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

[denas]

OK. Need more help!! We are sailing for the first time with our service dog, Blink, in two weeks. We are sailing on Disney for a four day trip that stops in Nassau and their private island. Disney sent me the paperwork requirements and stated I needed the rabies certificate and the dept of agricuture form from the Bahamas. I got that in less than 24 hours (very nice lady in the Bahamas even called to make sure I got the email). It is the Bahama Dept of Agriculture permit and included a health form to be completed by the vet.

 

When I took it to my vet today to get it complete, they insisted that I also would need the USDA international certificate to return to the US??? Disney never mentioned anything about it. So I figured whatever, but then the vet charged me an additional $42 fee for the international certificate and said I have to fedex to Richmond, VA (we live in Northern VA) for an endorsement.

 

Do I need this to return to the US? Why wouldn't Disney know this as it could end up leaving someone with a service dog sitting in Customs which I am pretty sure would have resulted in complaints to the cruiseline for not telling them about the form.

 

Just curious.

[wizard-of-roz]

OK. Need more help!! We are sailing for the first time with our service dog, Blink, in two weeks. We are sailing on Disney for a four day trip that stops in Nassau and their private island. Disney sent me the paperwork requirements and stated I needed the rabies certificate and the dept of agricuture form from the Bahamas. I got that in less than 24 hours (very nice lady in the Bahamas even called to make sure I got the email). It is the Bahama Dept of Agriculture permit and included a health form to be completed by the vet.

 

When I took it to my vet today to get it complete, they insisted that I also would need the USDA international certificate to return to the US??? Disney never mentioned anything about it. So I figured whatever, but then the vet charged me an additional $42 fee for the international certificate and said I have to fedex to Richmond, VA (we live in Northern VA) for an endorsement.

 

Do I need this to return to the US? Why wouldn't Disney know this as it could end up leaving someone with a service dog sitting in Customs which I am pretty sure would have resulted in complaints to the cruiseline for not telling them about the form.

 

Just curious.

 

The form is the U.S. Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals [APHIS Form 7001.] You will need this form to re-enter the U.S. with your SD. I have NEVER had to get this endorsed once it was completed and signed by my Vet. In all my travels with Brenda & Horton this form along with their City License, my Vets Animal Health Statement; certifying that he has examined my dog and it is clinically free of infectious, contagious or communicable diseases, along with the date and his signature, proof of his MicroChip; Certificate of Spay/Neuter is all that I have ever needed.

 

Except for Hawaii & Europe where I also had to have Heartworm Antigen Test and a Rabies Titer.

 

My Vet charged $15.00 to fill out the form. He's also a USDA Approved Vet.

Edited July 31, 2014 by wizard-of-roz

[cjborne2]

Our Bahamas experience regarding paperwork has been easy. We have sailed on both Disney and Carnival with the dog.

 

We needed the rabies form and the Bahamas certificate. We also got the international health certificate that your vet gave you but we never had it endorsed in Richmond or anywhere else. (I think Philly was an option at one point as well; we are in Baltimore). She just filled out the international health certificate paperwork and I took it with me. The only fees she has ever charged me is only for the visit.

 

I would call Disney to double check and set your mind at ease. I just called them a few hours ago with my question.

 

Just FYI, we had a terrible time with the dog in Nassau on our Carnival cruise. If you get off the ship and have to take a shuttle bus anywhere, please double check and make sure transportation knows that you are taking the dog with you. We did not have an issue in Freeport, but the bus people wanted to pay for "special transportation" (to the tune of $100) to take the dog. We wasted a lot of time getting it straightened out.

 

Our experiences with Disney cruises is that they are on the ball. We had a slow set up with the potty box on the second cruise with the dog but other than that, no issues.

 

Happy sailing!

[denas]

The form is the U.S. Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals [APHIS Form 7001.] You will need this form to re-enter the U.S. with your SD. I have NEVER had to get this endorsed once it was completed and signed by my Vet. In all my travels with Brenda & Horton this form along with their City License, my Vets Animal Health Statement; certifying that he has examined my dog and it is clinically free of infectious, contagious or communicable diseases, along with the date and his signature, proof of his MicroChip; Certificate of Spay/Neuter is all that I have ever needed.

 

Except for Hawaii & Europe where I also had to have Heartworm Antigen Test and a Rabies Titer.

 

My Vet charged $15.00 to fill out the form. He's also a USDA Approved Vet.

 

OK. So the form has a red stamp thing the vet added over the name/address of owner and recipient. She signed and checked that she was accredited and included her number. The section on the left-hand side that states "Endorsement for International Export (if needed)" is where it would get endorsed by the people in Richmond. But I should be good not getting this endorsed as I have all of the other items and a letter from the vet attached to the certificate saying she is in good health? Everything includes her microchip number. I will bring all of her health records in addition to the certificates!!! I just don't want to be stuck in the customs building in Port Canaveral regretting not paying the additional fees (and round-trip FEDEX expense) for an endorsement if they won't let us back in the US!!!

 

Everything is outrageously priced in Northern VA. My vet is giving me a 10% service dog discount and was not the most expensive vet in the area (Office calls are $40 but some places charge $90 - I shopped around). They were actually the only ones who offered a service-dog discount. Wasn't sure if there was a set fee with the certificate already.

[wizard-of-roz]

Also, even though you may be sailing the same cruise lines but on different ships, every cruise you take will have a different idea of where and how to handle the potty box.

 

Since I have chosen Princess as my cruise line of choice I have had personal conversations with their Access Care Dept. and the folks involved. They know where I like the box, how I like the box and when I like the box to be set-up. They contact the ship a few days [by email] before I board and give them a heads-up that me and my dog are coming onboard.

 

I ALWAYS get a cabin in essentially the same location and deck on the ship because of where I like the potty box.

 

On my cruise in December, 2015, I've picked a cabin on the total opposite side of the ship. And, I've picked a ship that only holds less than 700 passengers as opposed to my usual 3,000. I know this will take some fast talking and rearranging in order to have the box to my liking. I'm not too bothered by this because I know that Princess is aware of my likes and dislikes and ALWAYS tries to keep me happy!

Edited July 31, 2014 by wizard-of-roz

[wizard-of-roz]

OK. So the form has a red stamp thing the vet added over the name/address of owner and recipient. She signed and checked that she was accredited and included her number. The section on the left-hand side that states "Endorsement for International Export (if needed)" is where it would get endorsed by the people in Richmond. But I should be good not getting this endorsed as I have all of the other items and a letter from the vet attached to the certificate saying she is in good health? Everything includes her microchip number. I will bring all of her health records in addition to the certificates!!! I just don't want to be stuck in the customs building in Port Canaveral regretting not paying the additional fees (and round-trip FEDEX expense) for an endorsement if they won't let us back in the US!!!

 

Everything is outrageously priced in Northern VA. My vet is giving me a 10% service dog discount and was not the most expensive vet in the area (Office calls are $40 but some places charge $90 - I shopped around). They were actually the only ones who offered a service-dog discount. Wasn't sure if there was a set fee with the certificate already.

 

You should be fine. On our way back from Paris, the Dept. of Agriculture pulled us into a separate room [the first and last time this ever happened in all of our travels with our dogs] and examined Brenda's paws, ears, fur and skin. When I asked him what he was looking for, he said; "I'm not sure!" I told him we had a plane to catch to Washington DC and I had to find an area for Brenda to relieve herself.

 

You MUST stay calm, cool and make sure your dog behaves well. Some of these agents are so new and uninformed they're over-reacting and over-doing. We, unfortunately, live in very scary times and a lot of what we're all going through is new to everyone.

 

I remained very calm and didn't show any anger.....just pleaded with him to let us go onto our destination because first we had to let our dog out to relieve herself before we caught our next plane. We got an escort out to a grassy area [lots of walking] and, then on to the next leg of our journey.

[cjborne2]

Our Bahamas experience regarding paperwork has been easy. We have sailed on both Disney and Carnival with the dog.

 

We needed the rabies form and the Bahamas certificate. We also got the international health certificate that your vet gave you but we never had it endorsed in Richmond or anywhere else. (I think Philly was an option at one point as well; we are in Baltimore). She just filled out the international health certificate paperwork and I took it with me. The only fees she has ever charged me is only for the visit.

 

I would call Disney to double check and set your mind at ease. I just called them a few hours ago with my question.

 

Just FYI, we had a terrible time with the dog in Nassau on our Carnival cruise. If you get off the ship and have to take a shuttle bus anywhere, please double check and make sure transportation knows that you are taking the dog with you. We did not have an issue in Freeport, but the bus people wanted to pay for "special transportation" (to the tune of $100) to take the dog. We wasted a lot of time getting it straightened out.

 

Our experiences with Disney cruises is that they are on the ball. We had a slow set up with the potty box on the second cruise with the dog but other than that, no issues.

 

Happy sailing!

[cjborne2]

I don't know why that posted a second time.

 

I agree, you should be fine. I'm trying to find our paperwork to share a photo with you. We are leaving for another road trip tomorrow morning and I'm getting our stuff together. My kids left for their grandparents this morning and I've been up since 4:30 in order to get them to the airport bright and early. I'm not thinking straight.

[denas]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will not get it endorsed.

 

We are fortunate in that we will be sailing in two connecting balcony rooms so we will have the potty box on one balcony and still have one free to enjoy. It is either the advantage or disadvantage of being a family of 5.

[denas]

One more thing. Thanks again for all of your help!! I was trying to post a picture of Blink and my son but couldn't figure it out.

 

We love cruising but don't know if we will be able to continue if my son continues to deteriorate, so we figure while he is doing well (and Disney had a military rate that was almost 70% off) we would try it even though we are still newbies with our dog. Hopefully everything will be great!!!

[Quampapetet]

You do not need the USDA office endorsement for the Bahamas or the US, but the health certificate is supposed to be done no earlier than 48 hours before your trip to the Bahamas (all the requirements should be on the paperwork the Bahamas sent you), and for the US, the certificate is good for the full ten days (as is in writing on the certificate, that it is good for ten days). I am sorry to hear that your vet led you so astray, not knowing or looking up the requirements. As a USDA-approved vet, he should at least know the certificate is only good for ten days! (Only USDA-approved vets can fill out the certificates.) For cruises, you do not have to visit a Bahamian vet upon arrival (within 48 hours), but for land trips you do.

 

(Some countries do require the USDA office endorsement. I've done it two or three times, but went to the office in person instead of doing it by mail. It is free for service dogs with proof of training.)

 

If there is a VCA animal hospital in your area, you get a 10% discount if you are a member of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP), so you might want to check that out if you wish to change vets. I currently go to a VCA vet because of the discount (I'm sure I've saved thousands of dollars over the years between regular visits, extra visits, and visits for all the international health certificates and tests for travelling!), but will switch to a different vet for my next service dog, as the best vet left the practice and the ones left are not very good or personable, sadly. I do hope to find another vet who will offer a service dog discount!

Edited August 3, 2014 by Quampapetet

[cjborne2]

We returned from another landlocked weekend getaway. Should any of you ever be in Lewisburg, WV, don't go to Lost World Caverns. It's a gem in the AAA book but unfortunately we didn't get to see it :(

 

I was getting my camera and sweatshirt out of the car when I heard some growling and barking. There were two labs over by my husband and his Seeing Eye Dog. My husband asked who's dogs are these? The owner comes over and says they live here. And then asks my blind husband if he drove (!) and states that there are signs posted that no dogs are allowed out of vehicles after a certain point.

 

There are no signs posted that state there are dogs roaming around the property.

 

Turns out they were friendly dogs and there were no physical problems between the animals. My husband certainly could not determine that right away. The owner was pretty ignorant. We turned around and left. We were not going to support this business. Too bad too since the photos I saw online were pretty impressive and not much was open in the area in the late afternoon.

 

I also posted a review on the facebook page. If anyone is interested, look up Ollie Borne on FB to see his adventures.

[fairbourne]

We returned from another landlocked weekend getaway. Should any of you ever be in Lewisburg, WV, don't go to Lost World Caverns. It's a gem in the AAA book but unfortunately we didn't get to see it :(

 

I was getting my camera and sweatshirt out of the car when I heard some growling and barking. There were two labs over by my husband and his Seeing Eye Dog. My husband asked who's dogs are these? The owner comes over and says they live here. And then asks my blind husband if he drove (!) and states that there are signs posted that no dogs are allowed out of vehicles after a certain point.

 

There are no signs posted that state there are dogs roaming around the property.

 

Turns out they were friendly dogs and there were no physical problems between the animals. My husband certainly could not determine that right away. The owner was pretty ignorant. We turned around and left. We were not going to support this business. Too bad too since the photos I saw online were pretty impressive and not much was open in the area in the late afternoon.

 

I also posted a review on the facebook page. If anyone is interested, look up Ollie Borne on FB to see his adventures.

 

 

When I was reading your tale, I was shaking my head as it reminded me of our local postmistress who refused to secure her two dogs when I went with Aruba. I asked nicely! She had them behind a gate which blocked access to the shed which houses the post office, but as it's private property the Post Office have no control over this unless the dogs are a health and safety issue. They weren't and they were fine when we did go in, but she really was just being a stroppy Madame. I did report her though, as my concern was would she have refused for a qualified guide dog and their owner? Needless to say I haven't been back and lots of people around and about know about her actions!

 

I had a look at Ollie's Facebook and love his puppy hair cut! He is so cute. :D

 

Talking of cute .....

[DisneyKidsDad]

Here's a question maybe someone can answer. Will an airline allow 2 service dogs on the same plane at the same time? My family and I are planning another Alaska cruise in 2016. We have a friend that may be joining us. She is in a wheelchair and has a CCI service dog. We will all be on the same flights to and from Vancouver.

[wizard-of-roz]

One more thing. Thanks again for all of your help!! I was trying to post a picture of Blink and my son but couldn't figure it out.

 

We love cruising but don't know if we will be able to continue if my son continues to deteriorate, so we figure while he is doing well (and Disney had a military rate that was almost 70% off) we would try it even though we are still newbies with our dog. Hopefully everything will be great!!!

 

I hope that your experience is a good one......Remember, give yourselves lots of time to go from venue to venue because the public will have lots of questions for you.

 

Have fun! I know you will. ;)

Edited August 4, 2014 by wizard-of-roz

[wizard-of-roz]

You do not need the USDA office endorsement for the Bahamas or the US, but the health certificate is supposed to be done no earlier than 48 hours before your trip to the Bahamas (all the requirements should be on the paperwork the Bahamas sent you), and for the US, the certificate is good for the full ten days (as is in writing on the certificate, that it is good for ten days). I am sorry to hear that your vet led you so astray, not knowing or looking up the requirements. As a USDA-approved vet, he should at least know the certificate is only good for ten days! (Only USDA-approved vets can fill out the certificates.) For cruises, you do not have to visit a Bahamian vet upon arrival (within 48 hours), but for land trips you do.

 

(Some countries do require the USDA office endorsement. I've done it two or three times, but went to the office in person instead of doing it by mail. It is free for service dogs with proof of training.)

 

If there is a VCA animal hospital in your area, you get a 10% discount if you are a member of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP), so you might want to check that out if you wish to change vets. I currently go to a VCA vet because of the discount (I'm sure I've saved thousands of dollars over the years between regular visits, extra visits, and visits for all the international health certificates and tests for travelling!), but will switch to a different vet for my next service dog, as the best vet left the practice and the ones left are not very good or personable, sadly. I do hope to find another vet who will offer a service dog discount!

 

I hope your girl is doing well.

[wizard-of-roz]

We returned from another landlocked weekend getaway. Should any of you ever be in Lewisburg, WV, don't go to Lost World Caverns. It's a gem in the AAA book but unfortunately we didn't get to see it :(

 

I was getting my camera and sweatshirt out of the car when I heard some growling and barking. There were two labs over by my husband and his Seeing Eye Dog. My husband asked who's dogs are these? The owner comes over and says they live here. And then asks my blind husband if he drove (!) and states that there are signs posted that no dogs are allowed out of vehicles after a certain point.

 

There are no signs posted that state there are dogs roaming around the property.

 

Turns out they were friendly dogs and there were no physical problems between the animals. My husband certainly could not determine that right away. The owner was pretty ignorant. We turned around and left. We were not going to support this business. Too bad too since the photos I saw online were pretty impressive and not much was open in the area in the late afternoon.

 

I also posted a review on the facebook page. If anyone is interested, look up Ollie Borne on FB to see his adventures.

 

Why are people so ignorant?

[wizard-of-roz]

When I was reading your tale, I was shaking my head as it reminded me of our local postmistress who refused to secure her two dogs when I went with Aruba. I asked nicely! She had them behind a gate which blocked access to the shed which houses the post office, but as it's private property the Post Office have no control over this unless the dogs are a health and safety issue. They weren't and they were fine when we did go in, but she really was just being a stroppy Madame. I did report her though, as my concern was would she have refused for a qualified guide dog and their owner? Needless to say I haven't been back and lots of people around and about know about her actions!

 

I had a look at Ollie's Facebook and love his puppy hair cut! He is so cute. :D

 

Talking of cute .....

 

Is this picture of Aruba? Oh! My Gosh! She's so beautiful! She doesn't look like a pup anymore!

[wizard-of-roz]

Here's a question maybe someone can answer. Will an airline allow 2 service dogs on the same plane at the same time? My family and I are planning another Alaska cruise in 2016. We have a friend that may be joining us. She is in a wheelchair and has a CCI service dog. We will all be on the same flights to and from Vancouver.

 

When we flew from L.A. to Florida there were two other dogs onboard our flight. They were Seeing Eye Dogs. We were in bulkhead and they were sitting in the rear of the plane. We were all asked to disembark the plane at the same time, allowing the other passengers to go before us. No problem!

 

The jet we flew was huge. I can't imagine that this would have been allowed had it been a smaller jet. We took two seats and the two SED's and their handlers took up 2 seats [the plane was full!] All of our dogs were able to roll-up and either lay at our feet -[brenda] , and the SED's would scoot under the seat in front of them. It's not easy for a 60lb dog to fit under an airline seat but they did it. I think if the airlines are given a heads-up and lots of time there shouldn't be a problem with two dogs onboard.

 

We practiced at home; asking Brenda to scoot under a folding chair[with someone sitting in it, to keep it stationary.] And, I asked her to lay at my feet with the folding chair in front of me and my chair against a wall. Not much room but she did it every time. When we finally flew, it was no big deal for her. I would allow her to get up and stretch by walking her down the aisle to the back of the plane every few hours. She was on leash, behind me, with me holding her leash behind my back. It was so cute to watch the passengers pat her as she would walk by them.

 

I know she was so grateful to get off the plane at the end!

 

Horton can NOT lay at my feet. He's too big, he will take up another seat when we start flying again.

Edited August 4, 2014 by wizard-of-roz

[fairbourne]

Is this picture of Aruba? Oh! My Gosh! She's so beautiful! She doesn't look like a pup anymore!

 

Yes Roz, this is our little girl! LOL! :D. Here she is standing tall! I have to do a double take these days if the two black girls are together. She's not as tall as Poppy but she's just about as long!

[wizard-of-roz]

Yes Roz, this is our little girl! LOL! :D. Here she is standing tall! I have to do a double take these days if the two black girls are together. She's not as tall as Poppy but she's just about as long!

 

 

 

What the heck are you feeding her? She's so gorgeous and so big! You're doing such a great job.

 

While out shopping yesterday a couple stopped me in the store to tell me that they had just turned-in their puppy for "formal training" with Guide Dogs for The Blind. The woman hugged Horton and started to cry. It was so sweet. She said she misses her "baby" so much but she's so excited because she knew that she would pass all her tests and be a wonderful guide for someone who would have a better life. She said she can't wait to go to graduation and pass the leash on to someone else. She also can't wait to do it again? Amazing, how the process works.

 

I told them all about you and Aruba [were your ears ringing?]

 

I love this picture of Aruba with her ears forward, standing so tall.

Edited August 4, 2014 by wizard-of-roz

[wizard-of-roz]

Trudy, how you doing? Are you off traveling?

 

Cindy, what's up?

[DUTRAVEL]

Has anyone heard of Pawsitive Service Dog Solutions in Yuba County California? I saw a story on the news last night about a family that paid $9000 to get a dog from them for their autistic son. They claim that the dog has not been trained to do anything. At least three other families are suing the same organization alleging that they have paid money for untrained service dogs.

[wizard-of-roz]

Has anyone heard of Pawsitive Service Dog Solutions in Yuba County California? I saw a story on the news last night about a family that paid $9000 to get a dog from them for their autistic son. They claim that the dog has not been trained to do anything. At least three other families are suing the same organization alleging that they have paid money for untrained service dogs.

 

These stories are absolutely tragic. What people will do to other people [not to mention the dogs!]

[wizard-of-roz]

Have you guys seen the buzz about the December 3, 2015, Pacific Princess, 50th Anniversary cruise? It's all booked up and TA's and Princess have started a "waitlist." Unbelievable! I booked it a day after it came out over the internet. I'm so glad I did. It sounds like it will be a lot of fun. And, that's what Horty and me need "fun!"

 

They're going to be inviting the original cast of the Love Boat series onboard and some of the stars who used to appear a lot. There will be giveaways and a special menu!