Tips For Traveling Abroad With Your Dog

Those who intend to travel abroad with the dog must take into consideration some practical aspects such as, for example, the necessary documents, the means of transport, housing and comfort for the animal.

Arrange all the details in time

Take enough time to check the various formalities  and thus avoid last-minute inconveniences.

• Contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you intend to travel ; let them explain in detail what is the necessary documentation to enter the country with the dog.
• Check with the transport company of your choice what their conditions are for traveling with pets.
• If you opt to travel by car, check the rules for transporting pets.
• Check which facilities allow you to stay with your dog, and under what conditions.

• Also ask your vet for advice on how to make your dog’s journey more comfortable.

Before leaving, check all the formalities for those traveling abroad with the dog in time: you will avoid surprises at the last minute.

Check the documentation necessary to travel abroad with the dog

Within the European Union and in other European countries, a pet passport is required. The requirements do not vary much for different states.

This passport is issued by the veterinary services of the local health company and must be certified 24 hours in advance by a licensed veterinarian. The document will certify:

• The owner’s data
• The description of the animal
• The identification data of the animal (microchip or tattoo)
• Your health history (rabies vaccination and up-to-date pesticide treatments)

Avoid breaking the rules imposed by each country

In some countries you will probably need to show other health certificates. Eg:

• Echinococcus treatment (Finland, Ireland, Malta, United Kingdom)
• Treatment against ticks
• The anti-rabies recall (evaluation of neutralizing antibodies to the virus)
• The vaccine against leptospirosis and distemper
• A certificate of good health

In any case, make sure you understand and comply in detail with the legislation of the country you will be traveling to. Thus, you will avoid unpleasant situations such as:

• Mandatory quarantine for your dog

• Repatriation of the animal to the country of origin

Find out about the various travel and accommodation options

For those traveling with the dog, it would be ideal to move with their own vehicle. Keep in mind that traveling by land can be quite complicated, especially if your dog is large in size.

Trains generally do not accept animals weighing more than 6 kg. There are also few bus companies that accept pets.

The ship and the ferry offer some more alternatives to those who decide to travel abroad with the dog. The rules vary according to the companies, which can make available:

• The hold, in suitable shelters or inside the vehicle of the owner of the animal.
• The blanket, in a special container, together with other animals.
• Cabins for the transport of animals, inside special cages, for the safety of other passengers and the animal itself. In this case, generally, the animal must weigh less than 6 kg.

If you choose the plane, keep in mind that the dog will have to travel in the hold. Only small pets are allowed in the cabin.

Also make sure you know in advance the rules of the facility where you intend to stay – hotel, campsite, apartment. It will allow you to move with more tranquility within the structure and, once again, to avoid nasty last-minute surprises.

In any case,  you must take into consideration that there will be additional costs related to the transport and accommodation of your dog.

Think of the comfort of your four-legged friend

In addition to complying with all applicable regulations, it is necessary to make sure that the dog’s accommodation is comfortable and his health conditions allow him to face the journey.

Remember:

• Bring everything you need for the well-being and care of the dog: toys, blankets, accessories, food, leash, first aid kit, etc.
• Remember to bring your vet’s phone number with you for any urgent advice.
• Check where to find, during the trip and stay, any veterinary emergency points.
• Ask your vet if your dog needs extra precautions in the destination country.

Maybe traveling abroad with your dog can be a bit complicated, but be patient. Eventually, your pet’s company will make you forget all the formalities you went through.