A trip with your furry friend can be filled with joy and excitement, but travelling internationally with a pet can also come with challenges. There are different procedures and regulations that you need to comply with when taking your pet abroad with you.
With a bit of planning, coordination, and hard work, there’s no reason your experience can’t be enjoyable and run smoothly. Here is the only guide you need to travel internationally with your furry companion.
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Choose the right airline
Pet-friendly airlines are the best choice for travelling with your furry companion. To travel with your dog, you need a travel crate that is right for them.
Your dog should be able to stand up, lie down, and turn around in the crate. Ensure your pup is comfortable spending time in it a few days before the trip.
Placing your dog’s bed and toys inside the crate is also a good idea. Check the fine print in advance and ensure you have completed the correct booking for your dog’s travel crate, as airlines limit the number of animals on each flight.
If you couldn’t imagine having your furry friend travel inside a crate, why not fly via private jet charter? Here, your pup can sit by your side, enjoying a much more relaxed atmosphere and a few extra strokes.
Check the rules and regulations of your destination
If you are travelling to a foreign country, it is essential to research its specific rules and regulations before you leave. Vaccination, microchipping, and quarantine requirements — and sometimes even blood tests — are compulsory in some countries.
Ensure you and your dog are prepared to enter your destination country by contacting its embassy. Maintain these documents in good condition and make sure they are not expired.
Your carry-on bag or day pack is a convenient place to keep these documents.
Visit the vet
A medical check-up is essential before travelling with your furry friend. Vets will examine your dog’s physical health to ensure each vaccination is up to date and your dog is fit to fly.
Contact your local vet to find out what vaccines and health certificates are required to transport your pet from one country to another. Schedule your visit well in advance.
This cannot be a spur-of-the-moment trip, as many countries require different certificates to be issued within a particular window.
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Prepare food and water supplies
Pack enough food and water, and then pack some more. Your pet should have enough supplies for the entire journey to prevent dehydration or undernourishment.
Research the import regulations of the country you visit, as some ingredients may not be allowed to travel. Confiscation happens regularly, but you shouldn’t have any trouble if you do the proper research.
Food storage containers are a convenient and easy way to pack this type of thing.
It’s also worth packing a few calming essentials for anxious travellers. A quick spritz of the soothing spray from Pup Labs can help keep nervous pups more comfortable during long journeys and unfamiliar travel experiences.
Pack a pet supply kit filled with essentials
One of the key areas of any trip is ensuring your pet’s comfort while travelling, which means packing all the essential items they will need, like food, toys, leads, bowls, poop bags, or any medication they might need. Another recommendation is to pack old clothes or towels for your pet to use as a blanket on their bed if your destination is cold.
Choose a comfortable carrier
Your dog is likely to spend most of its time in a pet carrier during the flight, so it is crucial to select a comfortable one your furry friend will love. When choosing a suitable carrier, you must ensure you measure your dog and select one suitable for the size and breed.
Airlines have varying size restrictions, so choose a carrier that fits their regulations. It also helps to have a good bed for them to sleep in.
Familiarise your pet with travel
Getting your dog accustomed to travelling before your trip is always a good idea. If you can begin your preparation several weeks before, your dog will have a much more enjoyable experience.
You can train your dog to enjoy the travel carriers, giving them much more confidence on the big travel day. Start with shorter trips to some of their closest favourite locations and try to condition your animal’s travel habits.
Also, try to familiarise your pet with the varying smells, sights, and sounds that come with transportation.
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Prepare your dog for the flight
Flying is always stressful for an animal, so it is always advised to use medications or other calming procedures after recommendations from your vet. There are two essential things that your pet needs before flying: a long walk and an empty stomach.
If possible, take your dog for a long work or a play session with their favourite toys to try and burn off any excess energy. Feeding your pet a few hours before your flight is an excellent way to avoid motion sickness during transit.
Don’t forget to relax
The most important thing to do is stay calm. Animals are intuitive, meaning they can feel your emotions, so you need to reassure them that everything will be okay.
Travelling can be difficult for all animals, but with these steps, you can ensure they have the best experience possible.
