We Found a US VA Clinic in the Dominican Republic?! (And the Airbnb Laundry Race) ⚓️ Ep. 107

Need a VA clinic in the Dominican Republic? We found one in Puerto Plata, and it’s a game-changer for veteran cruisers. . THE GRIND: We hauled our veteran carcasses off the boat in Luperon and pointed the truck toward Puerto Plata (19.7934° N, 70.6884° W). The mission? Navigating the VAFMS technical hellscape for C&P exams and picking up Bella’s Titer Test results. That folder took a literal trip to Europe and back just so we can get her back to the States. . THE PIVOT: We checked into a $60/night Airbnb to abuse the "free" water. Between "Rapido" and "Fuzzy" settings, it was a race to strip the Luperon silt out of our shirts. Seeing that grey laundry water was the lifestyle win we needed. . THE REWARD: A night of hot showers (until they weren't), a massive burger, and a run to the "secret" wholesale spot for the cheapest Ron on the island. We capped it off with a brand-new Black & Decker coffee maker and a move to a safer mooring "zip code" near the mangroves. Hell, I’d rather fight a mosquito than a runaway hull. . FULL TECHNICAL BLOG POST: Read the deep-dive on DR VA services and pet travel here: 👉 https://www.chrisdoeswhat.com/dominican-republic-va-services-puerto-plata/ . JOIN THE CREW: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZBmn0CZW578hpt4ImB3CRA/join . CHECK OUT PAST TRAVELS: ⚓ Sailing: https://www.chrisdoeswhat.com/travel/sailboat-life/ 🍳 Dining: www.chrisdoeswhat.com/dining-in-with-danielle/ . Amazon Affiliate disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. . VIDEO TIME CHAPTERS: Puerto Plata Road Trip & VA Mission C&P Exams & VAFMS Technical Details Bella's Titer Test Results from Europe Beach Time & Dog Safety $60 Airbnb Walkthrough & Laundry Technicals Cheapest Liquor & Gas in Dominican Republic Black & Decker Coffee Maker Install Moving the Boat: New Mooring Zip Code . TRAVEL FAQ: Q: I’m terrified I’ll lose my VA benefits living in the DR. Is there help? A: The forensic bottom line is yes; Puerto Plata has dedicated VA service providers. Ensure your contact info is updated in the VAFMS portal before you arrive. If your paperwork isn't squared away, your reimbursements hit a brick wall. Having a high-quality scanner on board is a requirement for this life. ​Q: Can I really get my dog back to the US from here? A: Yes, but it requires a Rabies Titer Test. You have to send blood work to an approved lab (ours went to Europe). It takes weeks to process, so plan your trip well before your departure date. Don’t let the USDA catch you at the border without that folder. ​Q: Is it safe to stay in a cheap $60 Airbnb in Puerto Plata? A: It’s functional and generally safe, but expect it to be loud. The roads are narrow enough to shave the paint off a donkey. We used it primarily for the "laundry race" to get the boat grime out. Watch out for those bathroom "step-ups"—they’ll claim a toe if you aren't careful. ​Q: Where do I find the best deals on rum and gas? A: Look for the wholesale-style shops on the main road between Puerto Plata and Luperon, right where it transitions to a two-lane road. You’ll save 30-40% compared to city prices. It’s the perfect spot to stock up before heading back to the boat for sundowners. Video Time Chapters ​[00:00] Puerto Plata Mission: VA & Titer Test ​[00:50] Beach Time & Bella’s Tick Check ​[01:59] $60 Airbnb: Narrow Roads & Loud Neighbors ​[02:40] Airbnb Tour & Laundry Technicals ​[04:10] Bathroom Safety: The Toe-Breaker Step ​[04:45] The Laundry Race: Rapido vs. Fuzzy ​[05:40] Sundowners & Third-World Logistics ​[06:26] Puerto Plata VA Services Recap ​[06:45] Washing Machine Results: Boat Grime Gone ​[09:35] The Hot Water Shower Reality Check ​[10:21] Secret Wholesale Spot: Cheap Rum & Gas ​[11:07] New Galley Gear: Black & Decker Coffee Maker ​[13:50] Moving the Boat: New Zip Code Mooring ​[14:50] Sundowners in the Mangroves ​[15:30] Sailing Content: Living the Dream Outro . #SailingLife #DominicanRepublic #PuertoPlata #VAClinic #VeteranServices #TiterTest #PetTravel #AirbnbReview #CruisingWorld #SailboatLiving #HoMaidChef