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

[wizard-of-roz]

When we trained at CCI on Long Island 2 months ago, we were asked for a $100 room deposit. Just in case we trashed our room. We would have gotten it back at the end of the two weeks but the whole class decided to give it to CCI as our donation ($800). So all the supplies we got (2 leashes, 1 vest, bowls, measuring cup & collar) were free. We can also get a new free vest once a year if we need it.

 

How wonderful are all of you for doing that!!!! Kudo's to you!

That's great that they are now giving everything to you! And, are using the $100 as a deposit on the dorm room. I was amazed at the stuff that they get donated to them.....it takes a society of donors to make an organization as successful as CCI! And the team of people to cultivate those donors always makes my heart sing!

I love CCI and all that they do!

I donate to them every month, an automatic withdrawl from my checking account. I can't thank them enough!

[dvdfreakmc]

When we trained at CCI on Long Island 2 months ago, we were asked for a $100 room deposit. Just in case we trashed our room. We would have gotten it back at the end of the two weeks but the whole class decided to give it to CCI as our donation ($800). So all the supplies we got (2 leashes, 1 vest, bowls, measuring cup & collar) were free. We can also get a new free vest once a year if we need it.

 

Very Cool DisneyKidsDad! Now that the new center is open, you could stay on site right? When we went several years ago, we had to stay offsite at the Residence Inn. Of course, they wanted to charge us all pet fees for the dog -- talk about a quick "test" of our skills.

[DisneyKidsDad]

Very Cool DisneyKidsDad! Now that the new center is open, you could stay on site right? When we went several years ago, we had to stay offsite at the Residence Inn. Of course, they wanted to charge us all pet fees for the dog -- talk about a quick "test" of our skills.

 

Yup...now they have 11 very nice dorm rooms. They also provide a light breakfast and vounteers brought in lunch every day. We ate very good lunches. :D Thet have a huge fully stocked kitchen. Some people made their dinners there. It was great staying there. We got to get to know everyone in the evenings. We still stay in touch with alot of people. It's going to be great seeing everyone in February when we go up for out 6 month public certification test.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Roz: You have a great cruise (I may not get back here before you go). Give Brenny hugs and kisses and scratches and think of us land locked people when you are deck and Brennies ears are flying in the breeze, smelling the fresh salt air! Watch out for those sneaking petters! I bet muster drill is hard. It would be hard for me to stand so close to her and not give her loves.

Everyone else getting ready to cruise, Bon Voyage. I know you will have a great time. Your kids will love it too, who would want to stay home and you go without them? :eek:Its hard enough leaving mine at home. I take pictures of them with me and stand them on the dresser. The room steward probably thinks we are wierd, but we all know fur babies ARE part of our families.

Nancy

[rangeley]

Well we are off to training camp. We are suppose to go for 2 weeks but if they do good we might be able to come home next weekend. Then John might commute for the 2nd week. If there is a computer there I will give updates.

 

To Roz and anyone else leaving on their cruise, have a GREAT cruise and we'll talk when you get back.

 

Cindy, John & JOE!

[wizard-of-roz]

Nancy, Cindy, John and Joe: .....Thanks so much for the good wishes. :)

I'm in the packing mode (getting all Brenda's things together for a 2 week vacation, is overwhelming!) It was easier for 3 kids. I have a checklist that I go down and, hopefull, I'll follow it! She has a Vet check (got to get the Agricultural Inspection Form updated, tomorrow) and a grooming appointment on Friday. I must pack her Heartguard and Advantix, since we'll be away during the first of the month, this time.

There must be time in between for me. :confused:

So much to do.....she's now laying in her crate, by my desk, at work...snoring so loud, she's literally vibrating the floor....Awww! To be her! ;)

 

I'm so looking forward to this cruise and all that goes with it! I'll write about our journey upon my return.

Take care all!

[JNCRUISEBUMS]

Bon Voyage Roz and Brenda! We on Nov. 21st and get back Dec. 12th! Nancie:D

[sunshine426]

I'm back from my cruise. Apparently there were at least 2 guide dogs on board, but we never saw any. I just found out that one of my very special SD in training was pulled into this training camp. They were having trouble finding a match for one little girl, and thought this dog might just do. So she was put thru her testing and she passed with flying colors, so she is graduating early. I am not surprized. I had her at the Children's Hospital when she was only 5 months old and she was so wonderful. Can't wait to see her new person.

[wizard-of-roz]

Nancie: Thank you! Bon Voyage to you too! Have a restful time!

Sunshine: Welcome home! I hope your cruise was great! That's wonderful news about your puppy in training. Some of these dogs are very old souls (just like people) and, are ready to go out into the world very early, to be the best they can be!!!!

Tell us how your cruise went!

[flsunnymommy]

Hi everyone! I am debating on taking my son's service dog on our cruise with us in January. My son is 10 years old and has autism and Chewey goes everywhere with my son except for school. I am the handler for Chewey and my son has a leash that he can attach to Chewey. Since we are in Fl, we do tons of road trips to all the amusement parks and trips by train. We are new to cruising and went on our first cruise earlier this month without Chewey because he was sick. We are only sailing for 4 days, but I hate to have them seperated again for that long.

 

I have a couple concerns maybe you can help with. We will be sailing and my son loves the whirlpool. Is it ok to have him in a down stay by the whirlpool or what would be appropriate? Another concern is that my son wants to go to Adventure Ocean (the kids program) and Chewey would not accompany him. Could Chewey stay with me and see a show or something? I would hate to coop him up in the room alone or be stuck in the room with him. The other concern would be taking him for exercise and to the potty. My son does not like the top deck with the walking track and would not want to take him potty late at night. Can I take him to the bathroom and excercise him when not accompanied by my son?

[dvdfreakmc]

Hi everyone! I am debating on taking my son's service dog on our cruise with us in January. My son is 10 years old and has autism and Chewey goes everywhere with my son except for school. I am the handler for Chewey and my son has a leash that he can attach to Chewey. Since we are in Fl, we do tons of road trips to all the amusement parks and trips by train. We are new to cruising and went on our first cruise earlier this month without Chewey because he was sick. We are only sailing for 4 days, but I hate to have them seperated again for that long.

 

I have a couple concerns maybe you can help with. We will be sailing and my son loves the whirlpool. Is it ok to have him in a down stay by the whirlpool or what would be appropriate? Another concern is that my son wants to go to Adventure Ocean (the kids program) and Chewey would not accompany him. Could Chewey stay with me and see a show or something? I would hate to coop him up in the room alone or be stuck in the room with him. The other concern would be taking him for exercise and to the potty. My son does not like the top deck with the walking track and would not want to take him potty late at night. Can I take him to the bathroom and excercise him when not accompanied by my son?

 

Welcome to the board. My son has autism as well, and we have been on two cruises with his service dog Werin on HAL.

 

1) Whirlpool -- Sit/Stay by the whirlpool has worked for us just fine.

2) Adventure Ocean -- this one is more difficult, as we have the same arrangement as you - that we are a service dog team. We did one cruise where Cameron didn't really go to Club HAL, and then this cruise, he really wanted to go after dinner, while we watched the show. We discussed with the Club HAL staff and they thought it would be fine for Werin to go with Cameron by herself, which we tried several nights. However, I would consider this an exception basis, as Cameron isn't really great at giving commands. It worked, but generally not the rule. Otherwise, we would leave Werin in the cabin (after asking if it is OK and putting the "do not disturb" sign outside. It was only for 2 hours and worked fine (HAL does not officially allow service dogs without a person with them in the cabin).

3) Taking for "breaks" -- Each cruise line is different on where they will place the sod or toilet area. You can also request. For example, if you have a balcony, many will request to have it placed on the balcony for easier toileting. On HAL they have placed Werin's toilet area in "crew" areas of the ship, so that we could have our own space and take her there. When it gets late or Cameron doesn't want to take her out, I do put on her badge and take her to the toilet area myself, as well as walk her on deck. I know that this is generally not recommended in the general public, but when I am in a hotel or ship - I do take this liberty to take her for a walk -- I do however avoid public areas and lounges, since officially she is not a "service dog" at that point.

 

Just some ideas for you, and I am sure that others may do differently.

[DisneyKidsDad]

(HAL does not officially allow service dogs without a person with them in the cabin).

 

If HAL doesn't allow SD's in the cabin alone, I wonder if Disney does. Just one more thing I'll have to check into. That might be the deciding factor on whether we do the Stingray Encounter next summer.

[flsunnymommy]

Thank you dvdfreakmc. Since it will be cold we will not be in the pool, but my son loves the whirlpool late at night. Will just have to remind my son no splashing as I do not want to take a wet dog back to the cabin, lol

 

My son can give commands to Chewey, but honestly I think with the other kids he would encourage him to play or the kids would focus on Chewey. I think I might use that as my nap time or some exercise time. If we get some private time or family time I will go with and take Chewey.

 

Since you are a team as well, did you encounter anyother obstacles?

 

Thanks again!

[S.S. Cruisers]

Flsunnymommy: Welcome to cruising and the boards. No SD here, but I work with special ed kids and kind of moved in over here.

We need to meet Chewey by seeing a picture of him. The furbabies are not only SD they are part of the family.

I wouldn't leave Chewey home. Peter can attest to what Werin has done for Cameron. I think it is amazing. I think you are right about Chewey going to the kids program. Sounds like a big "dog pile" looking to happen. :D I wish others would just get use to the fact that everyone is different and some need extra help. I think it would be just fine for Chewey to go to a show with you. As for bathroom needs, even us with kids have to adapt to who can take the little ones at any given time. The most important thing is Chewey's comfort when he has to go.

Have a great cruise, no matter what you decide, TAKE CHEWEY, opps did I just yell that? :oStick around with us. Let us know how your cruise goes and ignore some of the posts.

Nancy

[wizard-of-roz]

flsunnymommy: Welcome! Please take Chewey. The cruise ships are a wonderful experience for the entire family. And, they make living with your SD, onboard, very welcoming.

POTTY BOX: If you do not have a cabin with a veranda ask them to place the potty box close to your stateroom. They can place it in a crew closet (where they store their equipment), in a stairwell (if there's room) or on an outside deck. I always insist that the "box" be placed "closeby" because of the difficulty that may arise in the late night walk. I have NEVER had a problem with any cruiseline, once I insisted.

It is truly possible to have the box in a convenient spot....sometimes the Hotel Manager must be called in on the decision. Most times it's perfectly placed on the day you arrive.

Although Chewey doesn't work for you.....when your son is in an area that is not condusive for Chewey it is totally appropriate for him to accompany you to another area....ie. a lounge for entertainment/bingo/casino/restaurant, etc., while your son engages in another activity.

No one will question you.....this is not "normal circumstances", in the real world. You SHOULD keep Chewey on his leash, you must keep up his good rules and boundaries, etc. He does not have to stay in the cabin away from you!

The other guests will not even question you about it. They'll be more curious about; "where he goes to the bathroom" and "can I pat him" and "what does he do", etc., etc.

I always allow for "patting", once Brenny has been put in a "sit-stay" or a "down-stay" and I explain that it's always best to ask and wait for me to give the proper commands. Brenny will be on her 10th cruise, this Saturday and she loves it as much as we do. We ALWAYS include her in everything we do! (Not to mention she's needed!)

***She's a life saver and we're grateful to her for more than she or the public will ever know!!!!!!***

The other guests are missing their own "fur-babies" who can't go traveling with them and they just want to admire and love your amazing SD!

:)Have a wonderful cruise with your "whole" family! :)

If you need any help on what kind of documentation or what's the best places to visit, etc., etc. We're all happy to assist you!!!!!

[flsunnymommy]

Thanks! You are making me feel better :) I was just looking at ordering a soft crate, but would much rather keep him with me. Since I work from home, he is never home alone and never in a kennel.

 

We are going to Cozumel, Mexico. He is current on all shots and is microchipped and on heartworm and flea treatment. We have already sent in our paperwork to our travel agent. I think the only thing we need then is the internation health form. Is that correct?

 

Also, what do you do while in port? Any suggestions?

[wizard-of-roz]

Today, Brenda and I will be going to the doctor to get the "State of California Department of Food and Agricultural Certificate for Interstate or International Movement of Small Animals" form. :rolleyes:

(This is REQUIRED BY: MEXICO, CARIBBEAN, HAWAII, EUROPE AND OTHERS. I keep one (current), all the time.....Just in case I want to run away to far and distant lands.)

The Vet will have to check Brenda to certify that she is healthy to travel. He will check that she is on Flea & Tick abatement/current on all vaccinations/on Heartguard. And, he will check the condition of her eyes/ears/throat/heart and fur. He'll weigh her and take her temp. He'll fill out and sign and date the form. This document will be used for her next cruise or other International travel in April, 2009.

As long as she's current on vaccinations and is kept healthy, I will not need to acquire another form for travel , this year.

*This form, along with my Passport, Brenda's I.D. from CCI and the Los Angeles Animal License will all be copied about 5 times. One copy will be presented to the purser (upon arrival), one copy will be kept with my originals, in the safe, in the cabin and other copies will be kept in my fanny pack, that I take off the ship with me.

The ship will present all the documentation you give them at each port they enter...it will be examined by agents and the ship will be cleared to disembark. This is also true for coming home. If you're documentation is not complete the ship is "held", all passengers are "held" until your dog is cleared.

While you're in port, depending on the port and transportation available, be aware that not all cab drivers like having a dog aboard (and, their laws differ from ours they may balk at allowing her in); not all ports are careful about loose dogs (this could be a safety issue); the ground may be very, very hot if your walking over cobblestones or blacktopped streets. All of this and more must be taken into account when going off the ship, into a port. Some dogs hate the tenders that are used if you can't walk off the ship. (It took Brenda a while to get used to the movement of these small boats!)

Private rental cars are the best; personal tour guides are wonderful.

It can all be worked out. Sometimes, we take turns going off the ship; not leaving Brenda alone. ;)

It's all something to think about......:)

[flsunnymommy]

The dog just has to be healthy to travel right? Chewey is on medication for the rest of his life for a thyroid condition. That would not stop us from traveling, right?

 

Also we have booties for hot pavement and Chewey has been on many boat trips.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Flsunnymommy:

Just as I thought, Chewey is so handsome, how could you leave him home? He looks very happy. :D

My Reno is also on thryoid medication, with numerous others things. It just becomes habit giving him his meds. He has his own med basket that has all his stuff in it, for land trips. He will be 13 in December and is slowing down considerably.

By the way, this is for everyone. I have been giving Reno Glucasomine (sp) for a year. He was on one tablet and I recently upped it to two. He sure gets around a lot better. I swear by it. It is for his joints. With his size and weight, it does a number on his legs.

[flsunnymommy]

I can tell you he has changed a lot on thyroid meds. This 3 year old, laid back, calm dog has turned into a playful puppy. His joints seem to be a lot better and his coat is growing in wonderful. Now he looks like a golden, but smaller as he is only 70lbs.

[wizard-of-roz]

Correct.....your dog MUST be healthy to travel....maintenance medication such as thyroid/glucosamine & chondroitin, vitamins and even Prednisone for allergies is perfectly acceptable.

***Please, just make sure that your dog has had her Heartguard and Advantix or Advantage before you leave or are within the monthly dosage. There are some very nasty bugs in some of these foreign ports and you want to make sure she's covered!!!!!!

Nancy: I so agree with you about the Glucosamine.....I give Brenny 2 tablets a day of the Triple Max and she's running like a pup! And, you are right Chewey is beautiful. ;)

[flsunnymommy]

He heard you and he says "I am handsome, but thank you" I am in Fl so with ticks and mosquitos you never lapse heartworm or flea medicine.

 

I am really getting excited now! We will be cruising with a few other families with autism so I know he will get lots of attention (as long as they ask my sons permission and it is appopriate) We will have a friend on the cruise who has offered to watch Chewey if we want to leave him when we go to Cozumel, but I think we will take Chewey with. Now just have to figure out what to do because eventhough you can train these dogs to do amazing things, I still don't think he can snorkel, hehe

[S.S. Cruisers]

Now just have to figure out what to do because eventhough you can train these dogs to do amazing things, I still don't think he can snorkel, hehe

Oh, I don't know, Reno sticks his whole muzzle in his water bucket and blows bubbles. But he is the only lab in history that will not get in a deep pool of water. His little plastic wading pool is as deep as he wants. He can lay down and get his tummy wet or take his front paws and get his tummy and anyone else within a mile soaking wet. It's his choice!

[flsunnymommy]

LOL, he likes to splash. Chewey will not jump in the pool and uses the stairs only. It is so funny cause you throw the ball in and he runs around the pool to the stairs and walks in carefully. On the otherhand if you take him to the beach you have to watch him cause he will keep swimming forever. When I go to the beach I have a golden retriever, but leave with a brown flat coat retriever cause he rolls in the mud right before we leave.

[wizard-of-roz]

Don't you just love these dogs and their antics! :p

Brenny is a double-coated Lab who looks more like a "Teddy Bear!" I have to always explain that she is purebred (unusual for a Service Dog), they usually use cross's. Her fur lays on her in ripples and clumps.....it's so, so soft.

She's so huggable!!!!! But, it also sheds like crazy....I swear I could build another dog from her, within a week!

I feel like I should travel with a "dust buster" just to remove the hair that she leaves behind. Thank goodness it's not quite as bad in the winter.

To all who are leaving soon on their cruises....."Dog Voyage" ;)