If you are going to take your dog on a vacation, here is what you should consider in advance.
Some of these points require more time than others, so please inform yourself as early as possible.
TRAVEL WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Within the European Union, there are three requirements that must generally be met for your dog to be allowed to cross the border:
- Possession of an EU pet passport
- Being microchipped and registration of the microchip
- Valid rabies vaccination, administered at least 21 days before travel
Depending on the destination, additional preventative measures may be necessary.
Diseases can be transmitted by various ectoparasites. In addition, so-called Mediterranean diseases are particularly common in Southern and Eastern Europe. Therefore, reliable tick protection is recommended. When traveling to Southern and Eastern Europe, sand flies pose a risk of disease transmisson and various products are available for protecting your dog. These should be administered in advance to show reliable effect upon arrival. Furthermore, ticks should be removed from your dog immediately and dogs should only be taken outside during daytime to avoid the flight period of sand flies. In addition, a vaccine is available to offer further protection against leishmaniasis, a disease transmitted by sand flies.
Deworming is recommended for protection against heartworms, which are transmitted by mosquitos. It is important to note that a complete protection can never be guaranteed, so you should carefully consider whether you want to take your dog on a vacation to a risk area.
Deworming is required for entry to Ireland, Malta, or Finland. This is mandatory and must be performed by a veterinarian at least 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before entry.
Further information can also be found under the ESCCAP travel test. We are happy to advise you individually before your trip.
TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE EUROPEAN UNION
If you are planning a trip to a non-EU country, usually this requires more extensive preparation. We advise you to check the country's travel regulations with the relevant authorities. In many countries, a pet passport, microchip, and valid rabies vaccination are also required. However, there are often additional requirements for taking your dog with you.
For Norway and the United Kingdom, for example, deworming is required, which must be carried out by a veterinarian at least 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before entry.
For travel to other non-EU countries, especially those further away, it is best to inquire at least six months before your trip, as additional examinations or certificates are sometimes required, which take longer to complete and process.
Please find further information on the ESCCAP travel test, especially regarding preventative measures.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Before traveling, we advise you to check the relevant regulations in the country you are traveling to. In many places, keeping your dog on a leash and/or wearing a muzzle is mandatory. To ensure your dog isn't bothered by the muzzle while on vacation, it's best to practise at home. Furthermore, some countries have regulations that only apply to certain breeds. For example, a country may prohibit entry or impose additional requirements (muzzle, training certificate, etc.).
Another important consideration is the means of transport you plan to use. If traveling by car, you should practice with your dog beforehand. Start by trying a short distance and then increasing the distance so you can see how your dog behaves in the car. Adequately securing your dog in the car is very important. If you choose a carrier, you should get your dog used to it at home.
When you are traveling by airplane, your dog will travel either in the cabin or in the cargo hold depending on its size. In the cargo hold, transport is only possible in a transport box; in the cabin, regulations may vary depending on the airline. It's best to check with the airline well in advance and get your dog used to the transport box.
Please find our vacation checklist below. Please note that this list may need to be adapted to your individual case.