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

[wizard-of-roz]

Happy and safe weekend to everyone. Happy Mother's Day!

[Algebralovr]

Barb, smart thinking. I didn't hear that it wasn't necessary to have 7001 in Canada. I think you're thinking very wisely in having this form for your cruise vacation.

 

You know that if you have it you'll have more smoother sailing!

Thanks, Roz.

When I called the USDA vet, they told me Canada just needs the Rabies Cert. As a result, they won't even sign the 7001. My vet said the same. They are the local vet that fills them out for lots of animals that are sent all over. I stumbled into getting the best vet on town a few years ago! She knew off the top of her head requirements for Hawaii and Mexico yesterday. All the military are sent to their practice when they PCS out of the US.

 

The things we learn!

 

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[Algebralovr]

Here sums up Wexlers cruise. [ATTACH]421118[/ATTACH]

 

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This is just a perfect way to cruise

 

 

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[S.S. Cruisers]

Here sums up Wexlers cruise. [ATTACH]421118[/ATTACH]

 

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Ummm, Mommy, could you fluff my pilla up? Please and thank you! :*:hearteyes:

[momof3cruisers]

This thread is simply a wealth of information. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly and being so generous with your advice.

 

My son has recently gotten a psychiatric service dog. He is NOT an emotional support animal as he is being trained for specific tasks and work. He has passed his trainer's preliminary good citizen practice test except that he fusses a bit when my son leaves the room. He takes his job of being with his boy very seriously. (Max, the dog, is still in training for his task work.)

 

I am not even sure if we will be taking him on a cruise as my son doesn't like to travel. (Part of the purpose of Max is to make the world a bit more accessible to my son and allow him to do things his medical conditions don't allow him to do.) However this thread is giving me a lot more confidence regarding any kind of travel with him so I wanted to say thank you.

[wizard-of-roz]

This thread is simply a wealth of information. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly and being so generous with your advice.

 

My son has recently gotten a psychiatric service dog. He is NOT an emotional support animal as he is being trained for specific tasks and work. He has passed his trainer's preliminary good citizen practice test except that he fusses a bit when my son leaves the room. He takes his job of being with his boy very seriously. (Max, the dog, is still in training for his task work.)

 

I am not even sure if we will be taking him on a cruise as my son doesn't like to travel. (Part of the purpose of Max is to make the world a bit more accessible to my son and allow him to do things his medical conditions don't allow him to do.) However this thread is giving me a lot more confidence regarding any kind of travel with him so I wanted to say thank you.

 

Please do go cruising with Max. One of my most favorite Service Dogs that I had the privilege of meeting onboard a ship was a PTSD Dog who "cleared" every room that his handler entered. I was witness to how this dog worked and it was a miracle how he changed his man's life.

 

You, Max and your son will make new friends and will have so much fun cruising. We all were a bit scared at first but you will learn to love this way of vacationing with your dog.

[wizard-of-roz]

This is going to be a very busy weekend, with the Royal Wedding. For all of you attending please let us know how it went.

 

Did you all hear the story of the man who punched a Hearing Dog, onboard a Frontier Airline? He was upset that the dog was taking up too much room and causing his allergies to act up.

 

The dog was a Great Dane, the handler was pregnant and her husband defended her and the dog with a push to the ignorant man. The police were called, the handler is going to press charges, as she should. The schmuck hit the dog hard enough to make it yelp! Apparently, it didn't move out of his way fast enough!Disgusting!

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

[S.S. Cruisers]

This is going to be a very busy weekend, with the Royal Wedding. For all of you attending please let us know how it went.

 

Did you all hear the story of the man who punched a Hearing Dog, onboard a Frontier Airline? He was upset that the dog was taking up too much room and causing his allergies to act up.

 

The dog was a Great Dane, the handler was pregnant and her husband defended her and the dog with a push to the ignorant man. The police were called, the handler is going to press charges, as she should. The schmuck hit the dog hard enough to make it yelp! Apparently, it didn't move out of his way fast enough!Disgusting!

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

 

Wow, just wow. He is lucky I wasn't on that plane, I would have punched him right back, Ignorant, sorry excuse for humanity. I am glad the police were called and she is going to press charges.

[Algebralovr]

Did you all hear the story of the man who punched a Hearing Dog, onboard a Frontier Airline? He was upset that the dog was taking up too much room and causing his allergies to act up.

 

The dog was a Great Dane, the handler was pregnant and her husband defended her and the dog with a push to the ignorant man. The police were called, the handler is going to press charges, as she should. The schmuck hit the dog hard enough to make it yelp! Apparently, it didn't move out of his way fast enough!Disgusting!

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

 

My understanding is the handler is deaf, and that she was also struck by the man on the Frontier flight.

 

I hope they convict him of assault. That was totally uncalled for.

 

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[Algebralovr]

We are presently on Celebrity Solstice. I had never noticed the corridor where they put the box. I totally see why! It is definitely a wind tunnel. The ship didn't receive the sod we had requested, but we had practiced with mulch so it is ok. They originally had the box so that only half of it was accessible, and had stuff on top.

 

There is a second dog on board, a small one, probably a Lapso. It is working naked with no service dog tag that I could see. I know it is legal, but makes people wonder. It is white, and has some bits of fur dyed bluish-purple.

 

Scooter is making lots of friends. I started telling people a different name so they don't all call him. Particularly a stateroom attendant down the hall. I know they miss theirs.

 

It is definitely interesting sailing with him!

 

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[loudsilence99]

Hello all! It's been forever since I've checked in but I wanted to remind you all that THIS DOCUMENT listing the service animal entrance requirements for various countries is a thing that exists. I will get around to finishing/updating it soon as I'm about to be on summer break from teaching. We have a new addition to our household: a 5-month old lab-coonhound mix by the name of Camo. While he will never be a service dog, we are hoping to train him as a therapy dog to bring a little puppy love to local hospitals and nursing homes.

 

Safe travels to all and please give all dogs, service or otherwise, an extra hug and kiss for me!

[rangeley]

We are presently on Celebrity Solstice. I had never noticed the corridor where they put the box. I totally see why! It is definitely a wind tunnel. The ship didn't receive the sod we had requested, but we had practiced with mulch so it is ok. They originally had the box so that only half of it was accessible, and had stuff on top.

 

There is a second dog on board, a small one, probably a Lapso. It is working naked with no service dog tag that I could see. I know it is legal, but makes people wonder. It is white, and has some bits of fur dyed bluish-purple.

 

Scooter is making lots of friends. I started telling people a different name so they don't all call him. Particularly a stateroom attendant down the hall. I know they miss theirs.

 

It is definitely interesting sailing with him!

 

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So glad you are having a great time with Scooter!!

 

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[rangeley]

Hello all! It's been forever since I've checked in but I wanted to remind you all that THIS DOCUMENT listing the service animal entrance requirements for various countries is a thing that exists. I will get around to finishing/updating it soon as I'm about to be on summer break from teaching. We have a new addition to our household: a 5-month old lab-coonhound mix by the name of Camo. While he will never be a service dog, we are hoping to train him as a therapy dog to bring a little puppy love to local hospitals and nursing homes.

 

Safe travels to all and please give all dogs, service or otherwise, an extra hug and kiss for me!

I had save that document when you first posted it, and glad i did because i have referenced it a few times. Thanks!!

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

Hello all! It's been forever since I've checked in but I wanted to remind you all that THIS DOCUMENT listing the service animal entrance requirements for various countries is a thing that exists. I will get around to finishing/updating it soon as I'm about to be on summer break from teaching. We have a new addition to our household: a 5-month old lab-coonhound mix by the name of Camo. While he will never be a service dog, we are hoping to train him as a therapy dog to bring a little puppy love to local hospitals and nursing homes.

 

Safe travels to all and please give all dogs, service or otherwise, an extra hug and kiss for me!

 

Welcome back and good luck with Camo.

 

I look forward to the document that states entrance requirements. Please post it as soon as you can.

[Cruisefanatic71]

I have been following this thread and gaining a lot of knowledge about cruising with a service dog. My daughter will be getting her service dog this November and we are making plans for our next cruise next year. I have read on other threads how great Royal Caribbean and NCL are with individuals that ha e service dogs but I have not seen much feedback for those that have cruised Carnival with their service dog. We usually cruise with Carnival but I want to ensure that our experience for my family and the service dog is a great experience. Can anyone comment on their cruising experience with Csrnival? Thank you for the information. It is greatly appreciated.

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

I have been following this thread and gaining a lot of knowledge about cruising with a service dog. My daughter will be getting her service dog this November and we are making plans for our next cruise next year. I have read on other threads how great Royal Caribbean and NCL are with individuals that ha e service dogs but I have not seen much feedback for those that have cruised Carnival with their service dog. We usually cruise with Carnival but I want to ensure that our experience for my family and the service dog is a great experience. Can anyone comment on their cruising experience with Csrnival? Thank you for the information. It is greatly appreciated.

 

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Welcome, I did a 15 day Carnival Miracle to Hawaii. Carnival provides a metal pre-made potty-box filled with mulch and put the box right on our veranda. I brought along some artificial turf to cover the mulch and Horton was a happy guy. They provided a plastic bag to put the waste bags in and they change the bag everyday. Remember to bring waste bags with you.

 

I was very impressed by the pre-made box. The filler was a bit rough on Horton's paws which is why I always bring some rolled up artificial grass to cover whatever the cruise line might provide.

 

The crew were wonderful and always tried to make us comfortable. They even provided "reserved" signs for our favorite seats in the theatre. We NEVER had to struggle through folks or feet to find our seat. Our Steward always provided extra pool towels for us to cover the couch with, so Horton was always comfortable.

 

I would definitely recommend Carnival if you're thinking about cruising them. You will need to call their Special Needs Dept. to let them know you're bringing a Service Dog and they will provide you with their paper work to sign. 1-800-227-6482.

Please come back and tell us how your cruise went.

[wizard-of-roz]

Boy! This retirement thing is not for Sissie's!!!!!!! I'm exhausted, I've never worked so hard!

 

First, I've been keeping medical appointments, tests that I've been putting off because they didn't fit into my working schedule. Also, been taking care of my car and house, again stuff that was put off and now is getting done.

 

Check, check, check and check writing. It's expensive not to work. I'm slowly getting into a somewhat good and lasting routine. Not easy to realize that I'm going to be spending this time without my Morey and I need to find a good schedule and plan for a meaningful and fulfilling life. Serious stuff! All good suggestions are welcome.

 

First, having this remarkable and stable Service Dog in my life has kept my heart and soul together!!!! Thank you Horton Jeffrey for ALWAYS being there for me!

 

SUGGESTION: I found an amazing vacuum cleaner, Bissell Powerglide Pet......It made my carpets and floors look like new. It was easy to push, not too heavy and really did a good job. My other vacuum was just pushing the hair and dust around and not really picking up the stuff. I emptied the containers 4 times before I was done.

 

Happy weekend everyone!

[S.S. Cruisers]

Roz,

Hubby has always said he didn't know how we had time to work! I think we were better organized. You did laundry and cleaned the house on Saturday so that you had Sunday open. Now, tomorrow is always another day! I have found out that if I need to get something important done, I have to do it first thing in the morning. Don't come at me in the afternoon with something that "has" to be done. It sends me into a "tail" spin. :hearteyes:

[momof3cruisers]

Please do go cruising with Max. One of my most favorite Service Dogs that I had the privilege of meeting onboard a ship was a PTSD Dog who "cleared" every room that his handler entered. I was witness to how this dog worked and it was a miracle how he changed his man's life.

 

You, Max and your son will make new friends and will have so much fun cruising. We all were a bit scared at first but you will learn to love this way of vacationing with your dog.

Thank you so much. This is quite an adventure and we are learning so much.

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz,

Hubby has always said he didn't know how we had time to work! I think we were better organized. You did laundry and cleaned the house on Saturday so that you had Sunday open. Now, tomorrow is always another day! I have found out that if I need to get something important done, I have to do it first thing in the morning. Don't come at me in the afternoon with something that "has" to be done. It sends me into a "tail" spin. :hearteyes:

 

Thanks Nancy for the suggestions......You've always been a source of inspiration and love to all of us cruisers and our dogs.

[DisneyKidsDad]

Boy! This retirement thing is not for Sissie's!!!!!!! I'm exhausted, I've never worked so hard!

 

First, I've been keeping medical appointments, tests that I've been putting off because they didn't fit into my working schedule. Also, been taking care of my car and house, again stuff that was put off and now is getting done.

 

Check, check, check and check writing. It's expensive not to work. I'm slowly getting into a somewhat good and lasting routine. Not easy to realize that I'm going to be spending this time without my Morey and I need to find a good schedule and plan for a meaningful and fulfilling life. Serious stuff! All good suggestions are welcome.

 

First, having this remarkable and stable Service Dog in my life has kept my heart and soul together!!!! Thank you Horton Jeffrey for ALWAYS being there for me!

 

SUGGESTION: I found an amazing vacuum cleaner, Bissell Powerglide Pet......It made my carpets and floors look like new. It was easy to push, not too heavy and really did a good job. My other vacuum was just pushing the hair and dust around and not really picking up the stuff. I emptied the containers 4 times before I was done.

 

Happy weekend everyone!

Become a CCI puppy raiser!! :>)

[Algebralovr]

I'm home! Man, two weeks away was a long time!

Scooter is EXHAUSTED!!!!!

 

Crusing was definitely different with Scooter along. More later.

[Cruisefanatic71]

Welcome, I did a 15 day Carnival Miracle to Hawaii. Carnival provides a metal pre-made potty-box filled with mulch and put the box right on our veranda. I brought along some artificial turf to cover the mulch and Horton was a happy guy. They provided a plastic bag to put the waste bags in and they change the bag everyday. Remember to bring waste bags with you.

 

I was very impressed by the pre-made box. The filler was a bit rough on Horton's paws which is why I always bring some rolled up artificial grass to cover whatever the cruise line might provide.

 

The crew were wonderful and always tried to make us comfortable. They even provided "reserved" signs for our favorite seats in the theatre. We NEVER had to struggle through folks or feet to find our seat. Our Steward always provided extra pool towels for us to cover the couch with, so Horton was always comfortable.

 

I would definitely recommend Carnival if you're thinking about cruising them. You will need to call their Special Needs Dept. to let them know you're bringing a Service Dog and they will provide you with their paper work to sign. 1-800-227-6482.

Please come back and tell us how your cruise went.

Thanks for the insight. We have cruised with Carnival multiple times and we have always enjoyed cruising with them. Hearing about your experience will allow us to make our decision on continuing to cruise with Carnival a little bit easier.

 

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[Algebralovr]

Scooter did fine on Celebrity Solstice. We had practiced with the box of mulch, so once we got there it was easy. The problem we ran into at first, was there was stuff on top of the box, so that only half was available. He was able to fit in and do his first pee, so we were good. I ran in to the concierge at lunch (love the concierge class lunch in the MDR on Celebrity), and he said he would get it fixed. I see what everyone means about the wind tunnel where the box is!

 

Came back and the stuff on top was gone, but it was still pushed back under a shelf, removing about 10 inches from being accessible. This was the nice pre-formed metal one they had. But, they had another one from wood, and they finally ended up putting it next to the first one, so that we had two together, one wood and one metal, both shoved under the shelf. That worked perfectly. Scooter used one (the metal one) to pee, and the wooden one to poop in. Because he doesn't like to poop where he just peed. In order to get him to use the same box for both, we have to use it, then walk around a couple of minutes, then we can come back and he will poop. Silly pooch!

 

We regularly came to find the wooden one had been moved on top of the metal one, and was only halfway balanced there. I couldn't lift/move it, so when that happened, I went back in, found a staff member, got them to move it, and went on. It happened at least once a day, but that is just how it goes. I had discussed getting a box on my balcony, but two things: 1) the joiner claimed they didn't have enough wood for another box, and there were 2 dogs on board, and 2) my dog is used to a short walk to stimulate him, so the walk from my room to the box was good for him. I'm not sure just stepping outside onto the balcony would have worked for him. Plus, we had a standard sized balcony, so it would have been very tight.

Also, I had requested sod, and it didn't show up. Well, that is what we were told. My husband and I think that the lawn care guys saw the sod and grabbed it, since the lawn was in terrible shape. The one time we were up there, it looked mostly brown and abused. Scooter saw the grass (we were standing back a bit in the glass blowing area, and lunged for it. I could tell he knew what that was, and he WANTED to go there! Because you know, dog. Anyway, I corrected him and took him to his box and we stayed away the rest of the time, but I'm betting the lawn guy grabbed the sod. I can't blame him.

 

On the plus side, Scooter was able to use the relief station in the airport finally. The relief station in the St. Louis airport is NICE. At least, the ones air side are. They have a number of them. The air side ones are actually nicer than the outside ones!

 

Other than that, we had a good time. We gave a couple of staff members a fake name once we realized how excited they were to see him. By the time a couple of hours went by, every stateroom attendant and public area cleaner seemed to know his name and call to him as we went past. A number of the cooks and waiters as well. We found a quiet place a played ball a number of times, and were joined by passing crew who all said they missed their dogs. The chief engineer was also a dog lover, and had to give a tickle and pet a couple of times.

 

A number of snuck pets by people from behind. The most obnoxious thing was when we were sitting in the coffee shop, he was laying on the floor next to me away from the traffic area, and an Asian lady came up, reached over me, and started petting him saying what a pretty dog. That was strange, he was out of the way.

 

We did Pike Place Market on Tuesday, after the cruise, and were at a stall with him in front of me in a down, and a couple of girls came around and bent down. First taking photos, which I'm used to on campus, but then one started petting and making noises at him, so I had to correct her verbally for her actions. The young man at the stall loved how I handled it and complemented me, saying he had never seen someone so disrespectfully reach out like that. What was she thinking?

 

Anyway, we got lots of compliments, including one from a trainer of guide dogs. He gave me a few handling pointers and we had a lovely discussion a couple of times.

 

Scooter is SO glad to be back home and at work, where he can take his naps!

[Algebralovr]

Oh, one more thing!

The check in staff at the pier were mostly new, and it was their first sailing for many. No one told me to look for the Pier Coordinator to check in. Instead, we were directed to the regular line for our status/class of room. When we got to the front of the line, she tried to check us in, and then couldn't find our room cards, and finally went to find out what was going on. We were then sent to the Pier Coordinator to provide the paperwork for Scooter and have our photo taken and receive our cards.

 

Next time we take Scooter, I'll ask right away if I should be in the regular check in line, or go directly to the Pier Coordinator with the paperwork for the dog and to check in.