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

My service dog is primarily a PTSD dog and goes everywhere with me. He keeps my anxiety and pain down and helps with balance and other things when I'm not in chair/scooter. He's very well behaved and haven't had problems taking him with me to restaurants, markets, theme parks etc. I'm so relieved and glad to hear the positive experiences with service dogs on cruises and now feel confident to Cruise. I don't need to go on excursions but will enjoy any that will accommodate me with my service dog.

I've found most people very accepting but as a courtesy generally ask others if they're comfortable being near him at restaurants etc. Have found many people who are generally afraid of most dogs aren't threatened by my timid quiet little guy. Thank you for sharing!

Hi All.

Holly, sorry about your dad. Glad you came through Irma safely.

 

Rangeley, sorry John is poorly and we hope he recovers soon

 

Scooter still doesn't like the potty box, but we keep at it. Meanwhile, we are working on retrieve. We just about have down "Scooter bring the phone " unless I put it in a totally new place he isn't thinking about looking in. He is getting good at finding it in the kitchen.

 

Next. We will work on Bring me meds with a pill bottle.

 

Then bring water bottle.

 

I have about 6 months to task train him before I am non-weight bearing for 3 months. At least I have time to plan.

 

Now to keep it up! I see why the program dogs are not placed until they are around 2.5 years. He will be 2 in December.

 

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Barb, you've done so well. If I don't have a treat for Horton he's becoming very lazy about "giving" me what he's retrieved.

It is constant work and keeping our dogs sharp is so important.

Keep up the great work, you'll be so glad you did. Scooter is going to be such a great help to you.

My service dog is primarily a PTSD dog and goes everywhere with me. He keeps my anxiety and pain down and helps with balance and other things when I'm not in chair/scooter. He's very well behaved and haven't had problems taking him with me to restaurants, markets, theme parks etc. I'm so relieved and glad to hear the positive experiences with service dogs on cruises and now feel confident to Cruise. I don't need to go on excursions but will enjoy any that will accommodate me with my service dog.

I've found most people very accepting but as a courtesy generally ask others if they're comfortable being near him at restaurants etc. Have found many people who are generally afraid of most dogs aren't threatened by my timid quiet little guy. Thank you for sharing!

I'm so glad that you're going to try cruising with your dog. You're going to love it and will join the "I'm hooked" club before you know it!

If I have the chance to ask people who are near us if they're afraid of dogs or if they're bothered by their presence, I do. I've had people thank me for asking them.

Usually, and if there's time, I will ask the folks in an elevator that I'm about to enter, if they mind the company of my dog. If they say, they would prefer that he not enter, I will step aside and wait for another one. There's not always the opportunity to ask but if I can, I do.

Please come back and let us know when you book that cruise.:cool:

Holly, sorry about your dad. I am glad you are their for your mom. How "rooted up" she must feel.

Cindy, I hope John gets to feeling better. How frustrating for you guys. Wexy must be so confused and concerned for his dad. I am glad to see that he is able to get up on the bed. I am sure that is a big help for John, just to know you guys are there for him. <3:ship: Your cruise will be here before you know it. Hugs and prayers.

Roz, hope all is well with you. I am glad Horty is there for his momma. Hugs and prayers to you, too or two, both fits. <3

Aawww Rangeley - that photo says it all .... Wex and his Dad, he just wants to be close to his Dad. I hope they get to the bottom of what's ailing John and he gets well soon - please give him our best wishes. It must be so hard on you too, so you take care of yourself too Mrs Rangeley!

My service dog is primarily a PTSD dog and goes everywhere with me. He keeps my anxiety and pain down and helps with balance and other things when I'm not in chair/scooter. He's very well behaved and haven't had problems taking him with me to restaurants, markets, theme parks etc. I'm so relieved and glad to hear the positive experiences with service dogs on cruises and now feel confident to Cruise. I don't need to go on excursions but will enjoy any that will accommodate me with my service dog.

I've found most people very accepting but as a courtesy generally ask others if they're comfortable being near him at restaurants etc. Have found many people who are generally afraid of most dogs aren't threatened by my timid quiet little guy. Thank you for sharing!

Hey PLG - glad you found this thread...there are some forms you will need to get your vet to fill out so be sure and ask the fine folks here what you will need before you board.

Hi Everyone, It's been a crazy, busy few days for me. I've had some health issues which have kept me busy with specialists. I told Horty to be brave and help me get through each day. And, he was right "there" with me and I am thankful for his devotion. I'm home this week and using Morey's computer. I'll be back to work on Monday. I love that feeling of "same old, same old." It means all's well in my world.

 

I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad, Holly, I'm sending you all my love and wish you easier days ahead. You're very busy right now with caring for your Mom but don't be surprised when it all hits you at once. I hope your world settles into an easier pace for you.

 

Cindy, I hope that John feels better and can get back to school soon. Poor Wexy, he just wants his Dad to get well and get back to his regular schedule, as do we.

 

Everyone in the path of the hurricanes and earthquakes [we felt one a few days ago], it scared the bejeebers out of me, be safe and take care!

 

I haven't had a chance to look at all the "tissue" video's yet. I'll take some time and look at them. I can tear-up just looking into Horty's eyes.

Roz - I do hope all is well in your world now and with Horton by your side I'm sure that makes you feel a whole load better! Take care of yourself, we're thinking about you both. Sending hugs. X

Algebralvr - you are doing so well, it is all about repetitiveness and it's always a light bulb moment when the pups get it! Some take longer than others! You probably know this already but one thing we were taught is when we were doing training exercises is to use special treats just for that training time. So I kept a supply of really smelly treats (smelly is always much more interesting if you're a dog!) but something they never get at any other time - as guide dogs are not allowed to have any "human" food, I used a bacon flavoured soft treat chew which I would break into small pieces to use. But you could use small cubes of ham or chicken If they're allowed "human food". Or that really smelly meatloaf stuff they sell - it's horrid but the dogs love it of course!

Pet loving Grandma - can I add my welcome to you and your wonderful companion. I'm just going to add if you know how to add photos, we all love to see photos of the dogs around here!

Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy and safe weekend and hope that wherever you are Mother Nature is kind to you. We are heading to autumn with overnight down to 3C - the heating is well and truly on now! But we have nothing to complain about, we are safe, we have food and clean water and have a roof over our heads

Dianne - I haven't forgotten about your questions and I'm doing some more research for you. I can always be the dog food "courier" when you come to London! :D

Cindy, so sorry about John's illness. That photo really tells a story. Hope he feels better soon.

Roz, take care of yourself! Get lots of rest this weekend.

I now understand thr ear comments from some of you. Scooter has an ear infection with both bacteria and yeast. Fun!

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I'm so glad everyone from the hurricanes are ok. I have a few friends down there and they faired well.

 

I haven't been around much lately because John has been sick. He's actually been sick since the beginning of August.

Sorry to hear that John hasn't been feeling well - I hope they figure it out. I hate being in the hospital, I hope he comes home soon.

Dianne

My service dog is primarily a PTSD dog and goes everywhere with me. He keeps my anxiety and pain down and helps with balance and other things when I'm not in chair/scooter.

Planning your first cruise with your service dog can be intimidating - but you will have a great time! Everyone on this board gave me the courage to go for it!

Dianne

Dianne - I haven't forgotten about your questions and I'm doing some more research for you. I can always be the dog food "courier" when you come to London! :D

No hurry Fairbourne - I have a whole year to plan! It would be so wonderful if we can meet up. Our cruise leaves November 3, 2018 - so we should be in London by October 31st. Still working on whether we can fit in going to Paris first.

Dianne

I now understand thr ear comments from some of you. Scooter has an ear infection with both bacteria and yeast. Fun!

 

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Henri had trouble with ear infections when I first got her. She hasn't had another one since I started using an ear cleaning solution once a week.

Dianne

This is for Canadian citizens with service dogs, NOT U.S. citizens: Do Canadians with service dogs enjoy the same legal access to cruise ships that call at Canadian ports that Yanks with service dogs do at U.S. ports? If so, is there a law that I could look at? If not, is it simply the practice of cruise lines to follow U.S. custom in Canadian ports?

Henri had trouble with ear infections when I first got her. She hasn't had another one since I started using an ear cleaning solution once a week.

 

Dianne

The vet gave me ear cleaner to use and recommended once a month once the infection is clear. I'll watch closely and see if I need to do them more often.

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Snickers has many ear infections in past and ends up with a RX that you squeeze or pump into ears x times a day x many days and leaves a greasy mess. About 2 month ago, vet treated him with a med called "Claro Otic Solution" in each ear along with a ear cleansing and results were immediate. Treatment last for a month. Cost was $70.40 for 2 ears plus 1 ear cleaning $33, and of course office visit He has had a second treatment since. We are cruising the second week of Nov. with port calls to San Juan , St Martin and, St Kitts. I'm afraid cruise the line will divert one port to Nassau in which I will need a Bahama permit before you can board ship even though you do not get off there. Do you think I should apply Monday for a permit just in case, thinking cruise line will not give enough notice, and previous experience obtaining permit is very slow, time consuming and awful to deal with in past ,that's why we avoid that itinerary. Also do they still waive the fee for SD,and if so do you need to send his paper work?

Snickers has many ear infections in past second week of Nov. with port calls to San Juan , St Martin and, St Kitts. I'm afraid cruise the line will divert one port to Nassau in which I will need a Bahama permit before you can board ship even though you do not get off there. Do you think I should apply Monday for a permit just in case, thinking cruise line will not give enough notice, and previous experience obtaining permit is very slow, time consuming and awful to deal with in past ,that's why we avoid that itinerary. Also do they still waive the fee for SD,and if so do you need to send his paper work?

My labrador had many, many ear infections until I started using Malacetic Otic wash once a week. Never had another one after that. You might consider it.

I am cruising Nov 8 with my friend and her seeing-eye dog. I am afraid Princess might send us to Nassau instead of Grand Turk. I am wondering the same thing...should we start Bahamas paperwork now?

Will they give us enough notice for another port? What if it is St. Kitts -- what I read was a 30 day quaranteen, which means we would cancel the cruise.

Do others have the same experience with St. Kitts? Mandatory 30 day quaranteen?

Thanks.

My past experience with Princess, they obtained the Bahama permit a few weeks prior of sailing when we were at Princess Cay's. They had all the information from Access Dept. Don't no if same procedure for Nassau. We don't get off on British Islands, because of the Rabies Titter. Even though test results are in compliance, another Rabies shot is required. We canceled our Royal Princess ABC islands for Dec. 03, because final payment was due day after Irma. We are about 30 mi North directly on the Gulf where she made land fall and thought for sure we may be wiped out if she came in more westerly plus the storm surge. We are about 100' from the Gulf. Luck was with us as winds were NE and SW. We evacuated with Snickers. Gathered up some wood chips in a bag and a plastic drop cloth for Snickers to use inside a garage during the storm. Very stressful.

If it were my situation (changing port to Bahamas), I would send off the application Monday and mark it: "Late request due to hurricane re-routing" or similar. Note "Service dog" at top of page. Include a copy of your dog's training organization ID and request waiver of the $10 processing fee. Include an addressed return envelope.

Keep a copy. If they don't reply, I would try calling a week or two out, and request it be faxed or scanned and emailed. If you never get the permit, give the ship your copies to present to local officials when the ship arrives.

As far as St. Kitts, I did not go through the blood testing expense when we went there last year. My dog stays on board for such situations, but the human part of the team can go ashore if you have a trusted person to stay in the room with the dog. (Your dog can't be left alone in the room, even crated or tied up.)

Henri had trouble with ear infections when I first got her. She hasn't had another one since I started using an ear cleaning solution once a week.

 

Dianne

Vet gave me a cleaning solution, too, since I live in a hot climate that promotes ear infections. I use it whenever I groom Raylene. She hates it, but I sweeten the deal with peanut butter in a Kong.

I found refills for the ear solution online at a much lower cost than the vet charges. No prescription needed.

Thanks, I was on a unofficial site that noted Bahamas Dept of Agriculture was changed in 2016 ,and the offcial site is not updated. New address , Gladstone and Munning Roads. Has any one used this new address? May have to call.

Nassau Dept of Agriculture has moved from the Levy Building and the new Address is, Dept of Agriculture, Darville's Business Complex, Gladstone and Munning Roads, P.O. Box N 3028, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas

Holly, sorry about your dad. I am glad you are their for your mom. How "rooted up" she must feel.

Cindy, I hope John gets to feeling better. How frustrating for you guys. Wexy must be so confused and concerned for his dad. I am glad to see that he is able to get up on the bed. I am sure that is a big help for John, just to know you guys are there for him. <3:ship: Your cruise will be here before you know it. Hugs and prayers.

 

 

Roz, hope all is well with you. I am glad Horty is there for his momma. Hugs and prayers to you, too or two, both fits. <3

Thank you, Nancy. All's good in Horty's and my world. Thank goodness for wonderful children, family and friends who are "there" for us when we need them!

Roz - I do hope all is well in your world now and with Horton by your side I'm sure that makes you feel a whole load better! Take care of yourself, we're thinking about you both. Sending hugs. X

 

 

Algebralvr - you are doing so well, it is all about repetitiveness and it's always a light bulb moment when the pups get it! Some take longer than others! You probably know this already but one thing we were taught is when we were doing training exercises is to use special treats just for that training time. So I kept a supply of really smelly treats (smelly is always much more interesting if you're a dog!) but something they never get at any other time - as guide dogs are not allowed to have any "human" food, I used a bacon flavoured soft treat chew which I would break into small pieces to use. But you could use small cubes of ham or chicken If they're allowed "human food". Or that really smelly meatloaf stuff they sell - it's horrid but the dogs love it of course!

 

Pet loving Grandma - can I add my welcome to you and your wonderful companion. I'm just going to add if you know how to add photos, we all love to see photos of the dogs around here!

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy and safe weekend and hope that wherever you are Mother Nature is kind to you. We are heading to autumn with overnight down to 3C - the heating is well and truly on now! But we have nothing to complain about, we are safe, we have food and clean water and have a roof over our heads

 

Dianne - I haven't forgotten about your questions and I'm doing some more research for you. I can always be the dog food "courier" when you come to London! :D

Fairbourne, thank you for your good wishes.....we're back at work and feeling well.

I'm sending my good wishes to folks who are trying to get back on their feet. I wish I could put my arms around all of you. Be strong and know that we're thinking of you! ♥