allies_daphne Posted March 24, 2019 #20676 Share Posted March 24, 2019 I can only speak to our experience, which was on Disney Cruise Line, but we got the Bahamas permit about 2 months in advance (it’s good for a year). We were told by Special Services at DCL to have the vet see the dog and sign the permit 7-10 days prior to travel and fax to them (DCL). We then presented everything at the port at check in, and again at Guest Services as soon as we boarded. We ported in Nassau and Castaway Cay, and had no issues. I know now there are many other Caribbean ports that are much more strict (like Grand Cayman). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HHFamily Posted March 24, 2019 #20677 Share Posted March 24, 2019 3 minutes ago, allies_daphne said: I can only speak to our experience, which was on Disney Cruise Line, but we got the Bahamas permit about 2 months in advance (it’s good for a year). We were told by Special Services at DCL to have the vet see the dog and sign the permit 7-10 days prior to travel and fax to them (DCL). We then presented everything at the port at check in, and again at Guest Services as soon as we boarded. We ported in Nassau and Castaway Cay, and had no issues. I know now there are many other Caribbean ports that are much more strict (like Grand Cayman). Thanks so much for your reply! How long ago was this? If I am not mistaken this form that is supposed to be done within 48 hours is relatively new? I am not completely sure, still trying to figure out how to navigate all of this. Royal Caribbean is not much help, they just refer me to the Department of Ag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miki_moto Posted March 24, 2019 #20678 Share Posted March 24, 2019 Might you be able to get a referral to a vet who will be open on Saturday? We found a vet practice that was open seven days a week when the requirements and our plans didn’t mesh. Having made seven trips from North America to the UK, their 48 hour requirement was always a problem for us. In the long run, having a vet practice that’s open every day saved a few trips to the emergency clinic! I’d hate it if you weren’t able to travel with your service dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HHFamily Posted March 24, 2019 #20679 Share Posted March 24, 2019 4 minutes ago, Miki_moto said: Might you be able to get a referral to a vet who will be open on Saturday? We found a vet practice that was open seven days a week when the requirements and our plans didn’t mesh. Having made seven trips from North America to the UK, their 48 hour requirement was always a problem for us. In the long run, having a vet practice that’s open every day saved a few trips to the emergency clinic! I’d hate it if you weren’t able to travel with your service dog. That is a great idea! My husband and I were just discussing the fact that it looks like this form can be signed by ANY licensed vet and not necessarily the vet that took care of the vaccines etc., and the fact that Banfield (in Petsmart) is open 7 days a week. I am trying really hard not to panic or give up hope of bringing her, but this is all SO intimidating and the thought of being turned away at the pier is absolutely terrifying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmarq1992 Posted March 24, 2019 #20680 Share Posted March 24, 2019 1 hour ago, HHFamily said: Thanks so much for your reply! How long ago was this? If I am not mistaken this form that is supposed to be done within 48 hours is relatively new? I am not completely sure, still trying to figure out how to navigate all of this. Royal Caribbean is not much help, they just refer me to the Department of Ag. Im sailing with Disney in two weeks and they also told me that it could be done a week or so before 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miki_moto Posted March 24, 2019 #20681 Share Posted March 24, 2019 2 hours ago, HHFamily said: That is a great idea! My husband and I were just discussing the fact that it looks like this form can be signed by ANY licensed vet and not necessarily the vet that took care of the vaccines etc., and the fact that Banfield (in Petsmart) is open 7 days a week. I am trying really hard not to panic or give up hope of bringing her, but this is all SO intimidating and the thought of being turned away at the pier is absolutely terrifying. I hear you! Given the circumstances, your vet should be willing to share the vaccination info with another vet. In any case, you should always carry a copy of the most recent rabies vet certificate with you. I've made copies and have one in Nico's vest and in each of our cars. Good luck! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 24, 2019 Author #20682 Share Posted March 24, 2019 (edited) HHFamily, I absolutely understand your frustration and fears at being turned away at the dock because of lack of information for your dog. I felt the very same way when we first cruised with my dog Brenda in 2005. My hands were shaking.......I had more paperwork on her than on me. It was the Celebrity Summit and once we were cleared for boarding, and were actually onboard, I shed a tear. However, there is no cruise line that wants to separate you from your dog or turn you away if you have essential paperwork in order. What is essential paperwork? A completed Aphis Form 7001 filled out by your Vet. This form will have all your dogs updated immunizations, microchip info and ALL misc. information about your Service Dog. Special forms [from various ports, usually foreign, in the Caribbean or UK] signed by a licensed Vet [can be obtained from an emergency Vet open 7 days a week.] This Vet doesn't need to know your dog, just needs to see him and the signed Aphis form from your dogs Vet. We saw an Emergency Vet without an appointment and upon explaining what we needed from him, he was very helpful and took the time to sign all that was needed for a very minimal fee. On a cruise through Europe my Vet had gotten ill and we were directed to the 24 hour Vet down the street from my Vets office. I, too, was very nervous about this and didn't know if the cruise and airline would be accepting of this new paperwork. I, too, worried about being turned away and refused entry. NEVER HAPPENED. The ship and the airlines were very pleased with ALL the completed paperwork and were very impressed at Brenda's good behavior and the trip was wonderful. I wish the potty box set-up on board was as easy!!!!!! The above can be done with just a few days planning. Make sure that you make several copies of the signed forms and keep them in a special envelope that will accompany your dog upon arrival to the dock and at various ports. Please take your dog with you. Be strong and brave and have no fear of being turned away. Have a wonderful cruise and do come back and tell us all about it ❤️ Edited March 24, 2019 by wizard-of-roz 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allies_daphne Posted March 24, 2019 #20683 Share Posted March 24, 2019 4 hours ago, HHFamily said: Thanks so much for your reply! How long ago was this? If I am not mistaken this form that is supposed to be done within 48 hours is relatively new? I am not completely sure, still trying to figure out how to navigate all of this. Royal Caribbean is not much help, they just refer me to the Department of Ag. This was Sept 2018. Special Services with Disney wanted this 7-10 days prior to sailing. I pulled our documents and it also states 48 hours, but we had no issue, and we were not even asked for any paperwork disembarking in Nassau or Castaway. We saw the vet on 9/11 and sailed on 9/16. Remember that this is also a permit for people moving there with their pets, and also for those that sail/boat on a personal watercraft into the Bahamas, so many are traveling for more than 48 hours to arrive at there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HHFamily Posted March 24, 2019 #20684 Share Posted March 24, 2019 1 hour ago, wizard-of-roz said: HHFamily, I absolutely understand your frustration and fears at being turned away at the dock because of lack of information for your dog. I felt the very same way when we first cruised with my dog Brenda in 2005. My hands were shaking.......I had more paperwork on her than on me. It was the Celebrity Summit and once we were cleared for boarding, and were actually onboard, I shed a tear. However, there is no cruise line that wants to separate you from your dog or turn you away if you have essential paperwork in order. What is essential paperwork? A completed Aphis Form 7001 filled out by your Vet. This form will have all your dogs updated immunizations, microchip info and ALL misc. information about your Service Dog. Special forms [from various ports, usually foreign, in the Caribbean or UK] signed by a licensed Vet [can be obtained from an emergency Vet open 7 days a week.] This Vet doesn't need to know your dog, just needs to see him and the signed Aphis form from your dogs Vet. We saw an Emergency Vet without an appointment and upon explaining what we needed from him, he was very helpful and took the time to sign all that was needed for a very minimal fee. On a cruise through Europe my Vet had gotten ill and we were directed to the 24 hour Vet down the street from my Vets office. I, too, was very nervous about this and didn't know if the cruise and airline would be accepting of this new paperwork. I, too, worried about being turned away and refused entry. NEVER HAPPENED. The ship and the airlines were very pleased with ALL the completed paperwork and were very impressed at Brenda's good behavior and the trip was wonderful. I wish the potty box set-up on board was as easy!!!!!! The above can be done with just a few days planning. Make sure that you make several copies of the signed forms and keep them in a special envelope that will accompany your dog upon arrival to the dock and at various ports. Please take your dog with you. Be strong and brave and have no fear of being turned away. Have a wonderful cruise and do come back and tell us all about it ❤️ Thank you SO much for this! I have read enough of your posts over the years to know you have TONS of experience traveling with Service Dogs, so hearing this from you eases my mind more than you can know! ❤️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HHFamily Posted March 24, 2019 #20685 Share Posted March 24, 2019 45 minutes ago, allies_daphne said: This was Sept 2018. Special Services with Disney wanted this 7-10 days prior to sailing. I pulled our documents and it also states 48 hours, but we had no issue, and we were not even asked for any paperwork disembarking in Nassau or Castaway. We saw the vet on 9/11 and sailed on 9/16. Remember that this is also a permit for people moving there with their pets, and also for those that sail/boat on a personal watercraft into the Bahamas, so many are traveling for more than 48 hours to arrive at there. Thank you SOOO much. You guys are making me feel so much better about this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonelysable Posted March 25, 2019 #20686 Share Posted March 25, 2019 On 3/24/2019 at 12:18 AM, HHFamily said: Is it necessary to do a vet visit within 48 hours of getting on the ship for a Bahamas cruise? That is the one bit of the paperwork I am not entirely sure I understand. Thanks so much! Hello I just got back from Bahamas and you need a permit to enter for service dogs its free. Best person to contact will be Dr. Deandra S. Delancey-Milfort BSc. DVM her email address is DEANDRADELANCEY@BAHAMAS.GOV.BS 1-Blank - AGRI_AGR VS 1A FORM.pdf 1-Blank - Application+to+Import+Domestic+Animals+(1) (1).pdf 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonelysable Posted March 25, 2019 #20687 Share Posted March 25, 2019 (edited) On 3/24/2019 at 12:18 AM, HHFamily said: Is it necessary to do a vet visit within 48 hours of getting on the ship for a Bahamas cruise? That is the one bit of the paperwork I am not entirely sure I understand. Thanks so much! For Bahamas You can also call 242-397-7450/1 for an update on the status of your permit The proper protocol is to use facsimile using the number 1-242-325-3960 to be received by the permit section. 48 hours is from the time you leave home when sailing they make an exception Edited March 25, 2019 by lonelysable missed info 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonelysable Posted March 25, 2019 #20688 Share Posted March 25, 2019 20 hours ago, HHFamily said: I thought about doing exactly that, but I am terrified that if I do that and Royal Caribbean isn't satisfied with that on boarding day, I will be denied boarding. As long as you have the proper paperwork for the service dog you can get on the ship For the island Royal really does not care if anything they will deny the dog of getting off the ship at that port. Just make sure its on your invoice that you will be bring your service dog. I know they have changed alot because people were bringing emotional support dogs and that is no longer allowed your service dog has to do a task. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonelysable Posted March 25, 2019 #20689 Share Posted March 25, 2019 17 hours ago, Miki_moto said: I hear you! Given the circumstances, your vet should be willing to share the vaccination info with another vet. In any case, you should always carry a copy of the most recent rabies vet certificate with you. I've made copies and have one in Nico's vest and in each of our cars. Good luck! Going to Bahamas is not that hard once you have all the info and paper work. I am from Canada and I left Canada Jan.29 to go to Florida my vet signed the papers Jan.23 and arrived in Bahamas Feb.11th. There was no problem getting off the ship. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HHFamily Posted March 25, 2019 #20690 Share Posted March 25, 2019 1 hour ago, lonelysable said: For Bahamas You can also call 242-397-7450/1 for an update on the status of your permit The proper protocol is to use facsimile using the number 1-242-325-3960 to be received by the permit section. 48 hours is from the time you leave home when sailing they make an exception Thank you!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HHFamily Posted March 25, 2019 #20691 Share Posted March 25, 2019 1 hour ago, lonelysable said: Hello I just got back from Bahamas and you need a permit to enter for service dogs its free. Best person to contact will be Dr. Deandra S. Delancey-Milfort BSc. DVM her email address is DEANDRADELANCEY@BAHAMAS.GOV.BS 1-Blank - AGRI_AGR VS 1A FORM.pdf 35.12 kB · 0 downloads 1-Blank - Application+to+Import+Domestic+Animals+(1) (1).pdf 94.06 kB · 0 downloads Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 27, 2019 Author #20692 Share Posted March 27, 2019 Chris, I know you're in the midst of getting ready for your cruise [I love the anticipation part]. I want to wish you a hearty Bon~Voyage. Have a safe and happy cruise experience and please come back and tell us all about it. ❤️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caribbean Chris Posted March 28, 2019 #20693 Share Posted March 28, 2019 18 hours ago, wizard-of-roz said: Chris, I know you're in the midst of getting ready for your cruise [I love the anticipation part]. I want to wish you a hearty Bon~Voyage. Have a safe and happy cruise experience and please come back and tell us all about it. ❤️ Thanks Roz!❤️ Not long until we cruise, so I really should start thinking about what to pack. We’re sailing on the Nieuw Statendam, Holland America’s new ship. I’ll give a report on how it goes, but HAL has always been easy to work with in my experience. Really looking forward to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rangeley Posted March 28, 2019 #20694 Share Posted March 28, 2019 13 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said: Thanks Roz!❤️ Not long until we cruise, so I really should start thinking about what to pack. We’re sailing on the Nieuw Statendam, Holland America’s new ship. I’ll give a report on how it goes, but HAL has always been easy to work with in my experience. Really looking forward to it. Chris, We just booked a cruise on her for January. Can't wait to hear all about it. Cindy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard-of-roz Posted March 29, 2019 Author #20695 Share Posted March 29, 2019 Happy Weekend Everyone, from very warm L.A. Now my air conditioning is running day and night. To everyone who's getting ready for upcoming cruises......happy packing and preparation. The anticipation of an upcoming cruise is so much fun....almost as much fun as seeing the ship in the distance and watching it get bigger and bigger and bigger. Love it!!!!! I'll never get tired of that sight! 🚢 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmarq1992 Posted March 29, 2019 #20696 Share Posted March 29, 2019 Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all have a great weekend! We'll be spending the weekend packing because our cruise is ONE WEEK from today! Bentley is ready! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rangeley Posted March 29, 2019 #20697 Share Posted March 29, 2019 1 hour ago, mmarq1992 said: Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all have a great weekend! We'll be spending the weekend packing because our cruise is ONE WEEK from today! Bentley is ready! Awesome pic! Have a great cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rangeley Posted March 29, 2019 #20698 Share Posted March 29, 2019 5 hours ago, wizard-of-roz said: Happy Weekend Everyone, from very warm L.A. Now my air conditioning is running day and night. To everyone who's getting ready for upcoming cruises......happy packing and preparation. The anticipation of an upcoming cruise is so much fun....almost as much fun as seeing the ship in the distance and watching it get bigger and bigger and bigger. Love it!!!!! I'll never get tired of that sight! 🚢 Can't wait for our cruise in May. Love seeing the ship in the distance getting closer and closer. We will be away for the next week but still in communication. 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caribbean Chris Posted March 29, 2019 #20699 Share Posted March 29, 2019 mmarq1992, you get the prize for the cutest photo ever of a service dog preparing to go on a cruise! Bentley is so beautiful - a Canine Companions' dog? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare puppycanducruise Posted March 29, 2019 #20700 Share Posted March 29, 2019 Have a great cruise mmarq1992 and Bentley. Thanks for posting that wonderful picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now