Traveling with Service Dog

Question
We are going on a Cruise stopping at several ports...starting in Puerto Rico, and going to Barbsdos, St. Lucia, St Johns, St. Marteen, and St. Croix....I would like to know what I need in order to take my Service dog off at all Ports...thank You...she weights 22 Lbs and is a Schnauzer mix.. medical alert

Answer
Hi, Lynn,

First off, I would ask the cruise line what they recommend - I'm absolutely sure you are not the first person with a service dog to travel with them.  If you booked the cruise thru a travel agent, go to the travel agent first, then the cruise line.

Secondly, I would get copies of all my documentation of health certificates and service certificates for your dog collected in one place.  You'll need:  a health certificate issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of departure. The certificate should contain the name and address of the owner, and complete identification of the animal (name, breed, sex, and age. The pet must also have: 1. been examined within 30 days prior to departure and found to be free of any infectious diseases, and 2. been vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccination certificate - which should have been given between one month and 12 months prior to entry - should include the date of vaccination, product name and serial number. You'll also need proof of certification of service animal status and your need for such an animal.

Now, I'm having trouble finding specifics re: entry with service animals - as opposed to simply pets - in the various places you mentioned.  Puerto Rico and San Marteen are easy - you only need what I've already written.  The following info is for pets, not service animals.

St Lucia: Pets must have a Veterinary Import Permit before they may enter St. Lucia. This can be arranged for by contacting the Ministry of Agriculture's Veterinary Department. Cats and dogs must also adhere to the following requirements: 1) be electronically identifiable by having had an acceptable type of microchip implanted, 2) be vaccinated against rabies at or over three months of age, 3) travel into St. Lucia, 180 days #six months) after the date the blood sample was taken, and 4) be treated no more than 48 hours before entry into St Lucia with a preparation for the treatment of ticks and fleas and with an anthelmintic preparation. For more information, contact the Chief Veterinary Officer at: Email: chiefvet@slumaffe.org.

Barbados: An import permit must be obtained from the Chief Veterinary Officer before the importation of all pets. This permit can be obtained by calling Veterinary Services at: #246) 427-5073 or Fax: #246) 420-8444. A Veterinary Officer must examine the animal before it's allowed to leave the customs area. Dogs and cats need to be free of any communicable disease. If they come from the UK, Ireland, Jamaica, St. Kitts-Nevis, Antigua, St. Lucia or St. Vincent, they may be imported directly. Pets from all other countries must undergo six months quarantine in Britain after which time an import permit can be secured.

Good luck, I hope this helps.