gate hallway. Not a great use of the man's time! But the Admirals Club people were not authorized to take us to that area. There was one of those tall trash cans with poop bags out there.

 

In Dallas, I went online and printed a map but apparently the relief stations are changing/have changed...every person we asked had a different gate number, location, or answer! Lots of riding around on the connecting train. We went first to a room designated for dog use, like a bathroom. Two green AstroTurf mats on the concrete floor, and a sort of hose reel marked "please flush." Didn't try that because there was no way Raylene was interested in using it. Maybe a chemical smell. Ultimately I went outside the building with her, found some grass, re-entered the terminal, and went back through security. Bob stayed with the hand baggage in the Admirals Club.

 

Raylene just curled up and slept all through the flights on the Dog Hog mat folded in half. The flight attendants were nice about bringing ice chips, and I gave her a few on each flight. So flying worked out fine ...but using the dog relief areas is a challenge.

 

Then there's downtown Seattle, which is almost as bad as Manhattan for doggies who want to conduct "business". We asked at our Seattle Sheraton hotel desk where we could find some grass, but the young woman and her co-worker could only point out a park on a map more than a mile away. Clueless! On our own, we found a public park this morning about three blocks away for walks. For early a.m. & before bed, we made do with gravel squares around trees outside.

 

She also asked us to sign a "Pet Waiver" because, she explained, they are not a "dog friendly hotel." I had already reached that conclusion, explained that she is not a pet but they wanted it anyway. I was too tired to explain American law to a desk clerk in a major Hotel chain, drew a line through "pet" and wrote in Service Dog.

 

Very annoying and not requested at an other hotel we've ever visited. This hotel was Holland America's pre-cruise package choice. Doubt I'll ever book any Sheratons if this is typical.

Edited August 28, 2016 by Caribbean Chris

[DUTRAVEL]

Hi, Quam!

 

Then there's downtown Seattle, which is almost as bad as Manhattan for doggies who want to conduct "business". We asked at our Seattle Sheraton hotel desk where we could find some grass, but the young woman and her co-worker could only point out a park on a map more than a mile away. Clueless! On our own, we found a public park this morning about three blocks away for walks. For early a.m. & before bed, we made do with gravel squares around trees outside.

 

She also asked us to sign a "Pet Waiver" because, she explained, they are not a "dog friendly hotel." I had already reached that conclusion, explained that she is not a pet but they wanted it anyway. I was too tired to explain American law to a desk clerk in a major Hotel chain, drew a line through "pet" and wrote in Service Dog.

 

Very annoying and not requested at an other hotel we've ever visited. This hotel was Holland America's pre-cruise package choice. Doubt I'll ever book any Sheratons if this is typical.

 

So glad to hear that Raylene's flight went well! So frustrating about the dog relief areas. I e-mailed FLL about their indoor area and all they had to say is that it will be noted on the website when it is in place. I suspect what is happening is that there is no enforcement mechanism to force the airports to put the indoor relief areas in place inside security (even though we are past the deadline). It will probably be up to us as service dog teams to write letters of complaint to get the airports to comply with the law.

 

As to the hotel, that is ridiculous! The ADA is 25 years old, they should not be asking you to sign a pet waiver. It is very hard to deal with the situation when you are tired and just want to get to your hotel room. Before traveling to a hotel, I usually zoom in on google maps and try to find where there are grass areas nearby.

 

Hope you have a fantastic cruise!

 

Dianne

[rangeley]

My dog is not fond of the neighbor's cat ...

 

 

Love it!

[rangeley]

Well we are back from an epic Alaska cruise! Once again Orson was the hit of the trip. He has alot of new fans. I'm in the process of playing catch-up at work but if anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. We did find out that Disney has a Service Dog relief area on deck 4. It is in a very nice cover area. We had our own on our balcony.

 

Welcome back Den!! Hope you guys had a great time.

[rangeley]

Welcome back, Den! So glad you had an epic cruise, and after you get caught up, let us know more details. Thanks for getting Alaska prepped for us. Photos are always welcome!!

 

Glad to hear you had the balcony box. I'm so glad that's becoming more of a possibility, it seems. Sure would make life easier.

 

We're in a hotel tonight (leaving our car here for a couple of weeks on a park & fly package) and board our cross-country flight to Seattle in the morning. First time to fly together as a team. Then sail on Monday!

 

Have a great cruise!!!

[rangeley]

Quam! Long time. Glad things are going well with you and your new partner. Thanks for the info for Wexler.

[DUTRAVEL]

All you CCI dog partners, see today's Parade magazine if your Sunday paper includes it. There's a CCI team on the cover and article inside.

 

The CCI dog in the article is Henri's half brother (same father - Orent II).

 

I saw a genealogy for Henri's dad on his facebook page and it turns out that Baumann is Henri's great great grandfather. So Brenda must be Henri's great great Aunt and Wexler must be Henri's great Uncle (Henri's great grandfather is Waverly II and I am guessing he must be Wexler's brother).

 

Dianne

[DisneyKidsDad]

Welcome home. I do have a few questions.

 

Did you go on any wheelchair accessible excursions? I have been trying to contact Dolphin Jetboat Tours (formerly Orca Enterprises) for whale watching, but they are not answering any of my e-mails.

 

How was the flight? Which airline did you use and were you in the bulkhead? How was the room for Orson?

 

thanks, Dianne

 

We actually did the whale watch in Juneau with Dolphin Jet Boat Tours. (1-800-719-3422) We met them right in town in front of the Mt. Roberts tram. They had a vehicle with a wheelchair lift for us. They took us to the dock where one of the guys wheeled my daughter down the ramp to the boat. I wheeled her right on to the boat. When we stopped to watch for whales, we were able to wheel he out onto the back of the boat so she could see everything. The trip was amazing. When we got back to the dock, the same driver was there to pick us up. She gave us the option of being dropped off in town or back at the ship. We flew Air Canada. They were fantastic. When I called to book our flight, we were given the bulkhead seats for both flights. We flew a 787 both ways. I'm 6'-1" and I could stretch my legs out. We had room in front of us for 2 dogs. Any more questions, feel free to ask.

[S.S. Cruisers]

The CCI dog in the article is Henri's half brother (same father - Orent II).

 

I saw a genealogy for Henri's dad on his facebook page and it turns out that Baumann is Henri's great great grandfather. So Brenda must be Henri's great great Aunt and Wexler must be Henri's great Uncle (Henri's great grandfather is Waverly II and I am guessing he must be Wexler's brother).

 

Dianne

Chill bumps and tears! Happy tears. Small, small world, isn't it? No wonder all our furkids are the bestest, they are all related with excellent blood lines. Hugs and kisses to all.

[alexspepa]

I'm trying to figure out how to install a seatbelt. Also, the local ordinances are a little fuzzy on whether or not she needs a riding helmet ...

 

 

that is too cute...

Edited August 29, 2016 by alexspepa

[alexspepa]

Chris - have a great cruise!..take lots of pics!

[wizard-of-roz]

Welcome back, Den! So glad you had an epic cruise, and after you get caught up, let us know more details. Thanks for getting Alaska prepped for us. Photos are always welcome!!

 

Glad to hear you had the balcony box. I'm so glad that's becoming more of a possibility, it seems. Sure would make life easier.

 

We're in a hotel tonight (leaving our car here for a couple of weeks on a park & fly package) and board our cross-country flight to Seattle in the morning. First time to fly together as a team. Then sail on Monday!

 

Chris, I didn't see your posting before this morning and I wanted to wish you and Raylene an amazing trip and voyage. I hope that all goes well for both of you and that you come back with some great stories for us!

 

Bon~Voyage!

[wizard-of-roz]

The CCI dog in the article is Henri's half brother (same father - Orent II).

 

I saw a genealogy for Henri's dad on his facebook page and it turns out that Baumann is Henri's great great grandfather. So Brenda must be Henri's great great Aunt and Wexler must be Henri's great Uncle (Henri's great grandfather is Waverly II and I am guessing he must be Wexler's brother).

 

Dianne

We're related! How neat is that! Let's hope for a family reunion one day......Although, Brenda is not with us anymore it's always fun to see other dogs who are related and find the similarities in them!

 

She lived a long, healthy and wonderful life I hope that Henri gets the same good genes!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Hi, Quam!

 

Well, everybody, all worked out well for yesterday for my maiden air voyage with Raylene. Long travel day. We flew Tampa to Seattle with a two hour layover in Dallas.

 

Glad Bob booked day passes for the AA Admiral's Club so we had a quiet place to sit away from crowds. In Tampa, there NO dog relief area inside security at least in the terminal where we were. The Admirals Club woman very helpfully called for an AA manager who came and escorted us outside via locked corridors and a freight elevator to a non-public area with grass. He had to stand and wait for Raylene to do her thing, then lead us back to the gate hallway. Not a great use of the man's time! But the Admirals Club people were not authorized to take us to that area. There was one of those tall trash cans with poop bags out there.

 

In Dallas, I went online and printed a map but apparently the relief stations are changing/have changed...every person we asked had a different gate number, location, or answer! Lots of riding around on the connecting train. We went first to a room designated for dog use, like a bathroom. Two green AstroTurf mats on the concrete floor, and a sort of hose reel marked "please flush." Didn't try that because there was no way Raylene was interested in using it. Maybe a chemical smell. Ultimately I went outside the building with her, found some grass, re-entered the terminal, and went back through security. Bob stayed with the hand baggage in the Admirals Club.

 

Raylene just curled up and slept all through the flights on the Dog Hog mat folded in half. The flight attendants were nice about bringing ice chips, and I gave her a few on each flight. So flying worked out fine ...but using the dog relief areas is a challenge.

 

Then there's downtown Seattle, which is almost as bad as Manhattan for doggies who want to conduct "business". We asked at our Seattle Sheraton hotel desk where we could find some grass, but the young woman and her co-worker could only point out a park on a map more than a mile away. Clueless! On our own, we found a public park this morning about three blocks away for walks. For early a.m. & before bed, we made do with gravel squares around trees outside.

 

She also asked us to sign a "Pet Waiver" because, she explained, they are not a "dog friendly hotel." I had already reached that conclusion, explained that she is not a pet but they wanted it anyway. I was too tired to explain American law to a desk clerk in a major Hotel chain, drew a line through "pet" and wrote in Service Dog.

 

Very annoying and not requested at an other hotel we've ever visited. This hotel was Holland America's pre-cruise package choice. Doubt I'll ever book any Sheratons if this is typical.

 

Chris, the complexities of traveling with a Service Dog are all wrapped around the place to potty and hotels that don't know the law and don't have properly trained staff.

 

I have used Sheraton's and have NOT had a problem with them [my favorite hotel near San Francisco is the 4 Points Sheraton in Pleasanton.] Your hotel was lucky it wasn't me........I would have NEVER signed any document for them, EVER! You went "the least path of resistence" route and that worked for you. I would have made this a learning opportunity for them.......tiring as it is at times........The hotel manager needed a word from me on how to treat someone with a Service Dog! I NEVER miss a chance to teach them how to treat us!!!!!

 

Your experience, at this Sheraton, is NOT typical.

[wizard-of-roz]

Well, now that I have read through the almost thirty pages of posts made since I was last here in May.... :o

 

DKD, sorry to hear about the cancer, but I urge you to see a veterinary oncologist about it. Going to your regular vet is like you going to your GP (General Practitioner) for something like cancer.

 

Rangely, same goes for you, and I can recommend a place in your area (New England Veterinary Oncology Group, NEVOG, which has multiple locations).

 

Someone asked about St. Maarten. I was with a group, so we did our own private tours for the group in each port, but I didn't have any access issues, including to a delicious French bakery and large souvenir shop (I honestly can't remember where else we went on that island, maybe a beach?). I don't think I saw any stray dogs there.

 

Jaeger's handler, congratulations on graduating from team training!

 

Oh, and when flying with a service dog, feeding depends on the time of the flight. For morning flights, I don't feed breakfast until we reach the destination. For afternoon and evening flights (unless they're short), I feed breakfast early in the morning (around 5a) so they have the chance to potty it out before we leave. I have never done an overnight flight with a service dog, so flying has never interfered with dinner. Water is taken away a couple hours before leaving. HOWEVER, now that airports are required to have relief areas in the secure area, there's really no need anymore to withhold food or water. You may want to contact your airports in advance about where the relief areas are.

 

 

We're doing okay here. It is hard to believe that it has already been eleven months since I brought my girl home from the trainer! (And a year since my for girl passed.) Crazy how time flies sometimes. She is doing great, her alerting is on point, and she's excellent at her other tasks.

 

Maybe next time won't be as long checking in on you guys!

 

Quam, glad to hear that you and your new Service Dog are doing well!

[Cindyrr]

Hi,

I have enjoyed reading through this thread. I will be taking my first cruise with my Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD) next month. Jake has been on a couple of smaller vessels on a dolphin watch but not overnight. We have been practising with a potty box but he does not like mulch, prefers the grass. I have learned a lot reading this thread and feel we are fairly prepared. We have been on many long road trips, so we are use to packing all his needed supplies. Thanks for all the post!

[Algebralovr]

Just starting week 2 without Scooter while he is away at training. We get him back Saturday for more training at home with me. The trainer has been in contact via text and said he is doing well and picking up fast.

 

Reading about the hotel interaction made me want to share the experience I had the other night on the phone. Was making a reservation for November at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Independence, MO. They are a dog friendly facility, and state their policies on their Web site. I let the reservation agent know we would be traveling with a SD In-Training. She said there would be no charge and they would put me on the ground floor near an exit so it would be easy to take him to the relief area.

 

It turns out that their corporate policy is dog friendly anyway! I've been staying at Hilton properties, but I may just have to start looking for that small chain where they exist!

[wizard-of-roz]

Hi,

I have enjoyed reading through this thread. I will be taking my first cruise with my Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD) next month. Jake has been on a couple of smaller vessels on a dolphin watch but not overnight. We have been practising with a potty box but he does not like mulch, prefers the grass. I have learned a lot reading this thread and feel we are fairly prepared. We have been on many long road trips, so we are use to packing all his needed supplies. Thanks for all the post!

 

Cindy, welcome and a big welcome to "Jake!"

 

What breed of dog is Jake?

 

There is "mulch" and then there's "mulch!" What I mean is there are different textures of mulch out there. If the mulch has sharp edges or is difficult to step on, of course our dogs are going to balk at it. The best mulch is "cypress mulch", I buy it at lowe's and it comes in a large, compressed bag.

 

I spread the mulch in the box and put my artificial turf [i buy the large piece at Kahootz Pet Store, it lasts for years], I place it on top of the mulch and Horton loves it. The grass is easy to step on and doesn't allow for mulch to be tracked all over the place. I change out the mulch about once a week.

 

I pick up the artificial turf [daily] and expose the mulch and the back side of the grass [after I spray both with clorox spray], every morning, before I leave for work. I let the sun do it's job on drying out both the grass and the mulch. When we get home from work, I cover the mulch with the grass for overnight and repeat every day!

 

For the potty box in the underground garage, at work; I have "Doggy in The City", a company that comes and delivers real grass sod, every two weeks. It is placed in a 5x5 box and Horton loves it. This service costs me $80.00 per month. Once I retire I'll transfer this to use at home.

 

Horton only uses potty box's in his home and work life. Unless we're traveling, this is very normal for him. I trained him and Brenda to use the potty box and he doesn't even think twice when we're cruising.

 

If I'm driving to the dock and parking my own car, I bring a rolled-up piece of artificial turf to guarantee Horton's comfort zone with whatever the ship uses as filler. This is not as easy to do if you're flying to the pier.

 

On our last cruise, onboard the Pacific Princess, the mulch was more like tree bark; it was in large bulky, clumps, had sharp edges and was very difficult for Horton to walk on. I had to stomp on the stuff to break it up and asked for a large broom so that I could spread it out more evenly........it hurt for me to step on it, with my shoes on....I can't imagine what it felt like on Horton's paws. The ships don't always use their best judgement, which is why I bring the artificial turf to lay on top of what they call "filler!" It just makes for a more pleasant experience for Horton and for me......with no angry feelings towards the maintenance crew!

 

Sounds like your used to traveling with Jake, cruising just has a few more complications than road trips. Once you get both of you settled it's so much fun.

 

Be ready for your fellow passengers to love on Jake.......give yourself lots of time and do explain what Jake does and how important it is for him NOT to be distracted from doing his job! Have fun!!!!

 

And, ask all the questions you want and come back and tell us all about your first experience with cruising with Jake! You're going to love it!

Edited August 29, 2016 by wizard-of-roz

[wizard-of-roz]

Just starting week 2 without Scooter while he is away at training. We get him back Saturday for more training at home with me. The trainer has been in contact via text and said he is doing well and picking up fast.

 

Reading about the hotel interaction made me want to share the experience I had the other night on the phone. Was making a reservation for November at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Independence, MO. They are a dog friendly facility, and state their policies on their Web site. I let the reservation agent know we would be traveling with a SD In-Training. She said there would be no charge and they would put me on the ground floor near an exit so it would be easy to take him to the relief area.

 

It turns out that their corporate policy is dog friendly anyway! I've been staying at Hilton properties, but I may just have to start looking for that small chain where they exist!

 

Usually there is a cover charge for the pet(s) or some sort of a deposit. Service Dogs do NOT need to pay a cover charge or a deposit, ever!

 

You said, "I have a SD In-Training." If this were NOT a dog friendly hotel they would NOT have to allow your dog-in-training, since dogs-in-training do NOT have the same rights that fully-trained SD's have. Unless, there has been a special arrangement made between the SD training org. and the folks with their pups in training. You might see a whole slew of them onboard a cruise ship. They've made special arrangements with the cruise line and pups and their trainers will be allowed onboard under special circumstances. They may have to keep the pups confined to certain areas of the ship, etc.

 

Remember, you NEVER have to "warn" or otherwise let the hotel know that you're bringing your SD. I let the airlines know because usually I'm requesting bulk-head seating for mine and my dogs comfort!

[DUTRAVEL]

We actually did the whale watch in Juneau with Dolphin Jet Boat Tours. (1-800-719-3422) We met them right in town in front of the Mt. Roberts tram. They had a vehicle with a wheelchair lift for us. They took us to the dock where one of the guys wheeled my daughter down the ramp to the boat. I wheeled her right on to the boat. When we stopped to watch for whales, we were able to wheel he out onto the back of the boat so she could see everything. The trip was amazing. When we got back to the dock, the same driver was there to pick us up. She gave us the option of being dropped off in town or back at the ship. We flew Air Canada. They were fantastic. When I called to book our flight, we were given the bulkhead seats for both flights. We flew a 787 both ways. I'm 6'-1" and I could stretch my legs out. We had room in front of us for 2 dogs. Any more questions, feel free to ask.

 

Thanks so much - that sounds like you had an awesome trip.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

Chill bumps and tears! Happy tears. Small, small world, isn't it? No wonder all our furkids are the bestest, they are all related with excellent blood lines. Hugs and kisses to all.

 

It is a small world - amazing to know that before I got Henri I knew people who had dogs related to her. You are right about the excellent bloodline.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

We're related! How neat is that! Let's hope for a family reunion one day......Although, Brenda is not with us anymore it's always fun to see other dogs who are related and find the similarities in them!

 

She lived a long, healthy and wonderful life I hope that Henri gets the same good genes!!!!

 

I hope so too! You have mentioned that Henri looks like Brenda so now we know why!

 

Dianne