Cruising With Your Pet: the Basics

More and more people are taking their pets on a cruise vacation, and it is not uncommon for you to have a newfound four-legged friend in your next trip.  With the airline and travel industries catching up on the craze, it is but natural for the cruising industries to follow suit.  It is quite understandable that you treat your pet as a part of your family, so much so that you take it along with you in all of your family outings, including a cruise vacation.  Most cruise lines offer pet-friendly services which can not only ease your pet’s worries, but will ensure that you’ll have a great time cruising with it.  But first, do make sure that your pet can take in the new environment, and that it is well-equipped to go onboard for your next cruise vacation.

A visit to the vet is the first big step.  Your pet needs to be updated on the most relevant vaccinations, particularly those for rabies, as it is a requirement in every destination in your cruise vacation.  Some cruise lines may also require you to produce a health certificate prior to embarking on your cruise vacation, acquired within the last ten days before the voyage.  Just to be sure, set an appointment at least six months in advance so that you’ll be ready with the necessary documentation if ever the need arises.  Have multiple copies of records as provided by the vet, and have a photo of it handy at all times, in case you lose it during your cruise vacation.

You can’t disregard the possibility of losing your pet while on your cruise vacation, so take the necessary steps to ensure that it is properly tagged.  Dog tags are enough identification, but if you want a more efficient way, you can have a small tracking microchip imbedded on its body.  You may also need to accustom it to a kennel or carrying case weeks prior to your cruise vacation.  This will do away with the trauma your pet might experience with such a sudden change in environment.  And right before going onboard, make sure that its needs are well taken care of: anything from pet food to prescriptions, treats, and bedding will ensure that it will enjoy the cruise vacation as much as you do.

You’ll have fewer worries with your pet once you’re onboard on your cruise vacation.  The ship is a confined area, but don’t let it roam around without a leash!  You don’t know if it will take the first opportunity to make a run for it, especially in a different environment.  Ask about the cruise line’s port stops, and if these stops will allow your pet to disembark.  Chances are your pet will have to remain onboard for the entire cruise vacation, even with sufficient documentation.  Different shores have different regulations concerning animal imports, and you may have a tougher time trying to get across customs checks that its better to leave it behind; besides, your cruise vacation is spent mostly onboard, and you’ll only be onshore for limited periods.