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

[wizard-of-roz]

Hi Roz,

 

I'm sailing on Norwegian. After the USDA didn't have info on St. Maarten, I contacted a vet there on the island. If anyone is interested in the forms please send me your email address.

 

Tee, double and triple-check with NCL about boarding with your SD and the form that you have. Make sure that it's acceptable.

 

Again, I wish you a wonderful cruise.

 

NCL was amazing to Brenda. They had the best potty box [i've ever had on any cruise line] in a crew closet, right down the hall from our stateroom.

 

I haven't sailed on them in a few years but if they had the right itinerary and left out of San Pedro I might board them again.

[Quampapetet]

I located a great last minute cruise. I leave in 19 days. I have an international health certificate from last year (Dec 2013). Can I use this for entry into St. Maarten this year?

 

St. Thomas will not be a problem because they are covered under the ADA.

 

Thanks.

 

No, you cannot use an expired health certificate. They are only valid for ten days (as you will find written on the certificate itself). Some countries require certificates that were issued even more recent than that, such as the Bahamas who wants them within 48 hours of your trip.

 

The ADA has nothing to do with health certificates or dog import requirements. The ADA only refers to you being allowed everywhere everyone else is allowed even though you are accompanied by your service dog.

 

Even if you don't get off at any ports, you will still need a health certificate to get your dog off the ship at the end of the cruise.

[Quampapetet]

I'm going to get one, but since St. Maarten is late into our 9 day cruise, it will be almost impossible to get one issued, sent to our state office for validating and returned to me during the time limit (and then we drive to Florida, a few days more.) if I don't take the dog ashore, no biggie. I'll spend the planned lunch money on the ship instead.:)

 

Since you're on a cruise, the countries typically look at your cruise depart date as the date to go by for deadlines of health certificates. You can get endorsements done in person at your local USDA office (which may or may not be within driving distance to you - I drive about two hours to mine, I believe - you can see if the FL one is near where you will be, as well). Typically, if you do mail it in, you use overnight mail service and include the return envelope with pre-paid postage for overnight service. You could always get it sent to your FL hotel, too. St. Maarten is my least favorite island, but I think I would still get off the ship if I did another cruise that goes there. (When looking at cruises for next year, I did purposely stay away from ones that went there - and I won't even have dog paperwork to deal with due to being in between dogs at that time.)

 

(And an aside - anyone who goes to Hawaii with a service dog on a cruise or otherwise needs to do research and prepare with required testing because it is NOT automatic. We met a very angry service dog partner who was not allowed to take her dog ashore from a Hawaii cruise last year. But it was her own fault for assuming.)

 

Definitely her own fault! I was once on a plane where they put another "service dog" team (she was a faker) next to me and when I told the handler what the requirements for Hawaii were (she had said she wanted to go there), she cried discrimination (LOL!) and said she would not do any of that and just take her dog, LOL! Yeah, good luck with that, lady!!! :rolleyes:

[Quampapetet]

Hi Roz,

 

I'm sailing on Norwegian. After the USDA didn't have info on St. Maarten, I contacted a vet there on the island. If anyone is interested in the forms please send me your email address.

 

Even better, so you don't have to be bothered, people can download them from here: http://www.sxmvetclinic.com/exporting-importing.pml :)

[wizard-of-roz]

I was once on a plane where they put another "service dog" team (she was a faker) next to me and when I told the handler what the requirements for Hawaii were (she had said she wanted to go there), she cried discrimination (LOL!) and said she would not do any of that and just take her dog, LOL! Yeah, good luck with that, lady!!! :rolleyes:

 

You know she's NEVER stared down the nose of an Immigration Official in Hawaii.

 

They are so intense and so very clear about the law and the rules of entry into Hawaii by plane or boat, with a dog......Service Dog or not!!!! I would love to be the fly on the wall when that woman comes through with "Fi-Fi!" :rolleyes:

[Caribbean Chris]

Hi Roz,

 

I'm sailing on Norwegian. After the USDA didn't have info on St. Maarten, I contacted a vet there on the island. If anyone is interested in the forms please send me your email address.

 

Tee, thank you for offering. I've now picked up the info from Quam's post above, but appreciate your offer.

Edited October 28, 2014 by Caribbean Chris

[Caribbean Chris]

Even better, so you don't have to be bothered, people can download them from here: http://www.sxmvetclinic.com/exporting-importing.pml :)

 

Thank you Quam!

 

Yes, I do plan to use overnight mail or FedX and a pre-paid return mailer. The nearest vet is close by for having the form issued, but to get it validated by the state USDA office means a drive of about 3.5 hours drive, 7 hours roundtrip in one day. So I'm going to send it with tracking.

[wizard-of-roz]

Okay you guys asked for it.......HERE'S ELVIS..............................

Edited October 28, 2014 by wizard-of-roz

[Sarachan74]

Roz,

 

I have a question, I know I don't feed Jules until we land in florida starting Thursday night. However I couldn't remember if I give him water like usual except for Friday morning?

[fairbourne]

Roz - it's hard to see but I can just about make out his wig! He's so good at being dressed up! He's so good full stop! :D

 

Well Aruba and I have been so busy!

 

We went to the airport and met a lovely chap who was the Duty Manager and he took charge of us and showed us around.

 

We were a small group of 3 guide dog pups with their puppy walkers, so a manageable group. We caused quite a stir walking through the airport concourse and with our fast track passes we bypassed the queues and went through to security. We didn't go through the scanner - now I have been practising with Aruba taking her collar and lead and vest off (taking the advice from Roz of her experiences going through the airport scanners) and making her wait and then calling her to me, using a doorway as a substitute scanner! But all the pups got a full pat down, as did we, by the security people and not one of the pups even blinked! They are so used to us giving them a check over regularly in a certain routine that their pat downs must have felt like just another check over.

 

Once through security we headed down through the departures area and outside to the Tarmac - at Aberdeen airport there are no air bridges, you still walk out across the Tarmac to the aircraft. The duty manager had told us that we would not get on an aircraft as that was outside his remit. Anyway, we were standing there letting the dogs take in all the noise - helicopters taking off and landing - Aberdeen has a very busy helicopter operation with all the flights to and from the North Sea rigs. This chap asked if there was anything else they could help with, what sort of noises might distract the pups etc. So I just pointed at a small aircraft (you know the type that takes about 50 passengers and has the steps built into the fuselage) and said well that type of steps would be a challenge because they are very narrow and very wobbly and would be like nothing they would come across normally. He then sprinted off and asked the pilots if we could come aboard! Yes they shouted, bring the pups on. So we didn't need to be asked twice! LOL! Now these steps were a challenge, but I asked Aruba to go forward and she did her well practised wait with her front legs on the first step until I placed my foot in the first step (if I was a blind or partially sighted person this would be my chance to guage the width, depth etc of a step before asking the dog to move forward) and then she very carefully climbed the 5 or 6 steps into the aircraft. As soon as we got on, I sat down at the bulkhead seat and got Aruba tucked in. She took it all in her stride whilst I sat there trying to work out how we were going to get off down these steps without me tripping down! Anyway, after being fussed over by the cabin crew, we descended. I wasn't too sure how to get down so we went down together with Aruba slightly ahead and I made the steps wobble a bit more, but she was fine.

 

We then went back into the terminal and said hello to the lovely ladies in the BA lounge, and I told Aruba " this is where Mum and Dad have a glass of champagne before we head off on our cruises"! LOL! ;):D

 

The duty manager explained how we could request assistance if required for transitting the airport, with or without an assistance dog, and he answered all our questions. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and we (Guide Dogs) have been invited to go back with other pups.

 

I have some photos - will post them later. Getting ready to take Aruba for a sleepover with a puppy boarder (it's like going on holiday with the stuff she needs to take with her!) as I'm going to the Guide Dog training centre for a course tomorrow and I can't take her with me.

[Caribbean Chris]

No, you cannot use an expired health certificate. They are only valid for ten days (as you will find written on the certificate itself).

 

There must be variations. Raylene's last USDA Health Certificate from February of this year issued in Oregon says "Certificate is valid 30 days from date of inspection."

[Caribbean Chris]

Okay you guys asked for it.......HERE'S ELVIS..............................

 

Hard to see because it is tiny, but it's clear that "he ain't nothin but a hound dog."

 

Cute! Now Horty is all set for Halloween.

[Caribbean Chris]

Fairbourne, you are SUCH a great Puppy Walker Mom! Aruba is going to be a world class guide dog.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Roz: Horty is a hoot! I bet you had a good time.

 

Fairbourne: I just love the adventures of Aruba. She sounds like she is a well rounded pup. I am glad she trusts her "mom" so much, that she does as she is asked too. :)

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz,

 

I have a question, I know I don't feed Jules until we land in florida starting Thursday night. However I couldn't remember if I give him water like usual except for Friday morning?

 

When Horton and I fly 4 hours or more.....no water before we fly and breakfast as usual [he only likes water in the afternoon or evening anyway so it works out good for morning flights]. I will offer him ice chips on board [just ask the flight attendant for some]. I have a collapsible water bowl in my purse at all times. If I'm flying under 4 hours I give him everything [except treats that may cause thirst] as usual and make taking him potty a priority the second I land.

 

If you ever get stuck in an airplane on the tarmack [it happened with Brenda twice] you can ask the flight attendant to take your dog potty for you. However, they don't have to and may refuse. I got lucky both times with attendants who were very happy to help!

 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO POTTY YOUR DOG BEFORE YOU BOARD THE PLANE.

[wizard-of-roz]

There must be variations. Raylene's last USDA Health Certificate from February of this year issued in Oregon says "Certificate is valid 30 days from date of inspection."

 

That's what mine says.

[wizard-of-roz]

Hard to see because it is tiny, but it's clear that "he ain't nothin but a hound dog."

 

Cute! Now Horty is all set for Halloween.

 

I know there's a way to post the pictures larger but I don't know how!!!! I confess that I'm illiterate when it comes to posting pictures!

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz - it's hard to see but I can just about make out his wig! He's so good at being dressed up! He's so good full stop! :D

 

Well Aruba and I have been so busy!

 

We went to the airport and met a lovely chap who was the Duty Manager and he took charge of us and showed us around.

 

We were a small group of 3 guide dog pups with their puppy walkers, so a manageable group. We caused quite a stir walking through the airport concourse and with our fast track passes we bypassed the queues and went through to security. We didn't go through the scanner - now I have been practising with Aruba taking her collar and lead and vest off (taking the advice from Roz of her experiences going through the airport scanners) and making her wait and then calling her to me, using a doorway as a substitute scanner! But all the pups got a full pat down, as did we, by the security people and not one of the pups even blinked! They are so used to us giving them a check over regularly in a certain routine that their pat downs must have felt like just another check over.

 

Once through security we headed down through the departures area and outside to the Tarmac - at Aberdeen airport there are no air bridges, you still walk out across the Tarmac to the aircraft. The duty manager had told us that we would not get on an aircraft as that was outside his remit. Anyway, we were standing there letting the dogs take in all the noise - helicopters taking off and landing - Aberdeen has a very busy helicopter operation with all the flights to and from the North Sea rigs. This chap asked if there was anything else they could help with, what sort of noises might distract the pups etc. So I just pointed at a small aircraft (you know the type that takes about 50 passengers and has the steps built into the fuselage) and said well that type of steps would be a challenge because they are very narrow and very wobbly and would be like nothing they would come across normally. He then sprinted off and asked the pilots if we could come aboard! Yes they shouted, bring the pups on. So we didn't need to be asked twice! LOL! Now these steps were a challenge, but I asked Aruba to go forward and she did her well practised wait with her front legs on the first step until I placed my foot in the first step (if I was a blind or partially sighted person this would be my chance to guage the width, depth etc of a step before asking the dog to move forward) and then she very carefully climbed the 5 or 6 steps into the aircraft. As soon as we got on, I sat down at the bulkhead seat and got Aruba tucked in. She took it all in her stride whilst I sat there trying to work out how we were going to get off down these steps without me tripping down! Anyway, after being fussed over by the cabin crew, we descended. I wasn't too sure how to get down so we went down together with Aruba slightly ahead and I made the steps wobble a bit more, but she was fine.

 

We then went back into the terminal and said hello to the lovely ladies in the BA lounge, and I told Aruba " this is where Mum and Dad have a glass of champagne before we head off on our cruises"! LOL! ;):D

 

The duty manager explained how we could request assistance if required for transitting the airport, with or without an assistance dog, and he answered all our questions. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and we (Guide Dogs) have been invited to go back with other pups.

 

I have some photos - will post them later. Getting ready to take Aruba for a sleepover with a puppy boarder (it's like going on holiday with the stuff she needs to take with her!) as I'm going to the Guide Dog training centre for a course tomorrow and I can't take her with me.

 

Fairbourne, thank you so much for taking the time to teach us about guide dogs and how they work with their vision impaired partners.

 

You must be so pleased at how she's doing.....I know I am!

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz: Horty is a hoot! I bet you had a good time.

 

Fairbourne: I just love the adventures of Aruba. She sounds like she is a well rounded pup. I am glad she trusts her "mom" so much, that she does as she is asked too. :)

 

He puts up with so much "stuff" from me! His goggles were the funniest, they kept slipping down over his eyes and he would walk into things before I noticed they had moved down on his face! Such a patient boy.......finally he just laid down took them and his wig off with his paw. ENOUGH! He said!!!!:mad:

[Sarachan74]

When Horton and I fly 4 hours or more.....no water before we fly and breakfast as usual [he only likes water in the afternoon or evening anyway so it works out good for morning flights]. I will offer him ice chips on board [just ask the flight attendant for some]. I have a collapsible water bowl in my purse at all times. If I'm flying under 4 hours I give him everything [except treats that may cause thirst] as usual and make taking him potty a priority the second I land.

 

If you ever get stuck in an airplane on the tarmack [it happened with Brenda twice] you can ask the flight attendant to take your dog potty for you. However, they don't have to and may refuse. I got lucky both times with attendants who were very happy to help!

 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO POTTY YOUR DOG BEFORE YOU BOARD THE PLANE.

 

Roz,

 

What about a flight that is an one hour and 40/50 minutes long and then a 3 hour and 40 minute layover? The way my flights are schedule is to board then an hour and 40 minute flight, layover for 3 hours and 40 minutes and then another hour and 40 minute flight.

 

It is that way heading back except for the layover. We have a layover in atlanta on the way back of an hour and 20 minutes.

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz,

 

What about a flight that is an one hour and 40/50 minutes long and then a 3 hour and 40 minute layover? The way my flights are schedule is to board then an hour and 40 minute flight, layover for 3 hours and 40 minutes and then another hour and 40 minute flight.

 

It is that way heading back except for the layover. We have a layover in atlanta on the way back of an hour and 20 minutes.

 

According to the latest rules established by the U.S. Dept. of Trans; all U.S. airports [or, at least the 50 most traveled ones] are required to have installed Service Animal relief areas by May 13, 2009. Does this mean that all airports have complied, not necessarily. This will definitely make air travel a less stressful experience. When entering the airport speak with a security agent about this. If they've complied he/she should be able to tell you exactly where the relief area is or, actually escort you to it.

 

The other problem is where the area is. It may be quite a walk and you may need assistance. The area should be within the secured area. Once you leave the secured area, they will let you back in but if they've changed TSA Agents while you were out, it's a hassle. It happened to me in Salt Lake City and also Eugene, Oregon. Of course, it was a walk, luckily I was up to it!

 

If your airport doesn't have this designated relief area contact your local airport operators and airline reps. to make sure the areas are adequate and accessible [being placed within the secured perimeter to avoid the need to go through security.]

 

According to the DOT [Dept. of Trans.] The airports are supposed to provide escort service, known as meet-and-assist personnel, to show disabled people and their Service Dogs the relief area and escort them to their next gate, destination or back through security, if requested.

 

Sorry for the long response........I just thought everyone would like to know how The Coalition of Assistance Dog Organizations and the IAADP advocate for us!!!! ♥

Edited October 29, 2014 by wizard-of-roz

[fairbourne]

According to the latest rules established by the U.S. Dept. of Trans; all U.S. airports [or, at least the 50 most traveled ones] are required to have installed Service Animal relief areas by May 13, 2009. Does this mean that all airports have complied, not necessarily. This will definitely make air travel a less stressful experience. When entering the airport speak with a security agent about this. If they've complied he/she should be able to tell you exactly where the relief area is or, actually escort you to it.

 

The other problem is where the area is. It may be quite a walk and you may need assistance. The area should be within the secured area. Once you leave the secured area, they will let you back in but if they've changed TSA Agents while you were out, it's a hassle. It happened to me in Salt Lake City and also Eugene, Oregon. Of course, it was a walk, luckily I was up to it!

 

If your airport doesn't have this designated relief area contact your local airport operators and airline reps. to make sure the areas are adequate and accessible [being placed within the secured perimeter to avoid the need to go through security.]

 

According to the DOT [Dept. of Trans.] The airports are supposed to provide escort service, known as meet-and-assist personnel, to show disabled people and their Service Dogs the relief area and escort them to their next gate, destination or back through security, if requested.

 

Sorry for the long response........I just thought everyone would like to know how The Coalition of Assistance Dog Organizations and the IAADP advocate for us!!!! ♥

 

I'm going to tell our puppy walking trainer about this as none of us asked this question about a relief area! That will be a good question for the next group to go to the airport. :)

[wizard-of-roz]

I'm going to tell our puppy walking trainer about this as none of us asked this question about a relief area! That will be a good question for the next group to go to the airport. :)

 

Fairourne, if you'll share what you learn with us, that would be wonderful. The more informed and involved we all are the better it is for everyone!♥

 

I know you guys will laugh at me, but here goes......Horton is a very tall dog, and don't think I haven't thought about teaching him how to use the toilet! :eek: There, I said it! :D

[fairbourne]

M

Fairourne, if you'll share what you learn with us, that would be wonderful. The more informed and involved we all are the better it is for everyone!♥

 

I know you guys will laugh at me, but here goes......Horton is a very tall dog, and don't think I haven't thought about teaching him how to use the toilet! :eek: There, I said it! :D

 

I will Aunty Roz, I will! Oops sorry it's me writing not Aruba! LOL!!!:eek:

 

Yes I will, this didn't even occur to me as I am so used to getting Aruba to go potty before she goes in anywhere - in fact she's taken it upon herself to go potty (pee) as soon as she's out of the car, she likes to go on grass when she's out but goes on concrete at home (no idea why she does this), regardless of when she last went. But we do go potty before we go anywhere, and she's "holding" it for longer now she's getting all grown up! I sometimes ask her to go, and I get the "look" as if to say, "oh for goodness sake Mum, I don't need!"

 

Well, I dropped her off this afternoon and she was going off out on a woodland walk with her puppy boarder. So I don't suppose she's missed me yet! The house is so quiet with Madame gone, but that's good for us to learn how to not have her here! :o

 

It's only two sleeps ...... ...I'll be OK, don't you worry about me! :rolleyes::p

 

Just edited to add: this is an important issue of where to relieve the dogs especially if you've already gone through security and flight delayed etc etc. I think I'm going to email the chap at the airport and ask him.

Edited October 29, 2014 by fairbourne

[wizard-of-roz]

M

 

I will Aunty Roz, I will! Oops sorry it's me writing not Aruba! LOL!!!:eek:

 

Yes I will, this didn't even occur to me as I am so used to getting Aruba to go potty before she goes in anywhere - in fact she's taken it upon herself to go potty (pee) as soon as she's out of the car, she likes to go on grass when she's out but goes on concrete at home (no idea why she does this), regardless of when she last went. But we do go potty before we go anywhere, and she's "holding" it for longer now she's getting all grown up! I sometimes ask her to go, and I get the "look" as if to say, "oh for goodness sake Mum, I don't need!"

 

Well, I dropped her off this afternoon and she was going off out on a woodland walk with her puppy boarder. So I don't suppose she's missed me yet! The house is so quiet with Madame gone, but that's good for us to learn how to not have her here! :o

 

It's only two sleeps ...... ...I'll be OK, don't you worry about me! :rolleyes::p

 

Just edited to add: this is an important issue of where to relieve the dogs especially if you've already gone through security and flight delayed etc etc. I think I'm going to email the chap at the airport and ask him.

 

Oh! Sweetie! You'll be okay....You've got us, we won't let you be too sad. Of course you'll miss your sweet love but if the Org. will let you, you CAN develop a relationship with her forever partner and he/she will keep you in the loop of what's happening in her life. I do it all the time with Horton's Puppyraisers and they're so grateful for the picture updates. They love Horty as Elvis and are thrilled that he gets to go cruising. So what if they were too busy raising him to keep an album of pictures to give me so I could see him as a pup.

 

I know your person will be blind but they may have family who can look at the pictures and explain them to them or Aruba's person may be just visually impaired.....don't stop taking pictures.

 

And, you can come on here and cry to us any time you miss your baby girl, we totally understand and love you for all that you've done for OUR GIRL! ♥

 

And, please look into what's going on at your airport for the relief area!