Traveling with animals

January 11, 2018



There are many people who travel with their pets, either for holidays or for any other reason, the trip with our animals will be possible as long as, before departure, we organize and foresee any possible inconveniences that may arise, especially if we move to Foreign.


International documentation


Traveling with animals fortunately, more and more countries allow the free circulation of pets, such as dogs or cats, provided they are in perfect sanitary conditions.

The first thing we need to know before traveling will be the requirements requested by the customs of the country to which we move. The advisable thing would be a previous visit to the embassy or consulate where they advise us in detail in order to avoid unpleasant surprises later.

If we travel in Europe, the requirements will not vary much from one country to another thanks to the "Passport for Domestic Animals", valid throughout the European Union. This document is valid for dogs, cats and ferrets and we can process it through our veterinarian.

To travel around the rest of the world, we must conscientiously inform ourselves that there is a whole range of impediments depending on the country in question, by way of example; Polynesia prohibits the importation of animals, Japan requests quarantine of 15 days upon arrival and in Russia we must arrive with the documentation translated into Russian and legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Generally, this will be the basic documentation required:

• Passport for Domestic Animals

• Health booklet; daily in deworming and vaccination treatments, especially anti-rabies

• Certificate of good health, issued by a veterinarian 6 or 10 days before the trip.

Travel by airplane

Almost all airlines accept animals in the cabin if they weigh less than 6 kg., Our pet will be considered "Hand baggage" whenever we use a suitable carrier. However, if it is heavier, it will travel as "luggage", in these cases it is convenient to administer a mild sedative since the situation can cause great stress.

Travel by boat

The boats usually have a well-conditioned space for domestic animals. As in the case of airplanes, those of small size will be able to travel with us in the cabin. In the ferry journeys, when we move with our car, many companies allow the animal to stay inside it. Another fact to consider; as with people, animals can also get dizzy.

Travel by car

Traveling with animals in the car can be the most comfortable alternative to travel with our pet. The most usual will be that our animal is already used to traveling in our car and does it in a standardized way. On long trips, periodic stops should be planned every 1 to 2 hours so that the animal can drink and "stretch the legs" just as we would do ourselves.

Another important aspect is where we put our pet in the car. If it is a large animal, it is best to fit it in the trunk as long as it is opened and separated from the rest of the car by a gate for that purpose. In smaller animals you can use the rear seat part, the animal can travel inside your carrier or without it if we use an appropriate safety belt.

Precautions on the road

When we go to make a stop it is important to tie the leash to the animal before leaving and not to release it until we make sure that in the area there is no danger so that it can run freely.

If we were forced to momentarily leave the animal inside the car, we should look for a place in shadow and open the windows slightly. We must avoid exposing our pet to these situations as unfortunately many animals die each year as a result of heat stroke inside vehicles. Nor should we allow our animal, dog normally, stick its head out the window, could cause otitis or conjunctivitis and even a blow with an obstacle.

To take into account on long trips:

• Periodic stops every 2 hours

• Comfortable and safe accommodation

• At the stops, leave with the animal tied

• Avoid leaving the animal only inside the vehicle

• Prevent the animal from sticking its head out the window

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