Service dogs on cruise

[Disney1fan2002]

On my last cruise there was a couple that each had a golden retriever service dog for their diabetes. (the dogs can sense when their blood sugar changes). Nice couple, and sweet dogs. The cruise was over a year ago out of NYC to Bahamas, so we had 4 sea days. 2 consecutive each way. I don't know why I started thinking about them the other day, but I got curious as to how the dogs relieve themselves on the ship, and what do they do with the waste?

Maybe they have pee pads in the room, but my husky is not pad trained, so if I had her on the ship, she would not know to go on a pad. Can anyone enlighten me to this dilemma? Inquiring minds want to know. LOL

 

[PrincessShmoo]

On my last cruise there was a couple that each had a golden retriever service dog for their diabetes. (the dogs can sense when their blood sugar changes). Nice couple, and sweet dogs. The cruise was over a year ago out of NYC to Bahamas, so we had 4 sea days. 2 consecutive each way. I don't know why I started thinking about them the other day, but I got curious as to how the dogs relieve themselves on the ship, and what do they do with the waste?

Maybe they have pee pads in the room, but my husky is not pad trained, so if I had her on the ship, she would not know to go on a pad. Can anyone enlighten me to this dilemma? Inquiring minds want to know. LOL

On one of our cruises they had a doggie litter box on the promenade deck




That's what they do for those service animals that are in inside or oceanview rooms. For those in rooms with verandas, they set things up on the owner's veranda.

The waste is disposed of much like the human waste onboard - incineration.

 

[cvjw]

On our recent 8 night cruise on the fantasy, there was a service animal onboard. He had a box with grass growing in it set up on deck 4 on part of the walking track. His owner said that was where he went to the bathroom.

 

[BruinEd03]

This was set up on the Disney Wonder on the 4th floor (I think it was in the fore section) during our cruise to Alaska this past May.

 

[lklgoodman]

On one of our cruises they had a doggie litter box on the promenade deck
View attachment 461649

View attachment 461650

That's what they do for those service animals that are in inside or oceanview rooms. For those in rooms with verandas, they set things up on the owner's veranda.

The waste is disposed of much like the human waste onboard - incineration.

Ha,ha!! There's even a Mickey drawn in it!! Wonder how many toddler parents have to run after their little ones who think it's a sandbox, lol. (My dd would have thought that)

 

[cruisehopeful]

Once on the Wonder, I saw a small area on the jogging deck roped off for service animals with artificial turf. The next time I was on the Wonder, it wasn't there. I assume they just set it up when they need it.

Trained service animals are well trained to hold it until they are told to go.

 

[71 Truck]

On our November/December cruise on the Fantasy they had an area on the running deck forward in the covered part of the ship. We saw at least two or three dogs on the ship. We were also told they will set up an area on your balcony if you have one.

 

[melissajx3]

I've been on two cruises with my service dog and have two more coming up this year. We always have a verandah room, but are still given the choice of having the box on deck 4 or our verandah. They also ask if I prefer sod or mulch. My dog is trained to go on command no matter what surface, even cement, so using the box is no issue for him!

 

[hubbard53]

I've been on two cruises with my service dog and have two more coming up this year. We always have a verandah room, but are still given the choice of having the box on deck 4 or our verandah. They also ask if I prefer sod or mulch. My dog is trained to go on command no matter what surface, even cement, so using the box is no issue for him!

that's cool. I wish my non-service dog would get that training - she sniffs every sq/cm of the 1.5 acre yard before going... pretty sure there a heards and heards of animals migrating across my lawn every night...

 

[Jessicabr]

If only just 1 of my 6 dogs would go toilet on command I would be ecstatic. Amazing what dogs are capable of (except mine). I have seen some service dogs on some cruises we were on. They do provide for the dogs. I wonder if the owner needs to bring dog food onboard or is it provided for?

 

[BruinEd03]

If only just 1 of my 6 dogs would go toilet on command I would be ecstatic. Amazing what dogs are capable of (except mine). I have seen some service dogs on some cruises we were on. They do provide for the dogs. I wonder if the owner needs to bring dog food onboard or is it provided for?

They could always provide "dog food" - cook a steak. However, I suspect the owner would want to bring their own food, otherwise there may be some nasty surprises due to switching of dog foods.

 

[melissajx3]

If only just 1 of my 6 dogs would go toilet on command I would be ecstatic. Amazing what dogs are capable of (except mine). I have seen some service dogs on some cruises we were on. They do provide for the dogs. I wonder if the owner needs to bring dog food onboard or is it provided for?

I bring my dog's food and everything else that he needs. The only thing that DCL provides is the relief area.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I bring my dog's food and everything else that he needs. The only thing that DCL provides is the relief area.

Do you buy it in port or are you allowed to bring it on the plane with him? I assume he's allowed the equivalent of a carry-on bag?

 

[melissajx3]

Do you buy it in port or are you allowed to bring it on the plane with him? I assume he's allowed the equivalent of a carry-on bag?

I bring it with on the plane. I usually check 2 bags, one for me and one for him.

 

[Jessicabr]

I guess it requires some planning. I am just happy they allow dogs for those who really need them.

 

[lorenni]

Saw a great service dog at Castaway Cay beach on our NYE cruise recently (assume for diabetes as the owner had an insulin pump). They went into the water every once in a while and s/he seemed to really enjoy it .

I have also seen the deck 4 relief areas on a number of cruises!

 

[Disney1fan2002]

So interesting! The owners of the dogs on my cruise must have had a verandah, because I never noticed an elimination area on deck 4.

 

[fivezmom]

I bring my dog's food and everything else that he needs. The only thing that DCL provides is the relief area.

1st time traveling DCL with son's service dog. What paperwork do you need for stops in Bahamas and Cozumel? What about Castaway Cay?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

1st time traveling DCL with son's service dog. What paperwork do you need for stops in Bahamas and Cozumel? What about Castaway Cay?

Service dog owners are responsible for gathering all mandatory documents for the animal, and this includes documents to depart the ship in ports of call and at the ship’s final destination.

For more information on document requirements for a few destinations, visit:

• Hawaii Department of Agriculture
• UK Department of Environment (Food and Rural Affairs)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture

And, from the DCL website:

Q:Am I allowed to bring my service animal on the cruise?
A:Yes. Trained service animals are welcome in most locations on board Disney Cruise ships. All service animals must remain on a leash and under your control, or that of someone in your travel party, at all times. Further, you will be responsible for the care and feeding of your animal.
Guests traveling with a service animal are encouraged to submit their requests by filling out the Special Services Information Form as soon as possible so we can assist you with any special arrangements. Guests must notify Disney Cruise Line 30 days prior to their sail date.
All service animals must remain on a leash and under your control, or that of someone in your travel party, at all times. Further, you will be responsible for the care and feeding of your animal.
Service animals are not permitted in the pools or wet play areas on board our ships and may not be left unattended inside a stateroom. Disney Cruise Line Crew Members are not permitted to take control of a service animal.
Due to the nature of some Port Adventures excursions, service animals may not be permitted.
Important note: You are responsible for obtaining the import permits from all countries that require those special documents and must have those original documents available at all times. Specific information may be obtained by contacting the United States Department of Agriculture, or the applicable United States consulate, or embassy of each country to determine such country’s policies and obtain the permits needed for each port of call on the sailing itinerary. Please be aware that obtaining those permits can take weeks or months, and some countries may not allow animals to enter at all.
Copies of completed permits for each port of call must be sent to Disney Cruise Line Special Services prior to the sail date.

 

[lanejudy]

1st time traveling DCL with son's service dog. What paperwork do you need for stops in Bahamas and Cozumel? What about Castaway Cay?

When is your cruise? It can be a long process to get a service animal approved for a cruise. Please reach out to DCL immediately to get the process started. They can let you know what documentation you need for your ports.


Here are a couple of older threads that may give some details, but I just realized how old they are so definitely check with DCL about current requirements:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/cruising-with-service-dog-and-special-needs-child.3323408/

https://www.disboards.com/threads/dogs-onboard.3246485/