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

[lindaler]

1 hour ago, Rozmorey1 said:

 

You will be asked to come down to a lounge in the very early morning, e in at 6:00am to appear downstairs.......I simply said to the official on the phone, "if you want to see my dog, send someone to come and get him!"  Five minutes later there was a knock on my door and a very official looking man in a very official white suit was standing there and he said, "may I take your dog!"  That was the first and last time I ever did that.  Okay, okay.......I'm NOT a morning person!!!!!

 

Did you let the man take him?  I would rather face early morning then some strange man taking my dog. I thought you were the one who said never let them separate you from your dog. 

 

I wonder if other passengers blame the inspection for holding up disembarking. In Alaska and Canada we never went through any inspections. I still have that thrill ahead of me. 

[lindaler]

We will be doing a b2b Panama cruise in February so I understand what you and More are going through. 

[allies_daphne]

We are doing a Panama Canal Cruise this November.  We cannot disembark in Grand Cayman, as you are not allowed if you have been in Mexico within 10 days prior.  So we just plan to have our APHIS 7001 state we are not disembarking there.  Our other ports are in Mexico, which has a template letter you have your vet fill out, and Cartagena Colombia, which participates in the electronic database for the 7001 health form.  Of note, Cayman has very strict guidelines including a rabies titer which has to be run only at certain labs, as well as a prazaquantil containing worm prevention within a certain period of time.  Also, the signed health certificate for them is valid for 14 days.  If GC falls at the end of your cruise (ours is 14 nights), this presents an issue.  Would have been about $500 to get off in GC after meeting all their requirements - not worth it for us.  

 

I would be happy to come back after we’ve cruised and share my experiences with ports/permits.  We are cruising Disney btw....

 

Denise

[Miki_moto]

We’re doing a 27 night Southampton to San Francisco Panama Canal Cruise in January, 2021.

 

I don’t live in the States so don’t do Ahpis 7001 but I’ve got no idea what we do instead.  I guess I’ll figure it out; we have to see an Agriculture Canada vet before we fly to England.  England itself is no problem, my guy has his UK/EU official Pet Passport.  Of course, it’s anyone’s guess how that will shake out with Brexit!  Time will tell and we’ll figure it out.

[lindaler]

Please do Denise. All information is helpful. We are sailing HAL so may miss GC. 

[wizard-of-roz]

2 hours ago, lindaler said:

 

Did you let the man take him?  I would rather face early morning then some strange man taking my dog. I thought you were the one who said never let them separate you from your dog. 

 

I wonder if other passengers blame the inspection for holding up disembarking. In Alaska and Canada we never went through any inspections. I still have that thrill ahead of me. 

I did hand him Horton's leash and then very sleepily wandered down the hall behind them.  The amazing thing about a highly trained Service Dog is that they will go with anyone who is holding the leash.  That's part of their training.  

 

You are correct, I never want to see a Service Dog separated from his handler!

[wizard-of-roz]

2 hours ago, lindaler said:

 

Did you let the man take him?  I would rather face early morning then some strange man taking my dog. I thought you were the one who said never let them separate you from your dog. 

 

I wonder if other passengers blame the inspection for holding up disembarking. In Alaska and Canada we never went through any inspections. I still have that thrill ahead of me. 

The inspection of both the paperwork, Horton and myself took very little time.  There were lots of people in line.  There would be no reason to blame Horton or myself for holding up the disembarkation.

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, allies_daphne said:

We are doing a Panama Canal Cruise this November.  We cannot disembark in Grand Cayman, as you are not allowed if you have been in Mexico within 10 days prior.  So we just plan to have our APHIS 7001 state we are not disembarking there.  Our other ports are in Mexico, which has a template letter you have your vet fill out, and Cartagena Colombia, which participates in the electronic database for the 7001 health form.  Of note, Cayman has very strict guidelines including a rabies titer which has to be run only at certain labs, as well as a prazaquantil containing worm prevention within a certain period of time.  Also, the signed health certificate for them is valid for 14 days.  If GC falls at the end of your cruise (ours is 14 nights), this presents an issue.  Would have been about $500 to get off in GC after meeting all their requirements - not worth it for us.  

 

I would be happy to come back after we’ve cruised and share my experiences with ports/permits.  We are cruising Disney btw....

 

Denise

Denise, the Rabies Titer was only requested on our Hawaii cruise and is good for two or three years.  Although it states that the signed health cert. is good for 14 days we used ours on a following cruise within 6 months and it was accepted by Immigration.  The worm prevention was waived when they saw that my dog was on HeartGuard and NexGuard on a monthly basis.  

 

The cruise ships are asking for paperwork/vet visits/immunizations and that our dogs be in excellent health and condition before they enter their ships and I'm glad.

 

I like that the cruise ships and various ports are demanding that our dogs be on preventative meds. and be up-to-date on immunizations.  It's certainly a way to keep the fakes away.

 

Did Disney require that your dog be Microchipped?

[wizard-of-roz]

1 minute ago, Rozmorey1 said:

Denise, the Rabies Titer was only requested on our Hawaii cruise and is good for two or three years.  Although it states that the signed health cert. is good for 14 days we used ours on a following cruise within 6 months and it was accepted by Immigration.  The worm prevention was waived when they saw that my dog was on HeartGuard and NexGuard on a monthly basis.  

 

The cruise ships are asking for paperwork/vet visits/immunizations and that our dogs be in excellent health and condition before they enter their ships and I'm glad.

 

I like that the cruise ships and various ports are demanding that our dogs be on preventative meds. and be up-to-date on immunizations.  It's certainly a way to keep the fakes away.

 

Did Disney require that your dog be Microchipped?

Denise, please have a wonderful cruise and do come back and share your experience with us.

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, Miki_moto said:

We’re doing a 27 night Southampton to San Francisco Panama Canal Cruise in January, 2021.

 

I don’t live in the States so don’t do Ahpis 7001 but I’ve got no idea what we do instead.  I guess I’ll figure it out; we have to see an Agriculture Canada vet before we fly to England.  England itself is no problem, my guy has his UK/EU official Pet Passport.  Of course, it’s anyone’s guess how that will shake out with Brexit!  Time will tell and we’ll figure it out.

Miki, what cruise line are you taking?  The Agriculture Canada Vet will let you know what paperwork is required and should be able to supply it and fill it out for you.

[lindaler]

14 minutes ago, Rozmorey1 said:

The inspection of both the paperwork, Horton and myself took very little time.  There were lots of people in line.  There would be no reason to blame Horton or myself for holding up the disembarkation.

I didn’t mean you held up the line. I was worried we might get blamed for a late clearing of the ship. 

[Miki_moto]

We’re on Cunard, Roz.  

 

As for the Agriculture Canada vet, I’ll have to wait and see.  Before the UK relaxed their rabies requirements, once the titer test was done it was simple to go there.  With the relaxed requirements, my experience was the vet didn’t know how to fill out the paperwork.  Fortunately, I had emails from my contact at DEFRA spelling everything out.  

 

We don’t see the government vet until a few days before we go - requirements of travel - so they won’y Be much help with forms.  We’re good for England and I’ll deal with our itinerary when it’s closer to the day.

Edited September 12, 2019 by Miki_moto

[rangeley]

8 hours ago, max and more said:

Hi Service Dog Friends!  We are Max and More from Oklahoma. My son, Max, is in a wheelchair and has a CCI service dog named Maureen IV but we call her "More." More has been on one cruise to Alaska in June and we had such a good experience that we are planning on taking her on Caribbean Princess to the Panama Canal in March. Anyone have experience with the paperwork for Jamaica, Cartagena Columbia, Cristobal Panama, Limon Costa Rica or Grand Cayman?  Has anyone done this cruise with a service dog and is it safe for them at the cruise ports? I value your thoughts and ideas.

 

Only one I know is Jamaica, no dogs allowed at all. 

[HenryKisor]

Actually, dogs are permitted by Jamaica, although they don't make it easy. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/health-certificates/non-eu/jamaica-pet-guidance.pdf

[wizard-of-roz]

9 hours ago, lindaler said:

I didn’t mean you held up the line. I was worried we might get blamed for a late clearing of the ship. 

There were two long lines of people who were waiting for their paperwork to be inspected.  I was told it was crew who can not leave the ship until their Visa's/Passports, etc. are cleared and then the passengers may leave. 

 

When the agent saw Horton and me she came right over and went through my paperwork and examined Horton within 5 minutes of my arriving and I was free to go back to my cabin. 

 

It's remarkable to see how empty the ship is at 6:00am.  If only I was a morning person, I could have the ship all to myself.  Sit somewhere, with my Horty, have a cup of coffee and a croissant without all the crowds.  My brain just doesn't function in the AM.  Takes me a while to get my motor going!  I worked at a job that started very early for over 30 years.......and everyone learned to just avoid me!!!!

 

 

Edited September 12, 2019 by wizard-of-roz

[rangeley]

3 hours ago, HenryKisor said:

Actually, dogs are permitted by Jamaica, although they don't make it easy. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/health-certificates/non-eu/jamaica-pet-guidance.pdf

Wow thats fairly new. Last time we went they werent allowed at all. Thanks for the info. 

[rangeley]

3 hours ago, Rozmorey1 said:

It's remarkable to see how empty the ship is at 6:00am.  If only I was a morning person, I could have the ship all to myself.  Sit somewhere, with my Horty, have a cup of coffee and a croissant without all the crowds.  My brain just doesn't function in the AM.  Takes me a while to get my motor going!  I worked at a job that started very early for over 30 years.......and everyone learned to just avoid me!!!!

 

 

6am? Hope you aren't referring to Mexico!!  But don't worry, I will be showered and ready to go! 😁

[wizard-of-roz]

5 hours ago, rangeley said:

6am? Hope you aren't referring to Mexico!!  But don't worry, I will be showered and ready to go! 😁

I don't think I've ever had to get up early and go down to a lounge to meet an Immigration official in Mexico.....but, who knows if things have changed.....You're such a good sport to be "ready to go!" 

 

I wake up at 6:30 every morning to prepare Horty's breakfast and then I go back to sleep until 9:00, have room service deliver my coffee, yogurt and croissant [Princess does NOT have a full service breakfast via room service.]  Full lunch and dinner only.

 

I'm ready to greet the world between 10:00 and 11:00 am.  If I want to go ashore it can wait until after lunch.  When I was younger we would leave much earlier for excursions.....the aging process has taught me to take it easy, you're on a cruise....RELAX, ENJOY!  I've also learned to "OWN" "the ship when everyone else is off on their various adventures.  My GOAL, these days, is to RELAX, ENJOY!

[wizard-of-roz]

I'm working on my avatar recovery!

[rangeley]

5 hours ago, Rozmorey1 said:

I'm working on my avatar recovery!

And your correct name! 😯

[wizard-of-roz]

Holy Cruise Critic batman......can't these folks bring the Wizard back?   It's going to be very sad if they can't.  We may have to have some kind of memorialization before the end of the day!  

 

 

[MelanieDyer]

On 9/11/2019 at 4:18 PM, Rozmorey1 said:

 

You will be asked to come down to a lounge in the very early morning, in some ports, so that an Immigration official can check your paperwork, your dog and you before the ship is cleared for anyone to debark.  I HATE THIS EARLY MORNING CALL THE MOST!

 

Cruising in May 202 with a group of 32 guide dogs.  I hope they don't call everyone down at 6am.  LOL  Only port I'm worried about is Grand Turk.  I've read on here where folks don't do the required permit & just don't get off the ship.  But Carnival keeps saying if you don't have the correct paperwork when checking in at Port Canaveral they won't let you on the ship?  But I'm not sure if the Carnival Port agents would even know what's required?

[Algebralovr]

Amen for enjoying the ship while all the other guests are on shore!  I did that a lot back in February while still recovering from the latest ankle surgery.

 

Speaking of which, went to the Dr on Wednesday.  The ankle and knee just keep very slowly healing. I still have numbness in the leg between the ankle and knee just toward the inside.  Dr said if it is still that way then he can have neuro do testing, but it involves a lot of needles and might involve another surgery to release the pinch.  Anyone know anything about it?  I'm accepting that I now have a chronic condition that will never be 100%.  I'll always probably have good days and bad (don't we all!) and more and less pain depending on the day.  Some days I can do steps, other days no way.  He gave me a handicap car tag for the winter, though, for the bad days.  I'm still using temp tags.  He isn't ready to give up and give me a permanent one.  He had taken it away for the summer, saying I needed to "Use it" to strengthen it. I know I'm not walking correctly - hubby recognizes my gait from across campus.  

[S.S. Cruisers]

Going to try and send an updated picture of the boy dog.  Last Monday, at the vet, he weighed 28 lbs. and turned 13 weeks old on Wednesday.  Unfortunately, I took a tumble leaving the vet.  Tripped over Rocky, landed on my hands and knees and thought, Wow, doesn't even really hurt, not much of a scrape and the BOOM, then momentum caught up with me and slammed the right side of my head to the pavement.  Had a nice big ole swollen bump on my cheek.  Went to emergency just to make sure everything was okay.  You know us old folks, I have become weak and whiney!  Anyway, they did a CATSCAN and everything is a-ok.  Just a horrendus bruise down my cheek, slipping under my jaw.  If anyone asks what happened i just say ""You should see the other guy!"  Glad I didn't land on Rocky, he would have been renamed Flat Stanley.  

Hope everyone is doing well. 

 

 

[wizard-of-roz]

2 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

Going to try and send an updated picture of the boy dog.  Last Monday, at the vet, he weighed 28 lbs. and turned 13 weeks old on Wednesday.  Unfortunately, I took a tumble leaving the vet.  Tripped over Rocky, landed on my hands and knees and thought, Wow, doesn't even really hurt, not much of a scrape and the BOOM, then momentum caught up with me and slammed the right side of my head to the pavement.  Had a nice big ole swollen bump on my cheek.  Went to emergency just to make sure everything was okay.  You know us old folks, I have become weak and whiney!  Anyway, they did a CATSCAN and everything is a-ok.  Just a horrendus bruise down my cheek, slipping under my jaw.  If anyone asks what happened i just say ""You should see the other guy!"  Glad I didn't land on Rocky, he would have been renamed Flat Stanley.  

Hope everyone is doing well. 

 

 

Wow, that kind of fall would have put me in the hospital.  Please take care.

 

He's getting more and more handsome.  You're doing a great job.