Tips for Taking Your Dog to Europe
Most European Restaurants and Hotels Are Pet Friendly
Jun 11, 2008
The pre-flight checklist begins with obtaining a health record from a veterinarian, meeting plane travel requirements for dogs and purchasing the pet's luggage. When that is done, traveler and dog are almost ready to head for pet friendly Europe.
Health Record from Veterinarian Required
People have passports and their canine companion needs an equivalent. It is an international health certificate. Veterinarians know it by several names, including health report, travel pass or vaccination record.
This health record must be dated within two weeks of departure. All veterinarians have the form. It requires proof of rabies and distemper inoculations. If the vet recommends additional shots for a pet’s welfare, get them.
Some vets recommend implanting a health and ownership info chip in the dog’s ear. This is an inexpensive and wise thing to do. Benefits--including finding a lost pet--go way beyond qualifying the pet for European travel.
Airline Requirements and Fees
Most major airlines allow pets under 15 pounds in the cabin. Chief requirement is that they be enclosed in an airline-approved carrier bag. These look like a duffle bag, have black mesh for air circulation, come with handle and shoulder strap, and have external pouches for paperwork and other items. Most pet stores have them.
Arrange in advance with the airline for the dog. Airlines are limited in permissible number of pets per flight. Don’t pay for a passenger ticket until space has been reserved for the dog,
There is a fee. This can vary from $50 to $150, depending upon the airline. Fees have almost doubled since 2005; they may continue to increase.
Packing List for Pet
Pack in the dog's bag a plastic bag of dry food and treats which can be hand fed, an empty plastic water container, one toy, paper towels and plastic pick up bags for those first bathroom stops.
Put this information on paper enclosed in plastic and attach it to the pet carrier: Dog's name and age, when it last received food and water, the name and phone number of its veterinarian, and the owner's name, address and phone number. If no one will be at that address, name a contact person and give the same information.
Pets, Hotels and Restaurants
Most--but not all--European hotels take dogs. Check in advance. It is also possible to pick hotels as you go. If the dog is not welcome, remember the odds favor a dog being accepted. Try another place.
It is common to walk into a restaurant in France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain or Switzerland and see a dog on the floor by the table. These are often local pets. Some restaurants are so pet friendly they will feed a pet, offering kitchen scraps. Waiters often bring the dog a water dish.
Prepare for Return
If traveling in Europe more than a month, It is necessary to check in with a European vet a week before departure to obtain an updated health report. Customs officials in Canada, the United States and other countries may ask to see it upon return.
An Advisory:
This information is general. Some destinations have warnings about animal entry and departure, often because of rabies epidemics and other health threats. The U. S. Department of State issues travel warnings. Check their website before finalizing plans.
