Can I Travel Abroad With My Dog?

While it can be a little difficult to take your pooch abroad, especially with the changes that followed Brexit, it’s not impossible. It just takes a little extra work and planning and you can go almost anywhere your heart desires. There are plenty of countries you can go to with your four-legged friend to enjoy a relaxing getaway. Some of the most popular destinations are the likes of Ireland and France. They’re easy to get to and generally very dog-friendly places to explore. Amsterdam is another popular haunt and many of the cafes and sightseeing places there welcome dogs with open arms. 

With some planning, you can take your furry family member to many European countries and find the process quite easy. If you’re planning on going further afield to places like the USA or Canada then you will find that the journey time and the stress of flying may not be worthwhile for your pet for a short break. The further afield you go, the longer the travel time and often more costly it becomes to take your furry sidekick. Every dog is an individual and it’s important to take that into consideration when you’re thinking about traveling with them. While you may want your pooch to come with you, it’s important to put them first and take their stress and anxiety into account. In some cases, they may be happier at home with a pet sitter while others love to explore new places and take long journeys in their stride.

Whatever mode of transport you plan on taking to go on holiday, chances are your pet is likely able to take that same journey with you, even if they can’t be with you the whole time. For channel crossings on a ferry, there are usually a number of options. Some ferries offer pet friendly cabins or kennel areas where you can comfortably house your pooch. For ferries with no cabin or kennel options, you are able to keep your pooch in the car which they can often be more comfortable in if they’re used to car travel. The only downside to this is that you aren’t able to stay with them.  

If you’re crossing the channel to visit Europe, the Eurotunnel is a great easy option that you can take your four-legged friend on. Both you and your pup stay in the car together and the crossing only takes 35 minutes so it can minimise stress by cutting travel time. Flying with your pet is another option but all UK airports require pets to travel as cargo in the hold of the plane. When travelling through some other countries, if you decide to take an international flight and you want your pooch to be with you or be checked as baggage, you would first need to travel to somewhere like France first. There are a number of airlines that operate throughout Europe that allow you to have your pup in the cabin with you or be checked as baggage but nowhere in the UK allows this.  

There are going to be some things you need to pack that are universal while other things will depend on where you’re heading. Not only do you need to have everything prepared for the journey and holiday with your pup but you need to have all the right documentation in place for getting there and travelling home with them.  

In the past few years, the documentation you need to travel with your pooch has changed a lot. Previously, you were able to get a pet passport that lasted your entire life and made travelling nice and easy. When leaving the UK with your pet, you are now required to show a pet health certificate instead. This is to show that your four-legged friend has all the right vaccines and won’t be bringing in anything unwanted during your visit. Luckily, the UK is a rabies free country so you won’t be looking at any quarantine period when you get to the other side but if all of your documentation isn’t in order, you will be refused entry.  

The UK has their own set of requirements when you return to the country and in most cases, you may have to visit a local vet while you’re on holiday to ensure they’re fit for travel on the way home as well. They will need to be microchipped and vaccinated to travel.  

If you’re going anywhere with your pup, you need to make sure you remember to pack all of their essentials. This includes food and water bowls, enough food for the duration of your stay, and any necessary medications. You will also need a lead and collar with identification tags, bedding or a travel crate, and toys or comfort items to help keep your dog entertained during the journey. In some cases, if you need to pack light, you might want to pack a blanket that smells like home instead of their entire bed. Some items are able to be bought when you get there to save space but food is a non-negotiable. You don’t want to ruin your pup’s holiday by changing their diet at the drop of the hat and upsetting their stomach so be sure you’re prepared well in advance.  

If you’re going to a different climate, make plans that will keep your pooch warm or cool them off where appropriate. You might love the extra heat but with their thick fur coats, they may need some cooling options. 

Dogs can take a little longer to get used to being somewhere new and can find travelling a little stressful. Be sure you give them plenty of time to decompress and take breaks if you’re travelling quite far. They will need toilet breaks and a chance to stretch their legs just like you. Once you get to your final destination, give them some time to relax in their new temporary home before you go out exploring or leave them alone. You don’t want to exhaust them or leave them somewhere unfamiliar if they’re already feeling stressed. 

With some forward planning, you can have a nice relaxing vacation with your canine companion by your side. For all of your canine travel essentials, visit us in store and online.