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

[Mabbiez]

I bought a "potty box" to try to get Mila used to using it before we cruise. I'm going to get it all set up on my patio tonight. I live in an apartment but I checked with them to make sure they were okay with me having it.

 

Does anyone have any tips on getting her to use it? We have a pretty set routine. Our routine is when I get home from work I feed her and also eat dinner myself, then we go outside to go potty. I'm hoping she will recognize quickly that it's the same routine but just a new place to potty. (Note: She does not go to work with me because I work in a hospital lab and it would be too dangerous for her.)

 

Any advice will be appreciated! 

[ndloewen]

Hello everyone. Our family has been on many cruises but we have 2 booked in October on Carnival that will be very different. Our daughter now has a service dog (mini Goldendoodle named Penny).  So I have been researching like crazy to figure out what we all need to do. I have a couple of questions. One of our cruises has 2 Bahamas stops. Does this mean I need to get 2 separate Bahama permits? Is the best way to get these to submit it myself or pay for a service like Bahamas pet permit?
I am hoping that someone from here is from Canada and can help me out. I see you all talking about the 7001 health form. For us in Canada what do I get my vet to fill out? Is it the Canadian international health certificate? If it needs to be USDA signed, how do I do that in Canada?(specifically Puerto Rico states it must be USDA signed). This is the part that confuses me coming from

Canada but cruising from the US. 
We have started our potty box training. Penny pees on command with no problem in it but we still haven’t been able to convince her to poop in it. Hopefully she will get it yet!

[Caribbean Chris]

On 6/18/2021 at 7:01 PM, Mabbiez said:

I bought a "potty box" to try to get Mila used to using it before we cruise. I'm going to get it all set up on my patio tonight. I live in an apartment but I checked with them to make sure they were okay with me having it.

 

Does anyone have any tips on getting her to use it? We have a pretty set routine. Our routine is when I get home from work I feed her and also eat dinner myself, then we go outside to go potty. I'm hoping she will recognize quickly that it's the same routine but just a new place to potty. (Note: She does not go to work with me because I work in a hospital lab and it would be too dangerous for her.)

 

Any advice will be appreciated! 

Following her normal routine will help a lot. Whenever she uses the box, you may want to praise her a lot and maybe give a little treat.

 

Don’t worry too much if she refuses the box the first time you visit it on the ship. Sooner or later, she’ll probably give in. I have good experience with grass as a filler, and mulch is OK, too. Some cruises, she just hops in without balking, other times needs more persuasion. Go figure.

[Caribbean Chris]

On 6/22/2021 at 6:52 PM, ndloewen said:

Hello everyone. Our family has been on many cruises but we have 2 booked in October on Carnival that will be very different. Our daughter now has a service dog (mini Goldendoodle named Penny).  So I have been researching like crazy to figure out what we all need to do. I have a couple of questions. One of our cruises has 2 Bahamas stops. Does this mean I need to get 2 separate Bahama permits? Is the best way to get these to submit it myself or pay for a service like Bahamas pet permit?
I am hoping that someone from here is from Canada and can help me out. I see you all talking about the 7001 health form. For us in Canada what do I get my vet to fill out? Is it the Canadian international health certificate? If it needs to be USDA signed, how do I do that in Canada?(specifically Puerto Rico states it must be USDA signed). This is the part that confuses me coming from

Canada but cruising from the US. 
We have started our potty box training. Penny pees on command with no problem in it but we still haven’t been able to convince her to poop in it. Hopefully she will get it yet!

I wish I could offer suggestions from experience, but I’m not Canadian. You may have read the attached which could at least get you started. It appears Canada also has an official veterinarian system, which might be comparable to the USDA APHIS vet credential.  I hope you can locate someone at that agency with answers.https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/exports/pets/canadian-international-health-certificate/eng/1321285405995/1321285496577

[DUTRAVEL]

On 6/18/2021 at 4:01 PM, Mabbiez said:

Does anyone have any tips on getting her to use it? We have a pretty set routine. Our routine is when I get home from work I feed her and also eat dinner myself, then we go outside to go potty. I'm hoping she will recognize quickly that it's the same routine but just a new place to potty. (Note: She does not go to work with me because I work in a hospital lab and it would be too dangerous for her.)

 

Any advice will be appreciated! 

I cannot be of much help since my service dog was fully trained to go on a leash on almost any surface when I got her. I agree with Chris - lots of praise and treats. When I trained my dog to go in a specific place in our yard,  it didn't take very long. Just be consistent and she will figure it out.

[DUTRAVEL]

On 6/22/2021 at 3:52 PM, ndloewen said:

 One of our cruises has 2 Bahamas stops. Does this mean I need to get 2 separate Bahama permits? Is the best way to get these to submit it myself or pay for a service like Bahamas pet permit?
I am hoping that someone from here is from Canada and can help me out. I see you all talking about the 7001 health form. For us in Canada what do I get my vet to fill out? Is it the Canadian international health certificate? If it needs to be USDA signed, how do I do that in Canada?(specifically Puerto Rico states it must be USDA signed). This is the part that confuses me coming from Canada but cruising from the US. 
 

I'm not an expert on the Bahamas as I have only been to Nassau. The application for the permit does ask for the “EXPECTED ISLANDS VISITING WHILE IN THE BAHAMAS (for vacation and service animals visiting)” so it may be possible to list more than one on the same permit. You might try calling the number on the permit application and ask (242) 397-7450/325-7438.

 

I agree with Chris to call the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. It doesn't make sense to me that you would need to have the health form signed by the USDA (or that the USDA would even do that). When I travel to the EU, I get the paperwork signed here in the US even though I am cruising from Rome. It seems to me that a Canadian cruising from a US port would get the paperwork done in Canada. Hopefully the CFIA can answer the question.

[ndloewen]

Thanks. So I have confirmed that the CFIA in Canada can sign the vet form. Still trying to get an answer on the Bahamas permit. I will try calling them.

Carnival has also informed me that we will have to do the paperwork for Grand Turk which is unfortunate as I thought we wouldn’t need to if we weren’t getting off the ship. However both Carnival and an email to the Grand Turk authorities has confirmed that we need the permit to even board the ship. This seems contrary to what I have read here so I don’t know if this is new. But I guess we will have to do it as I don’t want to risk not being able to board with her dog.

[Algebralovr]

Most of the countries are requiring the permit to board the ship these days.  The reason is that if one of you becomes ill, and you need to be disembarked on an emergency basis, you need the permit for the dog.  

 

I've got a November cruise booked.  I've decided to leave Scooter here at home.  Booked the kennel yesterday.  Since it will still be fairly early in the full return to sail, I'm just not going to chance dealing with it.  My cruise is scheduled for Grand Cayman and Jamica, along with Cozumel.  None of those are places I really want to deal with the import paperwork, even if I don't plan to go ashore.  

[DUTRAVEL]

Our transatlantic cruise from Rome to Florida has been recently canceled. It was doubtful if we were going anyway since I didn't want to take the chance of getting stuck in Rome if one of us unexpectedly tested positive for COVID-19 while in Europe. We are switching to a California Coastal since that will keep us within driving distance of home.

 

Has anyone been to Mexico by air or sea recently? Mexico has changed the import requirements for dogs and you no longer need a health certificate to enter the country. The USDA website states “Upon arrival to Mexico with the pet dog(s) and/or cat(s) in a clean cage(s)/carrier(s), travelers must visit the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection Office (OISA), to contact the official personnel working with SENASICA.” I’m not sure how that will work when arriving on a cruise ship. I guess I will just bring the usual Aphis Form 7001 filled out by my Vet and stay on the ship if it’s an issue.

[S.S. Cruisers]

As most of you know, I do not have a Service Dog and I gotta say, all this paperwork is making my head hurt.  I am sure if I was having to get the paperwork, fill it out, get it certified and signed, etc.  it would probably make more sense to me.  It seems like they are trying to keep your precious babies from rightfully being able to cruise with you. 💖

[ndloewen]

On 6/16/2021 at 3:05 PM, Caribbean Chris said:

Thanks for posting Diane! It’s always something. We have the Dominican Republic on an itinerary next April, so I’ll tell the ship we will not take the dog ashore there.

I am super confused and concerned about this rabies suspension. I thought I had everything figured out, but this makes me wonder if cruising with our service dog will even be possible this winter?? We also have a Dominican stop. Will we be ok simply not getting off the ship?? I have contacted the CDC agriculture department regarding this but I can’t seem to get a definite answer. The email they sent simply stated that “Dominican Republic is a high risk country.” 
I’m about to throw the towel in on this whole cruising thing. It is causing way too much anxiety!!

[Caribbean Chris]

18 minutes ago, ndloewen said:

I am super confused and concerned about this rabies suspension. I thought I had everything figured out, but this makes me wonder if cruising with our service dog will even be possible this winter?? We also have a Dominican stop. Will we be ok simply not getting off the ship?? I have contacted the CDC agriculture department regarding this but I can’t seem to get a definite answer. The email they sent simply stated that “Dominican Republic is a high risk country.” 
I’m about to throw the towel in on this whole cruising thing. It is causing way too much anxiety!!

Each of us has to decide individually if it is worth the effort (and expense for things like blood titer testing) to take a cruise with our service dog. I was very anxious on my first few cruises about the paperwork and relief box. It all worked out all right and now I just try to do my best to comply with the regulations.

 

As far as the new rabies restrictions, I understand the regulation to mean that  that the CDC temporarily will not permit dogs to be imported into the US from the named countries. The answer for me is that I will not export my dog into the country in the first place just for a few hours ashore and create a problem for myself returning to the US. I’ll be sure my vet notes those countries by name on the APHIS form 7001, indicating the dog will not enter those countries, and I’ll advise the ship as well. 

[DUTRAVEL]

On 7/16/2021 at 3:30 PM, ndloewen said:

I am super confused and concerned about this rabies suspension. I thought I had everything figured out, but this makes me wonder if cruising with our service dog will even be possible this winter?? We also have a Dominican stop. Will we be ok simply not getting off the ship?? I have contacted the CDC agriculture department regarding this but I can’t seem to get a definite answer. The email they sent simply stated that “Dominican Republic is a high risk country.” 
I’m about to throw the towel in on this whole cruising thing. It is causing way too much anxiety!!

I agree that all the rules can be super confusing - but don't let it discourage you from cruising with your service dog. 

 

The CDC has come out with some more guidance about visiting high risk countries (see https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dog-importation-changes.html) and has added 17 more airports as approved points of entry to the list. They haven't yet added any sea ports. Under the new explanation they split the rules up between a transitional period of July 14, 2021 to October 14, 2021 and then after October 14, 2021. They do now specifically state that owners of service dogs that meet the DOT definition (task trained) can apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit during the transitional period (and the way I read it, after October 14, 2021 as well).

 

That still doesn't specifically address the issue of a cruise with your dog to a high risk country. I would follow Chris' advice and also check with your cruise line to see if they can be of any help. Try e-mailing your closest USDA Aphis office to see if they can give you a definitive answer (they may just refer you back to the CDC, but its worth a try). The USDA Aphis office in San Francisco is always very helpful in answering my questions.

[Mabbiez]

Hi everyone!

 

I'm confused a little on the rules in Europe as far as Mila getting off the ship.

 

Next April we are taking a transatlantic cruise that leaves from the US and ends in Italy. We have stops in Portugal and Spain. 

 

I plan on getting her European passport but I don't think I will be able to do that until we get to Italy. Will she be able to get off the ship at the other ports with her health certificate at the other ports? If not it will be okay. My dad doesn't like to get off the ship and I think he is kind of looking forward to staying with her if he needs to.

 

Thanks everyone for all the help! This board it amazing. 

[DUTRAVEL]

5 hours ago, Mabbiez said:

Hi everyone!

 

I'm confused a little on the rules in Europe as far as Mila getting off the ship.

 

Next April we are taking a transatlantic cruise that leaves from the US and ends in Italy. We have stops in Portugal and Spain. 

 

I plan on getting her European passport but I don't think I will be able to do that until we get to Italy. Will she be able to get off the ship at the other ports with her health certificate at the other ports? If not it will be okay. My dad doesn't like to get off the ship and I think he is kind of looking forward to staying with her if he needs to.

 

Thanks everyone for all the help! This board it amazing. 

 

If you have an EU health certificate issued by an accredited USDA Vet and endorsed by the USDA Aphis office in your area that's all you need. You will need a microchip and the requisite rabies vaccination and you must enter the first EU country within 10 days of the date your vet signs the health certificate. As long as you meet those requirements, the EU health certificate is valid for travel to any EU country for four months.

 

I have taken my service dog to Europe three times and have been able to travel to several countries with just the EU health certificate and proof of rabies.

 

Here's the link to the requirements for Italy. The requirements are the same for all EU countries except that you will need a tapeworm treatment to enter Ireland, Malta, Finland or Norway.

 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/eu/pettravel-italy

[Mabbiez]

On 8/4/2021 at 2:42 PM, DUTRAVEL said:

 

If you have an EU health certificate issued by an accredited USDA Vet and endorsed by the USDA Aphis office in your area that's all you need. You will need a microchip and the requisite rabies vaccination and you must enter the first EU country within 10 days of the date your vet signs the health certificate. As long as you meet those requirements, the EU health certificate is valid for travel to any EU country for four months.

 

I have taken my service dog to Europe three times and have been able to travel to several countries with just the EU health certificate and proof of rabies.

 

Here's the link to the requirements for Italy. The requirements are the same for all EU countries except that you will need a tapeworm treatment to enter Ireland, Malta, Finland or Norway.

 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/eu/pettravel-italy

 

Thank you so much! This has been the most helpful information. I kept trying to look online but I was getting all sorts of confused. I already have her microchipped and of course updated on her vaccines. I will talk to my vet to make sure all of the paperwork is in order and to see if I need to go to someone else who is accredited. 

[Insuregal]

Hello Everybody!

 

I haven't posted in a very long time, but I get daily email updates of your activities which make me still feel connected to you all.

 

For some reason today I am really missing Roz, and her Horton stories. She filled our lives with so much hope, joy, and laughter. So glad that you all have kept this thread going; honoring her memory by continuing to help others cruise with their service dogs.

 

My daughter's service dog Gibson is now 10 and a half years old, and has cancer in his jaw.  A few months back he had surgery to remove it, which was a bit dicey.  When they were sedating him he started having difficulty as his temperature was going up to 105.  So the vet had to back out and stabilize him, then go at it again later in the day.  He wasn't able to get the whole tumor since it was wrapped around one of his teeth.  So, it has now grown back as we were told it would do.  It looks like a very large marble, about an inch or more in diameter.  Right now he has no trouble eating, and seems to feel pretty good for an old guy with cancer.  (After going outside to do his business he still runs a few circles around the yard before zipping back in the house.)  He is on twice daily pain meds, and does a lot of panting.  My daughter is watching for him to have trouble eating, or any other discomfort that would tell her he is no longer enjoying life.  Another surgery is out of the question.  Our whole family is just going to keep loving him as long as we can.

 

I hope each of you is having a pleasant weekend filled with loads of fur kid hugs.

 

Beckie

[DUTRAVEL]

1 hour ago, Insuregal said:

My daughter's service dog Gibson is now 10 and a half years old, and has cancer in his jaw.  A few months back he had surgery to remove it, which was a bit dicey.  When they were sedating him he started having difficulty as his temperature was going up to 105.  So the vet had to back out and stabilize him, then go at it again later in the day.  He wasn't able to get the whole tumor since it was wrapped around one of his teeth.  So, it has now grown back as we were told it would do.  It looks like a very large marble, about an inch or more in diameter.  Right now he has no trouble eating, and seems to feel pretty good for an old guy with cancer.  (After going outside to do his business he still runs a few circles around the yard before zipping back in the house.)  He is on twice daily pain meds, and does a lot of panting.  My daughter is watching for him to have trouble eating, or any other discomfort that would tell her he is no longer enjoying life.  Another surgery is out of the question.  Our whole family is just going to keep loving him as long as we can.

 

I hope each of you is having a pleasant weekend filled with loads of fur kid hugs.

 

Beckie

So so sorry to hear about Gibson. I hope he still has many good days left. I'm sure that your daughter will treasure each day she has with him.

[Caribbean Chris]

Beckie, it was very sad to hear about Gibson. Thank you for sharing this development with us. He’s a fortunate dog to have such a loving home. 
Chris

[Caribbean Chris]

Wanted to share a recommendation. Our November cruise will stop at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island. This requires a permit from the Bahamas even if I don’t take the dog ashore. The cruise line will expect the permit at embarkation.
 

I’ve obtained the permit in the past, as have many regulars here. It’s valid for a year but for only one entry, so it’s something you don’t need to leave until the last minute.
 

Getting it can be a hassle. You send the application yourself (without needing the vet) and hope it arrives on time in the mail. The turnaround takes weeks, even if you pay $$$$ for two day international delivery when you send the application. Once, that worked for me.

 

Another time I never had a response after two months so my vet helped me fax it in...the sending was no problem. But the receiving of the permit was, because my vet uses a physical fax machine which does not have legal length paper. So it printed out as two pages. The main Bahamian official advised me by email - nope! - it would not be acceptable to staple or tape it. I needed to arrive with my permit on that single 8.5 x 14 sheet. 

 

Eventually I emailed to the Bahamas people another fax number of a friend’s law firm to use, and the legal secretary kindly printed it out for me. Like many businesses, the law firm receives their faxes in email form now using a monthly fee account with a send/receive online service (like efax) instead of having an actual machine. 

 

I’m not willing to pay for an online fax service. Last week, I decided to take the easy way out. https://www.bahamaspetpermit.com/bahamas-pet-import-application/
 

Other people had reported using this service with good results. I can’t say enough good things about Wellington Saunders.  I had the Bahamas permit in PDF form via email from him within a few days and printed a few copies at home (yes! my printer has legal length paper capability). Done! His email communication was frequent start to finish and he included the additional blank IMP1(B) form required - the vet will sign 48 hours before departure. The cost was $57. I would definitely use his service again.

Edited August 13, 2021 by Caribbean Chris

[DUTRAVEL]

1 hour ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Wanted to share a recommendation. Our November cruise will stop at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island. This requires a permit from the Bahamas even if I don’t take the dog ashore. The cruise line will expect the permit at embarkation.
 

Other people had reported using this service with good results. I can’t say enough good things about Wellington Saunders.  I had the Bahamas permit in PDF form via email from him within a few days and printed a few copies at home (yes! my printer has legal length paper capability). Done! His email communication was frequent start to finish and he included the additional blank IMP1(B) form required - the vet will sign 48 hours before departure. The cost was $57. I would definitely use his service again.

Thanks for the great information Chris! $57 is a bargain compared to all of the aggravation of trying to get the permit yourself  I had the fax sent back to my husband's office since they can do faxes on legal size paper, but I will definitely use this service next time instead. 

[Caribbean Chris]

17 minutes ago, DUTRAVEL said:

Thanks for the great information Chris! $57 is a bargain compared to all of the aggravation of trying to get the permit yourself  I had the fax sent back to my husband's office since they can do faxes on legal size paper, but I will definitely use this service next time instead. 

You’re welcome, Diane. It was such a small thing but seemed like a huge luxury -  I’m still asking in the glow of getting it without any hassles.

 

I wish Wellington had a multi-country business and could solve all my permit problems. But I’ll settle for one country especially since we sail HAL a lot and they go to HMC on most of their Caribbean itineraries. 

[ndloewen]

Has anyone tried obtaining a permit from the CDC for a rabies banned country? Our cruise is stopping a couple of the countries on their list. From what I have read on their website, service dogs are exempt from the ban but we have to apply for a special permit. Can’t seem to get a straight answer from them as to whether we need one if we are not getting off the ship, despite multiple emails to them. 
Definitely going to use Wellington’s service for the Bahamas permit, but this new rabies ban coming into effect is another hurdle I am trying to figure out!

[DUTRAVEL]

22 hours ago, ndloewen said:

Has anyone tried obtaining a permit from the CDC for a rabies banned country? Our cruise is stopping a couple of the countries on their list. From what I have read on their website, service dogs are exempt from the ban but we have to apply for a special permit. Can’t seem to get a straight answer from them as to whether we need one if we are not getting off the ship, despite multiple emails to them. 
Definitely going to use Wellington’s service for the Bahamas permit, but this new rabies ban coming into effect is another hurdle I am trying to figure out!

We haven't had to apply for a CDC permit - let us know how it goes.

[Mabbiez]

It has been pretty quiet in here... How is everyone doing? 

 

I'm trying my best to prepare Mila for our cruise in April. We have been working very hard on public access lately since it was kind of pushed to the side during Covid. She has been doing GREAT! I'm about to have ankle surgery on Oct 6 so we won't be able to do much work for a little bit.

 

Just wanted to say hi and I hope everyone is doing well!