Bahamas with dogs

[captainlouie]

My wife and I will be cruising the bahamas this winter with our two dalmatians. We've read that we have to have an international certification of vertrinary health signed within 48 hours of entry. This seems extremely difficult as we may be waiting for a weather window for days to cross. When a window of say a few days opens up or is soon to open up is that when you go to a local vet? Do the bahamians actually care about the 48 hour requirement or is it really just best to have it as up to date as possible?

[camaraderie]

Here's the form:
http://www.bahamas.com/assets/conten...ORM_070604.pdf

As a practical matter, it is quite difficult to get it done within 48 hours of checking in...but things tend to be slack in the Bahamas and people are understanding...just be humble and apologetic if challenged and and explain that you were delayed by weather conditions and all will be fine.

[brigadoonboat]

It would seem nice to have a dog(s) on board, but it is a HUGE deal.
unless they are seeing eye dogs, let them stay home and everyone can have fun. there is no one to blame if they go overboard and drown, and if they get sick it might be you that puts them down, and thats not easy.. taking them ashore is next to impossible in many places, unless they can climb ladders. local dogs, bugs and chickens might prove awkward too. "officials" will be easy just be polite and act anything but American.

[camaraderie]

Brig...In general...I am with you about Dogs on extended cruises. BUT...the Bahamas are a day trip from the US and lots of people bring their pets and lots of the pets love it there. It is a ROYAL pain to have to get in your dinghy in all kinds of weather to go for a "walk" and many pet owners choose to stay at the marinas to keep it simple.
Cruising elsewhere and especially on extended passages I agree that it is a mistake to bring dogs but some people are selfish and think their dogs are children.