Pets On Board ?

[Starstream]

Hello All:

We are new live a board cruisers focusing our time in the Caribbean. We are travelling with two small dogs and would appreciate any counsel from those who have had actual experience travelling with animals on board.

We thank you and look forward to getting to know you all.

Lisa and David Meuche

S/V Starstream

[Lighthouse]

Welcome aboard Lisa and David - good to have you here.

I don't know much about pets aboard but I'm sure someone will be along shortly with some advice/experience.

Make yourself at home and we hope to hear much more from you.

[delatbabel]

Hi, I have never had dogs aboard but I have always had cats. 2 cats initially but one passed away a few months ago and I'm left with one.

I'd highly recommend it. Cats are great at looking after themselves at sea or at anchor, and keep the rats and mice at bay if they are trained to do it from a young age. They are great company and never answer back no matter how long you've had your head stuck down that engine bay for "only 5 minutes longer".

I have a friend in the Whitsundays who has a small dog aboard and has no problems with it. You have to accept that you're going to have to wash doggy doo off the deck regularly (cats use a litter box, dogs won't do so) and the dog goes ashore for walks occasionally but a small dog can usually be exercised on deck. Some friends at the marina here have a larger dog on board and it's more of a hassle, has to go ashore every day so I wouldn't recommend it for a cruising family or couple.

[Starstream]

Originally Posted by Lighthouse

Welcome aboard Lisa and David - good to have you here.

I don't know much about pets aboard but I'm sure someone will be along shortly with some advice/experience.

Make yourself at home and we hope to hear much more from you.

Thank you for the welcome!

Looking forward to the forums and the comraderie!

Lisa

S/V Starstream

[Istioploos]

Welcome Lisa and David. While I do not have a dog aboard my boat my brother has 3 on his Schooner. He has had no problems cruising in Greece, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia.

Fair winds

Vasilis

[chiroeurope]

Keep very good documentation of their health records and do this every six months max. This will make getting into any EU ports very easy as long a you have that and meet any short term requirements. The UK will destroy or impound animals brought into this country without proper documentation if they catch it. I know Sweden can and will fine and have been told (read second hand info, so get out that pinch of salt) that they will refuse docking permit (keep you under Q flag until you leave their waters). The French want to see the proper documents and than are very laid back on that front. Italy will want the Vet documents in Italian in some ports and in some they won't even ask for them.

Enjoy your cruising.

Michael

[redbopeep]

Originally Posted by chiroeurope

Keep very good documentation of their health records and do this every six months max. This will make getting into any EU ports very easy as long a you have that and meet any short term requirements. The UK will destroy or impound animals brought into this country without proper documentation if they catch it. I know Sweden can and will fine and have been told (read second hand info, so get out that pinch of salt) that they will refuse docking permit (keep you under Q flag until you leave their waters). The French want to see the proper documents and than are very laid back on that front. Italy will want the Vet documents in Italian in some ports and in some they won't even ask for them.

Enjoy your cruising.

Michael

Michael--I thought one could never bring an animal into the UK, period, without it going through impound. Are you saying that I can bring my kitty in as long as I have proper health papers? That would be very good to know.

And regarding Sweden--is it just a ban OR is it they'll keep you under Q flag if you do not have proper documents for the pet?

Thanks for the info

[Lighthouse]

From Greece on the Cruising Wiki (this will be the same for all EU countries)

PETS: Cats and dogs require health and rabies inoculation certificates issued in the country of origin, not more than 12 months previously for dogs, six months for cats, and not less than six days before arrival. Greece accepts pets covered by the PETS Scheme (Pet Travel Scheme) with a current "Pet Passport".



"Pet Passports" on the web HERE - (lots of info on pet travel).