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

[Algebralovr]

With everything going on, I've been bad about keeping up with Scooter's training, and Wednesday he decided to start pulling again. Sigh.

Apparently I'm more stable after an impromptu wake last night, and Scooter is walking nicely beside me today. We don't have his gentle leader or his training collar on! We had a moment when a good friend walked by and greeted him before me (I keep getting onto her), and he went into a down instead of a sit when we stopped on the sidewalk, but it is a pretty good day.

 

Stay safe and hug your family, everyone. I'm driving 12 students to a visitation on Sunday, 5 hours to get there, 2 hours there, 5 hours to get home. Hubby's coming in a different car and staying up there for another event.

[rpclmc]

Any advice for a looong road trip with a service dog, Halo? He is great in the car. We have taken him on roadtrips, but only for a couple days. We will be gone for 2.5 months. First long days, with nights in hotels for a week. Then a week at my parents. He has been there, it has a fenced yard and he does well. Then two long drive days, with hotels to Florida. A month at an airbnb, with fully fenced yard in Florida. Then a 3 week road trip, different places about every 3 days.

 

He just got his annual boosters. Will be bathed and groomed.

 

Linda and Halo

[wizard-of-roz]

Any advice for a looong road trip with a service dog, Halo? He is great in the car. We have taken him on roadtrips, but only for a couple days. We will be gone for 2.5 months. First long days, with nights in hotels for a week. Then a week at my parents. He has been there, it has a fenced yard and he does well. Then two long drive days, with hotels to Florida. A month at an airbnb, with fully fenced yard in Florida. Then a 3 week road trip, different places about every 3 days.

 

He just got his annual boosters. Will be bathed and groomed.

 

Linda and Halo

 

Linda, it sounds like you've got it all covered.

 

What I like to do on long road trips is make sure that Horton is getting out of the car to exercise his legs, get some water and go potty about every 2 hours.

 

Remember, unlike us, who get to look at the scenery and enjoy the environs as we drive along, our dogs are laying down and mostly sleeping just laying on the back seat or floor.......it can get pretty boring for them! Being able to get out of the car and refresh themselves definitely makes for more interesting travel for them!!!

It sounds like a great trip, be safe and enjoy!

[rpclmc]

Linda, it sounds like you've got it all covered.

 

What I like to do on long road trips is make sure that Horton is getting out of the car to exercise his legs, get some water and go potty about every 2 hours.

 

Remember, unlike us, who get to look at the scenery and enjoy the environs as we drive along, our dogs are laying down and mostly sleeping just laying on the back seat or floor.......it can get pretty boring for them! Being able to get out of the car and refresh themselves definitely makes for more interesting travel for them!!!

It sounds like a great trip, be safe and enjoy!

 

I need to get out and move, my legs cramp really bad; I have a neuron muscular disease, stiff persons syndrome, progresses like ALS just slower. So no problem getting him out. Surprisingly, at 2, he would be happy to nap all day. His personality is all great Dane.

 

He is also the rare dog that likes to sit up and watch out the window.

 

Linda and Halo

[wizard-of-roz]

Vet visit done - $422.00 later. The Rabies Titer blood [OIE-FAVN] draw is $250.00 it is sent to the lab and the lab forwards the results to Hawaii directly.

Your dog MUST have a recent Bordetella, Leptospirosis and Rabies Vaccine. The Health Certificate [Aphis 7001] was $35.00 and the office visit was $67.00. As long as we were there I had his nails trimmed for $15.00.

I still have to have one form notarized [AQS 278], Dept. of Agriculture Import Form. All of this will be faxed to: 808.483.7161. And, there will be fees to pay when Horton is inspected upon arrival to our first port.

I should be done after that and ready to board on December 2nd.

My Vet said that he is no longer doing the blood test or paperwork for patients traveling to Hawaii. He said it's way too involved and too much trouble for his office to handle. He said he's doing it for me and for me only! Of course, it didn't stop him from charging me for the form did it? Oh! Well! I guess business is business. He said that England, Australia and New Zealand demand the same exhaustive paperwork and blood tests. He recommends that I not travel there......Okay! He said Mexico, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia and many parts of Europe are easy to take a Service to and he's happy to help with the paperwork. It sure makes you re-think where you travel to with your dog!

The blood draw is good for 3 years so when I take my Grandson to Hawaii next December I won't need to put that money out again. Yay!

[wizard-of-roz]

Happy, safe weekend everyone ♥

[Caribbean Chris]

Thanks for the info about Hawaii, Roz. What a process! Pricey too!! Interesting about the Bordatella and Leptospirosis requirements.

 

My vet here in Florida recommends the Leptospirosis vaccine annually anyway due to the climate, and I've seen some countries that said they required it, too. I read or saw in the news that people in Puerto Rico had contracted it after the hurricane this year by drinking from contaminated streams or ponds (they had no running water, so no choice to survive in some of the isolated regions).

[denas]

Hello! We have taken my sons dog Blink with us on a cruise a couple of years ago. She is coming with us again on Anthem of the Seas this March.

 

Two quick questions-

 

Do I need a notarized version of the health form if our stops include Port Canaveral? I know I don't need this for the Bahamas but not sure if we will have problems getting back on the ship at Port Canaveral or when we return home to New Jersey.

 

Has anyone cruised the larger RCCL ships and have any idea where they put the potty box? When we cruised Disney, they put it right on our deck which seemed convenient at the time, but meant Blink didn't have a lot of room to get comfortable doing her business. However, it seems like the Anthem is so big and I have heard there can be tremendously long waits for elevators, so I worried about a long hike to the potty box!

Thanks!

[wizard-of-roz]

Thanks for the info about Hawaii, Roz. What a process! Pricey too!! Interesting about the Bordatella and Leptospirosis requirements.

 

My vet here in Florida recommends the Leptospirosis vaccine annually anyway due to the climate, and I've seen some countries that said they required it, too. I read or saw in the news that people in Puerto Rico had contracted it after the hurricane this year by drinking from contaminated streams or ponds (they had no running water, so no choice to survive in some of the isolated regions).

 

I absolutely do not mind immunizing Horton to the "what if's", it's just giving him a vaccine like Rabies every year that makes me crazy. Our dogs have been vaccinated since they're small pups and this stuff does build-up in their systems. Some dogs can have life threatening reactions to the Rabies vaccine. All Vets know that every 3 years for Rabies vaccine is more than sufficient.

 

I faxed all my information to the Animal Quarantine Station on Friday and they emailed me this morning letting me know that they do NOT have inspectors on their "outer islands!" Our first stop is Kahului, Maui [considered an outer island] on November 7th. They sent me phone numbers of a list of Vets, Humane Society and Animal Clinics that will [at a cost] send someone out to the ship to inspect Horton before anyone can disembark the ship. Because Horton is a Service Dog I'm allowed to fax back to the AQS who will be coming out.

 

I'm in the process of calling them now.

[wizard-of-roz]

Hello! We have taken my sons dog Blink with us on a cruise a couple of years ago. She is coming with us again on Anthem of the Seas this March.

 

Two quick questions-

 

Do I need a notarized version of the health form if our stops include Port Canaveral? I know I don't need this for the Bahamas but not sure if we will have problems getting back on the ship at Port Canaveral or when we return home to New Jersey.

 

Has anyone cruised the larger RCCL ships and have any idea where they put the potty box? When we cruised Disney, they put it right on our deck which seemed convenient at the time, but meant Blink didn't have a lot of room to get comfortable doing her business. However, it seems like the Anthem is so big and I have heard there can be tremendously long waits for elevators, so I worried about a long hike to the potty box!

Thanks!

 

What a cute name: "Blink!"

You will NOT need a notarized version of any forms when re-boarding in Port Canaveral, unless you go there via Hawaii.

If you have a veranda cabin you may have the potty box placed on it for your convenience. Don't let them tell you it can't be done. Insist on it! If you prefer not to have it there then ask them to place it in a stairwell or crew working station NEAR YOUR CABIN. Sometimes they just need US to make the helpful decision for them! Tell them you will collapse if you have to walk too far!!!

Again, the reason the ships are so reticent in placing the box where it is convenient for us is because some folks take advantage of them. They leave solid waste in the box; they're irresponsible about picking up after their dog if they make a mistake and they allow their dogs to misbehave in the public setting; ruining it for the rest of us. [some of the poor behavior is done by "fakes" who bring their pets onboard with "fake" doctors notes!]

Please, EVERYONE, if you spot a fake in the public setting, call them "out!" If we let them know that we're NOT going to let them get away with it, maybe they'll do one of two things; stop doing it or better train their pets!!!!

 

Sorry for the soapbox! Have a wonderful time on your cruise with "Blink!" :cool:

[wizard-of-roz]

AQS 278 Form signed, notarized and all paperwork faxed to Hawaii. Called the Maui Humane Society - 808.877.3680 - A lovely Direct Release Specialist named Melissa called me back and we scheduled a "Direct Release" examination at the first island we would be in [Kahului, Maui]. After this exam by the Specialist, Horton will be free to travel on all islands in Hawaii. She said they will check his vet visit, and look for parasites and if all is good he will be given a clearance.

The Direct Release fee is $245.00 plus $10.21 tax. Total: $255.21, paid by credit card immediately or by cash upon exam.

We're all paid, we're ready to go to Hawaii.

If you're planning on traveling to Hawaii via cruise ship, with your Service Dog, it is expensive.

And, just think, this is the cruise, onboard the Emerald Princess, that my other children want to take next December......Oh! Well! I have a whole year to start saving for that one!

Now, let's start thinking about Thanksgiving! Gobble, Gobble!:D

[rangeley]

I'm so excited for you Roz. I'm sure you will have a great time.

 

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[rangeley]

Anyone ever dewormed their dog? I see Mexico wants that and I'm not sure if we should do it or not. I hate to do something that is not necessary. But I do see that they now except the 3 year rabies. Yay!

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

I'm so excited for you Roz. I'm sure you will have a great time.

 

Sent from my Pixel XL using Forums mobile app

 

Thanks, it's starting to actually occur to me that ALL the preparation is for a cruise to Hawaii......so much fun to be had. I love the colors, sounds and smells of everything "Hawaiian", and with all the Horton prep behind me I'm starting to really get excited. ;p

[wizard-of-roz]

Anyone ever dewormed their dog? I see Mexico wants that and I'm not sure if we should do it or not. I hate to do something that is not necessary. But I do see that they now except the 3 year rabies. Yay!

 

Sent from my Pixel XL using Forums mobile app

 

Cindy, you do NOT have to deworm Wexler to go to Mexico. As long as you have the Aphis 7001, Agricultural Inspection Form filled out by your Vet and Wex is current on everything, you're all set for Mexico, South and Central America, Canada, Alaska and parts of Europe.

Only Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Britain and a few other foreign ports demand that you go through all the hoops and whistles, with your Service Dog, that Horton and I had to go through.

The only thing I don't like about Mexico, Central and South America is that each port wants to inspect your dog and that can be very early in the morning......so annoying! In Costa Rica I had a meltdown and made one of the ships officer's come and get Horton and take him to meet the inspector. I was so done! On a 19 day cruise it's pure exhaustion to be woken up at 5:30am when they just did it the day before!

Pretty soon my cruising will exist of only Mexico, Alaska and the California Coast on back to back's to back's. :p

[S.S. Cruisers]

,

Pretty soon my cruising will exist of only Mexico, Alaska and the California Coast on back to back's to back's. :p

I posted once, but it went to the "Darkside" so I will try again. Roz, that sounds good to us, with hubby not flying we stick to the West coast. We are still looking at the Panama Canal, Los Angeles to Los Angeles and the Hawaii round trip from either LA or San Diego. We did the Hawaii one back in 2006, but wouldn't mind doing it again. Would have to get Auntie to come stay with Travis, Leann Emily and Jezzy Lou. Travis wouldn't care, he still is not "into" the water thing. Prefers to stay out of it and away from it..........

[wizard-of-roz]

I posted once, but it went to the "Darkside" so I will try again. Roz, that sounds good to us, with hubby not flying we stick to the West coast. We are still looking at the Panama Canal, Los Angeles to Los Angeles and the Hawaii round trip from either LA or San Diego. We did the Hawaii one back in 2006, but wouldn't mind doing it again. Would have to get Auntie to come stay with Travis, Leann Emily and Jezzy Lou. Travis wouldn't care, he still is not "into" the water thing. Prefers to stay out of it and away from it..........

 

As a child, teenager and young woman I couldn't wait to go to Santa Monica or Malibu and languish in the surf. I'd stay for hours, get really burnt and wouldn't leave until the sun did!

As a grown woman driving on Pacific Coast Highway, or being on a cruise ship is as close as I want to be. I love the ocean; the smell of it, the wind coming off of it is so lovely but I have absolutely no desire to go into it. Those days are definitely behind me. I get a kick out of watching people jumping around in the surf and watching surfers, people diving into it and seeing folks snorkeling is fun......but, I'm just an observer and a great cheer leader! ;p

[DUTRAVEL]

Anyone ever dewormed their dog? I see Mexico wants that and I'm not sure if we should do it or not. I hate to do something that is not necessary. But I do see that they now except the 3 year rabies. Yay!

 

Sent from my Pixel XL using Forums mobile app

 

When we had to do it for Costa Rica and Guatemala it was just a pill that the vet gave my dog (which she said was not harmful to her).

 

Treatment against ectoparasites and endoparasites was not required when we went to Mexico last year; it looks like it is a new requirement.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

Vet visit done - $422.00 later. The Rabies Titer blood [OIE-FAVN] draw is $250.00 it is sent to the lab and the lab forwards the results to Hawaii directly.

 

He said that England, Australia and New Zealand demand the same exhaustive paperwork and blood tests. He recommends that I not travel there......Okay! He said Mexico, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia and many parts of Europe are easy to take a Service to and he's happy to help with the paperwork. It sure makes you re-think where you travel to with your dog!

 

The blood draw is good for 3 years so when I take my Grandson to Hawaii next December I won't need to put that money out again. Yay!

 

You got a bargain Roz - it cost us $300 for Henri's rabies titer, but we don't have to pay the inspection fee since we are flying in to Honolulu and the inspection is free at the airport.

 

Good news - you no longer need a rabies titer to go to the UK. There are some timing issues on microchipping and the rabies vaccination, but the requirements are much simpler now.

 

Dianne

[rangeley]

You are right Roz. I must have read another country for the deworming.

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

When we had to do it for Costa Rica and Guatemala it was just a pill that the vet gave my dog (which she said was not harmful to her).

 

Treatment against ectoparasites and endoparasites was not required when we went to Mexico last year; it looks like it is a new requirement.

 

Dianne

 

Dianne, we were in those environs and my Vet did NOT give Horton any extra pill. We went in November of 2016. Maybe this is a "new" requirement.

 

I will be going to Mexico at the end of our Hawaii trip and was not given any extra pills/shots or treatments for the ecto. or endoparasites. My Vet gave the usual yearly vaccines. He reiterated to me that Mexico is one of the easiest countries to travel to with a Service Dog!

[wizard-of-roz]

You are right Roz. I must have read another country for the deworming.

 

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Hooray! Wexy got off easy!!!!!

[DUTRAVEL]

You are right Roz. I must have read another country for the deworming.

 

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Cindy, I just checked the Aphis Pet Travel website and they do now list a new requirement for treatment against ectoparasites and endoparasites within the last 6 months (effective January 2017).

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

The website link is https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-mexico

 

The requirements are in the pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/downloads/mx_pets_dog_cat_upd_12.pdf

 

Form 7001 also now lists the treatment for endoparasites https://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/downloads/mx_aphis_7001.pdf

 

This is new since we went to Mexico in October 2016.

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

The website link is https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-mexico

 

The requirements are in the pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/downloads/mx_pets_dog_cat_upd_12.pdf

 

Form 7001 also now lists the treatment for endoparasites https://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/downloads/mx_aphis_7001.pdf

 

This is new since we went to Mexico in October 2016.

 

Dianne

 

I called my Vet's office and asked about any further requirements for entrance into Mexico, which I will be doing at the end of our Hawaii cruise.

The doctor informed me that the use of HeartGuard and NexGaurd on a monthly basis [never missing a dosage] completely protects Horton from any ectoparasites or endoparasites, of which the Mexican Agricultural Inspectors are most concerned about. And, unfortunately most of the general public do not use for their pets that they might be bringing into Mexico. This is Mexico's way of attempting to protect their animal population and, another reason why you want to make sure NOT to allow their strays near your dog!

He assured me that the consistent use of these two meds assures that Horton is protected from the parasites that their new regulations are referring to.

Thank goodness, I thought I had something else I had to worry about.

We who walk or wheel with a Service Dog take ALL the extra measures to protect our dogs from disease. Lucky dogs!!!!!