By Sue Lavene
From time to time, our clients contact us wanting to bring along their dogs on their study abroad adventure. Looking at this request through the partial eyes of a lover of dogs, I am always stuck in a quandary as to how to advise them knowing full well that I'd probably at least contemplate the same. I mean, come on, they're our unconditional life companions! Who wouldn't want to be greeted by our faithful and furry friends with soulful eyes at the end of a long day? On a recent road trip to Cape Cod, we brought our dog along and one of the most heartwarming moments of that trip was seeing her loving face – and wagging tail – waiting for us to return.
However, forgetting for a moment our intense desire to bring him/her along, there are many issues at hand especially when traveling internationally. It is best to plan in advance for this as there is a lot to consider:
1. Airlines: Be sure to check with your airline with plenty of advance notice for current requirements including weight limitations, kind of carrier allowed, whether there's room on your specific flights, etc. Airlines often have a maximum number of pets per flight and if all else is prepared for this endeavor, if there's no room on your flight, you have to make other arrangements.
2. Pet's Health: It is extremely important when anticipating traveling with your pet to schedule a visit with your vet to discuss whether he/she feels your pet is healthy enough to travel. You'll want a current, comprehensive check-up including double checking whether his/her immunizations are up-to-date, obtaining a copy of your pet's health record and other health documents for entry and inquiring about travel-sickness pills, etc for the flight.
The altitude, close quarters of the flight and new experience – not to mention the period of acclimation once arriving into the country – are enough to rattle even a young dog, let alone an older one. You might also want to ask your vet to recommend a veterinary colleague in your destination country in case you need care upon arrival.
One other bit of information to keep in mind is that you shouldn't travel with your pet in extremes of weather, too cold or too hot. Even if the weather is fine, a dog in a carrier in the cargo area (i.e., with passengers' luggage) waiting on the ground during a delay can get too hot.
3. Entry Requirements: Make sure you contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country at least 4 weeks prior to your trip to see what their pet importation regulations are. Some countries require a long quarantine period, other will only accept pets at certain airports while others have rigid standards for containers. After figuring out the airport you will be flying to, check on national/local holidays during which customs may be closed. You wouldn't want your pet denied access upon entry after all of your preparations. Also, when traveling within the EU, you might just need a pet passport! You should also find out how close to your departure date required vaccinations and veterinarian tests and examination are needed.
4. Pet's Emotional Health: Just because your dog is a pleasure to have around at home, it doesn't mean he/she is well suited for travel away from home. According to Pets On The Go, "Dogs that lock all four legs when invited to jump in the car or cats that hide under the bed when their carrier appears are not going to be very happy traveling to a hotel. Some pets are homebodies that prefer the comfort of their bed to life on the road." Or if your dog is aggressive, anxious or likes to bark at home, please leave him/her at home.
5. Carrier: You must consider carriers when planning to bring along your pet. Some things to think about are airline requirements, your pet's size (they should be able to sit, stand, turn around and lie down comfortably throughout the flight) and ease of carrying. Before traveling, it is very important that you introduce your pet to the carrier so he/she can get used to it before the flight.
6. Identification: Make sure your pet as well as the carrier are well marked with the pet's name (with your last name), address and phone number, just in case!
7. Your Host: This can include a hotel/motel, homestay, apartment, etc. Wherever you will be staying in your destination country, you will need to ask your host(s) if dogs are allowed. Often times, there are hotels/motels that accept pets, sometimes for an extra fee and on certain floors. However, if your dog is one that does not take to new environments too easily, you might be better off leaving him home than have him super anxious, ripping up the carpets or bed linens, biting/hurting your host, having accidents, etc. Even a usually calm dog can become mean when feeling threatened or disoriented from new surroundings.
8. Country of Origin: Before leaving home, contact your own country's state department to see what documentation is required for re-entry with your pet.
This is only some of what you need to think about before taking your dog with you on your trip. Especially if you are going abroad for a short period of time, it might be worthwhile just to find a trustworthy pet sitter and leave your dog at home in his/her own environment.
Nevertheless, if you do decide to bring your dog with you, here are some online resources on the subject to make a more informed decision:
Pets Welcome
This is a great one to check out for flight requirements from some of the larger carriers and international pet regulations by continent.
The Humane Society of the US
Always a great place to look for information!
Pets On The Go
Pet-friendly lodging
The International Air Transport Association
Pet Travel
For pet immigration and quarantine information
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Pet Place
An all-around fun and informative site about dogs and cats
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