When you go on a trip, of course you want to take your dog with you. After all, they are part of the family.
But what if you are planning to go abroad instead of close to home? Traveling abroad with your dog is a big step and there are many things to consider.
Here are 7 tips to make your trip easier and more fun.
Note: This is a guest post from my long-time “online friend” Chandos Cleaver. She is the author of a dog-friendly travel blog Travelability and a book Australia’s Off the Lead. She has traveled all over the world (visited 36 countries!) with her miniature dachshund, Schnitzel, and we thought she was the perfect person to write this article.
1) Consider transportation options
If you’re based in the United States, Canada and Mexico are some of the easiest international destinations to visit with your dog, especially if you have a medium or large dog. After all, you can easily cross the border in your own car as long as you have the proper insurance for Mexico.
Most other destinations will require you to fly. For many American airlines, this is relatively easy if you have a dog small enough to fly on board. european airlines provide this option.
Most US airlines do not have a weight limit for dogs in the cabin, but many other airlines, including carriers, have a weight limit of 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Even if there is no weight limit, the maximum size of the carrier will be very small, although the exact dimensions will vary. Additionally, airlines typically specify that dogs must be able to stand and turn around on board. (Normally no problem with mini dachshunds!)
Some airlines offer the option of carrying large pets in the hold as excess baggage or cargo. But many pet owners are understandably wary of the risks involved, especially when it comes to short vacations. Additionally, there are often temperature restrictions in place during midsummer and winter.
2) Check the entry requirements of your destination
When choosing an international destination to visit with your dog, you should also keep in mind the rules for traveling with your pet to your destination.
While human travelers traveling to different countries may or may not require visas, pets often require specific vaccinations and pet health certificates. The combination of vaccination certificate and health certificate is often referred to as a “pet passport.”
Some countries have very simple dog entry requirements. For example, if you are traveling from the United States to France or Italy, which are members of the European Union, all your dog needs is a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a USDA-approved health certificate.
However, some countries have much more complex requirements. For example, forget about dreaming of a vacation to Australia or New Zealand with your dog. Both countries have a long list of steps to prepare dogs for import, as well as to ensure a quarantine period of at least 10 days.
Rabies-free island nations tend to have the most stringent requirements. (Hawaii also has complicated rules for importing dogs!)
To find out the rules for traveling with your dog from the United States to certain countries, the best place to visit is: USDA website. Select the country you plan to visit from your dropbox and check the entry requirements for your pet.
3) Check the rules for returning home
As well as the entry requirements of the country you will be traveling to with your dog, you should also consider the entry requirements for returning home with your dog. Just because your dog was born in a country does not give him the right to return home once he leaves the country.
If you live in the United States, the following rules are in place these days: bring a dog to the usa It has changed. If your dog has only visited rabies-free countries or countries with a low risk of canine rabies within the past six months, you will need to fill out a CDC dog importation form before returning home.
Dogs must also be microchipped and must be at least 6 months old and appear healthy.
Entry requirements become more complex if your dog has visited a high-risk country within the past six months, especially if your dog has been vaccinated abroad. Please double check either Countries considered to be at high risk for canine rabies Make sure you understand the requirements in advance so your dog can go home.
4) Check for dog-friendly options at your destination
In addition to making sure you meet all of your destination’s entry requirements, we recommend checking how dog-friendly your destination is. There’s no point booking a trip with your dog only to find out there’s nothing you can do together.
I have traveled extensively in Europe and have found many countries to be very dog friendly. (This is my list Europe’s most dog-friendly country. )
There are many charming old towns to explore, and dogs are welcome in restaurants in many countries. However, I might skip the museum visit on this trip.
It’s also important to research pet-friendly accommodation options. The percentage of hotels that allow pets varies widely from country to country and even between neighboring countries. Some hotels may have size restrictions.
Alternatively, you may consider renting a holiday home or camping depending on your destination.
We have a limited range of dog-friendly accommodation, so if you’re traveling with your dog, we always recommend booking accommodation in advance. Now is not the time to go and find something as soon as you arrive.
5) When taking dog food overseas
It’s best to bring your own dog food when traveling to avoid upsetting your dog with dietary changes, but this isn’t always allowed when traveling abroad. Additionally, if you are traveling for an extended period of time, you may need to purchase more food at some stage.
Before you go, find out if you can take your dog’s food. For example, some countries may only allow you to bring in one day’s worth of food, or you may not be able to bring in certain ingredients. And of course, if you feed your dog raw meat, you’re more likely to run into restrictions.
Find out in advance what pet food brands are sold in the country you’re visiting. There are usually several online pet food stores in most countries. Visit our website to explore your options in advance.
Many popular dog food brands are sold in multiple countries around the world, so you may be able to purchase the same food you have at home. A long list of languages on the kibble package you have at home is often a clue. Or move ahead to what is available at your destination.
If you’re looking to purchase a particular brand of pet food overseas, we’ve found that it’s generally best to go to a large pet store. For example, in Europe there are many small pet stores with a very limited selection, but there are also larger hypermarkets.
6) Train your dog before traveling
Before you head overseas with your dog, it’s best to review your dog’s training and identify areas that need to be worked on before you leave.
For example, when traveling to another country, your dog may encounter strange environments that he or she doesn’t often encounter when traveling to or near home.
Examples include noisy airports, riding trains or buses, and eating out regularly at cafes. Before traveling to Europe with my dog, I met with a dog trainer to learn techniques to improve cafe etiquette.
It’s also best to pre-crate train your dog before you travel, whether you’re traveling in a carrier on the plane or in a crate in the hold. Give your dog time to get used to the crate, and ideally feed him inside the crate. A dog that feels safe and comfortable in its crate will be much more relaxed on the plane.
7) Prepare for a long flight
International travel often requires long flights. For example, if you fly from New York to Paris, the flight time is approximately 7 hours. Add in security and immigration on both sides, and it becomes a long time for a small dog to fly on a plane.
When flying with your dog on board, I think it’s best to consider which flight is most comfortable for your dog, even if it’s not comfortable for you.
For example, for a long trip, consider taking an overnight redeye flight. Hopefully your dog will be happy to sleep in the dimly lit cabin for the entire flight and be less likely to want to use the bathroom.
Please consider carefully whether or not to make a connection. When traveling with your dog, it’s best to avoid brief and stressful contacts.
Note: If you have a long layover and plan to leave the airport, your dog will also need to meet the entry requirements of the transit country.
Find out if the airport you’re passing through has a pet rescue area. Although mandatory at major airports in the United States, these facilities are still rare in Europe. We recommend bringing pee pads and wipes.
final thoughts
Taking your dog on an international adventure can be fun, but be careful not to get too excited by being caught off guard by unexpected events.
Instead, use these tips to prepare your requirements and set expectations well in advance of your trip.
Author biography
Shandos Cleaver is a travel writer and author specializing in traveling with dogs. Originally from Australia, she has traveled the world with her miniature dachshund, Schnitzel. Mr. Schnitzel has visited 36 countries so far, including most of Europe and 10 countries in the United States. He loves to go for walks off leash, stopping often to sniff, eat, and sleep under the covers.
