Travel with a Dog Internationally can seem daunting, but being prepared can make the experience easier and more enjoyable for both of you. Proper planning is key when bringing your dog on overseas trips. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from pet-friendly accommodation options, to navigating airport security, to in-flight checks, to successfully navigating abroad. Read on for tips and best practices when traveling across borders with dogs.
Table of Contents
The need for forward planning
Sending your dog abroad or Travel with a Dog Internationally requires more forethought than a regular trip. Start preparing at least four to six months in advance to ensure all requirements are met and proper paperwork is done.
Research into national needs
Laws on importing pets vary greatly depending on the destination country for Travel with a Dog Internationally
Getting Vet Records and Documents in Order
Visit your vet to get a clean bill of health and all necessary paperwork documenting vaccinations, medical history and more well beforehand. This proves your dog is healthy and prevents facing obstacles during travel.
Arranging Proper Identification for Your Dog
Get an ISO standardized pet microchip implanted and register your dog in relevant databases. This serves as official ID when crossing borders along with ensuring correct information is on their collar.
Choosing the Right Carrier
The carrier is key for providing safety and comfort during the flight and broader trip.
Airline Approved Carriers
Airlines have specific kennel requirements for size for travel with a Dog Internationally, material and design. Ensure it follows IATA Live Animals Regulations. Hard-sided or soft-sided carriers are suitable as long as adequately ventilated and lockable.
Considering Size and Comfort
Choose an appropriately sized carrier allowing room for standing travel with a Dog Internationally, turning and resting yet not exceeding under-seat dimensions. The carrier should be comfortable, sturdy and easy to maneuver. Attach water bowls and include familiar bedding.
Preparing Your Dog for Travel
Helping your dog adapt to the carrier and motion of travel prevents unease when the actual trip occurs.
Getting Used to the Carrier
Let your dog inspect, enter at own pace and reward with treats for getting accustomed to carrier. Take on short car trips then work up to longer journeys.
Visiting the Vet
Schedule an appointment to check health and administer any needed vaccines or medications well in advance. Obtain recommendations for preventing motion sickness if warranted.
Arranging Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Research lodging accepting pets in locations you’ll visit or stopover en route. Pet fees and size restrictions may apply with advanced reservations often required.
Packing Supplies and Necessities
Carry enough food, medications, cleaning items and other essentials in your hand luggage to cover the entire journey. This prepares for any baggage issues.
Food and Bowls
Pack dry kibble rationing out daily amounts. Include collapsible bowls avoiding messes when feeding and providing water.
Medications
Carry any routine or emergency medications (e.g. for anxiety) prescribed by your vet in original packaging with documents listing dosages and administration guidelines.
Cleaning Supplies
Bring absorbent pads, waste bags, paper towels and cleaning solutions for addressing accidents and keeping kennel hygienic.
Toys/Comfort Items
Familiar chew rope, blanket or toys provide reassurance.
Check-In and Airport Process
Navigating airports with pets differs somewhat from typical travel. Arrive early allowing ample time for required procedures.
ID Requirements
Have your dog’s original vet records, vaccination certificates, medical history documents and any forms required by destination country easily accessible to present.
Security Screening
Leash your dog when passing screening then carry through metal detector while the kennel is x-rayed. Some locations have designated animal relief areas past security.
In-Flight Experience and Care
The flight itself may be most worrying for pet owners but attentive care ensures you both stay comfortable.
Monitoring Comfort
Check on your dog whenever possible. Look for signs of distress like panting, whining or shaking and take steps like gently stroking to provide reassurance.
Offering Water
Stay hydrated by providing water every few hours using bowl attached to kennel door. Limit intake preventing accidents.
Getting Through Customs
If all documentation is complete, moving through customs with dogs simply involves a check by officials and paying any applicable fees.
Having Health Certificates, vet records, vaccination proof and other verified paperwork required by the country handy when speaking with customs personnel streamlines clearance. Know if you must also show return flight info. Quarantine if imposed is usually limited to one or two days.
Introducing Your Dog to the New Location
The richness of new sights and smells can overstimulate so gradually acclimate your dog upon arriving.
Initially take them out on leash for short walks close by then explore further as accustomed to the environment. Be attentive to anxiety signs like whining or shaking. Keep an ID tag with lodging details on their collar.
Finding Pet-Friendly Destinations
Seeking out places welcoming pets makes travel more fun for all.
Parks
Seek green spaces and walking trails allowing dogs. Berlin, Paris, London and many cities have designated areas. Always keep leashed and pick up waste.
Restaurants
Many eateries offer outdoor seating permitting dogs. Check guidelines and if food/water bowls are provided.
Hotels
Book pet-friendly hotels or Airbnbs in advance for convenience and to ensure policy allows size/type. Kennel cleaning services may be available. Inquire when reserving.
Managing Travel Health and Safety
Proactively safeguard your dog’s well-being while away.
Preventing Illness
Carry familiar food minimizing dietary issues. Have a first aid kit and meds treating potential problems. Know emergency vet contacts at destinations.
Contingency Plans
Identify kennels at stopovers where your dog can board if you get delayed. Carry extra food/supplies and details of pet shippers able to transport if needed.
Best Practices for the Trip Home
Reconfirm all return travel requirements and government mandated documents prior to departing each country to avoid complications.
Reconfirming Requirements
Check regulatory agencies’ websites as policies can change. Ensure vet certificates and statements for transporting pets still apply.
Planning for Delays Travel with a Dog Internationally
Keep dog food and solutions for cleaning kennel messes in carry-on when flying in case checked bags delayed. Have contact info for pet boarding/shipping at connections.
With attentive preparation and planning, travelling overseas with your dog can be smooth, comfortable and wonderfully enriching. Bon voyage!
