Dogs on cruise ships

ahhaahhahahahahaha!

This is why you need the visa! (Can be called permit, pet passport, etc). It needs proof of its residency and identification, etc. All things, animals and human pay to enter a country. Sometimes it is a separate charge or included in your transport fare. I just wanted to let people know that you need permission from the cruise line AND countries it plans to visit.

Every country has this info and this is what it looks like for the Bahamas.

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The Department of Agriculture is responsible for the import of animals and animal products into The Bahamas under the Animal Contagious Diseases Act and the Wildlife Conservation and Trade Act. These Acts state that a permit is required for the import of any animal and most animal products into The Bahamas.

The Bahamas is a Party to several international environmental and trade agreements including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Plants and Animals (CITES), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and must meet our obligations to them.

The Veterinary Services of the Department is currently reviewing and revising all of our import requirements, fees and conditions at this time as a part of our continuing effort to keep abreast of changes in technology and recommendations by the International Standard Setting Bodies (ISSBs) such as the World Animal Health organization (OIE) and also as The Bahamas is seeking to join the WTO.

All inquiries with regards to sanitary requirements or applications should be directed to: Director of Agriculture

Dept. of Agriculture
PO Box N 3028
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 325-7413
Fax: (242) 325-3960

An import permit is required for the import of dogs and cats. and must accompany the animal at the time of import .All conditions listed on the permit must be satisfied or the animal may be refused entry or confiscated and disposed of as a disease risk. Currently, the application processing fee for a dog or cat is for US $ 10.00. A veterinary health certificate is required at the time of import which should include certification that the animal is healthy, has an active immunity against rabies and satisfies all other health requirements.

The Department of Agriculture is developing a website and when that occurs it will hold more information on sanitary requirements.

Hang on.......I’m pretty sure the dogs have to have their vaccinations, and you need the paperwork for proof, but a doggy visa ? Why would a dog need a Visa? It can’t answer any questions about citizenship. No officer, he was born in NY, but his grandfather came over from Germany, His father was a police officer, as were his uncles. We refer to him as a German / American Shepard.

The info I am giving is with Carnival. (Other cruise lines may have different rules). You can call the Disability department of any cruise line as a first step.

Another perk. You don't have to wait in line. You walk to the front with service dog. You are also the FIRST one off the ship (if you wish to be).

This info stays in your Folio until you remove it. So, if you cruise next time without service dog, you still don't have to wait in line since they know by your card that you 'need assistance' and they can't ask you your medical condition. I found this out by accident the next time I cruised!

Also, your Folio gets flagged. As soon as you embark the ship, (I remember something like a beep going off on the computer to alert the person doing the check-in). They will ask you to step aside.

A Rep immediately came up to me and introduced herself. Asked me if I needed help and gave me her line to call for future assistance.

Service dog or no Service dog, if you have disability please call Carnival. I was very pleased by the caring staff and their level of service to make your stay comfortable.

So glad someone knows the answer!

Yes, service dogs. There is NO formal registration for service dogs. USA has strict ADA laws and it is against the law to ask someone what is their 'medical condition.' Which means, USA is pretty much 'service dog' friendly.

As for the cruise ship, they require the dog on the floor at all times and have a special spot for bathroom purposes. They lady was like, you can't put the dog on the bed. hahaha! How are they supposed to know if the dog slept with you on the bed? They also can't eat 'cruise food.' You have to bring your own dog food. Again, you can grab some chicken and veggies for your service dog. How do they know???

The rules are super simple.

Also, ports. Many countries require doggy visas and they need to be apply for at least 2-3 months beforehand. If your dog doesn't have visas for all ports of call, then it won't be allow to cruise.

The Bahamas requires doggy visa.

Hope this help.

Oh! Carnival will ask you your 'medical condition' but you don't have to give it to them to qualify to bring your service dog onboard. It is simply so they can help you should something happen to you. Let's say, if you have service dog for epilepsy. (and, have a seizure)

If you have any questions you call the Disability department of the cruise line to get on file, etc. They will send you the necessary paperwork to allow you to sail with service dog and answer all your questions.

When I first started cruising a lot on Princess, there were dogs on every cruise...it was crazy but mainly service animals. One lady told me the paperwork was relatively simple to get permission.

That is why I remembered it.

I've seen a dog or two at the pool sometimes...

I love the name ... Pixel ... suits a seeing eye doge well

From what I understand, any dog can be registered as a service dog, and can be used to help in a wide variety of ways. Some children have them to sense when they are going to have a seizure, service dogs help some autistic children stay calm, and they also help people who suffer from PTSD. Last week I was in an airport (Edmonton AB) and they have volunteers walk through the boarding lounge with dogs to help calm passengers who are nervous about flying.

I think we will see more dogs being used for their service capabilities in the future, but I haven't cruised with any yet.