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

[thephantomsgirl]

A letter from the training organization did not work, and they never bothered answering.   The Bahamas has gotten hard to deal with if you don't supply everything.  

 

So don't rely on a vet faxing things for the permit!  They specifically are looking for an ID.   We went through this in November for a December cruise when they never answered our letter from the training organization outlining all the training.  They said they'd only accept an ID.   Just telling you my experience lately.

Edited February 11, 2019 by thephantomsgirl

[thephantomsgirl]

We also wondered if they'd take one you "made" yourself as when we faxed the ID's from our organization it was just a screen shot of the ids.    And they made them with Word or some program like that...

[mmarq1992]

1 minute ago, thephantomsgirl said:

A letter from the training organization did not work, and they never bothered answering.   The Bahamas has gotten hard to deal with if you don't supply everything.  

 

So don't rely on a vet faxing things for the permit!  They specifically are looking for an ID.   We went through this in November for a December cruise when they never answered our letter from the training organization outlining all the training.  They said they'd only accept an ID.   Just telling you my experience lately.

 

Thank you for your help, looks like we'll have to go that route to insure everything is processed.

[thephantomsgirl]

MAWP SD IDs.pdf

[thephantomsgirl]

I just attached what ours look like.

[mmarq1992]

1 minute ago, thephantomsgirl said:

I just attached what ours look like.

 

That PDF is exactly what you sent and they accepted it?

[thephantomsgirl]

Yes.  It doesn't make sense - but it worked.   

 

I have talked to them several times, including the Director of Vet Services there  and they still insist on an ID.  They don't seem to care what it looks like....    Ours is from our organization, but I know they make them themselves.  It's only for our personal use as ID's are useless really.  Except in the Bahama's eyes...

[mmarq1992]

1 minute ago, thephantomsgirl said:

Yes.  It doesn't make sense - but it worked.   

 

I have talked to them several times, including the Director of Vet Services there  and they still insist on an ID.  They don't seem to care what it looks like....    Ours is from our organization, but I know they make them themselves.  It's only for our personal use as ID's are useless really.  Except in the Bahama's eyes...

 

Good to know, thank you again!

[Caribbean Chris]

On 2/10/2019 at 3:06 PM, BoazTheMastiff said:

I’m so relieved to find this thread! We’re heading out on our first cruise with our service dog soon and everything I’m reading is so encouraging and helpful. He and I have driven across the USA but haven’t been on a cruise. We’ve been on several types of boats, big & small, including The Maid of the Mist at Niagra Falls with no issues. Just not a cruise.  Does anyone have any experience cruising with a Giant Service Dog? 

 

 

From your online name I am wondering if your dog is a BullMastiff.  If so, be aware that for some countries and cruise port islands, for example, Bermuda  (see link below), that breed may be on a prohibited or restricted list. For import purposes to do with shots, official permits, etc., service dogs are generally treated the same as pet dogs. Google "APHIS pet travel" for a drop-down menu of countries you can click to learn their policies.

 

Bermuda policies:

https://www.gov.bm/online-services/import-dog-or-cat

 

[thephantomsgirl]

By the way, the Bahamas fax machine is broken.   Someone I know called and they just said, "Try again next week".

[HenryKisor]

I'd think of the Bahamas as a broken Third World country if ours wasn't such a broken First World one. 

 

[wizard-of-roz]

On 2/9/2019 at 3:01 AM, Caribbean Chris said:

I really do love the sea days, Roz, but I understand your enjoyment of the peace when everybody else gets off.

 

I love watching the ocean go by, especially strolling the big promenades on HAL ships, and a cruise with only one or two sea days just isn’t as much fun. We were on a 21-day transatlantic once where the captain changed course and skipped the Azores due to a storm. The itinerary ended up being 10 straight sea days before a port - heavenly. 

I hear this from so many people.  I love cruising but I don't think I'd do very well on 10 straight sea days.  Wow!

[wizard-of-roz]

On 2/9/2019 at 5:58 AM, rangeley said:

Can't wait to hear about it.

39th Anniversary wow! Thats awesome. We just had out 20th in December. 

Bahamas paperwork is easy if you fax it. We are also going to grand turk never required to much but now want everything. We won't get off there. And Amber cove which I have no idea about. 

Thank god for Roz. She's the reason we cruise with our dog now. 

Happy Anniversary to all!  Treasure all the wonderful moments that share with each other!  

 

I treasure ALL of you! ❤️

 

[wizard-of-roz]

On 2/9/2019 at 4:42 PM, DUTRAVEL said:

 

I really thought Henri would use the kitty litter, but she would step in the box and immediately step out. I told guest services that the litter was not going to work for us. She is usually pretty flexible about the relief area, on this same trip the airport in Vancouver had locked up the indoor dog relief area and there was no way we could go back out through security and customs again before our flight. I called on the white courtesy telephone (that reminds me of the movie Airplane) and said that they needed to open the doors and let us into the relief area. They told me that the area was locked off for incoming international flights and ending up bringing a piece of artificial grass on the back of a small flat bed truck. Henri jumped up onto the truck and used the grass no problem (right in the middle of the terminal). We could only laugh about the whole situation.

 

Dianne

OMG!  That's exactly what Horton would do.  I love how tenacious you are.  It's unfortunate that we have to fight this constant battle of where our dog's will go potty. 

 

I'm going to carry a few doggy "piddle" pads [the kind with the tape on the back of them] in my carry on's.  And, when Horty has to go potty I'll go into the restroom handicap stall, lay down the pad, and give him the command.  I will pick up the pad, drop it into the trash and off I'll go.

 

If there's no handicap stall I'll just lay it on the floor of the restroom.

 

As long as the pad doesn't move around under Horton's circles he'll be fine.

[rpclmc]

54 minutes ago, thephantomsgirl said:

By the way, the Bahamas fax machine is broken.   Someone I know called and they just said, "Try again next week".

This is who I dealt with and she was great.

 

Dr. Deandra S. Delancey-Milfort BSc. DVM
Veterinary Officer
Veterinary Services Unit
Department of Agriculture

Phone: 1-242-397-7450/1

 

DEANDRADELANCEY@bahamas.gov.bs

 

Linda and Halo

[rpclmc]

4 minutes ago, wizard-of-roz said:

OMG!  That's exactly what Horton would do.  I love how tenacious you are.  It's unfortunate that we have to fight this constant battle of where our dog's will go potty. 

 

I'm going to carry a few doggy "piddle" pads [the kind with the tape on the back of them] in my carry on's.  And, when Horty has to go potty I'll go into the restroom handicap stall, lay down the pad, and give him the command.  I will pick up the pad, drop it into the trash and off I'll go.

 

If there's no handicap stall I'll just lay it on the floor of the restroom.

 

As long as the pad doesn't move around under Horton's circles he'll be fine.

That is what I am going to do with the potty pads.  Also, if I get an inside cabin and just can't get out, I can put one in the shower and he has a place to go.  

 

We carry them with.  Have used them if he gets sick.  He was getting a little motion sick.  We figured out just a few kibbles helps with the acid and he is fine.

 

Linda and Halo

[wizard-of-roz]

4 hours ago, mmarq1992 said:

We've taken the ADI Public Access test with a non-ADI trainer just to have for ourselves. I'm also a member of IAADP and have the card from them. Do you think copies of those would be enough or are they looking for an ID specifically? I'd hate to support the fake-id companies, but I'll go that route if I have to. My service dog and I have worked incredibly hard on both his obedience and task training, and I definitely need with me.

Please, do not purchase "fake" paperwork from any company online. 

 

I suggest a letter from your Vet with an attached picture of you & your dog.  The Vet letter should state what Service the dog provides, with the Vet attesting to the dog's good behavior in the public setting.  The Vet should state what kind of training that your dog has received and that the dog is in good health on flea & tick abatement on a monthly basis.

Edited February 11, 2019 by wizard-of-roz

[wizard-of-roz]

On 2/9/2019 at 4:31 PM, DUTRAVEL said:

I have to say that I really enjoy sea days. We try to take a transatlantic every year; the mix of ports and sea days are perfect for us. Since we like to get off the ship on port days (especially if we are in Europe), I find that we don't get enough time to relax without sea days.

 

Dianne

Makes such good sense.  My relaxation quotient never is enough!

[wizard-of-roz]

10 minutes ago, rpclmc said:

That is what I am going to do with the potty pads.  Also, if I get an inside cabin and just can't get out, I can put one in the shower and he has a place to go.  

 

We carry them with.  Have used them if he gets sick.  He was getting a little motion sick.  We figured out just a few kibbles helps with the acid and he is fine.

 

Linda and Halo

I have to tell you that in the Princess "pre-cruise" Service Dog paperwork, it specifically states that they don't allow the pads........my answer to them, too bad!  As long as we remain dutiful in removing these pads and disposing of them, we should be able to use them as we need to.  I understand that they don't want these pads being the responsibility of the cruise line to clean up after.

 

Please, anyone who does use them........Remove them, dispose of them and make sure that you're using enough to hold your dogs urine without it running over leaving any kind of residue where you lay it!

 

I use large, thick pads with strong tape on each corner.  I also do NOT depend on these pads unless it's an emergency situation, where we're stuck in a waiting area for a very long time.  I ALWAYS take Horton potty before we enter any airline, cruise ship or public waiting area situation!

[mmarq1992]

Thank you all again for your help! 

 

I also wanted to introduce ourselves! I'm Melissa and my dog Bentley is a 2 year old yellow Lab who does many tasks to help with my invisible disabilities. I have trained him since I brought him home at 8 weeks and he has grown into such a great dog. I've been on 10 Disney Cruises and our upcoming cruises will be Bentley's first, though he has done quite a bit of other traveling with me. Here's a picture of him from our most recent trip to Disneyland!

[rangeley]

We don't even have a dog right now and I'm overwhelmed with all this paperwork stuff!! 

 

I also love sea days. And love port day when we are not getting off. I think those are my favorite! 

[rangeley]

10 minutes ago, mmarq1992 said:

Thank you all again for your help! 

 

I also wanted to introduce ourselves! I'm Melissa and my dog Bentley is a 2 year old yellow Lab who does many tasks to help with my invisible disabilities. I have trained him since I brought him home at 8 weeks and he has grown into such a great dog. I've been on 10 Disney Cruises and our upcoming cruises will be Bentley's first, though he has done quite a bit of other traveling with me. Here's a picture of him from our most recent trip to Disneyland!

Bentley is a cutie pie! 

Welcome! 

[wizard-of-roz]

On 2/10/2019 at 12:06 PM, BoazTheMastiff said:

I’m so relieved to find this thread! We’re heading out on our first cruise with our service dog soon and everything I’m reading is so encouraging and helpful. He and I have driven across the USA but haven’t been on a cruise. We’ve been on several types of boats, big & small, including The Maid of the Mist at Niagra Falls with no issues. Just not a cruise.  Does anyone have any experience cruising with a Giant Service Dog? 

What a handsome boy!  Welcome!  Size DOES NOT MATTER!  You will just take up more room than usual and I'm quite sure you're used to that!

 

Elevators, small lounges, seating in the theatre, shopping in the stores and sitting in the dining rooms will present some thoughtfulness and pre-planning on your part.  But, if you use your good senses and ALWAYS think of Boaz first you will be fine.

 

You have to go to every venue remembering that you will be stopped several times to answer lots and lots of curious questions from your fellow passengers.  Remember, they had to leave their fur-babies at home and they're missing them terribly.  They will want to talk to, take pictures of and sit with your fur-baby!  If you can, allow for them to pat him.  It will satisfy their urge to try and sneak a touch behind your back!  Or, you will meet folks who absolutely hate your dog; they want nothing to do with him, they don't want to eat with him or be in an elevator with him.  They may complain very loudly or just give you and him dirty looks when they see either one of you.  It's a mixed bag of reactions.......like that box of chocolates;  you never know what you're going to get!

 

If Boaz likes to sleep in a bed, on a couch, etc....these are things you may want to think about to keep his comfort level good in the cabin.  Horton is a "huge" dog.  He weighs 90lbs, and has long, long legs.  He can be very scary looking to those who don't know him!  He likes to sleep in a bed.  I bring a bed for him, I roll it up and put big rubber bands around it to keep it as small as I can for easy travel.  He loves it!  

 

The floor space in a regular cabin is not the best [this depends on whether you separate or keep the beds together.]  I like the mini-suites on Princess ships; they have more floor space and even a nice couch in a separate sitting area of your cabin.  They are a bit pricier than a regular veranda cabin but not as expensive as a full suite.  I get the cabin on the end, which gives me a nice wrap-around balcony.  These cabins have to be reserved at least one year in advance.

 

If you like Traditional Dining you should go to the Matre d' before dinner time and check out where you're table is located.  You will want a table against a wall, a divider, or under a window where Boaz can lay down without anyone stepping over him.

 

Everything about cruising with your Service Dog can be managed and is doable.  You just need to pre-think - pre-plan and be mindful of those around you and your dog! 

 

Don't be deterred by any comments or supposed problems that you might hear or read.  Try it......You may love it as most of the folks on this thread do!!!!!!    

[rpclmc]

1 hour ago, wizard-of-roz said:

I have to tell you that in the Princess "pre-cruise" Service Dog paperwork, it specifically states that they don't allow the pads........my answer to them, too bad!  As long as we remain dutiful in removing these pads and disposing of them, we should be able to use them as we need to.  I understand that they don't want these pads being the responsibility of the cruise line to clean up after.

 

Please, anyone who does use them........Remove them, dispose of them and make sure that you're using enough to hold your dogs urine without it running over leaving any kind of residue where you lay it!

 

I use large, thick pads with strong tape on each corner.  I also do NOT depend on these pads unless it's an emergency situation, where we're stuck in a waiting area for a very long time.  I ALWAYS take Horton potty before we enter any airline, cruise ship or public waiting area situation!

I can't imagine that a true service dog handler wouldn't clean them up and dispose of them.  I have been told, by many people and different venues, that they wouldn't have noticed there was a dog there if we hadn't told them.  And Halo is a big shedder.

 

I also give Halo the opportunity to do his business before entering a public place.  

 

Linda and Halo

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, mmarq1992 said:

Thank you all again for your help! 

 

I also wanted to introduce ourselves! I'm Melissa and my dog Bentley is a 2 year old yellow Lab who does many tasks to help with my invisible disabilities. I have trained him since I brought him home at 8 weeks and he has grown into such a great dog. I've been on 10 Disney Cruises and our upcoming cruises will be Bentley's first, though he has done quite a bit of other traveling with me. Here's a picture of him from our most recent trip to Disneyland!

Hello Bentley, you're a very handsome boy.  Welcome to the most wonderful group of dog lovers in the world......or, at least on these boards.  Traveling dogs and their people, what could be better than that!

 

Melissa, most of us have Service Dogs and cruise with them.  We've been a source of information and comfort to each other over many, many years.  Some folks who add to our thread don't have a Service Dog and just love traveling with us and hearing about our adventures.

 

My dogs have been trained by Canine Companions for Independence, better known as CCI.  CCI provides assistance dogs to the public, absolutely free.  When I first applied to them in 2000 they required $100.00 which would pay for the dogs vest, leash and collar.  They no longer ask for any fee.  They depend on private funding primarily.  They are now all over the U.S.  My first dog was "Brenda", we traveled with her and I needed help with taking her on a cruise and brought my questions to Cruise Critic.  That was in 2005.......I've been here ever since.  Brenda passed away in 2014 at the age of 14.  She had a great life and had completed her 15th cruise before she passed.  My husband and I adored her.  I now have "Horton".  He'll be 10 years old on April, 29th and just completed his 10th cruise.  I'm hoping he'll beat Brenda's cruise record but I'm not so sure he will.  His long legs are getting a bit more tired earlier than her shorter legs did.  We'll see.

 

I always tell everyone to have all their paperwork in order, and make at least 3 copies when you travel.  You can NEVER have too much information to give to an Immigration or Port Authority.

 

I hope that we can be a source of information and encouragement for you to cruise with Bentley and love every moment of it. 🚢

Edited February 12, 2019 by wizard-of-roz