Service Dog on Caribbean Cruise

[Ryissa]

We are planning on taking a family vacation and we’re hoping to bring a service dog along, but it is starting to look like the additional hassles may not be worthwhile:



itinerary:

Fly from Canada (where we and dog live) to Florida for 2 day stay (3 nights).

Then board cruise ship in Fort Lauderdale with following ports of call:

- Florida Keys
- Dominican Republic
- Royal Turks and Caicos
- Bahamas
- Fort Lauderdale

And then board plane back to Canada.

It was our intention to kennel service dog on ship In stateroom if we were to choose to disembark at any of the non USA ports of call (to avoid red tape and more importantly for dog’s safety as we don’t want to risk encounters with strays/diseases in those nations or have dog overheat while we soak up sun).

However it is looking like even if we ante up for rabies titres (required) that we may still have to arrange additional vet checks upon initial arrival in USA, during cruise, and upon completing cruise (mainly due to ports of call, especially Dominican Republic).

So in essence we could easily face $1000 in vet expenses if we have to shell out for out of country vet expenses as well as Rabies Titre on an animal we would not take ashore at any of the Caribbean nations.

Has anybody dealt with this? Am I correct? Thinking it’s more trouble than it’s worth.

[admin]

Ryissa - the Turks and Caicos Islands have the titer test requirement and they as well as the Bahamas will require an import permit should you plan to take your pet ashore. The ship must declare your service animal and we have heard of issues in Mexico with officials asking to see required documentation even though the dog was confined on the ship. As for the health certificates, that would depend on how long your cruise is. Before making a decision, you may want to discuss with your cruise line how animals are handled during port clearance.
Susan

[Ryissa]

So if the dog remains on the boat, in theory, we should be okay so long as we have titre and other required documents pertaining to her health?

what about when we return via USA And then Canada.

just paranoid about dog being seized/quarantined v

[admin]

The only wrinkle with returning to the US is the screwworm inspection. The DR and TT are screwworm countries. If your dog does not embark, then you should be ok. You can confirm by emailing [email]cdcanimalimports@cdc.gov[/email]. Canada will only require a rabies certificate. Speak with your cruise line and ask how they handle service animals accompanying disabled passengers when in port.
Susan

[Fleurpink]

So if the dog remains on the boat, in theory, we should be okay so long as we have titre and other required documents pertaining to her health?

what about when we return via USA And then Canada.
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just paranoid about dog being seized/quarantined v

Did you travel or not yet? And how it was if it's an yes ?