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

[HenryKisor]

I'm thinking about taking a cruise to Cuba in 2019. For the requirements for bringing a service dog APHIS is not much help; it suggests contacting Cuban authorities. A few online sites say a 7001 will do but don't say whether APHIS will endorse it. (I've got an email waiting for a response from my local APHIS office about that.) Pettravel.com claims to have a country-specific international health certificate for Cuba but wants $18.50 for it, and I have my suspicions about that site anyway. Has anyone on this forum taken a service dog to Cuba? If so, what did it entail?

[thephantomsgirl]

I'm thinking about taking a cruise to Cuba in 2019. For the requirements for bringing a service dog APHIS is not much help; it suggests contacting Cuban authorities. A few online sites say a 7001 will do but don't say whether APHIS will endorse it. (I've got an email waiting for a response from my local APHIS office about that.) Pettravel.com claims to have a country-specific international health certificate for Cuba but wants $18.50 for it, and I have my suspicions about that site anyway. Has anyone on this forum taken a service dog to Cuba? If so, what did it entail?

 

VERY interested in what happens with this!

 

Holly

[GUT2407]

I’ve never worried about my medications, (and I’ve been on some strong ones) as I neve take them off the ship anyway, I guess it’s different when you are doing land time too.

 

My biggest worry is on long cruises getting enough to last me.

[S.S. Cruisers]

 

My biggest worry is on long cruises getting enough to last me.

That too. I can only get 1 month at a time, no matter what. So that means, as soon as I fill my prescription, I better get on the road if we are planning on going anywhere. Sad state of affairs when Big Government controls when and how long you go somewhere. :mad:

[thephantomsgirl]

Have you ever gone off the ship in Nassau? Any transportation problems with your dogs? I'm doing a Fundraising cruise for a service dog organization and I know some of them would like to go a few places. I do know a vendor for some service dog friendly excursions, but those don't interest some of the people. Have you been turned down by taxis?

 

 

 

Doing another group with service dogs going to Freeport. There just about EVERYTHING needs transportation somewhere as the port is basically all industrial.

Edited June 25, 2018 by thephantomsgirl
Wasn't finished

[GUT2407]

That too. I can only get 1 month at a time, no matter what. So that means, as soon as I fill my prescription, I better get on the road if we are planning on going anywhere. Sad state of affairs when Big Government controls when and how long you go somewhere. :mad:

Even my less regulated medications I can only get filled every four weeks, so for my Hawaii cruise next year (35 nights) I either need to save some up (most of my scripts come for 30 days so each month I can squirrel two away). Or have another Dr visit to get an exemption. He tells me he can set me for a world cruise, but I’m not sure how we’d have got on when that meant about 600 OxyContin.

[HenryKisor]

USDA APHIS responded to my query about taking a service dog to Cuba. It recommended an APHIS-endorsed Form 7001 filled out by an accredited veterinarian. That plus, of course, a certificate of rabies immunization.

 

Some of the travel web sites caution against taking a dog ashore on Cuba because the dogs there tend to carry parasites and diseases. But that is true of many Caribbean countries as well as Mexico and Central America. Staying alert and avoiding other dogs ought to do the trick. At one place in Mexico I stayed aboard a tour bus (happily air conditioned) for two hours because of hordes of loose dogs.

[wizard-of-roz]

USDA APHIS responded to my query about taking a service dog to Cuba. It recommended an APHIS-endorsed Form 7001 filled out by an accredited veterinarian. That plus, of course, a certificate of rabies immunization.

 

Some of the travel web sites caution against taking a dog ashore on Cuba because the dogs there tend to carry parasites and diseases. But that is true of many Caribbean countries as well as Mexico and Central America. Staying alert and avoiding other dogs ought to do the trick. At one place in Mexico I stayed aboard a tour bus (happily air conditioned) for two hours because of hordes of loose dogs.

 

We were actually trapped in a Immigration office in Puerto Vallarta because a group of dogs had gathered and the officials were afraid they would attack Brenda if they saw her! I promise you, I have NEVER been so scared; these dogs were all very mangy, and scary looking!

They called some guards who came and escorted us back to the ship.

[GUT2407]

We were actually trapped in a Immigration office in Puerto Vallarta because a group of dogs had gathered and the officials were afraid they would attack Brenda if they saw her! I promise you, I have NEVER been so scared; these dogs were all very mangy, and scary looking!

They called some guards who came and escorted us back to the ship.

 

 

Wow you must have been terrified.

[wizard-of-roz]

Greetings all, Been a rough week due to the weather rolling through every day making the migraines a mess. That said, Scooter has been a blessing. We continue to add to his skill set. He can now bring me my meds bag and a water bottle when I ask him to. I just have to remember to put the meds bag back where it belongs, and remember to put water bottles where he can get them.

 

Scooter has turned into a true partner for you. Amazing how our dogs can bring us such a sense of comfort and a true source of love.

 

I hope you're feeling better.

[wizard-of-roz]

Wow you must have been terrified.

 

It was a very unnerving situation. I've had a few encounters with strays in various excursions in different countries but nothing like this.

I've said this before.....Our dogs are such sitting ducks because they have NEVER been taught to defend themselves.....they've been encouraged to "suck it up" and take whatever they're confronted with. After all, you never know what you might encounter in the public venue.

It's our job to protect our wonderful fur partners and that means we have to foresee where we're going and whether or not there might be too many strays for us to be able to protect our dogs from them.

[HenryKisor]

I carry pepper spray where it's legal, especially in my Chicago suburb where the privileged like to let their dogs run loose. But it's not legal in many countries and you've got to be careful about taking it ashore. Alternatively, I carry a trekking pole that doubles as a deterrent. Most often, if there are a lot of loose and feral dogs around, I just won't get off the bus with Trooper.

 

P.S. I'm told pepper spray is illegal in Canada. But not bear spray, which is the same thing. I guess it depends on whether you're in downtown Toronto or rural Whitehorse.

[HenryKisor]

Has anyone here taken Viking Ocean Cruises? A sales rep told me I would have to bring my own box and my own turf or filler. Hmm. Is that Viking's way of discouraging service dogs without actually violating the letter of the law?

[Caribbean Chris]

Congratulation, Roz, on this thread reaching an incredible 1,000 pages!

[wizard-of-roz]

Has anyone here taken Viking Ocean Cruises? A sales rep told me I would have to bring my own box and my own turf or filler. Hmm. Is that Viking's way of discouraging service dogs without actually violating the letter of the law?

 

In response to your comment on pepper spray....I carry a small can of hair spray in my purse. Dogs are afraid of the sound and anyone who has ever been sprayed by this stuff in their eyes can attest to the pain. And, it's legal EVERYWHERE!

 

I would NEVER cruise on a line that was not willing to assist me in the care of my Service Dog, they don't deserve my hard earned money.

[wizard-of-roz]

Congratulation, Roz, on this thread reaching an incredible 1,000 pages!

 

Thank you! I, personally, love to read everything that the wonderful folks on this thread have to say.

 

We are a pretty amazing group of handlers, trainers, Puppy Raisers [Walkers] and pet owners from all corners of the world!

 

I've learned so much from so many.

[wizard-of-roz]

Happy pre-4th of July weekend everyone!

 

My Horton does not like fireworks and cowers in the bedroom when he hears it. I live close to a very popular college that sets of fireworks and even though it is in the distance his hearing is quite acute. And, there's the occasional moron in the neighborhood who sets a few off in his driveway. I don't look forward to this evening and the rest of the week when fireworks will be the thing to do! My first Service Dog, Brenda, could have cared less about the noise. As long as I wasn't responding either was she. Hopefully, it won't be too bad for my Horty, boy!

 

Have fun, everyone, be safe!!!!

[Algebralovr]

I'm so sorry to hear Horton struggles with fireworks! Best wishes the next few days!

 

I'm fortunate, Scooter ignores fireworks, firearms, etc.

 

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[Beach Gypsy]

There are now also kennels af the entry of rides that don't allow SDs on them. Very convenient!

Oh, you really should take her to Disney with you! They are really great about service dogs being there.

 

She can go on a lot of the rides. For the ones she can't go on, you can do rider switch - one person stays with the dog while the other(s) go on the ride, then when that person/group finishes the ride, they stay with the dog while the person who didn't ride yet goes on the ride right then, no having to go through the line again or anything. I went where it was just one friend and myself, so I know what it is like to not get to ride things together, but it really isn't that big of a deal once you do it. I also know what it is like to go solo for a bit, since my friend had to rest for a few hours, so I was doing rides alone. I don't recommend solo if you like rides service dogs can't go on (like Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, etc.), but one other person or more is fine.

 

Another option you can do if you either are solo or have a big hankering for going on rides with the only other person in your party is you can drop your dog off at the park's kennels (just outside the park's gates) while you go do the ride you want to do that your dog can't go on. It is free. I wouldn't necessarily recommend doing it, since your dog should be with you at all times, but if you must do it, it is there as an option.

 

Disney has designated service dog potty areas in the parks, too.

 

My service dog loved Disney World. Her favorite ride was Pirates of the Caribbean (but I think that might have something to do with Captain Jack Sparrow being in it now... ;) ). We had no problems there.

[rpclmc]

I can’t believe I haven’t checked in for so long. Where has the time gone?

 

Roz, I used to watch dogs in n my house-dog sitter. I have taken care of all kinds of breeds. The worst shedding ones where the black labs. I have had two yellow labs myself and watched several. The black labs shed 100 times more.

 

I am taking Halo on his first cruise in November. I know he has to have a vet visit within a few days of leaving. But when should I start on the paperwork?

 

He is VERY particular about where he potties and will hold it for hours, 12-14 is his longest so far. My husband is so worried he will hold it too long and then relieve himself in the dining areas. I don’t see this happening, he has NEVER just relieved himself. Even when working with him as a puppy, 1 accident in the house and that is all.

 

Any suggestions?

 

I love seeing so many people confident with their disability and sd and not giving a **** what others think. Any encouragement would help. I am still so very worried about being a nuisance. My disease went from needing Halo for mobility to needing him for alert and me being with a cane or in a wheelchair. It is my good days and not “looking” disabled that are my hardest being out in public. I have family that even judges me. I get “but your brother is so much worse, he is dying of cancer.” I am no way trying to compete with him and it makes me feel so unworthy of what I need to function just because it isn’t a death sentence.

 

Do I call the Special Needs for Carnival myself? I have a TA. She doesn’t seem to know anything about SDs.

 

Linda

[Algebralovr]

I am taking Halo on his first cruise in November. I know he has to have a vet visit within a few days of leaving. But when should I start on the paperwork?

 

 

I recommend looking at the USDA site to see what you need for where you are going. Does anywhere require a permit. If so, what is required for that permit? That will dictate how early you start things. For my May cruise to Alaska, I had a well-dog visit in late March. I had just booked the Alaska cruise. I spoke to the office at that point to make the appointment and ask what they needed. My visit was 6 days before we flew out.

 

He is VERY particular about where he potties and will hold it for hours, 12-14 is his longest so far. My husband is so worried he will hold it too long and then relieve himself in the dining areas. I don’t see this happening, he has NEVER just relieved himself. Even when working with him as a puppy, 1 accident in the house and that is all.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Start working on this NOW! We built a box in the back yard. We filled it with mulch. We practiced using it. We decided we would only allow him to go in the box.

 

I was a mean SD mom. I needed to make sure he would go on command, and only go there. So, we started in the morning and went to the box and only the box. I forced him into the box, gave the potty command, gave a few minutes for him to sniff and hoped he would go. When he didn't, we went into the house, and I stuffed Scooter in his crate. 20ish minutes later, we went back outside to his box, I gave the command, and waited a few minutes, and when he still wouldn't go, he went back in his crate. After a couple of hours, he finally went in the box and I threw a PARTY. Lots of treats and praise!

 

He still wouldn't do a BM in the box, but we got him to reliably pee there. So we kept going. It was a long weekend, with all meals being fed in his crate, and taking him outside every 20 to 30 minutes. He finally got the clue. Once he went in the box with both functions, I let him stay out of his crate. Then it was ball time, he had really earned his reward.

 

I love seeing so many people confident with their disability and sd and not giving a **** what others think. Any encouragement would help. I am still so very worried about being a nuisance. My disease went from needing Halo for mobility to needing him for alert and me being with a cane or in a wheelchair. It is my good days and not “looking” disabled that are my hardest being out in public. I have family that even judges me. I get “but your brother is so much worse, he is dying of cancer.” I am no way trying to compete with him and it makes me feel so unworthy of what I need to function just because it isn’t a death sentence.

 

Just remember that no one else is walking in your shoes. You have your own challenges and limitations. After all, who would choose to haul a dog everywhere all the time? I constantly tell people that it is like taking a 2.5 or 3 year old everywhere. Is he a great dog? yes, but he limits what I can do plenty of the time. There are a couple of excursions that I took pre-dog that I'd never take the dog on. On the other hand, with dog I have different freedoms.

[rangeley]

Congrats on 1000 Roz!! [emoji173]️

 

Sent from my Pixel XL using Forums mobile app

[GUT2407]

I don’t comment here much but read t all. Love dogs and what they can do for us is just amazing.

[wizard-of-roz]

Congrats on 1000 Roz!! [emoji173]️

 

Sent from my Pixel XL using Forums mobile app

 

Thank you so much. You, John and Wexy are a big part of this thread....thank you for all your feedback and sharing your great cruises and family celebrations with us.

[GUT2407]

Says page 2000 on my screen.