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

wizard-of-roz
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Caribbean Chris

Caribbean Chris

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One thing I learned when traveling in the Tampa and Dallas DFW airports recently is that no two airport employees will know the right answer. The amount of misinformation amazed me.

 

I also learned that my dog balked at the one indoor relief area we found and did not use it, maybe because of strong cleaning chemical smells. It was AstroTurf in a square box.

 

The only thing that worked for me at DFW was going outside to real grass outside baggage claim and back through security...explain you are a connecting passenger who left to take the dog and you go to the next available agent. (At Tampa, we had an airline manager take us on a freight elevator and outdoors to a non-public high security area with grass, wait, and escort us back in).

 

Two things I'd recommend. Sign up for TSA Pre-check if you fly a lot. We had it on our boarding passes, a surprise, since we had not paid for it. Don't know if it was because we were in first class (FF miles) and had pre-advised we were traveling with a service dog ...or why. But the lines were shorter and going back through was very fast.

 

The second thing is to buy a day pass for Admirals Club or similar for your airline, especially if any longish layovers. The staff was helpful and it is a quiet place with plenty of seating, bottled water, etc. Less stress than jammed up area at the gates.

 

This trip, flying with the dog for the first time, we tried to do anything possible to reduce stress. Even used the cruise line's pre and post hotel packages, and were really glad we did.

Edited by Caribbean Chris
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Algebralovr

Algebralovr

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We signed up for Pre-Check teo years ago. It is wonderful. If you already have reservations and then sign up, call the airline and ask for your KTN to be added.

 

Keep in mind that Global Entry also grants Pre-Check for only $15 more. CBP has been testing GE at Port Everglades in FLL for the last year. No word if they are expanding it. Both are good for 5 years.

 

We only did TSA pre-check since the closest GE interview location is a 7+ hour drive away. We plan to get GE once we renew our passports after February since we like sailing out of Port Everglades

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

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alexspepa

alexspepa

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Well we got the dreaded turn-in paperwork for Sutter in the mail on Friday. He turns in at the November 4th graduation. It's not gonna be a good day. :(

Seaside-9-16.jpg

Oh my gosh DKD I don't think I could handle that...what is the reasoning behind that policy? Not all organizations require that, correct?

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DisneyKidsDad

DisneyKidsDad

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Oh my gosh DKD I don't think I could handle that...what is the reasoning behind that policy? Not all organizations require that, correct?

 

As puppy raisers, we raise each pup from 8 weeks old to 18 months old. Then they go back to the organization for advanced training and hopefully graduate as a service dog. It's the worst part of being a puppy raiser but the best part if they graduate.

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alexspepa

alexspepa

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As puppy raisers, we raise each pup from 8 weeks old to 18 months old. Then they go back to the organization for advanced training and hopefully graduate as a service dog. It's the worst part of being a puppy raiser but the best part if they graduate.

 

boy do I feel silly - I got Sutter confused with Orson - I thought they were making you give up Orson to get a new Service Dog for your daughter.

 

That's what I get for trying to catch up at work with important non-work stuff while doing unimportant work stuff.

Edited by alexspepa
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DisneyKidsDad

DisneyKidsDad

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boy do I feel silly - I got Sutter confused with Orson - I thought they were making you give up Orson to get a new Service Dog for your daughter.

 

That's what I get for trying to catch up at work with important non-work stuff while doing unimportant work stuff.

 

There is no way that would ever happen.

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DUTRAVEL

DUTRAVEL

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As puppy raisers, we raise each pup from 8 weeks old to 18 months old. Then they go back to the organization for advanced training and hopefully graduate as a service dog. It's the worst part of being a puppy raiser but the best part if they graduate.

 

That will be so hard to turn him in. Can't imagine. I hope he goes on to change someone's life.

 

Dianne

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lonelysable

lonelysable

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What paper work do we need for the service dog?

 

We travel with a service dog..she is going to be on her 6th cruise in September and 7th in November.....We've learned a lot and have some suggestions for you....

  • Don't be hesitant to do it.....it's wonderful! And truly has made our cruising so much more fun!!!!!! :p
  • We've cruised on Celebrity/NCL/Princess/Carnival and HAL.
  • The Best (most accomodating-all around) - HAL
  • The Best set-up (potty-box) - NCL/Princess
  • The Best crew for dog friendliness HAL/Princess
  • Passenger friendliness...every ship we've ever been on. We only 1 passenger in all of our cruises who absolutely refused to eat in the Buffet area, with a dog!

If you have any questions about the ship requirements/easy way to deal with "special needs" departments/cabins/dining area/potty box/food/exercise/hotel/excursions/airplanes, etc. Ask away......

I don't want to bore you with all the details...so, I'll let you lead the way! ;)

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Caribbean Chris

Caribbean Chris

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What paper work do we need for the service dog?

 

If you are an American, refer to the information we provided when answering your several earlier posts. Perhaps you did not realize there were responses.

 

If you are a Canadian citizen, Google to find "Travel documents for your pets" at Travel.gc.ca. You will see the information you need from the Government of Canada. There are phone numbers you can call listed by province. The system is the same as the US. Print out the Canadian International Health Certificate (comparable to the US form 7001) - it needs to be completed by a veterinarian and endorsed by an official government veterinarian. Also follow the directions regarding contacting embassies of countries you plan to visit.

 

Contact your specific cruise line for their own form you need to fill out.

Edited by Caribbean Chris
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fairbourne

fairbourne

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Hello everyone ..... I'm still here, and I have caught up with everyone's news - finally!

 

Well it's just been one of those times when life just comes at you full blast and before you know it summer is over (well if you can call it that here!) and now we are on a countdown to Christmas!

 

 

So what's been going on? In the grand scheme of things not much really but dog wise we have been getting on very well. Bonnie is now nearly 14 months, and we are still waiting for Mother Nature to take her course!

 

Oh DKD, I just read your news about Sutter - what a handsome boy he is - I'm sure you are dreading this "handover" again! We puppy walkers (raisers) know that this is going to happen but it does not make it any easier when the time comes! But we all hold on to the hope that when our "babies" leave us to embark on the next stage of their life's adventure, it is to be a life changer. I was delighted to read that Orsen enjoyed his cruise and I hope he continues to be well. I was rather jealous of you and Chris and Raylene being in Alaska - I seem to remember you were there just after our trip last time back in 2013! It definitely is one of my most favourite cruises.

 

We had a planned training exercise to take a few of the pups onto a local ferry here - the one that sails overnight to the Shetland Islands - but we couldn't go as we thought Madame was just about to come into season. But by all accounts the puppy walkers and pups that did go had a great time and manoeuvred around the decks using gangways and open stairs and then were entertained with snacks - I did think it was a great opportunity so I'm hoping they repeat the training so Bonnie gets a chance to go. In preparation for going on a cruise of course! LOL! I would love to meet all you wonderful folk on a cruise - Can you imagine! It would be THE best meet and mingle ever!

 

It was so wonderful to read of all your progress - Barb and Holly, you are both doing so well with Scooter and Jagger. Barb, isn't it great when the Mums tell the kids to hold back from our dogs and pups and explain why - the little ones always look in awe when I tell them that Bonnie goes to school just like they do - that makes sense to them I think.

 

So what else has been happening this side of the pond - well we are still going strong even though everyone thought we would disappear into a puff of smoke after Brexit! The only downside for us would be the currency exchange rate - I watched the £ tank against the $ and the € but thankfully we pay for our cruises in £. But in saying that one cruise line sent through a letter saying they were putting their prices up due to the £/US$ exchange rate dropping. It's not one we plan to use again, we tried them once but they didn't float our boat! Pun intended! LOL! But we have seen some great fares for this summer/autumn for cruising the Mediterranean in particular - "we" haven't any holidays left so sadly couldn't take advantage. It makes you wonder whether to book ahead or wait and see for offers!

 

So today I have 5 dogs .... 5 you ask??? Well puppy Heidi came for a sleepover last night and right now they are all sleeping - bliss! (LOL!!!) Bonnie, Heidi and Aruba have been on the go since breakfast this morning! Heidi is actually going to a puppy boarder while her puppy walkers are on holiday but the puppy boarder is only back from holiday today, so I offered to have her for the "missing" night! She's been no trouble at all - but she's just 17 weeks and you forget - oh how quickly you forget - how much extra attention the little ones need! Heidi did have another doggy pal, Sadie, when she first arrived at her PW Mummy but Sadie has now gone to training school so Heidi has been on her won for a few weeks, so she is so excited to run around with our lot! Pawrty time! Except "Granny"Poppy isn't too happy but a few growls at Heidi sorts any over exuberance out and a few sighs - at me I might add - gets a "don't worry Poppy it's only for a day" extra biscuit! I don't know who is being sucked in here! Heidi also met a cat for the first time here last night - actually she was quite good, didn't chase him too far! The second time Bonnie seemed to take her in hand or should that be paw, and took her to "meet" the cat - who gave her a lovely head butt and then of course Heidi did the funny little, pouncy, bouncy, jumpy thing that puppies do on their front paws and he hissed at her and she jumped back and so it went on! They do quickly learn not to chase the cats and in return get lots of fuss from them, it's very endearing to watch. Apparently there are two cats at the Guide Dog training school who hate dogs! I'm exhausted! LOL!

 

Photos to come but here's a little one of Heidi.

image.jpg.da67f1eaa3ce6b040fd2ee89fe5afbe6.jpg

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wizard-of-roz

wizard-of-roz

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I am going to be travelling on NCL and if you don't take your service dog off the ship do you still need all the Import permits for all ports?

 

Ask the cruise line you are traveling with. Some cruise lines [if leaving from a USA Port and disembarking in a USA Port] will accept the Aphis 7001 Form and accompanying micro-chip, training org. paperwork and any other paperwork you may have on your dog, as sufficient. And, some cruise lines will ask that you meet all necessary documentation for each Port that you are visiting, even if your dog does NOT get off the ship.

 

NCL was very good with my Service Dog, in that they didn't require me to get anything more than the Aphis 7001 Form and any additional information I had on Brenda. This was a few years ago, they may have changed the requirements. Call NCL and ask for their Special Access Dept. 1.800.327.7030.

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wizard-of-roz

wizard-of-roz

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Hello everyone ..... I'm still here, and I have caught up with everyone's news - finally!

 

Well it's just been one of those times when life just comes at you full blast and before you know it summer is over (well if you can call it that here!) and now we are on a countdown to Christmas!

 

Fairbourne, it's so good to hear from you. You have been busy in the doggy world.

 

Heidi is a doll.

 

I'm glad that you've been busy with life and that all is going well. Horton and I are planning a road trip to Oregon in October, to visit the northern children, and are preparing for our 19 day cruise through the Panama Canal, in mid-Nov. The planning and packing for this cruise will be huge. Horton's food and snacks will need a suitcase all of their own!

 

I'm fighting a dang upper respiratory infection right now and am so glad I got it in plenty of time before our travels. I got my flu shot last week and although they say it's a "dead" virus, I manage to get some sort of reaction anyway!!!! Or, it's just coincidental!

 

Love the pic of Heidi, I want to see how the rest of the babies are doing.

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DUTRAVEL

DUTRAVEL

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Hello everyone ..... I'm still here, and I have caught up with everyone's news - finally!

 

Well it's just been one of those times when life just comes at you full blast and before you know it summer is over (well if you can call it that here!) and now we are on a countdown to Christmas!QUOTE]

 

So glad to hear that your puppies are doing well Fairbourne. Heidi is adorable.

 

Dianne

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DUTRAVEL

DUTRAVEL

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I'm fighting a dang upper respiratory infection right now and am so glad I got it in plenty of time before our travels. I got my flu shot last week and although they say it's a "dead" virus, I manage to get some sort of reaction anyway!!!! Or, it's just coincidental!

 

Love the pic of Heidi, I want to see how the rest of the babies are doing.[/b][/color]

 

Summer colds are the worst! I am sure that you must have had the same heat wave in Southern California that we had here in the Bay Area - it sure does not seem like fall.

 

Dianne

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