The day of the holidays is approaching and your most faithful companion does not cease to make you the kind eyes. You wonder if it is conceivable to take her on a trip that could prove to be long and tedious. Unlike cats, dogs are more difficult to confide in friends, especially when it comes to an Argentinian mastiff weighing 60 kilos ...
Accommodation solutions in boarding houses or the exchange of animals are not necessarily suitable for everyone. Some doggies with a strong character could be a problem for their hosts while others, more melancholy, could suffer from separation from their beloved master or mistress. There is only one solution left, go on an adventure with your furry companion. Corn such an expedition involves a certain number of constraints and a little preparation. Explanations.
An adventure in the making
Whatever means of transport you use, it is essential to verify that your pet provides proof of all its administrative documents. In the case of a trip abroad, find out about the various documents required. To do this, you can consult the website of the embassy of your host country. The vaccine against rabies is compulsory for travel, but certain legislations impose others, that against parvovirus or distemper in particular.
To travel in the European Union, your dog must have a European passport and have an electronic chip while most countries in the world require an International Health Certificate, issued by the veterinarian. Finally, some nations also require proof of an import permit, a document that is often chargeable and must be requested in advance from the ministerial services of the country in question.
Insure for better travel
Insuring your dog is now a matter of course for most owners. The very high cost of veterinary care and the sometimes fragile health of many animals give dog insurance a real economic interest. The formulas are very diverse and some allow full reimbursement of essential care.
Travel can sometimes be a source of problems for animals. In a region with a different climate and food that is not always suitable, dogs can be much more sensitive than humans to a sudden change in environment. Understanding dog mutual insurance and subscribing to an insurance contract is to protect their physical integrity but also to limit the economic impact of future medical costs. The guarantee of a serene and fulfilling trip for all!
Traveling by car with your dog
Traveling by car with your dog
Surely the most suitable solution! Most dog owners have taken their pets on a road trip. If he is used to young people, this mode of transport is perfectly adapted, on condition of observing some safety rules. In the car, dogs must be tied up. A short leash that can be clipped onto the seat belt or a transport box can limit its movements without strongly constraining it, which could generate dangerous behavior for the occupants.
To prevent him from getting hot, take care to arrange the sun visors on the side windows and open the windows slightly. His favorite toy, a blanket and some preliminary caresses will allow him not to be too disturbed by the change of environment. Finally, avoid feeding him 2 to 3 hours before departure, never leave him alone in the car and take regular breaks!
Take the train like everyone else
To go on vacation, the train is sometimes more convenient than the car and, good news, it is quite possible to take your companion with you! Know that you will have to buy a ticket for him in the same way as any passenger. For animals weighing less than 6 kg, you will pay a flat rate of 7 euros and they must imperatively travel in a crate or in a basket. For larger animals, the price will be that of a second class half-price ticket.
Depending on the size and the breed, dogs will have to wear a muzzle all the way. The only doggies allowed on the train for free are service animals. However, keep in mind that the necessary regulatory documents also apply to train travel when you visit the European Union. European passport, up-to-date health record and vaccines and identification using an electronic chip are essential.
Take a plane with your dog
Air travel is not really the ideal solution for traveling with a dog. Each airline has its own policy and some refuse any pets in the cabin. Others allow them as long as they do not exceed a certain weight. It will then be mandatory to keep it on a leash or have it travel in a crate. If your dog is too large, he will necessarily have to travel in the hold.
This experience can be quite traumatic although now spaces ventilated, pressurized and maintained at a certain temperature. limit the impact of travel on animals. Finally, if your dog exceeds the maximum authorized weight in the hold, he will have to be placed in the cargo area, which promises him an unpleasant trip to say the least!
How about a cruise?
We rarely think about it but some shipping companies accept pets on board their ships. However, here again the rules vary and it is essential to be well informed before booking. On some ferries, owners are sometimes asked to leave their animals confined in their vehicle, others prefer to group them together in a kennel provided for this purpose.
For safety reasons, always keep your dog's identification papers and proof of care with you.. Even if you do not cross borders, they can be useful in the event of an incident with another animal or simply during a check by zealous officials.
To each his own organization
A unique moment with his furry companion
Traveling with your dog allows you to enjoy unique moments with your daily companion. The various modes of transport are now almost all accessible to our 4-legged friends, so it would be a shame not to take advantage of them! Just remember that preparation will be the best part of a successful trip.
And for the more athletic, why not consider a mountain walk over several days? Clean air, unspoiled nature and evenings in the moonlight, what better way to get closer to your favorite animal?
