You might be in two minds about traveling with your dog especially internationally. But people all over the world do it all the time, and you can do it too although there are some extremely important things to think about first before you embark on your journey to travel internationally with a dog. The following are some tips to help you travel to international destinations with your dog on a plane.
Start training your dog early
Whether your dog comes with you in the cabin or if he travels in the cargo, you need to train him in advance when you travel internationally with a dog. You cannot just expect your dog to be ok with traveling internationally on a flight. The training for travel should start as early as possible. You can start with road travel and then gradually shift to train rides. After that, you can then start with short distance flights. This will give your little pooch the time to get used to traveling with you. The comfort level will increase gradually, and this is better for you and your fur baby.
Be aware of the customs law
Things can get pretty complicated when you want to travel abroad with your pet. Especially if you are traveling with your dog to various international destinations. The rules of each country can differ a lot which is why you need to read up the customs law about bringing your dog with you. If you have more than one dog, then you should be sure whether you can bring all your dogs or not. You should remember that there are some countries where you might need to quarantine, but these are countries that are rabies-free zones.
Nearly all the international destinations that you will be traveling to will require you to show your dog’s medical records. Your dog might be required to have an ISO microchip. All countries will require your dog to have a rabies vaccination, and there might be a limit for that. Some countries require you to make a pet passport while others need a fairly recent health certificate. Blood titer test in another document that you might need to carry with you when you travel internationally with your fur buddy. Others require your dog to have received specific treatments for tick, flea, and tapeworm.
Take your dog to the vet
You must take your dog to the vet as soon as you are thinking of planning to travel internationally with a dog. First, your dog should be healthy to be able to travel abroad. All the vaccinations and medical records should be up to date. Some countries have very specific rules regarding bringing your dog. It is a good idea to get a hold of all the medical records and vaccination records of your dog when you are traveling. You should keep copies in your carry-on and check-in baggage too to be on the safe side.
Find a pet-friendly airline
Not all airlines are ready to accept your furry companion. You need to start your research early so that you can find the perfect pet-friendly airline to travel with your dog. Some airlines do not accept any kind of pet even small dogs that can travel in the cabin with you. Then some airlines do not accept pets at particular times of the year. For example, large dogs should never travel in the summer months because the temperature is higher in the cargo during this time.
If possible then look for a non-stop flight to the international destination you are traveling to. This will put your dog at ease compared to one that requires lots of flight changes. Moreover, the layover time can add to the stress situation of your dog. If possible, then retain the normal routine of your dog especially the sleep pattern. You can look for an evening flight so that your dog can sleep at the same time he does every day at night. Sleep is important for a well-rested dog as he will be less anxious.
Research thoroughly for carrier
When you travel internationally with a dog, you want to make sure that you have the right carrier for your dog. Whether you are traveling in cargo or a cabin with your dog, you need to keep your dog in a carrier. Most international flights will require you to do that for the safety of other passengers and their pets if any. You should research thoroughly. Remember that your dog should be able to sleep comfortably, sit down, and move a bit. You should ideally take your dog when you are shopping for a carrier so that you can see for yourself.
You should keep pads under your dog’s bed for safety so that even if he does his business due to stress, his pee or poop is not all over the place. Lining the entire carrier with pads is ideal especially on long-duration flights when your dog is traveling by cargo. There are different carrier sizes permissible for different airlines so check the rules and regulations extra carefully. Some airlines have a weight limit imposed which gives the maximum weight of your pet and carrier combined. You should start carrier training early too, so your dog gets used to it.
Think about pet-friendly accommodations
Don’t leave this out until very late. You should start searching for pet-friendly accommodations when you travel abroad. Not every country is that welcoming to pets and many hotels don’t permit any pet no matter how small. You need to spend the time to research and understand their policies thoroughly. Speak to the management as well way before you arrive. Then, you can speak to them once again reminding them of the fact that you are traveling with your dog to give them a heads up.
Check on your dog
It is necessary that you regularly check on your dog. If your dog is in a cabin with you, then it is much easier to do. However, you should ensure that you are relaxed the whole while so that your little pooch can be too. If your dog is in the cargo area, then you can ask the flight attendants to check on how your dog is doing. You should always be mindful and check on your dog before you board when you are on the flight, and after you have landed. If something is wrong, then you will be able to make amendments accordingly.
You should speak to the captain if possible at the beginning of the flight when you travel internationally with a dog. You can tell the flight attendants as well when your dog is in the cargo to check up on him regularly. At times, there can be problems with the cabin pressure during the flight or with the air conditioning unit. This can be detrimental to your dog. Letting the flight attendants know about your dog can help them ensure that proper precaution and care is taken since they will be aware of your dog.
While thinking about traveling internationally with your furry friend might seem overwhelming, proper planning will help you a lot, and you will feel more at ease than ever. Start planning early, and make a note of the requirements so that you can perfectly plan that beautiful international getaway with your furry friend.
