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

[Rudi-Cruiser]

On 7/9/2007 at 2:17 PM, wizard-of-roz said:

Quam: We have not taken "Brenda" on RCCL (those trips were prior to my receiving her!) However, I do have the "Special Needs" Department phone number for RCCL: 800.722.5472 Ex:#34492.

 

 

The Potty Box is always a "variable" on different cruise lines.

 

 

 

Celebrity uses a 4x4 wooden box (sturdily built) and filled with cyprus mulch. They placed it on deck 4 (starboard, forward), where the public does not go (unless it's an Alaskan cruise.) It's right outside the Theatre so it was very convenient in the evening, after the shows.

 

Depending on where your cabin is, you must go through the casino, forward and then out the Starboard side. Once "Brenda" did it, I was able to remove her leash once we were out on deck and she would go to her box immediately! These service dogs are so smart!!!!

 

Princess uses a 4x4 cardboard box (disposable) filled with woodshavings. They placed the box in a stairwell, around the corner from our cabin. It was great! However, if you are in a wheelchair this would not work. The door is extremely heavy, leading to the stairwell and has a huge lip that you must cross. I asked for this placement, specifically. They originally had the box on a deck that was used by smokers and they would drop their cigarette butts in the box. I requested that it be moved.

 

NCL uses a 4x4 wooden box (sturdily built), with a plastic liner and wood chips (the kind you see in gardens). It was placed exactly 20 feet from our cabin, in a laundry room that the crew uses for washing their mops. It had the words "crew only" on the door and it was the most convenient. I could go there in my pajamas! I loved it!!!!

 

Holland America uses a 4x3 wood box (smaller than the rest), (sturdily built), with sod, (the kind used for lawns.) It was placed on deck 3, forward. The only problem with this is it was the "wrap around" deck, where people would do their jogging or walking and was a bit distracting for Brenda. Boy, were they shocked when they say her doing her thing! Their hotel manager was the most wonderful. He would check with me, frequently, to make sure we were happy!

 

Carnival uses a 4x4 wooden box filled with those damn paper pellets. Before the muster drill and when I should have been exploring the ship or having lunch; I was busy trying to get them to move her box and put something else in place of the pellets.

 

The box was initially placed on the deck where they have a golf simulator (so while pople were playing golf, Brenda was supposed to go potty?) It was also located on a deck where you had to climb two sets of stairs, (what were they thinking?)

 

The hotel manager had a crew member leave the ship with a bucket and a shovel.....he literally dug up dirt, under a tree, across the street from the dock (this was in San Diego!) Unblieveable, but true!!!!! Once the dirt was mixed with the pellets Brenda easily relieved herself!

 

The box was moved to deck 10, where passengers smoked (I was always retrieveing cigarette butts out of the dirt!) It was better than where it was and I met with the hotel manager, to explain my displeasure of his being so ill prepared for a service dog and was offered a 15% discount on a future cruise!

 

Brenda has been in Mazatlan; Puerto Vallarta; Cabo San Lucas; Acapulco; Ixtapa; Zihuatenajo; La Paz; Catalina and more. In Mexico, the only problem is loose dogs. Although my husband became the "look-out" and protector, to keep the stray animals away; Mexico really does not have a "leash/vaccination or license law." So, be careful and watchful.

 

Brenda has her favorite "travel dish" that we bring on all cruises. It's a regular double/type water & food dish. It's made of plastic and travels well! You really do not need to worry about spilage. It never happens. The stabilizers on these grand ships keep the water in it's place.

 

She's on Eukanuba kibble; I put each days feeding in a plastic bag, put it in her dish, twice a day & save the bags for recycling. I carry a "foldable" water dish, in my purse. I love it and have used it many times (usually while waiting to board the ship.) I purchased it online from CCI (Canine Companions for Independence.) It has a clip on it so it can attach to my belt or to her vest.

 

Always get to know the Hotel Manager (he/she will make sure that you're needs are met.) Upon boarding the ship immediately go to the Purser's (Information Desk), introduce yourself and inquire as to where the box has been placed. If you're not happy insist they move it.

 

I must tell you that they will not always have the "filling" that you requested.....they use a variety of "fillers" from: Paper pellets (Brenda hates these; they're hard, circular shaped and are unpleasant to step on); various kinds of mulch; dirt; wood chips or wood shavings.

 

I now bring a bag of mulch with me. I pack it in a large plastic bag and place it in my hanging bag. I will NEVER take the chance of her not having what she needs ever again! It's way too time consuming and I miss too much fun, in the beginning of the cruise. If I don't like the filling, I dump my bag on top....mix it around...and, waalah! We're cruising!!!!!!!!!!:p

 

My suggestion is to try and get a cabin mid-ship this way, depending on where they place the box, you're never too far away! Although my favorite Handicapped cabin, on Princess, is in the aft part of the ship (this is the one I use the stairwell for her potty box!)

 

When "tendering" into a port. Make sure that someone on the "tender" is prepared to take your dogs leash, until you get onboard. And, the same for when you are re-boarding the ship! It can be a bit "spooky" because the "tender" is always moving and it puts the dog a bit "off balance!"

 

From what you've written, it seems that you're a pretty saavy traveler. I hope that the above helps a little more....

....Have a wonderful cruise! 🙂

We just got off the October 7th transatlantic sailing of the MS Rotterdam, Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale. The cruise was great and that staff was also. This is the dog re-leaf area on deck 3 forward. We did have grass. They had four boxes set up as there was 4 SDs on the voyage. Bella didn't like it at all as the machine noise that I could not hear was making her a bit unease. She has a thing with certain high pitch noise. I found out that the area does have number of electrical box that probable was giving off the noise. She did fine with pee-pad in the cabin. It was bringing 40 some pads with me from the US. Glade I was flying business class and had no problem with the checked bags.

[Rudi-Cruiser]

15 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

I’m traveling right now so I don’t have my resources in front of me. I’m pretty sure the Air Carrier Access Act doesn’t explicitly say anything about whether or not supplies and equipment for your Service Dog are consider medical equipment (which must be allowed for free). Some carriers do allow it, but that is a voluntary accommodation. Here’s the link to the ACCA:

 

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382

 

I always get the paperwork for every country we are visiting even if I’m not planning on getting off the ship. I don’t want any hassles in the event we have to leave the ship in an emergency. The paperwork for Mexico is just an International Health Certificate form 7001 (which no longer has to be endorsed by the USDA).
 

I’m sure your son’s service dog will do great! I was very nervous when I took my first cruise with my service dog eight years ago, but I have learned to be polite but firm with what our needs are and things have always worked out. The number one thing I would say is to make sure your dog can use a relief box with mulch. Have a great cruise!

I just few both SAS from home to Amsterdam and Delta from Fort Lauderdale to home. I didn't have any problem with SAS with the extra bag was Service Dog Supplies. I didn't at first with Delta in Fort Lauderdale. The agent wanted to charge me at first for the 3rd bag. I told him it had always been freed for the service dog supplies. He told me to tag the bag as medical supplies in the future and there would be no problem. He told me they don't have a category for service dog supplies but he was told to list the bad as medical supplies and that would take care of it.

[schelercamus]

Hi Friends... Thank you for your help. I'm having trouble deciphering exactly what I need to bring my mobility service dog (ADI certified) with me on an upcoming NCL cruise.

First off, we leave in a month--Is it worth even trying to get everything together?!?!

 

NCL Joy-- Panama Canal, December 6-16, 2023

 

Ports of Call:

Panama City

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Grand Cayman

Cozumel, Mexico

Costa Maya, Mexico

Harvest Caye

Roatan, Honduras

 

I know I need an APHIS 7001 Certificate, but some places say not before 10 days before you arrive--- but if I'm on a boat during that time... Is an APHIS Certificate hard to get?

 

[momof3cruisers]

Thank you all so much for the answers. They have flown several times so while it always causes my son a bit of anxiety, they both know what to do. The dog is just more at home in his crate even though the door isn’t locked so he can get out and do his job if needed. So we will bite the bullet and pay the $90. It’s worth it. I don’t think he’ll need an entire extra bag for supplies so I’m sure we will be fine. I may have an order from Chewy with his food delivered to our hotel. 

I have already filled out the forms that Sun Country needs so we are good to go with that. Always have a copy of his rabies vaccine records so that’s done too.

 

 

I appreciate the info on Mexico too. Great idea to have it in case of any emergency. 

 

I’ll be sure to share info about our experience when we return! 

[schelercamus]

OK Friends... I'm freaking out here. For example, when I download Panama's health certificate, it says, " Certificate Valid for 30 days after issuance"... if I get it filled out tomorrow, November 4, say, and I leave for Panama on December 6, how is that still valid?

 

Then, how in the world do I get a consulate seal in that amount of time?!

 

Then, for Costa Rica, it says, "Certified that dog is examined within 15 days of departure to be free from disease..."

But I need have these things filled out now, right? More than 15 days ahead.

 

The DR Certificate is valid only 10 days from issuance...so how is that going to work?

 

Thanks for your help! I appreciate the handholding!

 

As I said, Chipotle is my mobility service dog, from an ADI accredited non-profit.

[FOPMan]

39 minutes ago, schelercamus said:

OK Friends... I'm freaking out here. For example, when I download Panama's health certificate, it says, " Certificate Valid for 30 days after issuance"... if I get it filled out tomorrow, November 4, say, and I leave for Panama on December 6, how is that still valid?

 

Then, how in the world do I get a consulate seal in that amount of time?!

 

Then, for Costa Rica, it says, "Certified that dog is examined within 15 days of departure to be free from disease..."

But I need have these things filled out now, right? More than 15 days ahead.

 

The DR Certificate is valid only 10 days from issuance...so how is that going to work?

 

....

i am unsure how to (and iff) the calendars can be aligned. A couple of other things to watch out for:

 

The APHIS certificates for each country may also be a bit different.

 

Don't forget about holidays that could interfere with processing/mailing times. Of you are departing December 6, Thanksgiving could affect your paperwork plans.  

[DUTRAVEL]

6 hours ago, schelercamus said:

OK Friends... I'm freaking out here. For example, when I download Panama's health certificate, it says, " Certificate Valid for 30 days after issuance"... if I get it filled out tomorrow, November 4, say, and I leave for Panama on December 6, how is that still valid?

 

Then, how in the world do I get a consulate seal in that amount of time?!

 

Then, for Costa Rica, it says, "Certified that dog is examined within 15 days of departure to be free from disease..."

But I need have these things filled out now, right? More than 15 days ahead.

 

The DR Certificate is valid only 10 days from issuance...so how is that going to work?

 

Thanks for your help! I appreciate the handholding!

 

As I said, Chipotle is my mobility service dog, from an ADI accredited non-profit.

You won’t go to the Vet (USDA certified) to get the paperwork done until the last possible date so that everything is timely. All of the places you mentioned require different paperwork (except the Mexican ports). When I took a Panama Canal cruise I didn’t bother getting the Consulate Seal for Panama - think I would have had to fly to Los Angeles to do that. I can’t remember whether it was for Honduras or Costa Rica that my Service Dog also needed a tapeworm treatment. 
 

Your itinerary is challenging. I am traveling and don’t have my resources with me but I think Grand Cayman requires a rabies titer and permit in addition to the applicable health certificate. Caribbean Chris knows a lot more about the Caribbean islands than I do and will have more information. I don’t know if you can skip the rabies titer if you don’t get off the ship in Grand Cayman. Even though you are visiting a private island, I believe that you will still need a Permit for Belize. 
 

You have a lot of paperwork to get together in a short amount of time. I would put a spreadsheet together with the requirements and due dates for each country which you can find on the USDA pet travel website. 

[Caribbean Chris]

10 hours ago, schelercamus said:

OK Friends... I'm freaking out here. For example, when I download Panama's health certificate, it says, " Certificate Valid for 30 days after issuance"... if I get it filled out tomorrow, November 4, say, and I leave for Panama on December 6, how is that still valid?

 

Then, how in the world do I get a consulate seal in that amount of time?!

 

Then, for Costa Rica, it says, "Certified that dog is examined within 15 days of departure to be free from disease..."

But I need have these things filled out now, right? More than 15 days ahead.

 

The DR Certificate is valid only 10 days from issuance...so how is that going to work?

 

Thanks for your help! I appreciate the handholding!

 

As I said, Chipotle is my mobility service dog, from an ADI accredited non-profit.

I know how you feel because it seems overwhelming at first. We are not authorities or experts here, but hopefully our advice from past experience will be of some help.  Just do your best to pull together paperwork as shown on the APHIS Pet Travel section.  Read it carefully for every country. read also this page:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/pet-travel-info-and-guidance-document/pet-travel-guidance
 

Do you have a good vet who is accredited by the USDA? You should probably take or send your itinerary to them in writing and discuss your plans now for their recommendations. I trust your dog has a microchip.

 

Don’t worry too much about the paperwork date vs date of arrival in a country being delayed by the fact that you boarded the ship days before. They can understand that.
 

I agree with DUTRAVEL - just schedule the dog’s inspection for the health certificate issued by the USDA certified vet closer to departure.  The timing will need to allow for any unusual forms (shown on the website for countries such as Panama) to be sent to the regional USDA office by overnight mail for endorsement and returned to you (enclose a prepaid overnight envelope) with a time cushion so you aren’t waiting for paperwork the day before departure. (I’ve been there.)  Here’s information about endorsement.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/checklist-ship-hc.pdf
 

For some itineraries, I’ve known in my travels it would not be feasible to get every last piece of official paper. Time is probably too short  to get a rabies titer (blood test) for your dog in 30 days. It is expensive and has to be sent to the Kansas State vet lab for issuance of a certificate. Worth it for Hawaii but not for a few hours on Grand Cayman, in my opinion. I always have the vet mark “Dog will not disembark in Grand Cayman.” You can go ashore if you want to but will have to arrange for someone else to stay aboard with the dog. It can’t be left in the stateroom alone.

 

Remember that these rules pertain to all exported dogs so they are strict. I have had experiences (St Maarten for example) where I told the ship I was not taking the dog ashore. All I brought for that trip was the health certificate & rabies. The local officials gave the ship an OK to take the dog ashore and all was fine. 

Once I lucked out and the ship itself notified me in advance and arranged for the Panama permit because there was a magician on board with a dog. The port agent handled it and I paid a small fee. 
 

My advice is to include copies every piece of official Service Dog paper you have, along with the Health Certificate and Rabies Certificate. I bring the spay certificate, my training proof, a membership card in IAADP, etc. Do a very official looking cover sheet summarizing all the info you have. Your address, phone, passport #, name & address of training organization, Dates and products for external & internal treatments (flea & tick, heartworm) etc. If your dog recently had a fecal test, give dates. The more info, the better.  Make three copies of everything and carry a set ashore. Keep originals in your stateroom, and give the cruise line a copy on embarkation. 

Edited November 4, 2023 by Caribbean Chris

[schelercamus]

5 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

I know how you feel because it seems overwhelming at first. We are not authorities or experts here, but hopefully our advice from past experience will be of some help.  Just do your best to pull together paperwork as shown on the APHIS Pet Travel section.  Read it carefully for every country. read also this page:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/pet-travel-info-and-guidance-document/pet-travel-guidance
 

Do you have a good vet who is accredited by the USDA? You should probably take or send your itinerary to them in writing and discuss your plans now for their recommendations. I trust your dog has a microchip.

 

Don’t worry too much about the paperwork date vs date of arrival in a country being delayed by the fact that you boarded the ship days before. They can understand that.
 

I agree with DUTRAVEL - just schedule the dog’s inspection for the health certificate issued by the USDA certified vet closer to departure.  The timing will need to allow for any unusual forms (shown on the website for countries such as Panama) to be sent to the regional USDA office by overnight mail for endorsement and returned to you (enclose a prepaid overnight envelope) with a time cushion so you aren’t waiting for paperwork the day before departure. (I’ve been there.)  Here’s information about endorsement.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/checklist-ship-hc.pdf
 

For some itineraries, I’ve known in my travels it would not be feasible to get every last piece of official paper. Time is probably too short  to get a rabies titer (blood test) for your dog in 30 days. It is expensive and has to be sent to the Kansas State vet lab for issuance of a certificate. Worth it for Hawaii but not for a few hours on Grand Cayman, in my opinion. I always have the vet mark “Dog will not disembark in Grand Cayman.” You can go ashore if you want to but will have to arrange for someone else to stay aboard with the dog. It can’t be left in the stateroom alone.

 

Remember that these rules pertain to all exported dogs so they are strict. I have had experiences (St Maarten for example) where I told the ship I was not taking the dog ashore. All I brought for that trip was the health certificate & rabies. The local officials gave the ship an OK to take the dog ashore and all was fine. 

Once I lucked out and the ship itself notified me in advance and arranged for the Panama permit because there was a magician on board with a dog. The port agent handled it and I paid a small fee. 
 

My advice is to include copies every piece of official Service Dog paper you have, along with the Health Certificate and Rabies Certificate. I bring the spay certificate, my training proof, a membership card in IAADP, etc. Do a very official looking cover sheet summarizing all the info you have. Your address, phone, passport #, name & address of training organization, Dates and products for external & internal treatments (flea & tick, heartworm) etc. If your dog recently had a fecal test, give dates. The more info, the better.  Make three copies of everything and carry a set ashore. Keep originals in your stateroom, and give the cruise line a copy on embarkation. 

Caribbean Chris,

Thank you for all that information! I'm grateful. It IS a challenging itinerary, and I realize that I might not be able to do as many shore excursions with Chipotle. One reason why I want to try, this would be his first cruise, and we have to start sometime. One other factor-- we were able to nab a Haven suite (traveling with MIL and mother). We both work for non-profits, so that is a once-and-done opportunity for us. I figure the Haven will give us less crowds and a chance to have a relief box on our balcony.

 

For sure, he's microchipped. While my vet isn't listed as an official USDA vet on the website, she has done USDA paperwork. Does that still work? She's going to call me on Monday.

 

I have been through the USDA APHIS website, and I am still not understanding the process, so can you help with terminology? I've got multiple grad degrees, I'm used to traveling, and this is baffling to me.

 

• I download the needed forms for each country from APHIS
• I download the "Pet Owner Worksheet for Preparing Visit to Accredited Vet..."
• These forms also include which vaccinations are required.
• I go to the vet-- as you say-- as close as possible to the time of departure. So, like now? 
• Who sends forms off? Me/Vet? Overnight label?
• What do I get back? A health certificate for each country? I also saw that there are fees, but maybe not?
• Then, do I contact consulates? Like for Panama?

 

We will be cruising NCL, and according to them: 

• Guests must provide copies of the dog’s current vaccination records that show all shots are up-to-date (including Rabies), as well as a USDA or International Health certificate
• Guests are responsible for checking with all ports of call for any special requirements they may have. Guests are responsible for bringing all food, medication and life jacket for the dog
• A relief sand box will be provided

All guests traveling with service animals must book at least two weeks in advance to allow enough time to check with each port of call and provide Norwegian Cruise Line with all required documentation.

 

Again, thank you~ I hope to be much more knowledgable the next time around.

 

[Caribbean Chris]

The two key documents as you know are the rabies certificate and the USDA APHIS Health Certificate, Form 7001:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf. You need these for any cruise.

When should you schedule the vet visit for an exam and paperwork? That depends on your departure date. You can get the exam & Form 7001 the week before you travel for a simple itinerary such as Alaska or Canada. Form 7001 is valid for 30 days.

 

But when a cruise goes to certain countries (not all), such as Panama, the vet who fills out the additional, country-specific form MUST be a USDA-accredited vet, and usually that form MUST be endorsed by USDA APHIS at one of the regional offices. This requires more time, like a couple of weeks before you leave home.
 

Of course you can ask your local vet if they handle the sending and tracking of your papers to USDA APHIS regional for you. Maybe they will do it for a service fee. But I’ve always done that part myself so I know it’s getting done in time.
 

Some people make appointments to visit one of the regional offices in person to have the papers endorsed. That’s great if it is a reasonable drive. I have to mail them by overnight mail (including a prepaid return overnight envelope), so I can track the arrival & return. 
 

Your vet should be able to confirm for you the regional office person’s name, address and phone number. Include a cover letter that this is a service dog, or else you will have to pay fees for the regional APHIS vet’s endorsements.

 

I have not dealt with a Panama consular office and don’t know what state you live in, or whether they have a consular office that can add their additional stamp to the USDA-endorsed form. Obviously, that process adds more time to the process.

 

Sometimes officials will come aboard and ask to inspect any dogs on board. To add to the fun, countries change their rules from time to time. Mexico has changed several times in the years since I’ve traveled with my dog.

 

Just work with your vet and try to make a good faith effort to comply with countries’ requirements and you’ll be fine. Enjoy the suite! I booked my first suite on our first cruise with the dog, and the extra storage space is handy for dog stuff.

 

[schelercamus]

On 11/4/2023 at 6:59 PM, Caribbean Chris said:

The two key documents as you know are the rabies certificate and the USDA APHIS Health Certificate, Form 7001:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf. You need these for any cruise.

When should you schedule the vet visit for an exam and paperwork? That depends on your departure date. You can get the exam & Form 7001 the week before you travel for a simple itinerary such as Alaska or Canada. Form 7001 is valid for 30 days.

 

But when a cruise goes to certain countries (not all), such as Panama, the vet who fills out the additional, country-specific form MUST be a USDA-accredited vet, and usually that form MUST be endorsed by USDA APHIS at one of the regional offices. This requires more time, like a couple of weeks before you leave home.
 

Of course you can ask your local vet if they handle the sending and tracking of your papers to USDA APHIS regional for you. Maybe they will do it for a service fee. But I’ve always done that part myself so I know it’s getting done in time.
 

Some people make appointments to visit one of the regional offices in person to have the papers endorsed. That’s great if it is a reasonable drive. I have to mail them by overnight mail (including a prepaid return overnight envelope), so I can track the arrival & return. 
 

Your vet should be able to confirm for you the regional office person’s name, address and phone number. Include a cover letter that this is a service dog, or else you will have to pay fees for the regional APHIS vet’s endorsements.

 

I have not dealt with a Panama consular office and don’t know what state you live in, or whether they have a consular office that can add their additional stamp to the USDA-endorsed form. Obviously, that process adds more time to the process.

 

Sometimes officials will come aboard and ask to inspect any dogs on board. To add to the fun, countries change their rules from time to time. Mexico has changed several times in the years since I’ve traveled with my dog.

 

Just work with your vet and try to make a good faith effort to comply with countries’ requirements and you’ll be fine. Enjoy the suite! I booked my first suite on our first cruise with the dog, and the extra storage space is handy for dog stuff.

 

Chris, That's really helpful. BTW, I also saw that Panama is one of the countries that has additional requirements for coming back into the US... because they're not free of screwworm. This is what the APHIS website says:

 

Dogs traveling from countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist may enter the United States if they are accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the region of origin stating:

• The dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States; and
• The dog is either free from screwworm OR
• The dog was infested with screwworm, held in quarantine, and treated until free from screwworm prior to leaving the region.

[DUTRAVEL]

9 hours ago, schelercamus said:

Chris, That's really helpful. BTW, I also saw that Panama is one of the countries that has additional requirements for coming back into the US... because they're not free of screwworm. This is what the APHIS website says:

 

Dogs traveling from countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist may enter the United States if they are accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the region of origin stating:

• The dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States; and
• The dog is either free from screwworm OR
• The dog was infested with screwworm, held in quarantine, and treated until free from screwworm prior to leaving the region.

I was concerned about that too when I took my Service Dog to Panama, but there were no issues disembarking in Ft Lauderdale. 

[Caribbean Chris]

9 hours ago, schelercamus said:

Chris, That's really helpful. BTW, I also saw that Panama is one of the countries that has additional requirements for coming back into the US... because they're not free of screwworm. This is what the APHIS website says:

 

Dogs traveling from countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist may enter the United States if they are accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the region of origin stating:

• The dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States; and
• The dog is either free from screwworm OR
• The dog was infested with screwworm, held in quarantine, and treated until free from screwworm prior to leaving the region.

I didn’t take my dog ashore some years ago at Celebrity’s “private island” (I think it was Labadee) because Haiti was on the screwworm list.

 

The Florida Keys had screwworm years ago and when leaving the Keys for mainland Florida, we had to stop at a checkpoint where the dog was thoroughly inspected.

 

It’s always something.
 

[Rudi-Cruiser]

On 11/4/2023 at 8:21 AM, Caribbean Chris said:

I know how you feel because it seems overwhelming at first. We are not authorities or experts here, but hopefully our advice from past experience will be of some help.  Just do your best to pull together paperwork as shown on the APHIS Pet Travel section.  Read it carefully for every country. read also this page:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/pet-travel-info-and-guidance-document/pet-travel-guidance
 

Do you have a good vet who is accredited by the USDA? You should probably take or send your itinerary to them in writing and discuss your plans now for their recommendations. I trust your dog has a microchip.

 

Don’t worry too much about the paperwork date vs date of arrival in a country being delayed by the fact that you boarded the ship days before. They can understand that.
 

I agree with DUTRAVEL - just schedule the dog’s inspection for the health certificate issued by the USDA certified vet closer to departure.  The timing will need to allow for any unusual forms (shown on the website for countries such as Panama) to be sent to the regional USDA office by overnight mail for endorsement and returned to you (enclose a prepaid overnight envelope) with a time cushion so you aren’t waiting for paperwork the day before departure. (I’ve been there.)  Here’s information about endorsement.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/checklist-ship-hc.pdf
 

For some itineraries, I’ve known in my travels it would not be feasible to get every last piece of official paper. Time is probably too short  to get a rabies titer (blood test) for your dog in 30 days. It is expensive and has to be sent to the Kansas State vet lab for issuance of a certificate. Worth it for Hawaii but not for a few hours on Grand Cayman, in my opinion. I always have the vet mark “Dog will not disembark in Grand Cayman.” You can go ashore if you want to but will have to arrange for someone else to stay aboard with the dog. It can’t be left in the stateroom alone.

 

Remember that these rules pertain to all exported dogs so they are strict. I have had experiences (St Maarten for example) where I told the ship I was not taking the dog ashore. All I brought for that trip was the health certificate & rabies. The local officials gave the ship an OK to take the dog ashore and all was fine. 

Once I lucked out and the ship itself notified me in advance and arranged for the Panama permit because there was a magician on board with a dog. The port agent handled it and I paid a small fee. 
 

My advice is to include copies every piece of official Service Dog paper you have, along with the Health Certificate and Rabies Certificate. I bring the spay certificate, my training proof, a membership card in IAADP, etc. Do a very official looking cover sheet summarizing all the info you have. Your address, phone, passport #, name & address of training organization, Dates and products for external & internal treatments (flea & tick, heartworm) etc. If your dog recently had a fecal test, give dates. The more info, the better.  Make three copies of everything and carry a set ashore. Keep originals in your stateroom, and give the cruise line a copy on embarkation. 

I just got off a 15 day transatlantic cruise from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale. I flew from Dulles International (Washington DC) to Copenhagen and changed plan after clearing customs to Amsterdam. I had my paper work for the EU but was not asked for it when I arrived in either Copenhagen or Amsterdam. I went to the vest in Amsterdam to get the Tape Worm treatment for the UK. The vet in Amsterdam did issue me a EU Pet Passport for my SD.  Wear I need the paper work is when I got on the ship. I sat down with Guest Services and gave them all the paper work. The sent the paper work off to there port agent. We had to go through one inspection in Brest France. They look at the EU Pet Passport and scanned my SD for the chip and compared it to the one in the EU Pet Passport. I fell most laws are written for someone flying in the country and staying for a period of time. They are not really written for someone who is traveling by cruise ship that may we in port for no more that 24 hours. I cruise lines special needs people do not know the rules. This is one down fall of the cruise lines, they do need someone on staff can find out the hard questions. This is like what you are facing with dates that are designed for someone who is flying into that country, not making a port call by cruise ship. Some of these countries are just looking for the pet permit fee. I have learned alot about cruising with a service dog from this last cruise I just returned from. Other people I have talked with have told me that you may need to visit a vet at a port call before you get to the port that requires a Tape Worm treatment with in a these special time period. If the country is part of or had been part of the UK Commonwealth, they probably have the same rules as the UK.

My SD was not trained by ADI. I provide a complete list of training along with here certification from AKC and the PAT exam the training organization I use did and the UK was completely satisfied. 

[Rudi-Cruiser]

12 hours ago, schelercamus said:

Chris, That's really helpful. BTW, I also saw that Panama is one of the countries that has additional requirements for coming back into the US... because they're not free of screwworm. This is what the APHIS website says:

 

Dogs traveling from countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist may enter the United States if they are accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the region of origin stating:

• The dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States; and
• The dog is either free from screwworm OR
• The dog was infested with screwworm, held in quarantine, and treated until free from screwworm prior to leaving the region.

When we got off the cruise ship in Fort Lauderdale they didn't even ask me for any health certificates. They only want to make sure it only had dog food in my luggage not human food. I think the cruise line sent all the health info for each dog that was on board to port before we got there. We had four dog on the my transatlantic sailing. Who are you sailing with?

[Rudi-Cruiser]

On 11/3/2023 at 10:02 PM, schelercamus said:

OK Friends... I'm freaking out here. For example, when I download Panama's health certificate, it says, " Certificate Valid for 30 days after issuance"... if I get it filled out tomorrow, November 4, say, and I leave for Panama on December 6, how is that still valid?

 

Then, how in the world do I get a consulate seal in that amount of time?!

 

Then, for Costa Rica, it says, "Certified that dog is examined within 15 days of departure to be free from disease..."

But I need have these things filled out now, right? More than 15 days ahead.

 

The DR Certificate is valid only 10 days from issuance...so how is that going to work?

 

Thanks for your help! I appreciate the handholding!

 

As I said, Chipotle is my mobility service dog, from an ADI accredited non-profit.

HAL cancelled all shore excursions on the Oct 23rd Panama Canal because of all the unrest right now in Panama. You may also not make if off the ship in Panama. Keep an eye out about what is going on in that country. 

[Caribbean Chris]

Great info, Rudi-Cruiser. Thanks so much for posting about your recent trip.
 

There is no question that the people at the cruise lines do not know enough about bringing a service dog in for a port visit. The one possible exception is Cunard since they have kennels for non-service dogs on transatlantic crossings, and know the drill.

 

And the regulations definitely are aimed at people bringing in an animal by airplane for a longer stay. 
 

Interesting to read about the micro-chip check. I’ve never had any official do that but there’s always a chance they will.

[Caribbean Chris]

35 minutes ago, Rudi-Cruiser said:

 Some of these countries are just looking for the pet permit fee. I have learned alot about cruising with a service dog from this last cruise I just returned from. 

You are probably right about the fees. That reminded me of the late, great Roz, who started this thread many years ago. Roz was very feisty and would just put her foot down and refuse if some port official told her on the spot that she needed to pay them anything to take the dog ashore.  And they would back down. 
 

Cheers to you in heaven, Roz! Gone, but definitely not forgotten.

[Rudi-Cruiser]

On 11/4/2023 at 6:59 PM, Caribbean Chris said:

The two key documents as you know are the rabies certificate and the USDA APHIS Health Certificate, Form 7001:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf. You need these for any cruise.

When should you schedule the vet visit for an exam and paperwork? That depends on your departure date. You can get the exam & Form 7001 the week before you travel for a simple itinerary such as Alaska or Canada. Form 7001 is valid for 30 days.

 

But when a cruise goes to certain countries (not all), such as Panama, the vet who fills out the additional, country-specific form MUST be a USDA-accredited vet, and usually that form MUST be endorsed by USDA APHIS at one of the regional offices. This requires more time, like a couple of weeks before you leave home.
 

Of course you can ask your local vet if they handle the sending and tracking of your papers to USDA APHIS regional for you. Maybe they will do it for a service fee. But I’ve always done that part myself so I know it’s getting done in time.
 

Some people make appointments to visit one of the regional offices in person to have the papers endorsed. That’s great if it is a reasonable drive. I have to mail them by overnight mail (including a prepaid return overnight envelope), so I can track the arrival & return. 
 

Your vet should be able to confirm for you the regional office person’s name, address and phone number. Include a cover letter that this is a service dog, or else you will have to pay fees for the regional APHIS vet’s endorsements.

 

I have not dealt with a Panama consular office and don’t know what state you live in, or whether they have a consular office that can add their additional stamp to the USDA-endorsed form. Obviously, that process adds more time to the process.

 

Sometimes officials will come aboard and ask to inspect any dogs on board. To add to the fun, countries change their rules from time to time. Mexico has changed several times in the years since I’ve traveled with my dog.

 

Just work with your vet and try to make a good faith effort to comply with countries’ requirements and you’ll be fine. Enjoy the suite! I booked my first suite on our first cruise with the dog, and the extra storage space is handy for dog stuff.

 

BTW my SD's Vet required all paper work got through them. They sent the paper work electronically and sent it back next day service after it was reviewed and endorsed by USDA. Check with your local vet to see how they handle the paper work.

[Caribbean Chris]

27 minutes ago, Rudi-Cruiser said:

BTW my SD's Vet required all paper work got through them. They sent the paper work electronically and sent it back next day service after it was reviewed and endorsed by USDA. Check with your local vet to see how they handle the paper work.

 That's really great to hear - ports on my last few cruises didn't require the USDA office endorsement so my vet just issued it and handed it to me. I think the USDA has been successful in gradually getting countries to accept the electronic submittal versus requiring a piece of paper with ink signatures, an embossed seal, and a stamped number! And that system also relieves the dog owner of the responsibilty and expense of overnight mailing and tracking.

[Rudi-Cruiser]

My big wish is that USDA comes out with a USA Animal Passport like the EU, UK and some other countries do. I think it would make our life easier and the USDA life easier. I will be speaking with my Senators and Congressman soon about this. I am going to make copies of the EU Pet Passport and post it. I think every dog in the USA should have one. Talking the the VET in Amsterdam, I understand why they have them. If we had one then it could get excepted around the world.

[Insuregal]

23 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

You are probably right about the fees. That reminded me of the late, great Roz, who started this thread many years ago. Roz was very feisty and would just put her foot down and refuse if some port official told her on the spot that she needed to pay them anything to take the dog ashore.  And they would back down. 
 

Cheers to you in heaven, Roz! Gone, but definitely not forgotten.

I miss Roz every time my inbox sends me an update on this thread.  Hopefully her family is all doing well.  If anyone knows please let us know...  Is Horton still with us?

[schelercamus]

Thanks, Everyone! His trainers have concerns mostly around health/lack of vet care/ parasites and stress on the dog-- so I've agreed not to bring him. After we return, I'm going to talk with them about a plan moving forward to make this possible. 

 

[Rudi-Cruiser]

On 11/6/2023 at 9:57 AM, Caribbean Chris said:

Great info, Rudi-Cruiser. Thanks so much for posting about your recent trip.
 

There is no question that the people at the cruise lines do not know enough about bringing a service dog in for a port visit. The one possible exception is Cunard since they have kennels for non-service dogs on transatlantic crossings, and know the drill.

 

And the regulations definitely are aimed at people bringing in an animal by airplane for a longer stay. 
 

Interesting to read about the micro-chip check. I’ve never had any official do that but there’s always a chance they will.

The big take-a-way from this last cruise was the fact that the Head of Guest Relations on HAL MS Rotterdam handled all the paper work to the port for clearance of our service dog to leave the ship for the duration of the port call.

[Rudi-Cruiser]

Looking for a Travel Agent in the DC & or Baltimore area that has experience with people traveling with a service dog.