Owning a dog can lead to increased happiness, less stress, and improved overall health. On top of that, you completely fall in love with your fur baby and can’t imagine going on a long adventure without your pup.
That’s why, if you want to travel abroad, planning to bring your pet along with you is an absolute necessity.
But unfortunately, it’s not as simple as jumping on a flight and running around a new country with your pet. There are a lot of loopholes you’ll need to jump through in order to start traveling internationally with a dog.
Keep reading to learn more about how to travel with a dog around the world.
Check the Country’s Pet Requirements
Every country has its own pet requirements. Some are lenient, and some are extremely restrictive. It’s important to check the country’s requirements before planning your trip.
Here are some key things to be aware of.
Rabies Requirements
Some countries are “rabies controlled” while others are “rabies-free”.
Rabies controlled means the country wants to prevent the further spreading of rabies. An example of this would be the United States, where dogs are required to have their rabies vaccinations.
Rabies-free countries, such as Australia, do not have any cases of rabies and work hard to keep it that way. These countries are much more difficult to travel to with your pet and may even prevent you from going there with your fur baby.
Dog Breed Restrictions
Some countries may have restrictions on “aggressive dog breeds”. Some examples include Pitbulls or Rottweilers. Unfortunately, even if you have the sweetest dog in the world, these restrictions may prevent you from traveling to certain countries with your dog.
Mandatory Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine is a requirement for some countries, where dogs will be held for up to six months. This is to ensure that your pet is clear of any disease such as rabies.
Visit Your Vet
Before traveling abroad, be sure to visit your vet so your dog can be up-to-date with vaccinations, and get any medications needed for the trip.
You should also get a veterinary health certificate completed by your vet, which will differ depending on the country your traveling to.
Prepare for the Flight
Once you’ve got everything else squared away, it’s time to start prepping for the long flight. You’ll need to check with the airline to see what their specific rules are about dogs on the plane. Some may allow you to have them on board with you, while others might require them to be in a crate with the luggage.
Going to an airport and on a plane can also be really stressful for your dog, so make sure you prepare. If your dog has issues with anxiety, talk to your vet about getting a light sedative for the flight.
Also, make sure you get a quality crate, like these dog crates, so your pet will be comfortable on the long journey. You can also put your pet’s favorite toy in the crate to help ease his/her anxiety on the flight.
Traveling Internationally with a Dog Requires Preparation
Traveling internationally with a dog isn’t something you do on a whim. You need to start planning your trip with your pup months in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly.
But with the proper planning and due diligence, you can take the trip of a lifetime with your best fur friend by your side.
Looking for more tips on traveling internationally? Check out our travel blog page.