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

[Caribbean Chris]

This is the first time I’m taking my service Dog on a cruise. These are the ports I am stopping in:

 

You will need to contact the following ports regarding any necessary paperwork required for that country:

 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Isl

Mindelo, Cape Verde

Praia, Ilha de Santiago, Cape Verde

Banjul, Gambia

Dakar, Senegal

Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canarias, S

Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Canary Islan

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Agadir, Morocco

Casablanca, Morocco

Gibraltar, British Territory

Valencia, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

Mahon, Menorca, Spain

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Sorrento, Italy

Naples (Pompeii), Italy

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

Malaga, Spain

Cadiz (Seville), Spain

Lisbon, Portugal

Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores,

Praia di Vitoria, Terceira, Azores,

Horta, Azores, Portugal

Hamilton, Bermuda

I have been searching the internet to find out the requirements for each port. Any info would be Greatly appreciated.

 

If you are a US citizen, you will need to work with a knowledgeable vet accredited with the US Department of Agriculture’s APHIS program. Start far in advance of your departure date for a complex itinerary. Google “APHIS Pet Travel” for an overview and drop down menu of countries and their requirements. Even though a service dog is not a pet, usually the same rules apply for exporting your dog and importing into other countries (even temporarily as a ship passenger).

 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel

[wizard-of-roz]

Hi. I am taking my guide dog on a cruise in April. Does anyone have experience with getting off the ship at the following ports? Aruba, Bonaire, Caracoa, Carta Hena and the Camen Islands? I am not sure where to start looking for permissions. I know I will get the health certificate and she has proof of rabies and a microchip. What else do I need to know? You all are very knowledgeable. Thanks.

 

Once you've visited the Vet and received the Aphis 7001 form, which will give all the good information about your dog and his being current on all immunizations and is safe to travel, you've gotten what you will need for the above ports Unless some requirements have changed, it's a good idea to look up "Travel with a Service Dog" to the ports your visiting online for further information. You can download the form to take to the Vet with you, in case they don't have it. Remember, the Aphis form requires that your dog be on Heartguard and Nexguard [or some other form of flea and tick abatement.]

Also: Make sure that the Vet or his tech not use any abbreviations on the Aphis form.......Everything MUST be spelled out fully.

[wizard-of-roz]

If you are a US citizen, you will need to work with a knowledgeable vet accredited with the US Department of Agriculture’s APHIS program. Start far in advance of your departure date for a complex itinerary. Google “APHIS Pet Travel” for an overview and drop down menu of countries and their requirements. Even though a service dog is not a pet, usually the same rules apply for exporting your dog and importing into other countries (even temporarily as a ship passenger).

 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel

 

Excellent advice. Thank you, Chris!

[rangeley]

Hi All!! Been very busy around here and i havent had a chance to check in.

 

Went on our cruise Jan 20th. Everything went pretty good. Flight good. When we got to our cabin, no box. Within a few minutes all the officers came in and after alittle yelling, the box was brought out onto our balcony. They did have the grass as requested. It was from California and was very wet since it was inside a plastic bag. Wex left wet dirty paw prints everywhere. I assumed they would just get a piece from a local landscaper. That said, he was happy and so were we. Great weather and another great cruise!

 

The flying days were rough. Our flight left 620am. Very long day. 15 hour travel days. I noticed that it was rough on Wex. I am not thinking of putting him through that again. That said... We just booked a Bermuda cruise out of Boston in May! Fifteen minute ride and we're on the boat. I think he can handle that. I am also thinking i might be able to get my own sod. Im going to look into it. Nothing like homegrown grass to pee on!

 

 

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

Hi All!! Been very busy around here and i havent had a chance to check in.

 

Went on our cruise Jan 20th. Everything went pretty good. Flight good. When we got to our cabin, no box. Within a few minutes all the officers came in and after alittle yelling, the box was brought out onto our balcony. They did have the grass as requested. It was from California and was very wet since it was inside a plastic bag. Wex left wet dirty paw prints everywhere. I assumed they would just get a piece from a local landscaper. That said, he was happy and so were we. Great weather and another great cruise!

 

The flying days were rough. Our flight left 620am. Very long day. 15 hour travel days. I noticed that it was rough on Wex. I am not thinking of putting him through that again. That said... We just booked a Bermuda cruise out of Boston in May! Fifteen minute ride and we're on the boat. I think he can handle that. I am also thinking i might be able to get my own sod. Im going to look into it. Nothing like homegrown grass to pee on!

 

 

 

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Cindy, I'm glad that the bottom line was that you enjoyed your cruise. I know for a fact that Horton would not do well on a fly-to cruise. As it is, we're both exhausted when all I have to do is drive to the port the morning of the cruise.

I'm too old, too worn out and to out of shape to withstand the schlepping, dragging, climbing, parking, picking up, putting away and waiting. It doesn't matter how much help I get......there's ALWAYS some of the aforementioned to do and it's the part of the cruise I most dislike.

Until the muster drill is over and all mine & Horton's stuff is put away......I'm no where close to "cruise-mode!" Not until the first night's meal and show do I really feel like I'm onboard a cruise anyway!

I love the fifteen minute drive and your onboard......PERFECT! ;p

 

As long as Princess is going out of L.A., I'll book the cruise. There's enough places to see, enough ships to try for me not to get caught-up on the boredom train! :p

[DUTRAVEL]

The flying days were rough. Our flight left 620am. Very long day. 15 hour travel days. I noticed that it was rough on Wex. I am not thinking of putting him through that again. That said... We just booked a Bermuda cruise out of Boston in May! Fifteen minute ride and we're on the boat. I think he can handle that. I am also thinking i might be able to get my own sod. Im going to look into it. Nothing like homegrown grass to pee on!

 

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Sounds like you had a great time Cindy. Which airline did you fly and which cruise line?

 

Dianne

[rangeley]

Cindy, I'm glad that the bottom line was that you enjoyed your cruise. I know for a fact that Horton would not do well on a fly-to cruise. As it is, we're both exhausted when all I have to do is drive to the port the morning of the cruise.

I'm too old, too worn out and to out of shape to withstand the schlepping, dragging, climbing, parking, picking up, putting away and waiting. It doesn't matter how much help I get......there's ALWAYS some of the aforementioned to do and it's the part of the cruise I most dislike.

Until the muster drill is over and all mine & Horton's stuff is put away......I'm no where close to "cruise-mode!" Not until the first night's meal and show do I really feel like I'm onboard a cruise anyway!

I love the fifteen minute drive and your onboard......PERFECT! ;p

 

As long as Princess is going out of L.A., I'll book the cruise. There's enough places to see, enough ships to try for me not to get caught-up on the boredom train! :p

Im the same way Roz!! Not until dinner do i relax. Im hoping without the traveling beforehand it will be a little more relaxing and easier on Wex.

 

Now my big thing is the grass. Can we ship things to the ship? Im probably being stupid but how heavy is a 3x4 piece of sod? Can i carry some on?

 

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[rangeley]

Sounds like you had a great time Cindy. Which airline did you fly and which cruise line?

 

Dianne

We flew Jetblue, the only airline we fly. And we went on NCL.

 

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[DisneyKidsDad]

We flew Jetblue, the only airline we fly. And we went on NCL.

 

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We flew Jet Blue for the first time last December. They were great! Once you explain to them

that you are traveling with someone in a wheelchair with a large service dog, they will work with you.

We are flying with them in October. We got row 5, one of their extra leg room rows. No extra charge.

With the extra leg room row you also get TSA Pre-check. They also have free drinks and snacks.

I was all ready to book a cruise for 2020 but we decided to re-do our bathroom instead. The cruise

will have to wait another year. But we are on the short list to get another CCI puppy to raise!! Hopefully

within the next couple of months. Gretel continues to be great!

[Insuregal]

Hi All!! Been very busy around here and i havent had a chance to check in.

 

Went on our cruise Jan 20th. Everything went pretty good. Flight good. When we got to our cabin, no box. Within a few minutes all the officers came in and after alittle yelling, the box was brought out onto our balcony. They did have the grass as requested. It was from California and was very wet since it was inside a plastic bag. Wex left wet dirty paw prints everywhere. I assumed they would just get a piece from a local landscaper. That said, he was happy and so were we. Great weather and another great cruise!

 

The flying days were rough. Our flight left 620am. Very long day. 15 hour travel days. I noticed that it was rough on Wex. I am not thinking of putting him through that again. That said... We just booked a Bermuda cruise out of Boston in May! Fifteen minute ride and we're on the boat. I think he can handle that. I am also thinking i might be able to get my own sod. Im going to look into it. Nothing like homegrown grass to pee on!

 

 

 

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Hi Cindy! Glad to hear you all had a great trip! Does Wex still enjoy traveling, just not the long flight days? We haven't ever flown with Gibson, only four hour car trips. Diana isn't up to big travel, and even the short ones are tough.

 

I am sitting watching an ice storm out the window, and on television waves at Maui Sands resort. (YouTube can be a wonderful thing.) My office was closed today, and all who could do so logged in from home. I'll try not to send this weather your direction.

 

Thanks,

Beckie

[wizard-of-roz]

We flew Jet Blue for the first time last December. They were great! Once you explain to them

that you are traveling with someone in a wheelchair with a large service dog, they will work with you.

We are flying with them in October. We got row 5, one of their extra leg room rows. No extra charge.

With the extra leg room row you also get TSA Pre-check. They also have free drinks and snacks.

I was all ready to book a cruise for 2020 but we decided to re-do our bathroom instead. The cruise

will have to wait another year. But we are on the short list to get another CCI puppy to raise!! Hopefully

within the next couple of months. Gretel continues to be great!

 

I think the bathroom is a good idea......the cruise ships aren't going anywhere. Getting another puppy is so exciting. Glad to hear that Gretel is a good fit. Do you see Orson walking through the house still? It amazes me how their spirits live on.....

[wizard-of-roz]

Im the same way Roz!! Not until dinner do i relax. Im hoping without the traveling beforehand it will be a little more relaxing and easier on Wex.

 

Now my big thing is the grass. Can we ship things to the ship? Im probably being stupid but how heavy is a 3x4 piece of sod? Can i carry some on?

 

Sent from my Pixel XL using Forums mobile app

 

The actual sod is too heavy to schlep! Have you tried the artificial stuff? It rolls-up really nice, is easy to bring along and just lay it on top of whatever the cruise line uses. You can wash it off at the end, roll it up and place it into a large trash bag and bring it home. Or, do what I'm doing. I buy the artificial stuff [that comes in a roll at Osh.] It's very cheap, very light and I leave it behind. Horton loves it. You have to poke the drainage holes in it because it's more like the carpet and not the ground cover.

 

Horton loves the stuff and it's easy to lay on top of the ships lame choices for filler. It's very light so you have to be careful that it's placed well in the potty box, if used on your veranda, because the wind could pick it up and blow it around.

[wizard-of-roz]

The latest news: Hawaii State Senator is trying to pass legislation that will give jail time and heavy fines to anyone trying to pass-off a pet as a Service dog in the public venue. About time!!!!

[rangeley]

We flew Jet Blue for the first time last December. They were great! Once you explain to them

that you are traveling with someone in a wheelchair with a large service dog, they will work with you.

We are flying with them in October. We got row 5, one of their extra leg room rows. No extra charge.

With the extra leg room row you also get TSA Pre-check. They also have free drinks and snacks.

I was all ready to book a cruise for 2020 but we decided to re-do our bathroom instead. The cruise

will have to wait another year. But we are on the short list to get another CCI puppy to raise!! Hopefully

within the next couple of months. Gretel continues to be great!

We have flown Jetblue for years. Always the best with John and Wex. We always get the bulkhead seats. Even with the extra room, Wex makes sure my legs are contorted for the flight. A few years ago we flew American to Miami because Jetblue doesnt fly there. Never again!! Now we fly to Ft Lauderdale and take the bus to Miami. So glad Gretel is doing great!!!!

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

We have flown Jetblue for years. Always the best with John and Wex. We always get the bulkhead seats. Even with the extra room, Wex makes sure my legs are contorted for the flight. A few years ago we flew American to Miami because Jetblue doesnt fly there. Never again!! Now we fly to Ft Lauderdale and take the bus to Miami. So glad Gretel is doing great!!!!

 

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Hey! He's a tall boy! Just like Horton......There would NEVER be room for both of us! He's all legs!!!

[rangeley]

Hi Cindy! Glad to hear you all had a great trip! Does Wex still enjoy traveling, just not the long flight days? We haven't ever flown with Gibson, only four hour car trips. Diana isn't up to big travel, and even the short ones are tough.

 

I am sitting watching an ice storm out the window, and on television waves at Maui Sands resort. (YouTube can be a wonderful thing.) My office was closed today, and all who could do so logged in from home. I'll try not to send this weather your direction.

 

Thanks,

Beckie

This year i noticed Wex out of sorts alittle. Its a long travel day. Up at 230am, in the car by 430am, flight at 620. Get to Ft Lauderdale around 10, get on the bus for the 30min ride to the ship. Check in, eat, go to cabin and before you know it, its muster drill time. Its tough for me never mind a 70yr old dog.

 

He likes the cruise and absolutely loves cruise ship beds!! He loves meeting new people!

 

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[rangeley]

The actual sod is too heavy to schlep! Have you tried the artificial stuff? It rolls-up really nice, is easy to bring along and just lay it on top of whatever the cruise line uses. You can wash it off at the end, roll it up and place it into a large trash bag and bring it home. Or, do what I'm doing. I buy the artificial stuff [that comes in a roll at Osh.] It's very cheap, very light and I leave it behind. Horton loves it. You have to poke the drainage holes in it because it's more like the carpet and not the ground cover.

 

Horton loves the stuff and it's easy to lay on top of the ships lame choices for filler. It's very light so you have to be careful that it's placed well in the potty box, if used on your veranda, because the wind could pick it up and blow it around.

Wex would rather jump overboard than use that fake grass. He absolutely hates it.

 

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[rangeley]

I also want to add how great the vet in Bermuda has been. So far great to work with, and so fast answering emails.

Ive been to many islands and have some knowledge. But i know nothing about Bermuda. Im getting a crash course.

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

This year i noticed Wex out of sorts alittle. Its a long travel day. Up at 230am, in the car by 430am, flight at 620. Get to Ft Lauderdale around 10, get on the bus for the 30min ride to the ship. Check in, eat, go to cabin and before you know it, its muster drill time. Its tough for me never mind a 70yr old dog.

 

He likes the cruise and absolutely loves cruise ship beds!! He loves meeting new people!

 

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Yep! When they're done, they sure let us know, don't they! I always say, "please Horty just one more, you can do it!"

Once I stop all the crazy running around and passing through TSA, picking up this and placing that on the conveyor belt, breaking my back so that Horton has all his food, toys, treats that he'll need or want for the next week or three on to the scanner. And then all the folks who want to check this and that and getting the box settled and his beloved water dish in place.......by then, he and I are so darn tired, just laying down for a nap sounds perfect! I should take this back.....I've done all the work as he just looks at me....Of course, I've pushed him hither and nigh and not given him more than a few minutes to really catch a goo sleep. He's so tired at the end of all this and he's not getting any younger, like his old mom!

[wizard-of-roz]

Wex would rather jump overboard than use that fake grass. He absolutely hates it.

 

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Well, excuse me!!!!!!!

[DUTRAVEL]

I also want to add how great the vet in Bermuda has been. So far great to work with, and so fast answering emails.

Ive been to many islands and have some knowledge. But i know nothing about Bermuda. Im getting a crash course.

 

Sent from my Pixel XL using Forums mobile app

 

 

 

We are going to Bermuda too - can you post the contact info Cindy?

 

Thanks, Dianne

 

 

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[DUTRAVEL]

We have flown Jetblue for years. Always the best with John and Wex. We always get the bulkhead seats. Even with the extra room, Wex makes sure my legs are contorted for the flight. A few years ago we flew American to Miami because Jetblue doesnt fly there. Never again!! Now we fly to Ft Lauderdale and take the bus to Miami. So glad Gretel is doing great!!!!

 

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I like JetBlue too, they have always given us the 1st row bulkhead too.

 

They now have Mint on the flights to the West Coast. Does anyone know what row they will give you if the flight has Mint?

 

Dianne

 

 

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[S.S. Cruisers]

Welcome back, Cindy, John and still Sexy Wexy! Ya'all are right, us "older" folks have a tough time getting around, feel for our furkids, even if all they do is sit and watch us do the work! :O We have been so busy with "live", not so good health live, that I have been really dreaming of a cruise. We are working on our house, too, DKD and I'm telling ya, every dollar we spend I think how many cruises we could be on! But, alas, the house needs some attention too! Plus I would be a wreck leaving Jezzy Lou with someone. Her Dogtor also has boarding, on site. We have left her there before, but only a few days. I am tempting in getting Antie GiGi to come stay with the furkids and Travis. I am a worry wart, though and have visions of Jezzy, bullying all of them and escaping out the front door to look for her MawMaw. We are on a very busy street and well you know the rest. Anyone, after babbling, like I do so well, hope every one has a great hump day! Carl what day is it? Speaking of which, neighbors down the street have a live size "Camel" in their front yard. Not sure what the significance is?

[lonelysable]

I will be traveling to panama Canal with my service dog and I can't get answers from anyone. Do you know what paper work I need to disembark in Panama?

 

 

 

Welcome, it sounds like you had a great time with "Gabby" onboard RCCL. That darn potty box can or can not be an issue with our dogs. We ALL strongly suggest that if you plan on continuing cruising with your dog that you do some "potty-box" training at home. I have my dog use a "box" on my patio, at home and a "box" in underground garage at work,

 

I have had two Service Dogs since 2002 and my first dog completed 15 cruises to Panama, Hawaii, Brazil, Mexico, Alaska, Canada and she flew to; Paris, Switzerland and we drove to Italy and Germany. My second dog will be on 10 cruises this December and just finished a 19 day cruise through the Panama Canal.

 

There are lots of other folks who have traveled far and wide with their Service Dogs, as well. And will answer all your good questions.

 

Most of my travels included the Aphis 7001 Form [filled out by your Vet.]; on this form will be all the information about the dogs health and well being to travel, including all current immunizations as well as the use of HeartGuard and flea & tick abatement supplement; the serial number of your dogs microchip and any rabies titer testing [if requested.]

 

Some countries may ask for special forms to be faxed to them in advance of your arrival and some immigration officials may ask to see all your dogs paperwork [and they may want to keep a copy, I ALWAYS make a few extra copies, just to give away], and, some may want to examine your dog and others could care less. Some may want to meet with you very early in the morning of your arrival to their country or island and some may not. Some may even ask for money to be able to take your dog into their country. I have NEVER given money to any official yet, and I've been traveling with my SD's since 2002. I just tell them that I don't have any cash.

 

I always suggest that you remain calm and assertive. The ship is being hassled by their officials and will NOT allow any passengers to leave the ship until all papers are checked and cleared by them!

I plan on cruising with my dog to Hawaii in December and NO ONE HAS STRICTER GUIDELINES AND DEMANDS THAN THEY DO FOR ENTERING WITH A DOG, EVEN BY CRUISE SHIP.

[Algebralovr]

Greetings from Costa Maya, MX!

 

Scooter is at home with my son, and hubby and I are on Silhouette for 2 weeks. Halfway through the first week already! Crazy!

 

Boy said Scooter is bored and needs more attention. I'm sure! He is used to GOING all the time. He gets to laze around the house for two weeks.

 

I just wasn't sure about bring him, and I have a service human here. :)

 

Take care, all!

 

 

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