Dogs - Yachting in and out of Various Countries

[Bluewaters2812]

I have seen so many posts on all sorts of aspects of having dogs living aboard. What I would like to see and hear from, are people who have ACTUAL EXPERIENCE, of checking dogs in and out of various countries. It would be especially nice to know about the sort of reception in each country vis a vis your dog, as well as whether a country will accept the fact that your dog remained on board and did not disembark at a previous country visited.

Perhaps also share and provide an idea of what documents were insisted upon etc either prior to departure or upon arrival or whether any countries were relatively relaxed about any paperwork that may not have been 100% in order?

Actual experience is being sought in order to provide insight to other sailors contemplating passages from country to country and that is why I would prefer comments based on actual experience and not assumptions or technical and academic debates etc etc. Thanks to anyone sharing.

It is not necessary to refer to Noonsite (a valuable source with loads of information). Hopefully this thread will provide a little more practical advice based on actual experience.

[Jane.Joy]

http://themonkeysfist.blogspot.com/2...-on-board.html

This is a collection of links to blog posts of dog owners discussing various aspects of having dogs aboard. There are about 20 posts, I believe, all written by dog owners - at least a half-dozen discuss experiences with customs. There is a "blurb" to decribe each post, so you can decide whether it is relevant to your interests or purposes. I forget the name of the blog but there's one post about dealing with the legalities of getting their dog from Gualamala to Belize (or maybe Belize to Gualamala?) - it's hysterically funny, but at the same time does a great job of describing what it's like out here.

[goboatingnow]

What countries have you in mind, its very different from place to place, you need to narrow it down a bit

dave

[Bluewaters2812]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

What countries have you in mind, its very different from place to place, you need to narrow it down a bit

dave

Noonsite gives the rundown on the countries we are interested in. Its actual experience I am looking for in Azores, Canaries, Cape Verde, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa.

[Bluewaters2812]

Originally Posted by Jane.Joy

The Monkey's Fist: Collecting Cruisers' Perspectives: Dogs on Board

This is a collection of links to blog posts of dog owners discussing various aspects of having dogs aboard. There are about 20 posts, I believe, all written by dog owners - at least a half-dozen discuss experiences with customs. There is a "blurb" to decribe each post, so you can decide whether it is relevant to your interests or purposes. I forget the name of the blog but there's one post about dealing with the legalities of getting their dog from Gualamala to Belize (or maybe Belize to Gualamala?) - it's hysterically funny, but at the same time does a great job of describing what it's like out here.

Thanks for the link Jane. I will have a look.

[goboatingnow]

Noonsite gives the rundown on the countries we are interested in. Its actual experience I am looking for in Azores, Canaries, Cape Verde, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa.

Just be aware that Noonsites info is often only partially correct

for example heres what said for the Azores

"The Azores comes under the EU Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) and pets must have Pet Passport, to have microchip and current Health Certificate and Rabies Vaccincation Certificate issued by authorised Veterinarian."

of course they fail to mention that the Pet Passport scheme only applies to pets brought in on commercially agreed carriers and routes.

Its needs a little more research then just noonsite ( A comment I would generally say about noonsite)

dave

[Bluewaters2812]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Just be aware that Noonsites info is often only partially correct

for example heres what said for the Azores

"The Azores comes under the EU Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) and pets must have Pet Passport, to have microchip and current Health Certificate and Rabies Vaccincation Certificate issued by authorised Veterinarian."

of course they fail to mention that the Pet Passport scheme only applies to pets brought in on commercially agreed carriers and routes.

Its needs a little more research then just noonsite ( A comment I would generally say about noonsite)

dave

Thanks. Like I said, I have read Noonsite so am not looking for recounts of what is on there thanks anyway. I have also read anecdotal accounts where sailors have taken their dog in and the officials just couldn't be bothered to check the dog's documents etc, so that is why I am looking for more actual experience accounts and there don't seem to be many around.

[paradisenow1946]

We have traveled from the USA to USVI with two small dogs aboard.
Our cavalier King Charles spaniels are trained to wee wee pads
When we can't get ashore. Most places to walk dogs are access ave by dingy.
But we found some places like Samna, DR, the Caicos permit dogs on lead
But do use poison for rats that's clear unseen so those are places
We don't walk. With beach bugs and dogs we walk before 7 pm.
After 7 pm, bugs like sand fleas come out..
If you wish to cruise down the thorny path, in St. thomas a visit
To Dr John vet office ( red hook across from the marina) is one stops.
He will take your dogs health papers that include a blood titer,
Then fax all the information to each country down the chain saving
Time and money. Country's that are UK affiliated require a titer.
The titer can be done at your vet in the states and is a blood test
Sent to be analized to insure your pets rabies free..
Another important thing besides pets life jackets, crate training.
Our dogs are crate trained. We do long passages Nd in winter cover areas
With storms.. During turbulent time up top the dogs are asleep crated and safe.
We found preparation, routine consistency are the most important things to pets at sea.
It's no more difficult than at home on land. We've cruised 5 years wit
dogs with no problems.
You need a food bin, crates and blankets, dog toys and pee pads
And being consistent..
It's easy and they are truly good companions at sea

Kathleen
SV Legacy
Myrtle beach,SC

[paradisenow1946]

On pets scheme as Americans we get a international Heath certificate
That is endorsed by the state vet.. The dogs must be microchipped
And recorded and that's it!!!
You cannot get a pet passport unless you import from overseas
Dogs must have rabies, (current titer test in UK or British protectorates)
Current DHLPP, Lyme vaccination, worn free and checked by the vet stating
They found no parasites like fleas..
The international certificate is thru most vets call first. The state vet endorses it
You do have to pay round trip mailing( providing the state vet
The return prepaid envelope)
Takes 1 visit unless you need a blood titer but Kansas state university
Does them in 3-5 days on a rush...
Don't listen to the sites they are all misinformation
If in doubt call the country's embassy they are happy to help

[goboatingnow]

On pets scheme as Americans we get a international Heath certificate
That is endorsed by the state vet.. The dogs must be microchipped
And recorded and that's it!!!

Just as a comment, that certificate is not whats required to bring you pet into a foreign country, The regulations of the foreign country are what matters.

Contact the embassies or consulates of countries you intend to visit and get official requirements. This is the only way to ensure what you need, be sure to explain that you will be arriving by private yacht.

Dave

[Bluewaters2812]

Originally Posted by paradisenow1946

We have traveled from the USA to USVI with two small dogs aboard.
Our cavalier King Charles spaniels are trained to wee wee pads
When we can't get ashore. Most places to walk dogs are access ave by dingy.
But we found some places like Samna, DR, the Caicos permit dogs on lead
But do use poison for rats that's clear unseen so those are places
We don't walk. With beach bugs and dogs we walk before 7 pm.
After 7 pm, bugs like sand fleas come out..
If you wish to cruise down the thorny path, in St. thomas a visit
To Dr John vet office ( red hook across from the marina) is one stops.
He will take your dogs health papers that include a blood titer,
Then fax all the information to each country down the chain saving
Time and money. Country's that are UK affiliated require a titer.
The titer can be done at your vet in the states and is a blood test
Sent to be analized to insure your pets rabies free..
Another important thing besides pets life jackets, crate training.
Our dogs are crate trained. We do long passages Nd in winter cover areas
With storms.. During turbulent time up top the dogs are asleep crated and safe.
We found preparation, routine consistency are the most important things to pets at sea.
It's no more difficult than at home on land. We've cruised 5 years wit
dogs with no problems.
You need a food bin, crates and blankets, dog toys and pee pads
And being consistent..
It's easy and they are truly good companions at sea

Kathleen
SV Legacy
Myrtle beach,SC

Thanks for the actual info update Kathleen. Perhaps one of the differences is that our dog originates from the UK ( a rabies free area) and travels with an EU PET passport that shows his rabies inoculation as well as a health certificate certifying already that he is free of rabies and a host of other doggy diseases. Its good to hear that officials are not as draconian as many make out. Appreciate the input.

[Bluewaters2812]

Originally Posted by paradisenow1946

On pets scheme as Americans we get a international Heath certificate
That is endorsed by the state vet.. The dogs must be microchipped
And recorded and that's it!!!
You cannot get a pet passport unless you import from overseas
Dogs must have rabies, (current titer test in UK or British protectorates)
Current DHLPP, Lyme vaccination, worn free and checked by the vet stating
They found no parasites like fleas..
The international certificate is thru most vets call first. The state vet endorses it
You do have to pay round trip mailing( providing the state vet
The return prepaid envelope)
Takes 1 visit unless you need a blood titer but Kansas state university
Does them in 3-5 days on a rush...
Don't listen to the sites they are all misinformation
If in doubt call the country's embassy they are happy to help

I agree with you, it seems that the sites have the basics down but I have sen that it is also important from which country your dog originates. The UK (EU) dogs (a rabies free area) has a system in place where the PET passport scheme is accepted by many countries. Thanks.

[Bluewaters2812]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Just as a comment, that certificate is not whats required to bring you pet into a foreign country, The regulations of the foreign country are what matters.

Contact the embassies or consulates of countries you intend to visit and get official requirements. This is the only way to ensure what you need, be sure to explain that you will be arriving by private yacht.

Dave

Yes, each country does have its own regs. EU-linked countries accept the PET passport and health certificate. I have checked the individual countries we intend visiting. Its still a bit of a tiny minefield but anecdotal evidence suggests that overall the process is not enforced in any of the Atlantic countries anywhere close to what might be termed a draconian manner. In fact, quite the opposite it appears. Some evidence saying that the officials weren't even bothered looking at the dog's papers! I won't take that chance though and will make sure that the basics and more are in place.

[goboatingnow]

As I have said the EU Pets Passport only applies to routes using commercial carriers, While many officals will still require the Pets passport ( and often they dont know anything else).

And yes enforcement in Europe for example , which is not rabies free, is not draconian and often quite lack.

[Bluewaters2812]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

As I have said the EU Pets Passport only applies to routes using commercial carriers, While many officals will still require the Pets passport ( and often they dont know anything else).

And yes enforcement in Europe for example , which is not rabies free, is not draconian and often quite lack.

Can you share any actual experience with dogs in and out of specific countries by yacht? That is what I am hoping will occur here so that other CF doggy cruisers can get better insight.