Tips For Traveling Abroad With Your Dog

If you must or want to travel abroad with your dog, we will go over the different points that must be considered  regarding the required documentation, forms of transport, accommodation and the comfort of your pet.

Check details with time

You should have enough time to check different requirements to avoid last minute inconvenience.

• Get in touch with the embassy or consulate of the country you are traveling to, and they will give you the details on the documentation needed to bring your pet into the country you are traveling to.
• Check with the chosen transport company the conditions imposed for traveling with pets.
• If you are traveling with your own vehicle, please take into account the regulations on how to transport your dog in the car.  
• Check which establishments allow you to stay with dogs and under what conditions.

Also, ask your vet about the best way to make your furry travel more comfortable.

Know in depth the documentation required to travel abroad with your dog

Within the European Union and other countries on the European continent, there is a passport for pets. For this reason, the requirements do not vary much between the different countries in the union.

This passport must be issued by an authorized veterinarian. It should contain, in an up-to-date manner:

• The animal’s health history
• Identification data (microchip or tattoo)
• Owner Information
• Rabies vaccination and up to date deworming

Avoid extreme situations by not complying with the standards imposed by each country

In some places you may need to credit other health certificates. For example:

• Treatment for echinococcosis (Finland, Ireland, Malta, UK)
• Tick ​​treatment
• Rabies vaccine control (value of neutralized antibodies)
• Vaccine against Leptospirosis and Canine Distemper
• certificate of good health

In any case, make sure you respect and know in detail the rules of the place you are traveling to. Thus, you will avoid extreme situations such as:

• Immobilization of your dog in quarantine facilities
• Deportation of the pet to the country of origin
• Animal sacrifice for non-compliance with strict regulations

Find out about the different transport and accommodation options

Although,  the ideal for traveling with your dog is to go with your own vehicle, keep in mind that moving over land without private transport can be complicated, especially if your dog is large.

On trains, they usually do not accept animals weighing more than 6 kilograms. In addition, there are few bus companies that accept pets.

A ship has more alternatives for your furry :

• The cargo compartment, either in appropriate compartments or also inside your vehicle.
• The deck, in cages with compartments, along with other animals.
• The cabin, in a compartment suitable for the comfort and safety of both the pet and all passengers. In this case, your dog should not weigh more than 6 kilograms.

If you choose to fly, keep in mind that your dog must travel in the cargo hold. You can do it in the cabin, but only if it’s small.

Also, at the place you choose to stay -hotel, camping, apartment- make sure you know in advance the rules for moving your dog inside the establishment. Again, avoid any nasty last minute surprises.

In all cases, you should also consider the extra costs involved in transporting and housing your dog.

Think about the comfort of your furry

In addition to complying with all the regulations in force in each case, you must ensure that your dog is comfortable and that he can go through the trip in good health.

Do not forget:

• Take everything you need for your dog’s well-being and care: toys, blankets, accessories, food, leash, first aid kit…
• Keep the vet’s phone number in your diary for any urgent appointments.
• Check where you can turn to –during the trip and your stay- in case of any veterinary emergency that may arise.
• Consult your veterinarian if you should take any extra precautions with your furry where they travel.

And while getting your dog out of the country may seem complicated, be patient. Surely the company of your furry will soon make you forget all these procedures.