If you’ve never been overseas with your dog before, the thought of it can be quite daunting. But a family holiday surely wouldn’t be complete without all your family members coming along?
You certainly have to be organised to make an overseas trip, but don’t let this put you off! Having your dog in tow can add to the fun immensely and remove the worry of leaving your pet at home.
We’ve put together a checklist of all the things you need to remember to travel with your pooch abroad. If you think of anything we’ve missed, please comment below to let your fellow travellers know!
Plan ahead (way ahead) – some of the key requirements for travel are time dictated, so forward thinking is essential. You need to wait 21 days after your dog is vaccinated for rabies before travelling, for example. There’s no good starting to think about what you need to do a week before your holiday begins as, sadly, this may mean your dog has to stay behind.
Microchip – having your dog microchipped is now a legal requirement anyway, but if you are still to do it, it is absolutely essential for travel and needs doing before any vaccines are given.
Rabies vaccination – this needs doing 21 days before travel if you are venturing to an EU country or Northern Ireland, or returning to the UK. If you are returning from a non-EU country then a blood test is required at least 30 days are the rabies vaccination, followed by a three month stay in quarantine.
Tapeworm – the rule on tapeworm is that treatment needs to be given before travel (no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours), and again 28 days after your return to the UK.
Passport – like us, your dog requires a passport to travel abroad. Pet passports list the different treatments your pet has had and should be updated and signed by your vet. You will need to keep this with you at all times and, if possible, try to bring previous passports along too.
Beside the necessary requirements in the checklist above, there are further important things to consider before travelling.
Carrier/transportation – pets can only enter the UK on an authorised route with an approved transportation company, so bear this in mind when booking your holiday.
Crate training – when travelling with your dog it is usually necessary to crate them, so dogs must feel completely comfortable with, and accustomed to this. It may help to spray the carrier with a pheromone-based calming spray, or use an Adaptil collar.
Comfort breaks – carefully consider your dog’s toilet breaks and find out if it’s going to be possible for him to stretch his legs during the journey at all. If not, make sure he relieves all his energy before being crated.
Temperature – as well as being relaxed, it is important that your dog remains comfortable throughout the journey and doesn’t overheat. Find out what the temperature is going to be wherever your dog is being stowed and take the necessary precautions.
Fleas and ticks – they are a problem wherever you go (some countries more so than others), so make sure you treat for parasites before you travel, and again when you get home.
Please get in touch if you think of anything else so we can add it to our list :)
Written by: Adam
