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

[rumpelstiltskin]

I have some questions for all you service dog owners.

 

Firstly, I'm not picking an argument, just out of honest curiosity.

 

One question has to do with a certain airline's rule (Hawaiian Airlines) regarding flying with a service dog on a flight of 8 hours or more.

 

HA requires that the owner provide documentation stating that the dog will not relieve itself/relieve itself in a manner not to create a health/sanitation problem during a flight of 8 hrs or more.

 

How can a dog owner guarantee that the service dog can hold it that long? I don't know of any human who can hold it 8 hrs or more.

 

And how can a dog's potty break be handled on a long haul flight as stated by the airline?

 

I'm assuming this requirement might be an attempt to discourage bringing dogs on long hauls?

 

Another question I have is about how to politely let a dog owner know that I don't want to interact with their dog?

 

I do not enjoy being sniffed, licked, pawed, etc. What do you recommend a person say to a dog owner without coming across as hostile?

[HenryKisor]

I'd say no responsible service dog handler would take a dog on an 8-hour flight unless that dog had been specifically trained to use a pee pad and is reliable at it.

 

Don't worry about service dogs touching you. Service dogs are trained to lie and stay and do not go around socializing with people unless their handlers allow and encourage it, and they as a rule don't. The dogs are working.

 

As for untrained emotional support or comfort dogs, you have to take your chances.

[rpclmc]

Hostile is a tone of voice. If someone politely says to me, with my pets, my service dog doesn't approach anyone he doesn't know or without permission, that animals make them uncomfortable. I am not offended. I don't understand, but it the same as I don't understand other political, religious views, but I respect them. If a person is offended and you have been polite, it is their problem.

 

I wouldn't hesitate to take Halo on a long flight. But he can hold it for close to twelve hours and when traveling he only goes when given permission. My worry would be lack of movement.

 

Linda and Halo

[shakeNbake]

They placed the garden-mulch-filled box in the usual forward starboard crew area. Box was a little small, definitely not 4’ square, but she managed to fit diagonally! The next day, it was impossible to get to it since All the starboard side doors to the deck were locked or couldn’t open against the wind. A nice crew member came along, helped us get to the box, and suggested he could move the mix to the port side. That location worked out fine.

 

We have had Celebrity block the doors with a "closed due to high winds" ribbon, but they have never locked it. We just always went under the ribbon or took it down and had a crew member or some strong fellas open the door for my friend and her seeing eye dog. (The wind made it hard to open.) Once the deck was blocked due to embarkation and again we got a crew member to let us through.

 

One time they had a box way to small for the 75 pound Labrador. It was the size for a 25 pound dog! I told the crew member the urine would go on the floor, and the crew continued to insist it was fine. At that moment, Gary, the dog, lifted his leg on the box, and though his aim was fine, it went on the floor. Immediately the staff sent someone ashore to Home Depot to buy more wood to build a bigger box before we set sail. Celebrity has always been good to work with, once you find the right crew member.

 

Yep, that’s the place! On the Solstice class ships. Once they filled the box with sawdust and shavings that blew all over that corridor. My room steward finally arranged for mulch to be obtained halfway through.

[shakeNbake]

Is the relief box located inside next to a windy exit to the out side deck, or placed on an out side deck in a crew area ? Also do you have the new address for the Bahamas? Thanks in advance.

[Algebralovr]

HA requires that the owner provide documentation stating that the dog will not relieve itself/relieve itself in a manner not to create a health/sanitation problem during a flight of 8 hrs or more.

 

How can a dog owner guarantee that the service dog can hold it that long? I don't know of any human who can hold it 8 hrs or more.

 

And how can a dog's potty break be handled on a long haul flight as stated by the airline?

 

I'm assuming this requirement might be an attempt to discourage bringing dogs on long hauls?

 

Another question I have is about how to politely let a dog owner know that I don't want to interact with their dog?

 

I do not enjoy being sniffed, licked, pawed, etc. What do you recommend a person say to a dog owner without coming across as hostile?

 

8 hours really isn't an issue. Just timing. Go before entering airport. Get dog to a point where he tries and nothing comes out but a drip or two. Try again just before boarding. As soon as flight is over, make a beeline for relief area.

 

As for humans not being able to hold it - very possible. Ask any teacher.

 

 

Most dogs sense people who don't care for dogs. Real SDs should not lick, paw, etc.

 

If a dog is doing that, a simple "please control your dog" should do.

 

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[rumpelstiltskin]

Thanks to all who explained the long haul travel with dogs in the cabin.

 

When my pooches were living, they either traveled by car or were boarded. I never thought of trying to game the system in regards to flights & cruises because they were pets.

 

I've never seen so many foofy dogs in airports as I did this past holiday season. Sitting at tables in the food courts, etc. Not in pet carriers, etc.

 

Many people defend it because the Europeans do it. Yes, & I recall once in the Orly terminal the long poo trail left by an unsuspecting passenger's roll aboard. What a horrid surprise as one lifts their bag into the overhead compartment.

At the gate, there were several passengers with their yowling cats. At least they were in carriers. And thankfully, it was a short flight.

 

As for genuine service dogs, the only ones I've observed behave exactly as described by posters on this thread. Only observed guide dogs for the visually impaired, & they are awesome.

 

I was fortunate to have a college friend back in the day who taught me about her guide dog. My friends took me out to dinner for my birthday, & she wanted to bring the dog along. I was concerned because I thought the dog might beg for food or be pesky. She reassured me that would not happen, & it didn't.

The German Shepherd stayed under the table & behaved the entire time.

So I'm quite relaxed whenever I see a guide dog in places where pet dogs should never be.

[Caribbean Chris]

Is the relief box located inside next to a windy exit to the out side deck, or placed on an out side deck in a crew area ? Also do you have the new address for the Bahamas? Thanks in advance.

 

Not sure what ship you are asking about and there are a lot of variations. I have never cruised when the box was placed inside the ship’s passenger areas next to an exit.

 

On Celebrity, it has been placed on the outside deck passengers can access (usually the deck where the lifeboats are located) - either placed against a bulkhead all the way forward with no overhead shelter, or else you walk through a crew-only corridor, also located forward on that deck, that leads to a little room used for equipment.

 

Either way, it is often very windy and can be very wet and slippery out there taking the dog to the box or to the crew corridor. In bad weather, it’s fairly common for the ship to close off access to those areas.

 

On Holland America ships, which have a complete promenade, some of the ships place the box on the promenade deck at the fully covered front area. Others place it one deck below, all the way aft at the stern overlooking the wake of the ship, in an open air covered crew area. I like that location because you can enter it from a normal narrow passenger hallway, and never need to walk in the pouring rain. But it probably would be a challenge in a wheelchair to handle the heavy crew door leading out to the stern location.

[Caribbean Chris]

 

Most importantly, can someone help me navigate what is needed to allow Macallan at the following ports:

Cozemel, Mexico

Costa Maya, Mexico

Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

 

Harvest Caye, Belize

 

The US Department of Agriculture has a veterinary division with a website listing country requirements when you export an animal. Google “APHIS Pet Travel” and you will find a drop down list of countries. Click the country you want and read the requirements very carefully to get an idea of what may be involved.

 

You will need to have the dog examined by an APHIS accredited veterinarian in your area close to your departure date, who will issue and sign the form 7001 health certificate, as well as any country-specific certificates. It’s a good idea to talk well ahead of time to that vet and be confident they are completely familiar with the paperwork needed. You may need to additionally send or take all that vet’s paperwork to a regional APHIS office to have it endorsed and stamped.

 

Always at minimum bring a current rabies certificate and a valid form 7001 (good for 30 days).

Edited January 15, 2018 by Caribbean Chris

[rangeley]

We have had Celebrity block the doors with a "closed due to high winds" ribbon, but they have never locked it. We just always went under the ribbon or took it down and had a crew member or some strong fellas open the door for my friend and her seeing eye dog. (The wind made it hard to open.) Once the deck was blocked due to embarkation and again we got a crew member to let us through.

 

One time they had a box way to small for the 75 pound Labrador. It was the size for a 25 pound dog! I told the crew member the urine would go on the floor, and the crew continued to insist it was fine. At that moment, Gary, the dog, lifted his leg on the box, and though his aim was fine, it went on the floor. Immediately the staff sent someone ashore to Home Depot to buy more wood to build a bigger box before we set sail. Celebrity has always been good to work with, once you find the right crew member.

We also have had the tape up on a ship or 2. But when he's gotta go, we have no choice but to go around it.

 

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[rangeley]

Bahamas addy

 

 

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[rangeley]

Wex is ready for a cruise!

 

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[Caribbean Chris]

Wexler looks great! Love his life jacket!

[DUTRAVEL]

Wex is ready for a cruise!

 

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He's so cute! Bon voyage!

 

Dianne

[rpclmc]

Wex is so handsome.

 

Linda and Halo

[Miki_moto]

I have some questions for all you service dog owners.

 

Firstly, I'm not picking an argument, just out of honest curiosity.

 

One question has to do with a certain airline's rule (Hawaiian Airlines) regarding flying with a service dog on a flight of 8 hours or more.

 

HA requires that the owner provide documentation stating that the dog will not relieve itself/relieve itself in a manner not to create a health/sanitation problem during a flight of 8 hrs or more.

 

How can a dog owner guarantee that the service dog can hold it that long? I don't know of any human who can hold it 8 hrs or more.

 

And how can a dog's potty break be handled on a long haul flight as stated by the airline?

 

 

My first service dog made six round trips - Seattle/London - and my second service dog has made one trip so far. It really isn't that big a big deal.

 

We fly business class with British Airways and I know the form your talking about re: won't relieve themself on board. I think I might have even signed it once or twice.

 

Since we're always the first on and the last off, I'm usually looking at close to ten hours on the plane. Fourteen flights without a hiccup - maybe I shouldn't jinx it!

 

 

We're booked on a ten day Queen Elizabeth Alaskan cruise in June, 2019. I'm undecided about taking Nico with me. It's likely I'll be spending most of the time on the ship.

[holliharrison94]

Hey y'all!

 

There is so much useful information in this thread, I wish I had the time to read all 980 pages of it :') I do have some questions about things I didn't see get addressed.

 

I am going on a 9 night cruise to New England & Canada in August with my service dog. I am an experienced cruiser but have never taken my service dog, Echo, with me. The last cruise I went on (January of 2017) a family member watched her and her sister Delta. It was a two week cruise with minimal internet access.. Tragedy struck and Delta broke her back and did not make it. It was a very traumatic experience and now I no longer travel anywhere long-distance without Echo.

 

We are staying in an ocean view room (no balcony) so where would the potty box go? Just in a custodians place or stairwell?

 

I also don't know Canada's laws & requirements about service dogs entering the country. I have spoken on the phone with RCCL & scoured the internet. They directed me to the internet searches and all that came up was stuff about pets. Are those requirements the same?

 

I am also worried about Echo getting seasick. She got sick (and puked ALL OVER) on a ferry to Catalina Island about 4 years. That was the first and last time she has been on a boat. Now I know cruise ships are not at all comparable to ferries and catamarans but I also know that sometimes you take ferries to certain ports and older ships may not have the same stabilizing power that new ships do. We are going on the Grandeur.. one of the oldest ships... I can't find a list (if there is one) of the ports that we taxi to and dock in. I am also worried about swaying at night... Seasickness suggestions?

 

Honestly, as I am typing this out, it may not be the best idea to take her because of so many 'what ifs'...... but I don't know if my heart could take leaving her again for 10 days with limited cell reception and wifi...

 

I hope y'all can understand where I am coming from. Any and all tips/info is appreciated.

 

Thank you so much! <3

[wizard-of-roz]

So, we are scheduled for our cruise March 25-April 1st On NCL. I am currently trying to decide whether to bring Macallan or leave him home. I’ve never stressed about traveling with him. I want to be able to relax and enjoy our vacation. I don’t want to short change my partner on enjoying our excursions. I’m very concerned about Macallan’s safety at ports regarding disease and stray dogs/animals. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We are not “outdoorsy” but do enjoying sightseeing and animals/aquariums/zoos/easy water activities.

 

Most importantly, can someone help me navigate what is needed to allow Macallan at the following ports:

Cozemel, Mexico

Costa Maya, Mexico

Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

 

Harvest Caye, Belize

 

 

A recent Vet visit whereby he/she states that your dog has had a recent exam; has a microchip; is free of ticks/fleas; is on Heartguard and is current on ALL vaccinations. The Aphis 7001 Form is what is needed to be filled out and signed by your Vet.

[wizard-of-roz]

Here's an editorial in today's Los Angeles Daily News about Emotional Support Animals I thought you folks would enjoy reading:

 

https://www.dailynews.com/2018/01/11/is-it-an-emotional-support-animal-or-just-someones-pet/

 

I know that these dogs do serve a purpose for their owners. That said, if the dog acts badly; barking, nipping and going potty everywhere, they dog should NOT be allowed to board. I wish the rules for these dogs were more strict!

[wizard-of-roz]

Wex is ready for a cruise!

 

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Such a handsome boy!!!!! Ahoy, Matey!!!!!!;)

[Algebralovr]

Did you all see that Delta is going to tighten up the rules a tiny bit? I do mean tiny:

 

CBS reports here and USA Today reports here.

 

They aren't asking for much.

[wizard-of-roz]

Hey y'all!

 

There is so much useful information in this thread, I wish I had the time to read all 980 pages of it :') I do have some questions about things I didn't see get addressed.

 

I am going on a 9 night cruise to New England & Canada in August with my service dog. I am an experienced cruiser but have never taken my service dog, Echo, with me. The last cruise I went on (January of 2017) a family member watched her and her sister Delta. It was a two week cruise with minimal internet access.. Tragedy struck and Delta broke her back and did not make it. It was a very traumatic experience and now I no longer travel anywhere long-distance without Echo.

 

We are staying in an ocean view room (no balcony) so where would the potty box go? Just in a custodians place or stairwell?

 

I also don't know Canada's laws & requirements about service dogs entering the country. I have spoken on the phone with RCCL & scoured the internet. They directed me to the internet searches and all that came up was stuff about pets. Are those requirements the same?

 

I am also worried about Echo getting seasick. She got sick (and puked ALL OVER) on a ferry to Catalina Island about 4 years. That was the first and last time she has been on a boat. Now I know cruise ships are not at all comparable to ferries and catamarans but I also know that sometimes you take ferries to certain ports and older ships may not have the same stabilizing power that new ships do. We are going on the Grandeur.. one of the oldest ships... I can't find a list (if there is one) of the ports that we taxi to and dock in. I am also worried about swaying at night... Seasickness suggestions?

 

Honestly, as I am typing this out, it may not be the best idea to take her because of so many 'what ifs'...... but I don't know if my heart could take leaving her again for 10 days with limited cell reception and wifi...

 

I hope y'all can understand where I am coming from. Any and all tips/info is appreciated.

 

Thank you so much! <3

 

Holli, I'm so sorry about what happened to Delta when you were away. I totally understand why you don't want to leave Echo. However, if Echo has the reputation of getting sick onboard sea-going vessels it might be best to test her out before you take her on a cruise. Although the ferry to Catalina is much, much smaller and does not have stabilizer's like a cruise ship has, it still can get very pitchy onboard a large ship. You may want to ask your Vet for some ginger tabs for dogs. And, ask for other remedies for dogs to keep them from getting sea sick.

Taking long drives in your car are good way to test for motion sickness but the best way is to go out on the sea lots and lots so that Echo actually becomes immune to the rolling motion. It is possible for her to just "go with the flow!"

I can't even imagine not going cruising without my dogs. They both love it as much as I do!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Hey y'all!

 

There is so much useful information in this thread, I wish I had the time to read all 980 pages of it :') I do have some questions about things I didn't see get addressed.

 

I am going on a 9 night cruise to New England & Canada in August with my service dog. I am an experienced cruiser but have never taken my service dog, Echo, with me. The last cruise I went on (January of 2017) a family member watched her and her sister Delta. It was a two week cruise with minimal internet access.. Tragedy struck and Delta broke her back and did not make it. It was a very traumatic experience and now I no longer travel anywhere long-distance without Echo.

 

We are staying in an ocean view room (no balcony) so where would the potty box go? Just in a custodians place or stairwell?

 

I also don't know Canada's laws & requirements about service dogs entering the country. I have spoken on the phone with RCCL & scoured the internet. They directed me to the internet searches and all that came up was stuff about pets. Are those requirements the same?

 

I am also worried about Echo getting seasick. She got sick (and puked ALL OVER) on a ferry to Catalina Island about 4 years. That was the first and last time she has been on a boat. Now I know cruise ships are not at all comparable to ferries and catamarans but I also know that sometimes you take ferries to certain ports and older ships may not have the same stabilizing power that new ships do. We are going on the Grandeur.. one of the oldest ships... I can't find a list (if there is one) of the ports that we taxi to and dock in. I am also worried about swaying at night... Seasickness suggestions?

 

Honestly, as I am typing this out, it may not be the best idea to take her because of so many 'what ifs'...... but I don't know if my heart could take leaving her again for 10 days with limited cell reception and wifi...

 

I hope y'all can understand where I am coming from. Any and all tips/info is appreciated.

 

Thank you so much! <3

 

Canada's laws are pretty much the same as ours. They do require the Aphis 7001 Form to be filled out and the dog to be Microchipped along with all immunizations to be current. Heartguard/flea and tick abatement to be used and the dog to be in good health.

[wizard-of-roz]

Have a wonderful weekend everyone........I'm so glad to read that Delta is cracking-down on Service Dog fakes.......I hope that everyone else will follow!

[Algebralovr]

Have a wonderful weekend everyone........I'm so glad to read that Delta is cracking-down on Service Dog fakes.......I hope that everyone else will follow!

 

Seriously!

We flew Southwest last Tuesday and Saturday, STL to San Diego and back. In STL, I went through the full service line, dropped my checked bag, got a pre-board pass. The agent didn't ask anything at all about Scooter. He was wearing his vest and heeled nicely. He stopped when I stopped, sat when I got to the check in counter at a hand signal, and just waited. She just handed me the boarding document and had the preboard on it.

 

We went to the Pre-Check line, I told Scooter to sit at the metal detector, went through it, then called Scooter to me. His harness has enough metal to signal it. I was expecting it, so was waiting for the agent to call a colleague to do a pat down. The agents in STL have previously just had me do a stand-stay while they run a hand over each side and make sure nothing is under the cape. Easy-peasy.

 

In San Diego, there was a very long line to check in. We went through it, Scooter behaved perfectly. There was another dog, no cape, owner carrying a carrier for it, but the carrier looked too small for the dog and the dog was on the floor. That dog was on a leash, but pulled toward Scooter. Scooter just stared at it. Anyway, the agent at check in asked, "Is your dog a service dog?" to which I replied yes. Then the agent asked, "What does the dog do for you?" Which I answered. Easy, but the first time I've been asked. We've previously flown out of STL, Las Vegas, and Orlando. When we went through security, I did my usual, tell him to sit, go through, call him. As expected, he sounded. The TSA Agent wanted me to take his gear off. I refused and said that I was happy for the dog to be pat down, and to please call a colleague. They didn't handle it well. I need to remember to send a note to the TSA supervisor there.

 

Someone else in the terminal had a little bitty dog in arms, wearing a collar that said service dog. That dog saw Scooter and started yipping. Again, Scooter just looked as though to say, "Dude! What is your issue!"

 

He still doesn't like to fly. I think I'll buy some Mutt-Muffs and see if they help before he travels with me in May. We aren't taking him on our cruise in February.

 

On Wednesday, I was in a building on campus and a faculty member walked by with her dog. Dog not marked in any way, just wearing a leash and gentle leader. Our campus has a policy against dogs in the building unless they are a trained service dog or SDiT (which is MO Law). The campus REQUESTS that your dog wear a cape or marking that it is a SD, and that you register it with HR. I've gone round and round with them about the registration, since I don't believe it is being handled correctly. I'm happy to "register" my dog and happy to provide vaccination records annually. We will get it worked out one of these days. HR management changed again, so it is in limbo.