5 Tips That Make Taking A Dog Abroad Easy

You probably know about the government's strict rules regards animals entering the UK. These rules are intended to prevent the introduction of infectious diseases such as rabies. In the past, this has meant owners had little choice but to leave their beloved dogs at home when travelling abroad. However, now Fido no longer has to stay at home, provided he has a valid pet passport.

If you would like to include the dog in your next holiday plans, then here are our five tips that will make taking your pet abroad easier.

1) Early Planning Is Essential

In fact, planning your trip should start at least eight months before you intend to travel and before you have booked your holiday.

When you know your holiday destination, check on the government website that the countries you plan to visit are listed in the PETS scheme. Also check that the transport provider and the route you and your dog will be using on your return to the UK are approved.

You will not get a pet passport for your dog unless all the countries you want to visit are on the list and you are returning to the UK by an approved route and transport provider.

2) A Visit To The Vets

Another important part of the pet passport application process is a rabies injection and a blood test. You will therefore need to visit your vets at least six months before you travel. There may also be other requirements, depending on the countries you intend to visit. Your vet will tell you what is needed and guide you through the process.

Your dog will also need tick and tapeworm treatment within 48 hours of your return trip to the UK. This will mean making an appointment with a vet in a foreign country, and overcoming any language barriers that may exist. It is therefore best to have your appointment arranged before you go on holiday.

3) Get Some Dog Obedience Training

Travelling abroad can be stressful, and a badly behaved dog will add to those stresses. You therefore need to ensure that your dog has had some dog obedience training before you travel. A dog that will obey basic commands like sit, lay down, stay, and does not pull at the leash will make travelling a lot easier.

4) Have Your Dog Microchiped

Even the best behaved dog can get lost. Loosing your dog is worrying enough at home. However, loosing your pet abroad is considerably more traumatic, as you only have a limited amount of time to find them again before you must return home.

The chances of you finding your lost dog will be greater if they are microchiped and registered with Petlog (the largest pet reunification service in the UK). Petlog have connections across Europe, so even if you loose your dog whilst abroad, they can still help.

5) Are There Any Special Requirements?

Finally, check with your transport provider before you leave home, for any special requirements they might have when transporting dogs.

Airlines, for instance, require dogs to travel in an approved crate, the size of which is based on the size of your dog. Additionally, ferry companies typically insist your dog stays on the car deck, and in your car. Whatever transport you use, you'll need to check the provider will allow your dog on board and that your dog will be happy being left alone for however long the journey might take.

Dogs are often considered to be a member of the family. And with the introduction of the pet passport, you no longer have to leave one of your family members out of your holiday plans. However, if your holiday abroad with your dog is going to be a success, you must think ahead and plan carefully.

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