There is no greater joy than traveling the world with your pet; just imagine the places you can go. What can be a pleasant experience can soon become a nightmare if you don’t have the necessary paperwork.
After the coronavirus, regulations have become even more obliging, and many countries are now very strict regarding animals. But, if you start planning on time, you can take your pet almost anywhere with you.
We have prepared this short travel guide to get you ready for your next adventure.
Start with the vet’s office
The vet is the only person who knows current health regulations, and obviously, this should be your first stop. Tell your veterinarian about your plans, and together you can make the right decisions. He will make sure that your pet is healthy enough and meet the demands of your destination.
Some of the health requirements might include:
- Health certificate
- Permits
- Chips for identification
- Shots
- Blood tests
If you are traveling by plane, consider that airlines have different regulations.
Necessary paperwork
When traveling abroad, it’s necessary to research the country’s requirements. At the moment, we suggest traveling to countries where no pet quarantine is required. For example, some countries of the EU, such as Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and others, don’t require pet quarantine.
You can always find necessary paperwork online because these things tend to change overnight. For instance, once you enter the EU traveling between countries becomes easy. France is the most dog-friendly nation, so this could be your starting point.
You will need to meet the following requirements:
- ISO microchip
- Rabies vaccination
- EU certificate issued by the USDA approved veterinarian
- Take the EU health certificate to your state for APHIS endorsement
On the other hand, if you decide to visit countries like South Africa, keep in mind that a pet quarantine is mandatory.
An EU passport is one of the things you should consider getting since you are already here, and it will last you for life. Take your furry companion to any EU vet to perform a checkup, and after paying a fee, you will receive a passport via email. This will enable you to easily fly within the EU.
Traveling by plane
If you are traveling overseas, the plane is your only option. However, different airplanes have different rules. Depending on the company, you might take your pet to the cabin, or they have to be in the cargo space. Make sure to confirm this before you schedule your flight.
Pet owners who have a small dog or a cat that can fit in a special carrier under the seat can stay in the cabin. During layovers, owners have to take care of them. On the other hand, some airlines have strict rules and don’t allow pets in the cabin and transport them as cargo in a ventilated and heated hold. Even though they are isolated, pets might feel better in cargo space since it’s quieter and darker.
Another way to travel with your pet is on a separate flight, as an air cargo shipment. This could be your preference, a requirement due to your pet’s size, or even the destination country’s demand. In this case, it’s important to get your pet accustomed to shipping kennel. Also, you have to make arrangements for pickup when your furry companion reaches the destination.
Prepare your pet for the stress
Not all animals are the same; while some are calm, others are more restless during travel. If your pet suffers from stress and anxiety, you should avoid planes at all costs, especially if your pet has to go in cargo space.
For example, if you are travelling with a cat, we suggest getting probiotics for cats before the trip to reinforce your pet’s health. Also, don’t go on long trips before testing how your furry companion will react. Start with short road trips near your home and gradually increase the distance.
If you own a small pet, we recommend getting a carrier and making sure they are well-adjusted. The carrier might reduce anxiety because pets will have their own space while travelling. However, if you can’t get your pet to travel with you, or they feel too uncomfortable, you can always hire a watching service while away.
Make sure your pet is comfortable
Loading and unloading can be the most stressful part of the journey. So, maybe you should consider the following tips:
- Get your pet familiar with the carrier before the trip
- Book a flight that has the least layovers or connections
- Choose wisely departure and arrival times to avoid extreme cold or heat.
- Check with your vet whether you should use tranquillizers or sedatives. The International Air Transport Association is against this because it can harm your pet while in transport.
Conclusion
After going through these tips, you should be ready for your next trip. Of course, some unexpected things might happen, but you should be able to deal with them right on the spot. And, you are finally ready for your new adventure.