How to take a dog abroad? - briefly
To take your dog abroad, you'll need to follow specific guidelines and regulations set by the country you are visiting. This typically involves obtaining a pet passport or animal health certificate, ensuring your dog is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and treated for tapeworm if necessary. Always check the official government website of the destination country for the most up-to-date information.
How to take a dog abroad? - in detail
Taking a dog abroad involves careful planning and adherence to specific regulations to ensure a smooth and safe journey for your pet. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to take a dog abroad:
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Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate: Depending on your destination, you may need either an EU Pet Passport or an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). An AHC is typically valid for 10 days after issue and allows your pet to travel within the EU. If traveling outside the EU, additional requirements may apply.
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Microchipping: Ensure your dog is microchipped. This is a legal requirement in many countries and serves as a permanent form of identification. The microchip must comply with ISO standards (ISO 11784 or Annex A to ISO 11785).
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Vaccinations: Your dog needs to be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. If this is the first time your pet has been vaccinated, you will need to wait 21 days after the initial vaccination before traveling. Booster vaccinations must be given before the previous vaccine expires.
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Tapeworm Treatment: For dogs entering the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway from another EU country, tapeworm treatment is required. The treatment must be administered by a vet between 1 to 5 days (24 to 120 hours) before arrival in one of these countries.
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Approved Routes and Methods of Transport: Dogs can travel with you on approved routes, typically by ferry or the Eurotunnel from the UK to France. Some airlines also allow pets to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, but regulations vary, so it's essential to check with the airline before booking.
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Pet Carrier: If your dog is traveling in the cabin of an aircraft, ensure you have an approved pet carrier that meets the airline's size and material specifications. The carrier should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
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Documentation: Always carry all necessary documentation with you, including the Pet Passport or AHC, vaccination records, and any certificates of health. These documents are crucial for border checks and ensuring compliance with regulations.
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Familiarization with Travel: If possible, familiarize your dog with travel conditions before the actual journey. This can help reduce stress and anxiety during transit.
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Health Check-up: Before traveling, take your dog to a vet for a thorough health check-up. This is important to ensure that your pet is fit to travel and to address any potential health issues promptly.
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Comfort and Safety: During the journey, make sure your dog has access to water and can comfortably rest. If traveling by car, secure the carrier or crate with a seatbelt to prevent it from moving around during the trip.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your dog is well-prepared and safe when traveling abroad. Always stay updated on any changes in regulations and requirements specific to your destination.