Quampapetet

Hi Quam: I've been so busy with all the "stuff" you have to do, when traveling with a Service Dog (making sure all documentation is in order; picking up Brenda's Otiomax for her ears (she's very proned to ear infections and it's good to have on hand); liquid medicine in swab form, for her eyes and her ears; vitamin tabs and salmon oil; fancy collar/leash for formal nights; bandanas for everyday, her favorite toys, etc.) and it seems the work on my desk just doesn't go away!

Ah, good! I was worried something had happened to ya. It's a greater worry than usual when you're posting on a disability-related board, ya know?

You sound like me, with the special collars for formal events and bandannas for certain days. :) My girl already has a formal event decorative collar (big white rose on a black velvet scrunchie collar) that we've worn to other formal thing(s), but I just found a great little hair bow at a local pet store (one of those cutsie product types) that is black and white and will work great in addition to that collar for formal events like on the cruise! They had it in pink, too, but it worked better in b&w for matching with the collar, even though they both blend in with her really well since she's b&w herself. I need to get an oceany bandanna for her for the cruise. (I do have a fishy one for her, but I save that for our Bahama trips - I want something cruiseish for our cruise!) Our group has a pirate dress-up night and I already found a pirate map bandanna for that (as well as a black leather/pleather baseball hat that I'm gonna put a skull & crossbones image on).

Do you get the free Welactin (salmon oil + a few other good ingredients) from IAADP? We do and it is good.

When do ya go on your cruise? That way I will know not to worry about ya then! :)

I didn't mean to ignore you guys.....There's a "site" that was started by IAADP called "Disaboom", I've posted on it and since it's so new, I thought I'd share some of our travel experiences, etc.

 

Look into it....and since you all have so much to share, I'm sure they'd love to hear from you!

This is the first I've heard of that (which I'm surprised at, 'cause usually ppl on the SD lists I'm on post stuff like this), but I will definitely check it out! Thanks for the info.!

Hey, Roz, you okay? Or just on a cruise? Haven't heard from ya in a few days, so just checkin'! :)

Oz is a lover of cheddar cheese.

My dog LOVES cheese, too! I was just looking at a dog catalog earlier today - the dog.com one, I think - and there is a new baked cheese crumbles treat for dogs out (it is all-natural). I am definitely going to have to order that one! (Uhm, once the current stash of treats dwindles down, that is! I don't give her treats too often, yet couldn't make up my mind which ones to get so got a bunch. Now we have to wait a while before getting any more. Not in my dog's opinion, of course, but mine! Oh, and I highly recommend the Zuke's brand treats [they're all-natural]!)

Quam: When you say do I get a different Health Certificate for each country? My answer would be that I use the same Health Certificate for different cruises. Unless, we are outside of the expiration date.....because we cruise so often within a year, I use the same certificate for all; for instance:

If I were going to Canada/Alaska in September and then The Mexican Riviera in December and the Panama Canal, in January, I would put all of these countries on one Certificate (because they all fall within the same expiration date.)

 

As soon as a cruise falls outside of Brenny's immunization dates; off we go to the Vet to get a new one.

 

We cruise the Riviera often...so, that is the first Country I put on the form. I have left off countries (by accident) and, was never admonished or refused entry.

 

The completed form was all the Customs Inspector cared about....it didn't seem like the absence of writing down each country was an issue.

 

I hope this is helpful! And, I do hope our "paws" cross, one day! ;)

I'm not sure what certificate you're referring to, but I'm talking about the health certificate that expires in 10-30 days (depending on the receiving country and the form [regular vs. int'l]). The one that the countries take at least one copy from (rip it out of the pack). The one the US requires has to be within 10 days for entry and Mexico (one of my upcoming ports) within 72 hours of travel.

I know they don't look at the forms too carefully (unless it is a vet examining it, such as in the Bahamas), but I wouldn't want to use an old health certificate just in case somebody does know what they're looking for.

I'm hoping by "outside her immunizations" you're not meaning you get your dog vaccinated every year! That is so unhealthy and shortens their lives!

 

Quam: The first page of the "form" I mentioned, from Royal Caribbean, asks about Air/Sea Travel/Mobility/Wheelchairs/Visual and the various RCCL policies that relate to each. The second page asks about Hard of Hearing/Deaf, Diabetis/Oxygen needs and their policies. The third page asks about Pregnant/Dialysis and Guests currently undergoing medical treatment. It then has a section for special requests.

Wow, definitely not like the one I got! Weird.

This form is for our future Celebrity Cruises (which is owned by RCCL.) And, it is from Royal Caribbean International.

That is strange, especially since the form is from RCCL. Guess maybe it depends on the person you talk to at the time? Well, once I get all my stuff faxed to them (won't be 'til after my girl's annual vet exam this fall so they have a valid rabies, since it is due this year, and the most current titer results), I'm gonna call and ask to make sure they have everything I need to send 'em. If they need to have anything else, I'll have plenty of time to send it.

As far as the Health Certificate question, when the forms ask for the address or phone number of where I will be traveling to, I give them the name of the country i.e. Mexican Riviera/Canada/Panama, etc. and the Ship. This has always seemed to be sufficient enough for the 6 cruises "Miss Brenny" has been on.

"Miss Brenny" - cute nickname! :) I'm glad that'll be enough info. for the certificate. Do you get one for each country?

All the stories of getting pills down the throats of our pals, makes me laugh because, I swear, as long as it's not nailed to the floor, Brenda will eat it!!!!! So, swollowing pills has never been a problem.....thank goodness for that "Lab thing!"

That's great! Mine will eat any food, but she knows the unflavoured pills aren't treats, so will snub them. Anything else, though, she will eat - and then look for more, LOL! ;) (She doesn't eat while working, unless I say she can have a treat I hand her, of course.)

Quam: Is that beautiful black/white dog your service dog? What a cutie pie!!!!!!!!! I don't think I would be able to have him/her around without always smiling!;)

Yup, that's my service dog! :D Thanks for the compliments - I will tell her you said them (not that she needs any more to go to her head, ahahaha!). Yeah, she is really great to have around and she just adores me (as I adore her). :D 'Course, everywhere we go we hear, "What a cute puppy/dog!" "Isn't she the cutest thing?!" "Oh my gosh - she's gorgeous!" and all that - she definitely knows she is adorable!

One time I was brushing her in front of my mirror-door closet and I swear to you she was admiring herself in the mirror as I brushed her, thinking how gorgeous she was!!!!!! :p

Question for those who have cruised before: What do you put for the address and phone number of where you'll be at on your health certificates? Just the cruise ship's name for the address? And the line's emergency contact phone number?

Also, do you get a different set of certificates for each port you get off at? Or is one set enough?

Quampapetet Thanks for the advise. I have tried the throw into the throat trick to unsuccessfully. I have found that if I liquify it and put it with some water into a baby syringe it is much easier. Whatever it takes!

So your pooch thinks she's a baby! ;) As long as the vet says it is okay to do that to the pill' date=' whatever works!

Quampapetet I would love to see your "puppy" I can just see her looking at the cupcakes and deciding how many she can have then moving all of the others around on the plate. Too cute:D

It wasn't my dog that did that, sorry. That was megr1125 who posted about having a dog that did that.

My dog has only attempted counter surfing three times (none recently): lapping up leftover beef stew from a plate left on the edge of the counter by the sink; stealing a muffin from the kitchen table (we were holding a family reunion so there was a lot of food and a lot of ppl about) and eating it on a bed in the closest bedroom (leaving the muffin paper behind); and an unsuccessful attempt to steal a sfogliatella off a kitchen counter when everybody was in the next room watching a game on TV (I saw her doing the paws-up on the counter, scolded her, and she dropped the pastry). But, if you want to see pix of her anyway, you can see some on her Web site: www.thatcutedog.com .

Quampapetet Valentine is one of those dogs that can eat her way around a pill. Drives me crazy becuse she has allergies and must take anithistimines every now and then. They are bitter and she will do anything but swllow them. She is a Japanese Chin and has kind of football shaped head and no nose to speak of so it is hard to hold her head and get that tiny mouth to open let alone keep hold of it till she swallows and just when you think she has it down she starts her routine and there it is.

If you press the pad of your thumb against the dog's upper gum above and slightly behind the canine teeth, it causes the mouth to open.

If you have another human in the house with you, perhaps one can hold her body and then you can try holding her mouth closed 'til she swallows. (Remember to throw the pill way in the back to the throat - get it past the tongue and she won't taste it, or if you put it far back enough, it forces the dog to swallow when the pill hits, so there's no fuss.)

Alternatively, get a piller. It is a plastic device you put the pill in, insert it into the dog's mouth, and it shoots the pill down the dog's throat.

Let's just say one of them got into some cupcakes-and carefully rearranged the others on the plate so we wouldn't notice there were a few M.I.A.

:eek: Now that's impressive!! :D

My dog's breed is known for counter surfing (although she's only tried it three times in her life [since I've had her, anyway] and not recently), so I'm always reading hilarious stories on the breed list I'm on. Some of them are downright amazing jaw-droppers trying to figure out how on earth the dog got to the items or ate them without setting a booby trap off or whatnot.

I've heard of some dogs who cleaned their bowls of food completely - except the medication their owner hid deep inside the food was left in the bowl! (When I had to give my dog meds, I just pilled her - opened her mouth, threw the pill down her throat, held her mouth closed, rubbed her throat, blew on her nose, and didn't release her mouth 'til she'd swallowed and licked her nose [can't lick without swallowing!]. Easy peasy! I don't have to do that for her heartworm/worm prevention, though, as Interceptor is a tiny beef-flavored pill [about the size of a round Tylenol] that she readily accepts as a treat.)

And, yes, I think my dog thinks she's human sometimes. ;)

 

RCCL is now sending you, as soon as you book, a form (3 pages), that must be filled out and faxed back to their Access Department. It asks questions about your disability and special needs.

I only got one page to fill out and fax back to them. What was on your three pages?

Mine was just three yes/no questions (need Braille menus? Need Braille daily newsletters? Have a service dog?) and then a statement of what the person's disability was (had visual impairment on there, so I had to cross that out since that's not my disability) and then a few bullet points of their policies (i.e. they provide a 4'x4' box of Cypress mulch as a potty spot for SDs, all supplies must be at the pier by a certain time on embarkation day, the paper work they need for SDs, etc.). Then it had a place to sign and date it.

It is my understanding that to cruise with Royal Carribean a service dog needs an international health certificate, even if the SD will not be leaving the ship. Is this correct, or will just a regular health certificate from your vet be enough?

You need to call RCCL and ask them for the official answer on this. I would think you would need the int'l one, though, since you will need it to get back into the US off the ship. But, my opinion counts for nothing, so call the Access Desk and ask - and think about getting the int'l one just in case, even if they say the other one is fine.

An international health certificate must be filled out by your vet first, then sent/taken to the state department for processing. It is good for 30 days. Does the 30 days start on the date the vet signs it or the date the state department signs it.

You'll have to check with your vet about this, to see if this is the process and to see when the 30 days begins. I haven't had to go through this process for an int'l certificate before - the vet just fills it out and signs it. But maybe your vet isn't certified to do that for int'l certificates or something (there is only one vet in the practice we go to that is certified for such, so she has to be the one doing the certificate for us). It is always a good idea to ask your vet about stuff like this in advance, anyway, as they may know more about the requirements than you can find on the Web.

Can anyone who has knowledge in these areas please answer. I seem to be getting conflicting information :confused: and would like input from those who have personal knowlege.

 

Thanks

The best place to get info. on issues like this is from the authorities (in this case, the cruise line, the vet, and the governments of the US and the countries the ship is going to). A message board can be a great resource for some things, but for official matters like this, it is best to go to the official sources. Yes, it may take a chunk of time, but I'm sure you'd rather be certain on the requirements over taking a chance on not being able to go on your vacation (or worse)! :)

I've also have had, on occasion, the folks who stare at us; don't move; and actually watch (while standing right in front of us), to see just how we're going to maneuver the walk space (with them not making any room for the service dog to walk!) I never can figure these people out and just what they're thinking! :( :rolleyes:

Some ppl, for whatever reason, feel the need to test ppl's SDs. Since many of them also think all SDs are guide dogs, they feel the need to create physical barriers and get entertainment out of seeing how the dog leads the "blind" person around them. :rolleyes: These are prob'ly the same ppl who bark at or try to frighten an SD while it is working. :rolleyes:

In other words, some ppl are just plain stupid!! :p

Quam: I'm like you....I don't gamble....I'm a very poor sport when it comes to throwing away money. We would go for the shows/food and shopping...and, Brenda's "stalking" (in a casino setting) was hysterical. She would see someone's purse or bag near the slot machines or sitting in back of them, at a gaming table and she would stare at it (she has been trained to assist in getting/ picking up things), and she would wait for my command, of which I never gave. But, it was interesting to watch her face as her attention was diverted from time to time. And, I'm sure if I commanded her to do so, she would have retrieved any purse I requested her to......how scary is that?

Haha, that is cute! She must've thought that all those ppl had dropped their purses and needed them to be retrieved! Too funny.

My girl retrieves for me (both dropped things and things I want her to get), but doesn't stalk things.

We were told during training how these dogs could easily be abused, when put in the wrong hands. Can you imagine a thief using Brenda to steal purses? I don't even want to go there!

Yeah, as I read your story, I was thinking, "Gee, she could've had her dog steal for her and nobody would've noticed!" Not that you would, of course! But I'm surprised ppl were just leaving their purses laying around like that. I'll bet they do have a lot of thefts at places like that.

And, for some reason, none of which we can explain; when we are in a crowded casino or in a crowded area of people, in general; she will walk in front of me (as opposed to beside me), as if leading me. If I were to put on sun glasses, I would definetly look as if I were using a seeing eye dog!

With or without sunglasses, some folks think my girl is a guide dog. They don't realize the difference between a guide harness and an upright mobility harness. She does pull me (as she's trained to do), so that might add to it. And if I am outside wearing sunglasses, well, you can guess - I get the comment even moreso!

We and the trainers are not clear why she does this, other than to be in a "protective" and "leading" me through the masses, kind of mode!

 

I've stopped correcting for this.......:rolleyes:

Perhaps she doesn't like crowds and/or is afraid of being stepped on? I hope she's not being protective - that's not a good trait for SDs!

I don't know what's up with my TA's changes (within his office), the owner of the company (a huge online service company), wants to "monitor" all handicapped/special needs requests. I like this gentleman and will continue to use him...you should see the questionnaire that I have to fill out for Celebrity....

"Monitor" the requests? That sounds a little weird to me. Have you tried asking them for more info. on that? But maybe it is just because some other agents have failed at their job to pass on the special needs requests to the cruise lines (like what happened with my friend's friend and myself).

We last took Celebrity in 2005 and we didn't have to fill out this form.....as I read on I can see that the questions asked are really about any special needs that I may have and that they may be able to fulfill for me. i.e.; special menues or ship newspapers (for the blind), special assistance with wheelchair or with an emergency; special orientation tour of the ship (they remind me that a 4x4 wooden box, filled with cyprus mulch, will be provided.) They offer special devices for listening, in the shows or in your room. They are so kind and willing to help in any way!

The one RCCL sent me was made for blind/visually impaired ppl - even the listed medical condition was listed as that (I had to cross it out so they didn't have on file a condition I don't have!). They even had a typed year for where I have to sign and date it - and it was 2006. Yet, the file was created the day they e-mailed it to me (of course - it had my name and cruise info. on it). I got a chuckle outta that one. :)

Because, Carnival (Elation), itself, had a very difficult time getting the "potty box" right, in May, 2007. (I pushed the point to the Hotel Manager, that they had made a huge mistake and we got a 15% off of our next Carnival cruise!) We'll see how she does in January, 2008 (Pride.)

I hope you don't have any issues this time!

Quam: We've realized with the price of gas, that it is more cost effective and much more fun to cruise than take a land based vacation. We try and take as many cruises as we can leaving from L.A./Long Beach or San Diego; all of which are driving distances from our home. :) We still take an occasional trip to San Francisco to visit relatives but Las Vegas doesn't hold the same interest for us, anymore! And, we used to do that trip, at least 3 times a year. Brenda loved making her way through busy casinos; like she was on a safari, stalking out the prey!

 

I've been on my job for over 10 years and that gives me 4 weeks paid vacation......I will be taking full advantage of that in 2008!

I normally fly to my land vacations, but the summer home is driving there (but not too long - just an hour and a half) as are some other places, depending on my starting point.

I've never been to the west coast of the US before, though. I'd love to go to Vegas just to see La Nouba's "O"! (I'm not a gambling person.) I'd love to visit a couple friends of mine out near that coast, too. Someday.... :)

So, did Brenda bring you luck in the casinos with all that stalking?? ;)

We'll be doing Princess, on September 30th and they've asked for an updated "Department of Food and Agriculture" Certificate (first time they've ever asked for this.) Usually, only NCL will ask for it. Doesn't hurt to have one. I'll pick up one from my Vet, today.

 

I just booked a 15 day cruise to Hawaii, on the Celebrity, Mercury and Hawaii must have a Rabies Titer blood test, before she can enter Hawaii. So, we'll have to have this done prior to that cruise.

Okay, how on earth do you afford cruising so much?! :eek: Do you not take land trips or something? It amazes me how often some of the folks on this board (Cruise Critic, I mean - not the Disabilities section in particular) take cruises. I'm only going on one 'cause it was too good a deal to pass up, especially since I haven't seen my friend in too long (can't wait to see her again!). (The deal was super good - I'm solo in a D1 balcony for less than with the current prices one person [out of two] would pay for a double-occupancy window room and less than what two ppl together [or one solo person] would pay for a double-occupancy inside room! :D ) I am not a fan of boats and being "stuck" in the middle of the ocean, so we'll see how this all works out.... :p

Also, my TA has just informed me that his supervisor wants all service dog clients to go through their "special needs" department...He's going to keep working with me....until he's formally told to stop. I like being able to work with the same TA who knows my personal likes and dislikes! We'll see!!!

Why would he be formally told to stop? By the cruiselines or by the company he works with? I don't see why booking your cruises would be a problem, special needs or not. You can still call special needs yourself even if you use a TA to book the trip (that's what I did).

Quam: Let's be helpful towards one another....it's enough that we have to deal with people in the "public" who can be adversarial...WE need to SUPPORT each other and celebrate our differences....we have so much in common and yet, we are so different!

:confused: Not sure what that's all about.

Be well, take care of your girl.....Brenda is always called a "he!": What's HIS name?; how old is "HE"?; what does "HE" do? Brenda doesn't seem to mind and when I go to leave and I give her the command; "BRENDA, LET'S GO!" They ALWAYS give me a smile!

I wonder why most ppl think of dogs as "he"? I wonder if the same ppl think of cats as "she"? But, hey, even my close extended family members have trouble remembering my dog is a "she", LOL.

The whole hot pink collar thing doesn't help like I originally thought it would! Maybe I should've gotten her mobility harness in hot pink, too, LOL!!!!! :eek: Okay, that'd be a bit scary! Natural leather colors work just fine! ;)

I'll bet if she wore one of those bandannas that say "Birthday Girl" on it (on/around her birthday, of course), ppl would still say "he".

I found the cutest formal-looking bow for her hair the other day at a local pet store. It'll go well with her big white rose on a velvet collar that she wears to formal/Ritz-y events. I'll have to try to remember how many "he" comments we get when she has both on....

Without exception, I have been asked by cruiselines to fax Oslo's medical docs to them, before a cruise. I always carry copies of all docs.

His vaccination records or an actual health certificate? RCCL wants proof of immunity to the common diseases, but not the health certificate faxed in advance (I specifically asked the lady about that). Which is good, since I can't get the certificate for that trip 'til the evening before I leave. I could always fax the one I'll be using the month before, but they said they don't need it.

Also as I live in Canada, Oslo needs to have an International Health Certificate - Government of Canada stamped and signed by a Government vet. The form is already filled out by our vet with all the info, including shots. The Government of Canada vet certifies it and then it becomes a legal document.

 

This Government of Canada form is needed for travel outside Canada and must be done within 10 days of departure. In particular, US Immigration looks at this form, when we are entering the US.

Sounds like a bit of extra work to get your int'l health certificate up there. Here, there is an approved vet at the vet practice we go to, so she's the one who does the whole int'l health certificate for us.

The US needs a 10 day or less old certificate to enter (although, what do you do if you're on a cruise that is more than 10 days? I guess they make an exception??).

Hope everyone is having a good day:)

Same with you. :)

When we got off the ship in Ixtapa and in Acapulco the ship had given Brenda's Doc's to Custom's. I carry a copy of everything, along with my Passport, just in case I'm asked again, while off the ship and when re-boarding.

So the ship handles it, then. When did you give them the docs - when you checked in or boarded the ship for the first time?

Yeah, I make too many copies of the needed papers and other papers that aren't required but may come in handy (and they have! My vet forgot to write down on the health certificate that the rabies was the three-year, but I had no problems since I had the rabies certificate with me which, of course, has that info. on it).

 

Usually, your dogs working vest will get you both into most public arenas. I have a "Permit" (It states: "This specially trained Canine Team is Hereby entitled to all rights, privileges and access to common carriers or public accommodations as provided by law") it has a Permit Number, her Tatoo number and a picture of her and me and the ADA Rules/Regulations as to admittance rights, on the back. I have used this"Permit" exactly 3 times in the past 5 years. It really drove the "point" home when I was asked to leave the lobby of a hotel and I "whipped" it out. It really leaves no question in anyone's mind! It's great for cruising and travel in general!

Please remember that when you flash an ID card to a business, it may teach them that every team has one and they will refuse access to future teams that go there without one! Businesses need to learn the law, which includes never requiring an ID card or certification (neither of which are required by federal law). If you flash a card, it only makes access harder for those who either don't have a card or know not to flash it for access.

In countries that don't have access laws, you may need to use it and that's okay.

Every service dog org. who trains, should have some sort of "Permit" that the Graduate Team can use. It just simplifies things for everyone and makes for an easier journey.

Any card or ID given by a service dog organization or trainer is not a "permit", as there is no such thing in the US. And, like I said above, flashing such only makes things harder for those who don't have a card (either at all or with them at the time) and/or who know that it isn't a good idea to ever show it to gain access to a place that is under the ADA or ACAA.

You should join at least one online service dog user group - there are many to choose from. They are really great to learn from and to vent in and to just talk about SDs in general. I think you'd have a good time!

Proof off all Vaccinations and your dogs good health, for travel, is gotten upon completion of the Vet Exam. The State of California Department of Food and Agricultural Certificate (movement of small animals from one country to another) was only requested by NCL....no other cruiseline has asked for this. It shows proof of Vaccination and use of Heartguard.

Yes, I know this. I was just asking if you meant the health certificate by the title of that or if it was something else NCL asked you for. I don't recall the actual name of the thing (plus I'm not in CA, so it'd prob'ly be different), but figured that was the health certificate.

Quam, there's a lot of duplication, when it comes to proof required by the public...I'm sure your used to this, by now! :) Or, at least have acquired a thicker skin for those who ask, over and over again!

I very rarely have an access challenge, but when I do, it is just about insisting that the laws are the laws and not caving into things that go against the laws (i.e. telling them your disability, showing ID/certification, etc.). Most of the time, the only questions I get are, "What breed is that?" "What's his/her name?" (usually "his", despite the hot pink collar 'round her neck :rolleyes:), etc. with the occassional question of if I need a Braille menu or telling me where there is a step (or how many more are left) or asking if I'm partially sighted (just got that one last week and answered, "No," not thinking the person would then think I was completely blind, but thinking they'd realize I wasn't visually impaired at all, LOL! Whoops!).

The Fleet Medical Department does not track the specific regulations

regarding bringing animals into the countries to which the ship will be in port. It is the responsibility of the passenger to contact the Port Agents in the countries in which they will be disembarking to determine specific policies and possible permits that may be required. Please contact the Shore Operations Department by fax: 661.753.0163.

 

I hope the above is somewhat helpful. Although, you might not be cruising on Princess...It's pretty much standard-wide, in terms of requirements for service dogs.

Yes, but I mean when you get off the boat - do you stop and show the paperwork to the country yourself? Or does the ship do that for you when they handle the stuff for getting all the passengers cleared?

WHAT HAS BEEN ASKED FOR:

1. RABIES INFORMATION (Expiration Date;Tag#;Serial #;Type of Vaccine)

2. RABIES VACC. CERT.(This Cert. has all the info. of the Vet & the VACC)

3. ANIMAL LICENSE (from the city in which you live.)

I wonder what they do for ppl whose cities/counties don't have licenses? Glad RCCL didn't ask me for one, since my place of residence only has rabies tags, not licenses (we kill two birds with one stone - it makes sense to!).

4. STATE DEPT. OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE CERT. (from your vet.)

Do you mean the health certificate? RCCL only asks for any import permits that may be needed to enter some countries. They don't need copies of the health certificates (which is helpful, since they're gotten in the rush of leaving and all).

5. DOGS PERMIT/LICENSE WITH NUMBER (from training/service agency.)

There's no such thing (they can call it what they want, but it isn't anything official like a real permit or license from the gov't) and it is illegal to ask for a certification, since it isn't required by law. RCCL also asks for certification.

6. YOUR PASSPORT/DRIVERS LICENSE

My group cruise director asked everybody to send copies of their passport picture page in, so I assume that's for RCCL - but it could just be for the TA to verify everything is spelled right and all on the final docs. She didn't say. No request for a license, though.

Along with any forms (from cruise line), I additionally have been requested to send the above information. I also enclose information about dining requirements and potty box requests.

 

I hope some of this helps!

 

RCCL had a one-page "form" saying they will provide a potty box, asking if I needed Braille menus or Braille daily newsletters or had a service dog. It outlined a few bullet points (i.e. dog can only potty in the potty box and nowhere else on the ship [duh! :rolleyes: ], what info. they need on the dog, that supplies must be delivered to the pier X amount of time before the cruise launches off, etc.) and then had a place to sign and date it. Very simple.

They also asked for vaccination info. (vet records). Everything must be sent in by two weeks prior to sailing.

Question for those of you who have cruised with your SD before:

When you enter the different countries, do you handle the dog papers (i.e. health certificates, import permits, etc.) with the country yourself or does the ship do this for you when they handle all the other stuff for the passengers with the country?

I've only done international by plane, so have handled the papers myself, obviously.

 

And, she does exactly what yours does; she'll sniff out the spot; do her circles; squat down and then (while still squatting) move herself to another spot.

Haha, that's funny that she moves while still squatting! Mine doesn't, she gets up if she chooses a different pee spot. Sometimes while pooping she'll take a step or two while still doing a bit of a squat. I wonder what dogs think of us, who sit still while doing our business (and do it indoors, of all things)?! :p

 

I took Brenda for a Vet check yesterday and told the doctor how much I find myself talking to Brenda and just laying beside her and kissing her face.....I couldn't help but tear-up and so did the doctor!

They're so easy to love, ain't so?! I love to love on my dog. And, yeah, I talk to her all the time - but in public when I'm talking to myself (i.e. trying to find an item in a store), it really helps 'cause then ppl just think I'm talking to her instead of looking at me like I'm crazy! :D :p So, now when I'm aware I'm talking out loud, I direct my questions and thoughts to her instead of myself. ;)

That's funny that yours circles in the same spot (is it like a slowish spin? That's what I'm picturing when you say what she does).

Mine has to sniff around to find just the right spot. Occassionally, she'll squat in a spot she just sniffed out but then get up a split second later, deciding that nope, that wasn't the right spot, LOL. She'll take a few steps (while sniffing again) and then really go. So weird!

I'm hoping that on the cruise ship she won't do what my late cat used to do in her litter box: squat fully in the box, but so the butt is so close to the edge that the poop falls out of the box! Boy was that annoying to clean up!! :p

... And who ever thought we'd be sitting here on a cruise board talking about dog pottying idiosyncrasies?! LOL!!

Quam, I now know that dogs in training don't fall under the airline access laws. However our first guide dog puppy flew 13 flights with my DH and/or me. She changed planes in Chicago O'Hare and Houston Intl. We flew on 4 airlines with her (United, USAirways, ExpressJet and Continental). But last May when I went to fly with our current guide dog puppy on Southwest she was denied boarding. (this is all explained in the blog - see above for the address.) I wanted to give the lastest puppy the learning experience of flying and learning not to freak out.

Remember that it also depends on who is working the airport/flight that day. The ppl who let you on may not have been clear on the airline's rules (airlines can have a rule allowing in-training dogs if they want - they just normally don't) or may not have realized your dog was in training or may not have wanted to put up a battle or may have been big dog lovers or may have realized it is good training, etc.

Does your school have training sessions for the pups on planes? I know some schools take a group of pups flying (with no other passengers on the plane - just ppl from the school) on a prior arrangement with an airline. I don't recall what airline(s) do this or which, if any, allow in-training dogs.

I was told by Southwest staff that they don't even let pets fly in the planes. (I later saw a tv show where Southwest allowed penguins on a flight and they even walked up and down the aisle!) I could have gotten a puppy sitter, and later did, but the point was to help the puppy learn about flying and to take him with me for other experineces where I was visiting.

Yeah, a lot of airlines are cutting back on pets both in the cabin and below in the baggage hold. Never heard of penguins running all over a plane, though! That would be a sight to see! :) Those little critters are so cute!

It would be especially helpful for our organization, Guide Dogs of Texas, to be able to take the dogs in training on Southwest flights because we sometimes take a dog to another place in Texas to see if the dog would be a good match for a new client when we go to do an initial visit. Southwest has good connections and prices. We'll keep trying to see if we can't get Southwest to allow guide dogs in training to fly with qualified trainers. Roz, I'll check with IAADP to see if they could help.

Some airlines do allow trainers to take dogs with them if they are bringing them to their future handlers, but I don't know if initial visits would count for that.

I know I read on the JetBlue Web site that they do NOT accept in-training dogs. I don't think it is on Delta's Web site, but a lady there I was in contact with (over something else to do with SDs - I think it was that some planes are being made with the bulkhead as an exit row so that disabled ppl can't sit there - but she mentioned this) said they do not allow in-training dogs. I'm not sure about the others, but I do know some schools take dogs training on flights every now and again. I'm not sure who pays for it, though!

You inquired about what to do about the dogs and entrance onto Southwest....Are you a member of IAADP? (Independent Associtation of Assistance Dog Partners) they have a website...if so, contact them and they will direct you to help! (Even if you are not a member they still may be able to assist you in getting admission to an airline!)

Just wanted to say that the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners has a "Friend" level membership that anybody can join as, but in order to be a partner level (can't recall what they call it), one must be disabled and have a fully-trained service dog (no in-training dogs, even if it is the disabled person's dog for himself). Puppy raisers cannot join at the partner level.

Dogs in training don't fall under the airline access laws. You would have to either take the dog on as a pet (if it is too big to fit in a carrier under the seat, it would have to fly below in the hold) and pay the pet fees or plead with an airline to let you in the cabin with the dog (might want to have your school do that for you). Ask your school about the type of puppy raisers that take dogs temporarily when the regular puppy raiser family is on vacation if you can't take your dog with you. Oh yeah - if you've got the money, you could also find a private plane for rent that will allow the dog in the cabin with you. Or you can check out one of the new pet-friendly airlines that is trying to start up (as far as I know, neither of the two I know about has had a single flight yet).

Quam: CCI, upon graduation, fits all their graduate dogs with a proper fitting vest/harness or whatever is needed to make your life better. They will also replace the vest (at no cost) when it wears out or the dogs size changes. CCI also has HEARING DOGS AVAILABLE WITH *NO WAIT LIST for hearing dogs....just the normal interview process. *It's important to understand that this changes quickly. So, if you know of anyone who has the need for a *hearing/facility or skilled companion service dog please contact CCI. They are located all over the United States. I don't work for them....I'm just a very grateful graduate!

But not everybody may want the particular vest CCI gives them. I do know of ppl who use different vests from the one their program gave them, just as I use a different harness from the one my trainer tried to give me. (And I am SOOO happy I did that!! I know she was trying to save me money, but the harness I use is perfect for my needs - and doesn't hurt my wrist like hers did.)

I'm in contact every day with many SD handlers of all different types (guide, hearing, mobility, etc.) with the dog from different places (program, private trainer, owner-trained) who live around the world. They swap out gear all the time. And some sell their used gear on eBay to help them pay their bills.

Not every organization fits everyone's needs. That being said we MUST all be good steward's both to our working dogs as well as to the public. And, what fits for you may not fit for other's!

Uh, yes, that's my point. :)

I absolutely would NEVER recommend anyone order these vests online.......I am very troubled by the ease of ordering online and what it opens up to ANYONE who can do this.......and, the problems that it makes for legitimate service dogs and the downgrading of our legitimacy!

There is nothing wrong with a legit SD owner ordering a new vest online. Not everybody has gone through a program or through a program that gives their own vests out (and where do you think many programs get their vests? These companies!) - or not everybody likes the vest their program gives out (or the vest they got was dirty, broken, or didn't fit well).

There is definitely something wrong with a pet owner ordering a vest. But if they didn't order it, they could just make their own, anyway, so it really doesn't make a difference. Liars and scofflaws will be liars and scofflaws.

Brenda has had 2 years of formal training...I had to live on CCI's campus and go through rigorous classes and training with several service dogs and then have daily written, oral and hands-on testing in order for me to EARN my public access license; and, she must be re-certified every 1 to 3 years, depending on her abilities in order to earn HER public access.

Yes, my dog and I have gone through a lot for our certification, as well (though different from your process, as you didn't have your dog through the training, but for a few weeks), and recertification happens every two years. However, certification is not required in the US. Many ppl train their own SDs and don't have anybody to certify them. There aren't enough program dogs for everybody who needs them - you know how long the waitlists are - and there aren't programs to fit everybody's needs, either. As long as their dogs fit the SD standard (do tasks that the human needs due to their disability and have top-notch public access skills), there is nothing wrong with that. They have to get vests somewhere.

Between $25,000 and $35,000 is invested into these service dogs to qualify them to become the workers that they are.....and then Ebay comes along and offers a "Service Dog" vest to anyone who can pay for it. And, then they bring their pets into public places; they're not trained; they act badly and give all of us a "bad name!"

Yes, some idiots do that. And some businesses don't know enough to kick such dogs out - even if the dogs were real SDs they could legally kick them out for ill behaviour (such as continually barking during a movie). And some ppl train their pets in public access and pass them off as SDs 'cause they need a security blanket (er, security dog) to make them feel warm and fuzzy. It is a problem, but the problem isn't caused by eBay vests. The problem is the ppl doing it, wanting to bring Fluffy and Muffy where they do not belong. And obviously not understanding the needs of disabled ppl.

I have purchased a vest online in the past and if I needed another one (which I don't, since I don't use a vest), I would do it again. I also purchased my custom mobility harness online (didn't like the one from my trainer - it hurt my wrists and the handle couldn't be put down for going under tables and being in a down for a while and all), from a company/person who also sells to some programs. The pack I use with the harness I altered from a pet dog backpack and embroidered myself. Nothing wrong with any of that 'cause I have a real SD, who also happens to be certified. Now, if I did it for a pet, then there would be something seriously wrong with that. (But for the price of the harness, I don't think any pet owner would go that far!! :p )

I think the schools are working with more poodles or poodle mixes, to assist with the allergy issue.

That's one of the things I like about my dog's breed, too: non-shedding and hypoallergenic. I stayed at one of my friend's houses once (after she moved to a different state so I went to visit her) and she has three dogs. Oh my gosh, the fur!!!!! :eek:

Does anyone know where I can order a new guide jacket? Our school has gone to a heavy padded nylon jacket with zippers and metal rings. A real problem when going through security at the airports. Oslo sets off the alarms.

My dog always sets off the airport security alarms, even before the mobility harness (which has a lot of metal parts). So, I just expect that it will take us longer to go through security 'cause they have to pat her down. (Here in the US they only pat down whoever rang the alarm - if it was just the dog, just the dog does the pat down. That's why I always send my dog ahead of me, so then only she has to get the pat down and I don't, since I didn't ring the alarm. If we went through together, we'd both have to do it.)

I love his old one, it is simply a nylon/cotton jacket with velcro fasteners and the writing on both sides and the top. It is the International bright orange colour for guide dogs for the deaf.

 

Any help will be appreciated.

There are plenty of places online you can order them. Lots of different styles to choose from. The place I would recommend no longer makes them to order, so I can't recommend them to ya. :( But, if you do a Google search, you'll find the places. :) I would think most of them should have the orange color, since, as you stated, it is the color for hearing dogs.