An International Guide for Dog Travelers:
A dream come true might be taking your dog on an overseas trip. Nobody likes to part from man’s best buddy, after all. Furthermore, the idea of putting your dog in a kennel might shatter both your heart and your bank account.
However, even some basic research about traveling abroad with your dog may leave you feeling too concerned. If so, you’ve arrived at the ideal location. Everything you need to know to help you land on all fours is laid out in this guide on traveling abroad with your dog.
Examine your destination
Regarding the importation of pets, each nation has its unique set of laws. But wherever you travel, your dog has to have a record of their rabies vaccination.
It matters when your dog had their last rabies vaccination. If your dog received its rabies vaccination more than a year or less before your trip, several nations won’t let them in.
Additionally, several nations demand that your dog be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours prior to your departure.
Canine Confinement
Your dog might need to be quarantined upon arrival, depending on whether your destination is rabies-free, rabies-controlled, or rabies-high.
Remember that quarantines are not prisons for dogs. These are boarding establishments where staff members with professional training look after pets. In most quarantine facilities, you are allowed to visit your pet once a day and they have enough opportunity to run about and play in the yard.
Examine the airline’s pet-related travel policies
Subsequently, confirm that the airline you are flying with permits dogs. Pets are permitted on certain airlines for a price, but not on others at all.
PRO TIP: Verify if dogs are permitted on your subsequent trip if you have a stopover.
Only one or two dogs are permitted on board at a time by certain airlines. Make sure your dog has a seat when you phone the airline to make your reservation.
Know the Airline’s Policies Regarding Cabin vs. Cargo
Pet-friendly airlines usually let dogs under 20 pounds travel in the cabin. Dogs weighing more over twenty pounds must frequently fly as extra baggage.
Well-known airlines like United and Delta offer dedicated sections with advice about traveling with animals. Since this is one of the riskiest ways for dogs to travel, Delta no longer carries animals as cargo. Rather, your dog will travel with you in the main cabin for the whole journey.
PetSafe cargo shipping is an alternate option provided by United for shipping your pet.
assemble the necessary paperwork and your pet’s passport
It’s time to start gathering your dog’s paperwork now that you are aware of what to anticipate from your airline and your destination.
The papers for your dog may be conveniently gathered in one place with the help of a pet passport.
A pet passport is similar to a human passport in that it contains the data required to go abroad lawfully. All medical details, including up-to-date immunization records, are included, and it mentions any significant health concerns your dog may have.
A month or more prior to your vacation, take your dog to the vet to renew their vaccines and arrange for your paperwork to be completed.
Plan Ahead: Typical Problems and Mishaps When Taking a Dog on a Trip
It’s critical to get ready for any problems that can arise when traveling. Here are some tips for handling any delays, missing connections, or mishaps that can affect your vacation when traveling with your pet.
Postponements
Any foreign traveler understands how frequent—and annoying—delays are. However, if you own a pet, a delay should worry you.
Your dog can be left in a non-pressurized compartment beneath the aircraft if it is extra cargo. Without any fresh air, the temperature might change significantly.
Give your dog plenty of ice water and blankets in their box to prepare for a delay. Tell the airline that your dog is traveling in the cargo compartment and has to be taken out right away if your plane is delayed.
Lost Links
It might not be possible to reload your dog’s box if you have a connecting trip.
Even though this is quite uncommon, it’s a good idea to let the airline know if your dog is flying with you. Before takeoff, the flight attendants can do one more check to ensure your pet is securely on board.
In case your dog becomes missing, make sure you have a picture of them and some kind of identification with you. Before boarding, make sure your dog is wearing tags on their collar to avoid any problems. Before boarding, most airlines need tags or an identity chip.
Accidents and Injury
Traveling overseas is not without its risks. If you were traveling alone with your four-legged companion, it’s a good idea to consider how you would care for your dog in the event that you had an accident or illness that required hospitalization.
In an emergency, a travel health insurance plan like Atlas Travel can assist your dog get home safely and can also cover you for any unexpected illness or injuries you may have while traveling. In the event that you are traveling alone and your hospital stay needs your dog to be left alone for more than 36 hours.
WorldTrips will organize and cover the cost of your pet’s required travel arrangements if you qualify for this benefit (up to the $1,000 benefit maximum).
Traveling Abroad with Your Dog: Enhancing Their Security & Comfort
Dogs must be kept in their crates throughout flights on the majority of airlines that let them in the cabin. Pets should be able to stand, sit, and lie down in their crates, however they should also be big enough to fit beneath the seat in front of you.
It could be necessary to board larger dogs under the aircraft as surplus cargo. It might be upsetting for both you and your dog. Below, we’ll offer advice on how to lessen the shock of the trip for both you and your dog.
Make Sure Your Dog Is Fed, Hydrated, and Calm
You might not be able to feed your dog on certain flights. Bring their favorite candies or other comfort food, if you can. Leave some of the dog cargo in their crate.
Freezing water in a plastic dish and keeping it in your dog’s kennel is a convenient method to keep them hydrated. Because the water will melt gradually, this keeps it from spilling.
Remember to bring along your dog’s preferred blanket or toy. If you are unable to be with your dog, they will feel less stressed if they have a familiar toy or cozy blanket.
How Paws on the Ground Travels Internationally with Dogs
Once you and your dog touch down, the adventure never ends. As with your house, you want to keep your dog safe and make sure they have as much fun as possible.
To enable you to explore more and worry less, make sure you have everything you could need.
Identity Is Essential
Ensure that the collar of your dog bears a name tag. In the event that you are not reachable by phone abroad, your phone number and email address should be included on this name tag. Include the most recent rabies vaccination tag for your dog as well.
These days, the airline or the country you are visiting frequently requires pets going abroad to have microchips. A veterinarian or animal shelter may scan your dog’s microchip to get its unique identifying number in the event that it is lost.
Always have a picture of your dog on you in case it escapes and you need to provide identification.
Construct a Dog Travel Bag
All the necessities for traveling are included in a doggie pack. This includes water, food, snacks, medicine, first aid, and a toy.
Use an ice pack if you need to keep medicine cold.
You should be able to fit your dog travel pack within the bag you now tote. Food products can be kept fresh longer in plastic bags. In the event of an emergency, having a first-aid kit on hand will help both you and your dog. Never forget to pack medication in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to include your dog’s passport, which should have all of their travel and medical documentation.
Make Sure Your Dog Is Leashed
Make sure your dog wears a leash, even if they are well-trained. This will stop them from leaving during any unanticipated events.
There are a lot of stray dogs in many foreign nations (the National Animal Interest Alliance considers this to be a catastrophe).
Using a leash will shield your dog from unwelcome interactions with other dogs. Not every dog gets along well with other animals. It is possible to avoid bites or wounds from stray animals and wildlife that may carry rabies or other infectious illnesses by wearing a leash.
Plan a Rest Period
Any dog that travels needs to sleep, especially after spending the entire day with you taking in the sights.
Although you are the greatest judge of your dog’s behavior, the thrill of an international trip may make them less predictable. Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior, and if they appear sluggish or slow, stop and give them a rest.
Water should always be kept in your dog’s pack, especially on hot days when you’re moving about a lot. Drinking enough water keeps your dog from overheating and may save you from needing an unforeseen trip to the neighborhood vet.
Steer clear of stressful situations
Large crowds of people are something you’ll often encounter when traveling. A crowd of eager individuals crowding the two of you might stress out your dog if they are not used to being around strangers.
Never forget to prioritize your dog’s needs. Your dog is unable to express their displeasure to you verbally. To determine whether they are upset, pay special attention to their body language.
Keep an eye on what your dog consumes
You will be gorging on all the latest treats while on vacation. But you need to make sure your dog stays out of the feeding experiment. Not all countries provide dog food in the same way. Additionally, your dog’s stomach could require some time to become used to new food, just like your own.
Continue feeding your dog as normal. It’s difficult to ignore their puppy dog eyes, but in the end, it will be safer for them.
While walking your pet in a strange and unfamiliar place, pay alert to anything that is lying around on the streets. This includes innocuous items like paper or shattered glass that your dog could confuse for food.
Develop Your Dog’s Resistance to Fleas and Ticks
It is important to prepare for ticks and other insects if you are trekking or camping in a more isolated area. They may infect your dog with infections that might result in long-term health problems.
After a hike through dense vegetation or the woods, make sure you and your dog are free of ticks. Eliminating them will stop undesired diseases from spreading.
Keep Your Pet in Check While Operating a Vehicle
When you are driving, keep your dog in a seat for their protection as well as your own. This will shield them from harm in the case of a collision or unexpected halts.
You can employ a variety of various kinds of constraints. Pick one that fits your dog appropriately and is comfy.
Your dog can also be kept in a carrier or crate that is placed properly, or behind a dog guard. Regardless of the approach you use, introduce it to your dog before you go for your trip. Start with a little excursion and gradually increase the length of the vacation.
Bringing Your Dog Back to the United States
Returning with your dog from abroad will be comparable to traveling abroad with your dog for visitors from the United States.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your dog must seem well in order to be admitted into the nation. You need to have a current rabies vaccination certificate on hand if you’re traveling from a nation where there is a high danger of rabies.