Picture a sunny day in the south of France, surrounded by your family and four-legged friends. While some dogs adore traveling, others may not, but understanding their needs is key. Before embarking on your journey, it’s crucial to know how your dog handles car rides, especially if it’s going to be a long trip!
When booking your holiday, remember to consider a few important factors:
- Dog-Friendly Accommodation: Choose accommodations that welcome dogs and offer suitable amenities for them.
- Weather: Ensure the weather is not too hot for your dog’s comfort and health.
- Access to a Garden: Look for accommodations with access to a garden or outdoor space where your dog can play and relax.
- Pet-Friendly Establishments: Check if restaurants and other local places are pet-friendly, so you can include your dog in your activities.
Considering these factors will help ensure a pleasant and enjoyable trip for both you and your furry friend.
When traveling abroad with your dog, there are several important factors to consider.
Health Requirements:
- Microchip: Ensure your pet is microchipped, as it’s a legal requirement for dogs over eight weeks old. This can be done by a vet or a vet nurse. Make sure your veterinarian includes the microchip number in your animal health certificate. The date on the certificate must precede your pet’s vaccination date. Please ensure to double-check that their microchip is still functional, as some may fail over time. Don’t assume it can still be read, as it may not work when you attempt to re-enter the UK.
- Tapeworm Treatment: If you’re traveling to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Malta, your dog will need tapeworm treatment. This usually comes in the form of a tablet or spot-on treatment and should be administered monthly.
- Health Certificate: Post-Brexit, UK pet passports are no longer but EU pet passports valid, so obtaining a health certificate is necessary for travel. You can add up to five pets to an animal health certificate, which should be obtained from your veterinarian within 10 days before entering the EU. Be sure to keep the pet passport or health certificate safe, and take photos of it, particularly of the passport number and rabies information. Just like humans, if you lose your travel documents, you’ll be stuck in the country you’re trying to leave, and your dog will have to stay there. Many of the greyhounds rescued by Kent come with an EU pet passport, as they are imported from Ireland, which remains within the EU. This facilitates travel between the UK and the continent.
- Rabies Vaccinations and Boosters: Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, starting when they are at least 12 weeks old. Regular boosters are also required.
Travel Requirements:
When planning your journey, consider the various transportation options available to accommodate your dog. Whether you’re taking the Eurostar or a ferry, each has different arrangements for pets.
- Euro Tunnel: If you opt for the Euro Tunnel, your dog will need to stay in the car during the journey, but there’s usually an exercise area available for them. The Euro Tunnel offers a shorter trip compared to the ferry.
- Ferries: Ferries typically provide dog-friendly cabins and designated areas where you can stay with your dog throughout the journey. This allows for more interaction and comfort during the trip. The ferries from Dover are very quick, just a few hours, so you don’t need a cabin. However, some ferries from Southampton to Spain are overnight, allowing you to stay in your cabin with your dog.
Lastly, ensure you know the locations of local vet facilities at your destination. This ensures you have access to medical care for your dog in case of any emergencies during your travels. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for both you and your furry companion.
Buddy had his first trip to Spain with his owners in March, and he absolutely loved it. He slept most of the way down, showing remarkable bravery for a timid boy, especially on the Eurostar where they all stayed in the car. Buying him a high, comfy bed proved to be the trick. The two photos of him in the bed are from the train, while the other two are from their time in Spain.
