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

[DUTRAVEL]

13 hours ago, rangeley said:

Hello from Bermuda! Somehow I have internet. Things havent been as good as expected. We spent the first 5 hours of the day fighting to get the box on our balcony. Wasnt til John threatened the doj, ada and a lawyer until they put it on the balcony. Oak went 28 hours with out peeing. He finally went and is still going but very fussy about it. Pooping was non existent until he pooped in a public area on our way down to see Bermuda customs. Just great ☹️. He pooped 3 times yesterday on land, but none in the box. Not good. He's a great traveler but maybe not a good cruiser. I'll post a few pics. He loves the balcony. 

 

 

I agree with Chris - it’s so stressful to worry about the dog and the relief box. I hope Oak gets it figured out soon so that you can relax and enjoy yourself.

 

Good for John to not give in on the location of the box. On our last cruise, they told me I couldn’t have the box on the balcony because it was an emergency evacuation route. That was the most ridiculous excuse I have gotten yet. 

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

2 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

 

I agree with Chris - it’s so stressful to worry about the dog and the relief box. I hope Oak gets it figured out soon so that you can relax and enjoy yourself.

 

Good for John to not give in on the location of the box. On our last cruise, they told me I couldn’t have the box on the balcony because it was an emergency evacuation route. That was the most ridiculous excuse I have gotten yet. 

 

Dianne

I've been told that the box can't be on the veranda because of "health" reasons;  Not in the stairwell for "evacuation" reasons; not near my cabin because of disturbances to other passengers and on and on.  They think that placing it on a deck, far away from our cabin, exposed to the elements and behind heavy doors and large lips in  the floor is okay.  

 

I purposely rent a cabin in the aft of the ship so that I can use the stairwell when they give me an argument about my veranda.  Carnival has no problem with the veranda....Princess will fight me on it every time.  I accept the stairwell but would definitely prefer my own veranda for convenience sake.  

 

It will always be a bone of contention to the cruise line.   I board early; I bring the artificial stuff and pads to lay down on my veranda until they place the box;  I bring a large trash bag and place the used pads in it and put the grass on top of their filler and my cruise is good to go.   I make sure that Horton relieves himself outside the port entry, across the street from the San Pedro Pier there's a patch of grass in front of a strip mall.  There may be a delay in boarding and I want him comfortable.  

[rangeley]

9 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

 

I agree with Chris - it’s so stressful to worry about the dog and the relief box. I hope Oak gets it figured out soon so that you can relax and enjoy yourself.

 

Good for John to not give in on the location of the box. On our last cruise, they told me I couldn’t have the box on the balcony because it was an emergency evacuation route. That was the most ridiculous excuse I have gotten yet. 

 

Dianne

They kept changing the story. So many excuses. It was ridiculous. 

 

Oak is not going to be a cruiser. He's not getting the box thing. He will still pee with alot of encouragement but no poop. We have 2 sea days home and after his incident in the middle of the floor, I think we will be staying in the cabin. We do not want to have that happen again. I'd rather him go in the room if it has to happen. ☹️

 

We have a cruise booked for January but we are going to cancel it. 

Edited May 28, 2019 by rangeley

[rpclmc]

Roz, will Carnival put it on the balcony before you arrive?  Who do you speak to get this done before the cruise?  On the Liberty they didn't give me any excuses, but I had to go to guest services and waited about 1 hour before they confirmed they would put it there.  I would so much rather be on the lido having lunch, a drink and by the pool.

 

Rangley, we "matched" Halo before going out of the cabin if he hadn't pooped for 24 hours.  I read this is what they do to dogs at the dog shows.  I really don't think it can be good, but I can't imagine the handlers are hurting those multi thousand dollar dogs.  Take a match, lick it (make sure you do this before inserting it), insert it in the anas (partially insert it).  Have him near his poop spot, he will go within 30 seconds to a minute.

 

Linda and Halo

 

 

[wizard-of-roz]

3 hours ago, rpclmc said:

Roz, will Carnival put it on the balcony before you arrive?  Who do you speak to get this done before the cruise?  On the Liberty they didn't give me any excuses, but I had to go to guest services and waited about 1 hour before they confirmed they would put it there.  I would so much rather be on the lido having lunch, a drink and by the pool.

 

Rangley, we "matched" Halo before going out of the cabin if he hadn't pooped for 24 hours.  I read this is what they do to dogs at the dog shows.  I really don't think it can be good, but I can't imagine the handlers are hurting those multi thousand dollar dogs.  Take a match, lick it (make sure you do this before inserting it), insert it in the anas (partially insert it).  Have him near his poop spot, he will go within 30 seconds to a minute.

 

Linda and Halo

 

 

The first thing you do is go to Guest Services and request that the box [Carnival uses a pre-made aluminum box, filled with mulch-I cover it with the artificial grass] be put on your veranda while you go to lunch.  When you come back from lunch it's all set. 

 

I have NEVER heard of the match thing and would NEVER do it!

[wizard-of-roz]

14 hours ago, rangeley said:

They kept changing the story. So many excuses. It was ridiculous. 

 

Oak is not going to be a cruiser. He's not getting the box thing. He will still pee with alot of encouragement but no poop. We have 2 sea days home and after his incident in the middle of the floor, I think we will be staying in the cabin. We do not want to have that happen again. I'd rather him go in the room if it has to happen. ☹️

 

We have a cruise booked for January but we are going to cancel it. 

 I'm sorry Cindy.  Let's talk more when you're home!

[wizard-of-roz]

9 minutes ago, wizard-of-roz said:

 I'm sorry Cindy.  Let's talk more when you're home!

Cindy, after re-reading your post, I wanted to add this.......please don't cancel your upcoming cruise.   The fact that the ship made your dog wait until he was so uncomfortable and had to relieve himself in a public space was totally their fault and didn't help Oakland to find a comfort zone in using the box!   They caused you and your dog to have frustration and embarrassment with the whole situation.  

 

I think when you get home and use a box for him to potty in on a daily basis he will get used to it and then use one on board with no problem. 

 

Don't deny yourselves the pleasure of cruising, something you so enjoyed.  

[mmarq1992]

Hello All! We are back from our Alaskan cruise and had a great time. We were lucky enough to have zero hiccups and can't wait until our next opportunity to cruise! Bentley was so excited to get onboard that he decided to wake up at 5:30 am, but we were able to watch our ship sail into port, so it worked out well!

 

 

Cindy- so sorry to hear Oakland is having a hard time adjusting. Like Roz said, I bet with some box practice at home he'll do perfect next time!

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, mmarq1992 said:

Hello All! We are back from our Alaskan cruise and had a great time. We were lucky enough to have zero hiccups and can't wait until our next opportunity to cruise! Bentley was so excited to get onboard that he decided to wake up at 5:30 am, but we were able to watch our ship sail into port, so it worked out well!

 

 

Cindy- so sorry to hear Oakland is having a hard time adjusting. Like Roz said, I bet with some box practice at home he'll do perfect next time!

Bentley, your pictures are wonderful!  You look so happy and your smile is over the top.  I love how you're holding Mickie's hand so he doesn't miss the fun!

 

Thanks for sharing these amazing pictures, you certainly captured every moment!

 

 

[rangeley]

16 hours ago, rpclmc said:

Roz, will Carnival put it on the balcony before you arrive?  Who do you speak to get this done before the cruise?  On the Liberty they didn't give me any excuses, but I had to go to guest services and waited about 1 hour before they confirmed they would put it there.  I would so much rather be on the lido having lunch, a drink and by the pool.

 

Rangley, we "matched" Halo before going out of the cabin if he hadn't pooped for 24 hours.  I read this is what they do to dogs at the dog shows.  I really don't think it can be good, but I can't imagine the handlers are hurting those multi thousand dollar dogs.  Take a match, lick it (make sure you do this before inserting it), insert it in the anas (partially insert it).  Have him near his poop spot, he will go within 30 seconds to a minute.

 

Linda and Halo

 

 

Actually CCI does the match thing. He's not having a problem going, he just won't go in the box. He's doing great on peeing. Maybe he needs a box for each. 

[rpclmc]

Roz, yep went to guest services last time.  But I waited at guest services for an hour until they got back with me.  Next time I will go to guest services, then go to lunch.  Once the room is open I will check on the box, if not there, I will go back to GS and hang out until they fix it.

 

Cindy don't give up on Oakland and cruising, just work on him at home.  He will get it.  Halo really didn't want to use the box, but with training at home, he knows it is ok.  However, we he sees us pull into port, he won't even look at the box.  He will just stand on the balcony, look at us, look at the grass as if to stay "let's go".

 

Bentley looks awesome.

 

Linda and Halo

[wizard-of-roz]

6 hours ago, rangeley said:

Actually CCI does the match thing. He's not having a problem going, he just won't go in the box. He's doing great on peeing. Maybe he needs a box for each. 

Is he liking the cruising thing aside from the potty thing?  I don't think I could do the match thing......thank goodness I haven't had to.    

[wizard-of-roz]

1 hour ago, rpclmc said:

Roz, yep went to guest services last time.  But I waited at guest services for an hour until they got back with me.  Next time I will go to guest services, then go to lunch.  Once the room is open I will check on the box, if not there, I will go back to GS and hang out until they fix it.

 

Cindy don't give up on Oakland and cruising, just work on him at home.  He will get it.  Halo really didn't want to use the box, but with training at home, he knows it is ok.  However, we he sees us pull into port, he won't even look at the box.  He will just stand on the balcony, look at us, look at the grass as if to stay "let's go".

 

Bentley looks awesome.

 

Linda and Halo

Horton has no choice but to go in a potty box on my patio.  It's all I use for my dogs, so that when we travel the box is just the "norm!"  I did this purposely for my Service Dogs when I fell in love with cruising and knew that my SD would be part of my life.

 

When we go on walks or when we're vacationing and he sees lawns and parks I can see that he's excited.

 

I make it very clear to the Guest Services desk what I want and where I want it.  They try and tell me where they've placed the box and if I'm not happy, I'm very insistent and clear about where I want it placed and why.  I like the aft stairwell, near my cabin.  Princess refuses to use your veranda [although, the Pacific Princess is the only cruise that had no problem with it.]  It really depends on the ships officers as to how easy the whole potty box placement goes.   

 

Again, bring some pee-pads [large ones with sticky corners.]  Place at least three of them on top of each other and place a piece of artificial turf on top and walk your dog, with his leash attached, over the grass and give him the "command" to relieve himself.  Allow him to sniff and turn and then go.  Pick up the solids, remove the pads and place them in the trash bag that you've brought and your good to go until they've placed the box.  I place the turf over the filler in the box and leave it there the entire cruise.  I leave it when I disembark.  

[lindaler]

Just wanted to say, Chavela and I will be cruising to Alaska the first of August. It is official. It will be my first with my service dog. She is old and can be stuck in her ways. I bought some bark chips and put it in a box and in her favorite place to pee but she is taking her time getting used to it. Roz did you say, bark or mulch? I have a cabin in the basement, so I have no idea where they will put her box. I plan to get some artificial turf and practice with that too. Do you know where they put the box if you don't have a veranda on Holland America on the Amsterdam? So many questions. It is not helping my PTSD to know I have so many things to worry about.  What if she has an accident, she shouldn't but we all have one once in a while? She will be in a totally strange area. I have heard they kick you off at the next port. Probably not true but still scary. I was told by the USDA lady that she can get off in all Alaskan ports and even Canada if we want, once we  have all the health forms on file. Do I need to carry them off the ship at each port? Thanks for understanding my first time nerves.

[rpclmc]

I hadn't even thought of the going on command and in a box.  My trainer just focused on other things with us.  Then when she found out I travel and wanted to take him on cruises, she gave me suggestions.  However, the suggestions I have gotten from Roz have really made it easy.

 

I didn't take the potty pads last time to use, but will this time.  I am also going to train him to those.  Although most times I will have someone to assist me IF the relief box got put somewhere I couldn't manage to get to easily in my wheelchair, I will insist they accommodate me and not insist that my cabin mate potty him.  He is MY service dog and they have to accommodate me. 

 

My last Carnival TA suggested that someone else take care of him, either leave him at home or have someone potty him if I couldn't.  Then I found out she was telling others he was fake.  She has never met him.  To say the least she is NOT my TA and I won't be referring anyone to her.

 

Linda and Halo

[rangeley]

18 hours ago, mmarq1992 said:

Hello All! We are back from our Alaskan cruise and had a great time. We were lucky enough to have zero hiccups and can't wait until our next opportunity to cruise! Bentley was so excited to get onboard that he decided to wake up at 5:30 am, but we were able to watch our ship sail into port, so it worked out well!

 

 

Cindy- so sorry to hear Oakland is having a hard time adjusting. Like Roz said, I bet with some box practice at home he'll do perfect next time!

Bentley is just adorable. Great pics! 

[rangeley]

57 minutes ago, wizard-of-roz said:

Is he liking the cruising thing aside from the potty thing?  I don't think I could do the match thing......thank goodness I haven't had to.    

Roz we have success!!! We decided to walk him around the promenade. I had a bed pad in my hand in case he decided to go. He didn't so we came back to the cabin and I brought him out on the balcony. He actually went right in and peed and then I made him go back in which ive done a hundred times this week and he spun around and went. Wooohoooo! We were dancing around, the kids were high fiving. Whew. That was a 26 hr wait. Figures he seems to be getting it now that we are going home. We were really worried about these 2 sea days home. We spent most of the day in the cabin worrying about him going somewhere around the ship. Tomorrow we had planned to take shifts with the kids in the cabin. We are so relieved. We can try to enjoy these next 2 days. 😀

He seems to like the cruise. He is so easy going and layed back. The opposite of Wexler. Wex was always a basket case. The people on here are another story. They are just horrible. He is new and John doesn't want people all over him. They are getting all ticked off. One lady got mad and went over to her group and gossiped about us and we were right there. Today he spoke to the lunch supervisor about the crew making kissy noises and talking to the dog. Most come up and say "I know we are not allowed to pet them" and then stand there talking to the dog. Then go away!!  We've been trying to find out of the way places to go where no one will bother us. He loves the balcony (Wex hated it) and comes out and lays down with us. Theres a chair in our cabin that hes adopted as his own. Been sleeping there day and night.. So besides the potty, he likes it. Lol

Edited May 29, 2019 by rangeley

[lindaler]

I spoke to and wrote to the accessablity department and they seem to take forever to decide if you should be allowed to bring your service dog. It makes me feel like I'm not answering the questions right or they think she is fake.  I definitely need her, I have sent the form then the complete report of her tasks and the doctors orders and heard that today they are working on my request. Chavela has gone on planes, trains, buses and boats, she has been to fancy restaurants, doctors, casinos and even Disney land where she even went on some rides. I just don't understand why they make it so hard to get what you need to have a great cruise. Thank you Linda and Halo for your answers. I do understand about screening out the fake dogs but that other thread seems to imply that lots of them get on anyway. Until I found this thread I was ready to give up cruising until Chavela was gone.

[Miki_moto]

25 minutes ago, rangeley said:

we have success!!! 

 

I’m so happy for you!  I’ve been following your posts and hoping for a breakthrough.  😍❤️😍

 Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

 

[rangeley]

54 minutes ago, lindaler said:

Just wanted to say, Chavela and I will be cruising to Alaska the first of August. It is official. It will be my first with my service dog. She is old and can be stuck in her ways. I bought some bark chips and put it in a box and in her favorite place to pee but she is taking her time getting used to it. Roz did you say, bark or mulch? I have a cabin in the basement, so I have no idea where they will put her box. I plan to get some artificial turf and practice with that too. Do you know where they put the box if you don't have a veranda on Holland America on the Amsterdam? So many questions. It is not helping my PTSD to know I have so many things to worry about.  What if she has an accident, she shouldn't but we all have one once in a while? She will be in a totally strange area. I have heard they kick you off at the next port. Probably not true but still scary. I was told by the USDA lady that she can get off in all Alaskan ports and even Canada if we want, once we  have all the health forms on file. Do I need to carry them off the ship at each port? Thanks for understanding my first time nerves.

On Holland America they put the box forward on the promenade deck. 

[lindaler]

2 minutes ago, rangeley said:

On Holland America they put the box forward on the promenade deck. 

Thank you, our cabin is two floors down at the front of the ship so it is just a quick trip up.  She is hairless so I hope the weather isn't too bad. What do you do if the weather gets bad and they close the promenade deck?

 

 

[rangeley]

26 minutes ago, lindaler said:

Thank you, our cabin is two floors down at the front of the ship so it is just a quick trip up.  She is hairless so I hope the weather isn't too bad. What do you do if the weather gets bad and they close the promenade deck?

 

 

Its covered and out of the elements. We still made our way out there even if they closed it. 

[wizard-of-roz]

2 hours ago, lindaler said:

Just wanted to say, Chavela and I will be cruising to Alaska the first of August. It is official. It will be my first with my service dog. She is old and can be stuck in her ways. I bought some bark chips and put it in a box and in her favorite place to pee but she is taking her time getting used to it. Roz did you say, bark or mulch? I have a cabin in the basement, so I have no idea where they will put her box. I plan to get some artificial turf and practice with that too. Do you know where they put the box if you don't have a veranda on Holland America on the Amsterdam? So many questions. It is not helping my PTSD to know I have so many things to worry about.  What if she has an accident, she shouldn't but we all have one once in a while? She will be in a totally strange area. I have heard they kick you off at the next port. Probably not true but still scary. I was told by the USDA lady that she can get off in all Alaskan ports and even Canada if we want, once we  have all the health forms on file. Do I need to carry them off the ship at each port? Thanks for understanding my first time nerves.

lindaler, welcome!  

1.  Make at least 3 copies of Chavela's paperwork.  ALWAYS have a copy in your fanny pack or pocket to show anyone who may ask for I.D.  When you're ready to re-board after you've gone into port is when you may be asked for your dog's I.D., after the initial boarding process.  You may be asked to meet Immigration in a lounge before you may leave the ship at any given port visit.  They just want to personally meet your dog and go over your paperwork again.  Stay calm and ALWAYS make sure that Chavela is on her best behavior!  

 

2.  NO ONE will put you off the ship if your dog has an accident and NO ONE will separate you from your dog.   As long as you and your dog act in a professional manner you will have a wonderful cruising experience.......I promise!!!!! 

 

3.  If you don't have a veranda and have balance or walking issues you may ask that they place the box in a stairwell or in a crew closet near your cabin, or they will place the box on an outside deck [usually forward.]  You may have to open heavy doors and be prepared to go over raised areas on the deck or floor.  Make sure to tell the Passenger Services desk that you will need all access doors to the potty box to be kept UNLOCKED 24/7 for your use.  Be careful, because sometimes the crew wash down the deck near the box and it can get slippery.

 

4.  DO NOT USE HEAVY BARK or WOOD CHIPS for practice with your dog in a potty box.  The bark/chips can be sharp and hurt the dogs pads, therefore making them shy to use the box.  Use mulch/wood shavings/pea gravel.....anything easy to walk on or cover whatever your using with the artificial turf first [purchased at Lowe's.]

 

In over 25 cruises with Brenda and Horton only once did Brenda have an accident because I wasn't prepared to help her.  I learned to NEVER let her board without the chance to relieve herself first and wait on giving her water until I have the box in place!

 

When teaching your dog to use a potty box....make it fun, use treats and make sure that you finish the task on a positive note.  NEVER BE AGGRESSIVE OR ANGRY OR FRUSTRATED.  If it's not working right away, STOP....give it a break and try it again in an hour or so.  Make sure after your dog goes potty.....you literally throw a party!  Your life will be so much easier and more fun when your dog thinks that the potty box is just second nature for him/her!  It makes cruising so much easier when your dog thinks the box is natural.  😉

[MelanieDyer]

Switching routes & looking at Eastern Caribbean.  I know the requirements for Grand Turk but was wondering if anyone has cruised there & just not gotten off the ship to avoid the required paperwork?  The other ports are St Thomas (U.S), San Juan (U.S) and Amber Cove.  Dominican Republic doesn't seem too bad?

[wizard-of-roz]

2 hours ago, rpclmc said:

I hadn't even thought of the going on command and in a box.  My trainer just focused on other things with us.  Then when she found out I travel and wanted to take him on cruises, she gave me suggestions.  However, the suggestions I have gotten from Roz have really made it easy.

 

I didn't take the potty pads last time to use, but will this time.  I am also going to train him to those.  Although most times I will have someone to assist me IF the relief box got put somewhere I couldn't manage to get to easily in my wheelchair, I will insist they accommodate me and not insist that my cabin mate potty him.  He is MY service dog and they have to accommodate me. 

 

My last Carnival TA suggested that someone else take care of him, either leave him at home or have someone potty him if I couldn't.  Then I found out she was telling others he was fake.  She has never met him.  To say the least she is NOT my TA and I won't be referring anyone to her.

 

Linda and Halo

Your TA needs a lesson in how to treat a customer!  Boy, I'd love 10 minutes with her and her supervisor!

 

You just keep up your wonderful attitude and continue to cruise and have fun with Halo!