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

[Quampapetet]

We'll be stopping in San Jaun, PR; St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. I've skimmed about half the pages of this thread, but 718 pages total are a lot to cover, so I just want to see if what I've found is correct for our ports as far as excursions and permit requirements go.

 

At minimum, I should have the following:

WHAT HAS BEEN ASKED FOR:

1. RABIES INFORMATION (Expiration Date;Tag#;Serial #;Type of Vaccine) - Got it; three year vaccine done at the end of March 2015.

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

3. ANIMAL LICENSE (from the city in which you live.) My county/city doesn't require an animal license...it's a small, pretty rural area so it's optional to get one. If absolutely required, I can get one from the vet. I already asked them about it.

4. STATE DEPT. OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE CERT. (from your vet.) - Will get closer to the cruise date from the USDA vet. Will be arranging any necessary testing in July or so, if needed.

5. DOGS PERMIT/LICENSE WITH NUMBER (from training/service agency.) - Have state service dog certification tag and card.

6. YOUR PASSPORT/DRIVERS LICENSE - Have DL and Passports on order

 

No, you don't need a local/state/etc. dog license or dog permit/license. For those ports, just the health certificate (which obviously has the rabies info. on it) is needed. In PR and the USVI the ADA applies, since they are US territories, so that's helpful for access!

[Quampapetet]

Thank you for all the wonderful information.

 

The NC thing is good to know since that is where I'm at. :) Just for endorsement sake, and to cover my butt, I'll see if Florida's USDA will do it and have it sent to my parents for them to bring when we meet at the port. If not, maybe another surrounding state. It may end up going to Albany.

 

I checked the St. Maarten site and they state, "Animals are admitted temporarily to the island with the following papers: a health certificate dated no more than 10 days before visit and a record of inoculations, including a rabies shot administered no more than 30 days before visit."

 

So, we'll be good to go. No major testing required and it looks like minimal paperwork.

 

You don't need the endorsement for these ports. The purpose of endorsement us that the USDA vet checks that you have all the required paperwork for the country/countries you are going to. You only need to bother with the endorsement if one or more countries requires it.

 

NEVER MIND - St. Maarten requires the endorsement!

Edited May 5, 2015 by Quampapetet

[Quampapetet]

We use boots called Muttluks on my daughter's service dog when we go to Disney World. In order to get the dog used to them, put them on him/her and immediately take them outside for a walk. They will walk funny for a while, then they should get used to them. We have puppy raiser friends that use Mushers Secret balm to coat the dog's pads instead of the boots. They swear by it. We are going to try it next month in Disney World.

http://www.muttluks.com/

 

If you're an IAADP member, there is a benefit for Muttluks - check the IAADP Web site for more information!

[Quampapetet]

You also need an import permit for St. Maarten and you can find the application for it here: http://www.sxmvetclinic.com/exporting-importing.pml You can find information on how it works here: http://m.stmartinluxuryvacationhomes.com/blog/208/1242

[wizard-of-roz]

My brother booked a family cruise for Thanksgiving. When I say family...I mean a lot of family. His biological father passed away last year and he wanted to do this in memory of his father. He's paying for 11 of us. Such a sweetheart...I have a great family. It will be one aunt, two uncles, my father, my mother, my sister, my brother, my son, two nieces, one nephew, 18-20 or so cousins...

 

We will be cruising on Celebrity CL, so watch out Celebrity Reflections...my family is taking over. :eek:

 

Anyways, I'm a disabled military veteran with my service dog, a Dutch Shepherd named Dobby.

 

We'll be stopping in San Jaun, PR; St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. I've skimmed about half the pages of this thread, but 718 pages total are a lot to cover, so I just want to see if what I've found is correct for our ports as far as excursions and permit requirements go.

 

At minimum, I should have the following:

WHAT HAS BEEN ASKED FOR:

1. RABIES INFORMATION (Expiration Date;Tag#;Serial #;Type of Vaccine) - Got it; three year vaccine done at the end of March 2015.

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

3. ANIMAL LICENSE (from the city in which you live.) My county/city doesn't require an animal license...it's a small, pretty rural area so it's optional to get one. If absolutely required, I can get one from the vet. I already asked them about it.

4. STATE DEPT. OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE CERT. (from your vet.) - Will get closer to the cruise date from the USDA vet. Will be arranging any necessary testing in July or so, if needed.

5. DOGS PERMIT/LICENSE WITH NUMBER (from training/service agency.) - Have state service dog certification tag and card.

6. YOUR PASSPORT/DRIVERS LICENSE - Have DL and Passports on order

 

Has anyone traveled to the ports listed above and needed anything else?

 

 

Click here to see my wonderful Dobby.

 

Millerck, welcome and a BIG WELCOME to Dobby. What a handsome boy! It sounds like you're in good control of what is needed to visit the ports you are going to.

 

Just remember; and, I can't say this enough........keep your eyes open for strays or make sure that one of your family members is helping you with this task.

 

My Service Dog Horton is like Dobby in that they look fierce [we know better] and local dogs can feel intimidated by them and try to be protective of their environment. Be careful where you go and ALWAYS be on guard for your Service Dog!!!!

 

It sounds like you're going to have a wonderful time, filled with lots of family to enjoy it with you!

[Insuregal]

I have a question. Do any of you use dog boots, and if so what kind?

 

I live in Florida, so don't need cold, ice, or salt protection. I need the kind that protect from the hot pavement and sand. (and ship decks). Any input or thoughts on what works best?

 

Holly,

 

Diana has Roughwear Grip Trex shoes for Gibson. She says this is the best brand, I have no idea since I am only his Grammie. :) He gets the funniest look on his face and stands like he is wearing concrete shoes! Poor guy. I will try to include a link if it will work. http://www.ruffwear.com/Barkn-Boots-Grip-Trex_3?sc=2&category=11

 

Hope Jagger will love walking in whatever brand or style you choose.

 

Beckie

[wizard-of-roz]

Holly,

 

Diana has Roughwear Grip Trex shoes for Gibson. She says this is the best brand, I have no idea since I am only his Grammie. :) He gets the funniest look on his face and stands like he is wearing concrete shoes! Poor guy. I will try to include a link if it will work. http://www.ruffwear.com/Barkn-Boots-Grip-Trex_3?sc=2&category=11

 

Hope Jagger will love walking in whatever brand or style you choose.

 

Beckie

 

My first Service Dog Brenda would wait until I put the Muttlucks on her then she would promptly lay down and remove them one-by-one! Horton refuses to walk in them......he'll slither and slide his paws along with them on but he looks like Frankenstein's dog when he starts to walk in them.

 

My answer to the problem. NO WALKING ON HOT SURFACES!!! Sometimes it's not always easy and I'm forced to walk at a maddening pace for the sake of their paw pads and my sanity.

 

I think that I just gave up too easily and if I had done it everyday for practice that they would have eventually got used to them.......I'm not so good in the patience department, sometimes!!!!!

[DisneyKidsDad]

My first Service Dog Brenda would wait until I put the Muttlucks on her then she would promptly lay down and remove them one-by-one! Horton refuses to walk in them......he'll slither and slide his paws along with them on but he looks like Frankenstein's dog when he starts to walk in them.

 

My answer to the problem. NO WALKING ON HOT SURFACES!!! Sometimes it's not always easy and I'm forced to walk at a maddening pace for the sake of their paw pads and my sanity.

 

I think that I just gave up too easily and if I had done it everyday for practice that they would have eventually got used to them.......I'm not so good in the patience department, sometimes!!!!!

 

Roz,

 

Maybe you should try Mushers Secret. I'm told it works great.

We are going to try in next month in Disney World.

 

http://musherssecret.net/

Edited May 6, 2015 by DisneyKidsDad
spelling

[Caribbean Chris]

If you're an IAADP member, there is a benefit for Muttluks - check the IAADP Web site for more information!

 

I received the other new IAADP benefit last week in the mail - a 6-month supply of K9 Advantix flea & tick. Great freebie!

 

Today we went to the vet eye doctor for her free exam, another wonderful program for service dogs annually in May if you register in April.

Edited May 6, 2015 by Caribbean Chris

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz,

 

Maybe you should try Mushers Secret. I'm told it works great.

We are going to try in next month in Disney World.

 

http://musherssecret.net/

 

I might just do that.......Thanks!

[wizard-of-roz]

I received the other new IAADP benefit last week in the mail - a 6-month supply of K9 Advantix flea & tick. Great freebie!

 

Today we went to the vet eye doctor for her free exam, another wonderful program for service dogs annually in May if you register in April.

 

I got mine too, last week. I'm now using the chewable, monthly for fleas and ticks. But, I'll use the other when I run out of the chewables.

 

I am a firm believer in Heartguard [i know it's the brand name] medication and anything that will keep my dog flea and tick free.

 

Our dogs go into restaurants and other public places, we don't want them scratching and infested with any vermin.

 

Our Service Dogs should ALWAYS be well groomed and clean. They don't just represent us, they represent the organization and anyone else who may come into this establishment after us; maintaining their skin, coat, ears and teeth makes for a healthier, happier dog. ;)

[Insuregal]

Speaking of the public places service dogs frequent - Gibson spends a lot of time in public restroom stalls for wheelchair users. I will try to post the link from photobucket, it is a challenge most days. Diana wanted a pair of cowboy boots and got both herself and Gibson a purple bandana to go with them. So hope you can get to the pictures.

Thanks,

Beckie

 

[/img]

Edited May 8, 2015 by Insuregal
Thought I was inserting a link instead of actual photos. Sorry for the giant pictures!

[thephantomsgirl]

Ah....cute! Purple is my favorite color and they both look great in it!

[Insuregal]

Gibson gets the entire back bench seat in the car for his very first road trip. We put a memory foam mattress topper and a Disney quilt so he would be comfortable.

 

[Insuregal]

Ah....cute! Purple is my favorite color and they both look great in it!

 

Thanks Holly! She has been a purple fan since toddlerhood, and claims it is Gibson's favorite color too. :)

[Caribbean Chris]

LOVE those photos of Gibson and Diana, Beckie! Very cool cowboy boots. The purple is smashing on both of them.

 

Now Raylene's probably going to want to write to the handsome Gibson. (Hey, if Horton and Aruba can be pen-pals, why not?) How old is that beautiful boy?

 

Raylene's collar and harness are purple, so I'm inspired by Diana now to find a pair of purple bandanas to wear for my nephew's Memorial Day pool party, our next social event.

[fairbourne]

Speaking of the public places service dogs frequent - Gibson spends a lot of time in public restroom stalls for wheelchair users. I will try to post the link from photobucket, it is a challenge most days. Diana wanted a pair of cowboy boots and got both herself and Gibson a purple bandana to go with them. So hope you can get to the pictures.

Thanks,

Beckie

 

[/img]

 

 

How gorgeous do they both look .... I'm a purple girl too! :D. I understand about the bathroom visits! I try and take Aruba into the disabled bathroom stall too, so she gets used to it and of course, to be practical, ever tried using a regular stall with a great big galumph of a dog?!!! And I don't have extra challenges.

 

The only problem here is some of the shopping malls lock their disabled toilets and you have to have some sort of key to open them. Which is great in keeping them available for folk who genuinely need them of course, and in that case they have the key, but useless when you are training a pup and the guy cleaning the loos, just looks at you like you are mad when you ask him to open the door for you! :rolleyes:

[fairbourne]

Gibson gets the entire back bench seat in the car for his very first road trip. We put a memory foam mattress topper and a Disney quilt so he would be comfortable.

 

 

 

I can't say he can complain at all about this first class travel!

[fairbourne]

LOVE those photos of Gibson and Diana, Beckie! Very cool cowboy boots. The purple is smashing on both of them.

 

Now Raylene's probably going to want to write to the handsome Gibson. (Hey, if Horton and Aruba can be pen-pals, why not?) How old is that beautiful boy?

 

Raylene's collar and harness are purple, so I'm inspired by Diana now to find a pair of purple bandanas to wear for my nephew's Memorial Day pool party, our next social event.

 

I can't wait for the first letter - :D

[fairbourne]

 

 

 

Click here to see my wonderful Dobby.

 

 

Welcome Millerck - thank you for posting the photo of Dobby. He's a handsome boy. Did anyone else keep clicking and look at all the pups And dogs on this link? There were a lot of oohs and aahs, especially when I got to the very young German Shepherd pup with the very big ears (photo below) and the White boy sitting in between those big boots! I had such fun looking at them all.

 

The Guide Dogs for the Blind in the UK are breeding some German Shepherds with Golden Retrievers - to get the loyalty and strength from the Shephard and the "lets work this one out gentleness" from the Golden Retriever. I've seen a couple and they are beautifully brindle pups - very strong though! But it's a good mix.

[fairbourne]

Here's the White pup :D

[NBCZero]

Hello,

 

I am sorry if these questions have been asked, but I've clicked on so many links, regulation information, permit docs etc I am confused and believe my brain is now scrambled. :D!

 

We are traveling to Alaska next week on Celebrity. My boyfriend will be bringing his service dog with him. I've already contacted Celebrity and let them know, which they informed us to bring the form they require to the port along with any health certificates/licenses. They also asked in email what breed his service dog is and what service does the dog perform, which I let them know.

 

Now this is where I am confused... What other documentation does he need to go to the ports in Alaska and Oregon? I wasn't sure about getting off in Victoria and if other documentation was needed to get back on the ship and back into California.

 

The vet that we go to said he just needs a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination within 1 year, which I have an appointment for on the 14th, as we leave on the 15th. Does this need to be stamped with the state vet seal? Do we need a permit from the state vet from Alaska? I am reading different info from various government sites and now am more confused than ever. :/

 

If anyone has traveled to Alaska with their service dog, can you let me know when that was and what was needed? If you traveled out of San Francisco, could you let me know those details as well? I wrote the the director that deals with the USDA district for Alaska, CA etc (he oversees a few states) but haven't heard anything back.

 

Obviously this is our first cruise with my boyfriend and his service dog :D. We normally just travel by car.

 

Thank you for any help you may provide.

 

Dixie

you can email me at dixielb @ gmail . com

[wizard-of-roz]

First, the photos are wonderful! Gibson and Diana are a very lovely pair! I just love to see people loving their dogs. I always try to match Horton's scarf to my outfit of the day. People truly enjoy seeing it and always comment.

 

Gibson, you look so much like my dear Brenda Elizabeth, you actually brought a tear to my eye!!!! I hope you both have many, many loving years together!

 

Dixie, Welcome! The form you will need for your Alaska cruise is the Aphis 7001. You can get this from a USDA Accredited Vet [ask your Vet if he is accredited]. You may not have to go anywhere special [i'm very lucky in that Horton's Vet is accredited, and when I cruise it's easy, peasy!]

 

The form will cover all the dogs immunizations, health and even has a place for his tattoo number and/or microchip number. Your friends dog must be current on all vaccines and be in good health.

 

The form will cover every state you are visiting and Canada. Be careful because not all provinces in Canada will recognize your Service Dog, although they're better than they used to be! We couldn't take Brenda into a few shops and Restaurants in Vancouver. And, we were asked to leave the gardens. I do believe Canada is recognizing the Service Dog much better than they did years ago. ALWAYS, check before you enter an establishment outside of the U.S.

 

We took Brenda on all the excursions we went on in Alaska, including the White Pass Railway and we were treated very well.

 

I hope this helps. Be prepared to be asked and stopped many times by other folks onboard with you. These people had to board their furbabies and are missing them. You'll be asked if they can pat him and spend some time with him. Do allow some time for other's to love on your dog, it's a great way to meet wonderful people and make new friends.

 

The Service/Working Dog is highly thought of and not seen a lot by the general public......they're very curious and awe of our amazing dogs.

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

[Insuregal]

LOVE those photos of Gibson and Diana, Beckie! Very cool cowboy boots. The purple is smashing on both of them.

 

Now Raylene's probably going to want to write to the handsome Gibson. (Hey, if Horton and Aruba can be pen-pals, why not?) How old is that beautiful boy?

 

Raylene's collar and harness are purple, so I'm inspired by Diana now to find a pair of purple bandanas to wear for my nephew's Memorial Day pool party, our next social event.

 

Tell Raylene that Gibson will be anxiously waiting for his first correspondence. He was four years old on January 1st and has never had a penpal. Purple is his life, so he just rolls with it.

 

His daddy was full English Labrador retriever and won lots of ribbons in the showring. He was called Decoy but his legal name was Simbetha's Just A Decoy. Mom's name is Victoria, and she is a Fox Red Labrador retriever. I will try to post the link for Gibson's litter at Trial by Jury Kennels. There are some really sweet puppy pictures. The breeder donated Gibson and his sister Gracie to Paws for Freedom so they could learn to be service dogs.

 

Thanks,

Beckie

 

http://www.trialbyjurykennels.com/Default.aspx?page=Victoria-Decoy%20Litter%202011

[Quampapetet]

I received the other new IAADP benefit last week in the mail - a 6-month supply of K9 Advantix flea & tick. Great freebie!

 

Today we went to the vet eye doctor for her free exam, another wonderful program for service dogs annually in May if you register in April.

 

I have done the ACVO eye exam twice and it is a great thing! I hope your pup was told she has perfect eyes!