How to Handle International Travel With a Dog

Travelling with your dog can be incredible – especially if you’re away from home for a bit longer than usual. But the further away the destination, the more it requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your furry companion.

So, we’ve got some great tips to help you handle longer travel as well as international travel with your dog.

Research Pet-Friendly Destinations

Not all countries have the same level of pet-friendliness, so it’s essential, before anything else, to research the destination you aim to travel to thoroughly before setting anything in stone. Look for pet-friendly accommodations, parks, and attractions to ensure your dog will be welcomed with open arms – but also make sure that the import regulations are met.

Each government has its own set of laws, including vaccination requirements, health certificates, and quarantine protocols. Make sure you familiarise yourself with these well in advance and ensure that your dog meets them all. Otherwise, last-minute complications might just mess up all your plans. 

Make Sure Your Dog is Ready to Travel

Building up on this, you should most definitely always schedule a visit to your veterinarian before your trip to ensure that your companion is not only up to date on all required vaccinations but in general, healthy and ready to travel.

They will also be able to provide you with any necessary documentation, such as health certificates or proof of vaccinations, required for international travel. As you’ll know, your dog has to be microchipped as soon as they are eight weeks old. Make sure the data stored on it is accurate and hold your current contact information.

Choose the Right Type of Transport and Carrier

You want to invest in a sturdy and comfortable travel carrier or crate for your dog to ensure their safety throughout the entire duration of transit. Make sure that it both meets airline or transportation regulations and is at the same time large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to travel with your dog via private jet, the experience will be significantly less stressful for both of you in comparison to commercial flights, as they offer quieter and more spacious cabins – some even without the need for carriers at all. 

Acclimate Your Dog to Travel

Whichever path you are going to take, you will need to acclimate your dog to travel beforehand, especially if you’re not doing it regularly. Gradually introduce them to the experience by taking short trips in the car or crate train them at home. This will help reduce their potential anxiety and ensure they are more comfortable during journeys going forward.

You can also help them by packing essential supplies for your dog – including their favourite toys and comfort items. It’s also not the worst idea to bring a first-aid kit for any minor emergencies that may arise.

Stay Calm and Positive

Remember that dogs, like a lot of us, thrive in routines and safe, familiar environments. They are also highly attuned to our emotions, which means staying calm and positive during travel, as well as showering them with plenty of praise and reassurance to keep them relaxed and happy, too.

Travelling with your four-legged friend definitely brings some challenges with it, but with proper preparation and a little patience, nothing is stopping you from conquering the world together.

This is a collaborative post.