A family that travels together, stays together – that’s our family goal (#familygoals).
As a couple with two fur-babies and avid travelers at that, we decided long ago to include our boys in our travel adventures. Of course, we can’t take them everywhere since not all countries are dog-friendly. We also always consider the travel time involved. As a personal rule, we don’t prefer taking flights that are over 8 hours.
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
Before planning a trip, we do extensive research to ensure that dogs are an integral part of the culture we’re looking to visit. What would be the point of taking the pups with us and leaving them in the hotel room all day? Keep in mind that some countries quarantine, so unless you’re moving permanently, you’ll want to avoid the UK, Australia, Hawaii, and Ireland for vacation.
The winners – Italy! Italian hospitality doesn’t limit to people. If anything, they love dogs more than humans. France is another dog-friendly country to consider traveling to with your furry ones.
PICKING AN AIRLINE
Next up, picking the right airline! As a pet parent, you have probably noticed that pet travel is making headlines in both good and bad ways. With airlines tightening up their requirements regarding pet travel, it’s even more critical to know what you and your furry little one require to travel abroad. Before booking your flight, pick up the phone and call your preferred airline to confirm whether your furry family member can travel, and if so, whether in the cabin or the cargo. Almost all airlines have weight restrictions.
CHOOSING ACCOMMODATIONS
Once our flight arrangements are made, we next look for pet-friendly accommodations. Based on experience, we have found apartment rentals like Airbnb or VRBO to be most suitable. There’s room for our boys to run around, and the kitchen space is there for us to prepare their meals. Alternately, if we’re staying in a city for a day or two then we prefer to stay in a dog-friendly hotel.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE PAPERWORK
Finally, the most important part of your travel arrangements…required paperwork for the fur-kids! Almost all countries require paperwork before you can fly with Fido. In most cases, you will likely require a Heath Certificate from an accredited veterinarian, a record of vaccination (rabies is most important), a microchip, and all documents notarized by the USDA within 10 days of travel. For a complete list of country specific requirements and key timelines, click here.
Another option is obtaining a European pet passport during your trip to Europe. However, know that an accredited veterinarian in that country will need to examine your furry friend and administer a rabies vaccination in order to validate their European pet passport. Not many people realize that the rabies vaccination must be administered in the passport issuing country; we didn’t either!
That’s it! Now sit back and relax until it’s time to take off to your dream vacation with your furry kids! Bon voyage!
Have you ever traveled with your pup internationally? What are some of your recommendations?
Hi! I’m Gauri! I joke that I live two lives: one as a boring finance professional by day and a crazy dog mom/photographer/fashion blogger/avid traveler after hours. When we’re not slaving at work, my hubby and I travel with our boys – Dior & Obi-Wan. Yes, they go where we go!
