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

Question: have you used, do you recommend PetTravel.com?

 

https://www.pettravelstore.com/pages/Contact-Us.html

 

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They're a business and like any business they offer their information for a cost. It's the "American way!" Also, be aware that their information is for "pets". When you are traveling with a "Service Dog", a "highly trained and skilled" dog, life is very different. And, you will bring your dog into circumstances and environments that a "pet" would "NEVER" be allowed.

Also, something that I did not mention is that when you cruise to Hawaii, your ship must make a stop in a foreign port. This is part of the Jones Act which requires ALL ships to stop in a foreign port when they are cruising to USA ports. Usually, Hawaii cruises will make a one day stop in Mexico at the end of their voyage. Mexican ports require the Aphis 7001 form to be completed by a licensed Vet, again in entirety, with NO ABBREVIATIONS. You'll use the same form that you used for the Hawaii Ports.

You are in good company - Finding Roz and these posts when I received my service dog four years ago made a big difference in my life. I never would have considered taking her on a cruise otherwise. I think all the “regulars” here share your appreciation.

Thank you Chris, it is such a joy to be able to travel with my fur-partner in every mode of transportation. When I first cruised with Brenda in 2004, it was very scary and we were treated very badly, by every cruise line we ventured on. But, I wasn't going to give up!

I had no idea what to ask for and had some very frustrating and unhappy experiences. I wish I could have turned to a thread like this one to help me from the beginning.

I made a promise to myself that I'd share my experiences with others so that they could cruise with their Service Dogs and have truly joyful vacations, as they should!

Agreed Chris - would not have considered cruising with my service dog if I had not found this thread. I think Roz has given us all the confidence we need!

 

Dianne

 

 

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Thank you Dianne!

Happy weekend everyone. Stay safe and cool! Please keep all your pets safe and as cool as you can.

We're having some terrible fires here in California. Thank goodness Horton and I live in the middle of the city and are in no danger, our hearts go out to all who are affected. Take care!

I do not use a service animal for health reasons, but thanks to those of you who do use service dogs, I've learned a lot about your woes caused by fakes.

So, I ask you this...

Can a legin service dog be detected by it's behavior?

I read that they do not receive the high level of training that a guide dog does because the owners train their dogs for specific disabilities.

I would think those same dogs are able to be trained how to behave (most likely are, I assume).

It has been my experience that rude dogs are not trained well because they are spoiled bratty pets.

Have only seen one onboard a ship, a large dog in the buffet which lunged at other passengers' plates of food.

I do not like to be approached, pounced on, licked, having my leg violated, nipped, food stolen, etc.

And I hate the "Pet Parent" claims that:

"S(he) just wants to say Hi." as pet dog is slurping, or has itself wrapped around a leg.

"S(he) is just giving you a little kiss." as pet dog takes a bite.

I hope some day, the pets will be banned from places they shouldn't be allowed.

Before, I get accused of hating dogs, I've owned dogs before my illness. I loved them, but I trained them not to be pests. They knew their place in the pack & were not allowed to be alphas.

Please disregard the above post...I found the answer to my question on another forum.

Meanwhile, I hope the service dogs enjoy their travels and the fakes stay home.

Thank you for a informative post

Please disregard the above post...I found the answer to my question on another forum.

 

Meanwhile, I hope the service dogs enjoy their travels and the fakes stay home.

First, let me just say that if you see a dog "lunging at someone in the public forum", please call them out. First, talk to the handler and let them know that you know that their dog is NOT properly trained to be out in the public. And, that you would prefer that they leave their misbehaving dog in their cabin or you will file a formal complaint.

A properly trained Service Dog will NEVER lunge at anyone, anywhere, anytime. Nor will it have fleas, or any skin lesions.

I have witnessed a "fake" Service Dog and its handler, along with her luggage, being escorted off the ship in San Diego and the handler was asked to find transportation back to L.A.

I am personally insulted and offended by people who try to bring their pets with them where ever they go. And, their pets are obnoxious and dangerous to be around. If I see one I will warn the handler and then I will do all that I can to have it removed from my presence.

I don't want to be around a nippy, sniffing, barking, whining or lunging animal onboard my expensive vacation!

Move my daughter and her boyfriend into the dorms tomorrow and Thursday. My husband will be gone for several weeks starting Saturday. I am going to start the potty box training for Halo and consistently, since it will just be me here and I won't have to worry about someone opening up his dog door or just letting him out.

Not much else going on on my end. I did order a new wheelchair. I found a travel, electric wheelchair that looks so much easier than my travel scooter. I never thought I would be excited about a wheelchair, but I am going to be able to tow my luggage behind me and travel more independently.

Roz, I am glad a cruise ship removed a disruptive dog. So many businesses are so afraid of getting sued that is how all the fakes are getting away with it.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Linda and Halo

Very interesting thread posted on the RCI board:

Royal Caribbean banning emotional support animals

Very interesting thread posted on the RCI board:

 

 

Royal Caribbean banning emotional support animals

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You don't have problems with people approaching him when you do this?

 

I do have booties for him. My trainer taught me, if it is too hot for you to walk on, it is too hot for your dog. I love this and I won't walk on those sun decks barefoot.

 

When I take him to the beach or other outside pools, I have a small chair umbrella I hook to the lower part of a lounge chair, place his towel - yes he has his own beach towel, under the shade, I have a mini portable fan that I set up in front of him, put his water bowl in the shade and place a couple frozen water bottles out for him to lick on or lean against.

 

Yes, I take care of him more than I did more daughter when she was a toddler:)

 

Linda and Halo

Have you looked into a cooling mat? My uncle had one for his service dog - our front porch got a lot of sun so when he would come over, he brought this blue, cooling mat with him. The dog could lay comfortably on it and gave the benefit of giving the dog his own space (the dog also knew that when he was on that mat, he was "off duty" and could relax). I don't know about all of them but his rolled up like a yoga mat and was easy to clean (really well trained dog but boy did that thing shed).

I have witnessed a "fake" Service Dog and its handler' date=' along with her luggage, being escorted off the ship in San Diego and the handler was asked to find transportation back to L.A.[/b'][/color]

I hope you & others who witnessed her departure cheered & jeered.

Too bad it wasn't a foreign port so she would have to deal with all the quarantine hassles.

Perhaps then she would consider if her scam was worth the savings of boarding & travel to the embarkation port.

Forgot to add that she would find out that airlines in other countries aren't required by law to fly her foo foo dog for free.

Move my daughter and her boyfriend into the dorms tomorrow and Thursday. My husband will be gone for several weeks starting Saturday. I am going to start the potty box training for Halo and consistently, since it will just be me here and I won't have to worry about someone opening up his dog door or just letting him out.

 

 

Not much else going on on my end. I did order a new wheelchair. I found a travel, electric wheelchair that looks so much easier than my travel scooter. I never thought I would be excited about a wheelchair, but I am going to be able to tow my luggage behind me and travel more independently.

 

 

Roz, I am glad a cruise ship removed a disruptive dog. So many businesses are so afraid of getting sued that is how all the fakes are getting away with it.

 

 

 

I hope everyone is doing well.

 

 

Linda and Halo

Halo will have the potty box down and be a genius at using one. You're going to be so glad that you did this training.

Very interesting thread posted on the RCI board:

 

 

Royal Caribbean banning emotional support animals

They should have NEVER allowed this to begin with. If a ship is going to allow Service Dogs they should be following the DOJ and ADA standards and laws.

Of course this means that my next Service Dog will be a Minature Horse. ;p

Have you looked into a cooling mat? My uncle had one for his service dog - our front porch got a lot of sun so when he would come over, he brought this blue, cooling mat with him. The dog could lay comfortably on it and gave the benefit of giving the dog his own space (the dog also knew that when he was on that mat, he was "off duty" and could relax). I don't know about all of them but his rolled up like a yoga mat and was easy to clean (really well trained dog but boy did that thing shed).

Must have been a Lab.......they shed a new dog every day. There are definitely months that they're worse than others.....but, they do shed every day.

I love, adore and deeply respect the Seeing Eye Dog......that said.....when the handler is resting, the dog is resting. When the Hearing Dog's handler is resting the Hearing Dog has to over-ride, and think about what's happening in their environment. He must make a decision to "alert" the handler to noises in their environment i.e. a fire alarm going off, a phone ringing, someone knocking on the door. He must "alert" the handler and actually sleeps with one eye [ear] open ALL THE TIME!

Talk about a brilliant dog and heavy training necessary to teach this dog the skills necessary to be a true "sentry" in every environment. Imagine, doing this job in strange surroundings, filled with lots and lots of foreign sounds.

My respect quotient goes up to one-zillion when I meet a Hearing Dog and watch them do their job. Sometimes their subtle gestures, known by only the Handler and the dog, are pure genius at it's finest! This, of course does not dismiss the difficult tasks and thoughtfulness required to be a Seeing Eye Dog, they are true heroes.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. :p Don't you just love all the great "doggie" movies that are out!

Of course this means that my next Service Dog will be a Minature Horse. ;p

We've met Confetti! She's famous!

Confetti is a guide animal... has been in service longer than a guide dog.

So I just got off the phone with USSDA and made my appointment for Certification of our Health Certificate. My local office resolved so much anxiety and validated not only what I found here in this thread but also my understanding of the process and I am so grateful that I was able to have everything done properly with the guidance that I’ve received so far.

I guess my point here is that the original poster who has given us so much information and instruction is absolutely validated after my conversation with the veterinarian at the USDA office.

So we are ready to fly we are ready to cruise we are ready to cross state lines and enter any country globally.

Again thank you so so very much for all of the information that was provided here.

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What a miracle to see this little genius waiting to help someone have a better life!

Thank you so much for sharing this great picture!

We've met Confetti! She's famous!

Confetti is a guide animal... has been in service longer than a guide dog.

 

Service Minature Horses can live more than 20 years.......Can you imagine having your service animal with you for that long.......it would be wonderful, our dogs lives are way too short. I wonder how this little hero would do if it wanted to sleep with you? ;p

So I just got off the phone with USSDA and made my appointment for Certification of our Health Certificate. My local office resolved so much anxiety and validated not only what I found here in this thread but also my understanding of the process and I am so grateful that I was able to have everything done properly with the guidance that I’ve received so far.

I guess my point here is that the original poster who has given us so much information and instruction is absolutely validated after my conversation with the veterinarian at the USDA office.

So we are ready to fly we are ready to cruise we are ready to cross state lines and enter any country globally.

Again thank you so so very much for all of the information that was provided here.

 

 

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Please enjoy your cruise and come back and share all your great adventures with us.

Cruising with my Service Dog is my very favorite way to vacation. My dogs love it too!