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

[wizard-of-roz]

6 hours ago, rangeley said:

Oak is ready to go. Cleared by the ship and Bermuda. So excited to see how things go. I will prob be on facebook for the week so maybe Roz can check on us. Luckily Wexlers life jacket fits Oakland. Gave him a bath this morning. He's so good! 

Oh!  Oakey!  You'll be okay......You don't need to have such a worried look!  Cruising is fun.....You're going to love it, I promise!  🚤

[wizard-of-roz]

5 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Ray got a great report today from our wonderful local animal eye specialist, Dr. Salisbury, who participates every May in the ACVO free eye exam for service dogs. No change in her cataracts, and the doctor says there’s typically only a 5% chance for Labradors that they could progress further.

 

I really am grateful for these vets who are part of the annual ACVO program. The doctor said she was much better behaved than her two previous patients. I love my Good Girl!

Such a brave, good girl.  I'm so happy that her eyes are doing well!

[lindaler]

First time posting on this subject but I have read everything I could find. I put a cruise on hold and sent back my SRi form for Holland America special department. I sure hope they say yes.  I am not sure I could do a cruise without my husband or my service dog. Husband is gone but dog should allow me to start again, if they say yes.  How do you put in 100 characters what your dog does for you? She does so much for me.  Please wish us luck. 

 

Just a 14 day to Alaska. The lady said they put the potty on a floor two floors up from where we would be staying. guy said she could get off in all ports without special papers. Not sure if he is right but I told him it was the getting back on that had me the most worried. 

Edited May 23, 2019 by lindaler
to add more

[wizard-of-roz]

4 hours ago, rangeley said:

On the NCL Gem right out of Boston. My son and dil are going with us. 

Cindy, Bon~Voyage to all of you.  Have fun with Oakland and when you look into the sunset blow Wexy a kiss from me too!  💖 

[wizard-of-roz]

10 minutes ago, lindaler said:

First time posting on this subject but I have read everything I could find. I put a cruise on hold and sent back my SRi form for Holland America special department. I sure hope they say yes.  I am not sure I could do a cruise without my husband or my service dog. Husband is gone but dog should allow me to start again, if they say yes.  How do you put in 100 characters what your dog does for you? She does so much for me.  Please wish us luck. 

 

Just a 14 day to Alaska. The lady said they put the potty on a floor two floors up from where we would be staying. guy said she could get off in all ports without special papers. Not sure if he is right but I told him it was the getting back on that had me the most worried. 

lindaler,  I'm sorry to hear about your husband.  My DH and I cruised many times by ourselves and then with my SD.  I, too, lost my DH and was a bit shy of cruising with just me and my dog.  Every succeeding cruise became easier and easier.  Be brave, be open to new friends, give yourself lots of time to go from venue to venue.  I wish you lots of happy days and good times with you and your dog!  I promise, you can do it!  😉

 

You will need a recent Vet report and Aphis 7001 form in order to get your dog on board.  You will be entering a foreign port [probably Vancouver], they will require the necessary paperwork before you enter their port.  All other ports in Alaska are easy.

 

Cruising is a wonderful vacation experience for those of us with Service Dogs.  You will find HAL to be very accommodating to you and your dog.  

 

We're all happy to answer any of your good questions in order to make your experience a good one for you and your dog.

[wizard-of-roz]

3 hours ago, Miki_moto said:

 

Yikes!  Thank heaven for second opinions!

 

Nico is my second service dog to take advantage of the ACVO exams.  When we had our yearly public access test in April, the trainer casually mentioned that his eyes looked a ‘little cloudy’ but it may only be the light.  I was very relieved that he got a clean bill of health from the ACVO vet.

 

We sail in exactly four weeks - not that I’m counting!!!  I’ve been advised that the ship has doggie life jackets in all sizes and Nico’s pirate collar is ready.  Now if I can figure out how to alter his bow tie, we’ll be good to go!

Love the anticipation of a cruise!

[lindaler]

Do I still need a 7001 if I don't get off in Vancouver? I have been there so many times. I really just want to find a quiet place to sit and watch the scenery. 

[wizard-of-roz]

4 hours ago, alexspepa said:

Chris that is such a beautiful sentiment...I wish you would write a book about the experiences you and Roz and the other Service Dog owners as well as the Puppy Raisers have had.

What a great idea!

[wizard-of-roz]

14 minutes ago, lindaler said:

Do I still need a 7001 if I don't get off in Vancouver? I have been there so many times. I really just want to find a quiet place to sit and watch the scenery. 

Every cruise line, no matter if you're planning on NEVER getting off in any port, will insist that you have an Aphis 7001 form filled out and signed by your licensed Vet.  This form is proof that your dog is in good health to travel...i.e. fur/skin/nails/ears/eyes/paws are in good shape, the dog is current on all immunizations, especially the Rabies vaccine and the dog has a micro chip.

 

This form should be filled out and signed within 30 days of travel.

 

As a person who cruises with a SD I'm glad that the cruise lines ask for this form.  It guarantees me that any other dog that I may encounter on board has gone through the same scrutiny that my dog has and that it's in good health and has been properly immunized!

Edited May 23, 2019 by wizard-of-roz

[S.S. Cruisers]

6 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Ray got a great report today from our wonderful local animal eye specialist, Dr. Salisbury, who participates every May in the ACVO free eye exam for service dogs. No change in her cataracts, and the doctor says there’s typically only a 5% chance for Labradors that they could progress further.

 

I really am grateful for these vets who are part of the annual ACVO program. The doctor said she was much better behaved than her two previous patients. I love my Good Girl!

Raylene you are such a pretty girl!  I am so glad you are a good girl for your dawgtor.  Jezzy Lou has a lady dawgtor, too and she really likes her.  We are happy that your eyes are all good to go and seeing really good! 

[S.S. Cruisers]

On 5/20/2019 at 12:49 PM, rangeley said:

Health certificate done. Oak is good to go to Bermuda. Our vet has gotten really good with the paperwork since we have been going to her. 

 

The past few times we have gone there, we hear about Wexler. Last time we heard all the girls cried when he passed. Didnt realize how much he was loved by everyone. Today I was told they all hung out with him and fed him all kinds of food. He had pizza, cookies and donuts. It breaks my heart. 💔🐾 But happy to know his last few hours were filled with love and food. His 2 favorite things. 

Leaky eyes and sore heart.  I am so glad for Dawgtors that take the time and work well with our furkids.  I have some that I actually thought really didn't even like animals.  ❤️ to sweet Wexy and his pizza, cookies, donuts and of course all the love and attention he received. 

 

[DUTRAVEL]

10 hours ago, rangeley said:

Oak is ready to go. Cleared by the ship and Bermuda. So excited to see how things go. I will prob be on facebook for the week so maybe Roz can check on us. Luckily Wexlers life jacket fits Oakland. Gave him a bath this morning. He's so good! 

Bon voyage Oakland - have a great time!

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

9 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Ray got a great report today from our wonderful local animal eye specialist, Dr. Salisbury, who participates every May in the ACVO free eye exam for service dogs. No change in her cataracts, and the doctor says there’s typically only a 5% chance for Labradors that they could progress further.

 

I really am grateful for these vets who are part of the annual ACVO program. The doctor said she was much better behaved than her two previous patients. I love my Good Girl!

 

Good girl Raylene! Henri also had her eye exam last week.  A big thank you to the ACVO vets that participate in this program. I think the doctors appreciate our service dogs since they are such cooperative patients.

 

Dianne

[rangeley]

Thanks all!  Oakland seems confused with all that is going on. Can't wait to see how it goes!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Happy Weekend and Memorial Day!  Thank you to all who have served and sacrificed in our wonderful country.....this includes our Service Dogs....past and present!

 

To all who are cruising soon BON~VOYAGE - Have joyful and relaxing days on our magnificent seas.

[Caribbean Chris]

On 5/23/2019 at 2:51 PM, alexspepa said:

Chris that is such a beautiful sentiment...I wish you would write a book about the experiences you and Roz and the other Service Dog owners as well as the Puppy Raisers have had.

 

Keith, your wish will be fulfilled soon. Stay tuned!

[HenryKisor]

Caribbean Chris, I can hardly wait!

[S.S. Cruisers]

On 5/25/2019 at 7:56 PM, Caribbean Chris said:

 

Keith, your wish will be fulfilled soon. Stay tuned!

Yay! Crossing fingers, toes, paws and craws, in anticipation!  

[rangeley]

Hello from Bermuda! Somehow I have internet. Things havent been as good as expected. We spent the first 5 hours of the day fighting to get the box on our balcony. Wasnt til John threatened the doj, ada and a lawyer until they put it on the balcony. Oak went 28 hours with out peeing. He finally went and is still going but very fussy about it. Pooping was non existent until he pooped in a public area on our way down to see Bermuda customs. Just great ☹️. He pooped 3 times yesterday on land, but none in the box. Not good. He's a great traveler but maybe not a good cruiser. I'll post a few pics. He loves the balcony. 

[Caribbean Chris]

Oh no! Poor Oakland. (And poor John & Cindy!) I know how you feel. It’s impossible to enjoy the trip when a) you have to argue with the ship staff, and b) you are really worried because the dog is holding it for an impossible time. 

 

Last summer we were on a long overnight ferry to Newfoundland (like 18+ hours) with an awful relief area which Raylene refused to ever use. We had a great cabin and dinner was really delicious, but I was too worried to enjoy anything. She held on until we got off the ferry in torrential rain and drove to the first possible grass, but I hated knowing she had been uncomfortable. 

 

Here’s hoping Oak will adjust to the new reality now and that you all will have a good time from here on!

[S.S. Cruisers]

Oh no, poor sweet Angel Oakland.  I hope he gets some relief, even if it is off the ship.  I hope Mom and Dad are not too stressed to have a good time.  Paws crossed for better today and moving forward.  ❤️

 

[rpclmc]

Hi everyone.  It has been a long time, too long.  

 

I have been hiding out.  My disease is progressing and I have been scared to be my usual, social, adventurous, traveling self.  I am so glad I checked back in.  Everyone is so positive about traveling with any challenge they face.  My life is so good and I just need to get positive and grateful again, I am doing just that and getting with it.

 

I do have two more cruises booked.  1 November, 2019 without Halo or my husband, but with my daughter and her boyfriend.  Then one November, 2020 with my husband and Halo.  My husband and Halo are so serious when they travel with me, everyone seems worried about everything.  So, I have cancelled a few trips with my husband and left him home to take care of Halo.  I just told him, we where going to go back to having fun, it may be different fun - but fun, on our trips and not so serious.  

 

I am going to have the figure out how to post pictures.  Everyone has such gorgeous doggies.

 

Linda and Halo

[rpclmc]

[rpclmc]

This was our first (only so far) with Halo on the Carnival Liberty in November.

 

Linda and Halo

[rpclmc]

Halo meeting his first manatee.

 

Linda and Halo