Travelling overseas with your dog

Every year around this time, pet parents come into the boutique asking versions of the same question. We're heading to Europe for the summer: what do we actually need to be thinking about?

Travel with a dog is one of the true pleasures of the season, and something we love seeing our clients do. But to do it well and without the stress, it takes more planning than most people realise. 

Here's how we'd approach it.

The paperwork

The rules around pet travel change often and depend on where you're heading. We'd always encourage pet parents to prepare in advance and discuss the details with their vet or their travel provider.

As a minimum, most dogs travelling will need an Animal Health Certificate. This is issued by your vet, valid for a single trip, and completed within 10 days of travel.

You'll also need:

• A microchip that meets ISO standards

• An up-to-date rabies vaccination

• Tapeworm treatment for dogs returning to the UK

Start the paperwork process at least a month before you travel. This gives you time to meet the rabies vaccination requirements for most locations and to secure a slot with your vet - summer is one of their busiest times of year.

How to travel

By car and ferry or Eurotunnel. The most flexible option, and one that many pet parents choose, especially when travelling with larger dogs. If travelling by ferry, make sure to book a pet-friendly cabin.

By commercial airline. Most European airlines allow small dogs to travel in the cabin in an IATA-approved carrier . For larger dogs, most airlines will allow them to travel in cargo in an IATA-approved crate, with some limitations on brachycephalic breeds. If you're considering this route, research carefully, speak to your vet, and take your dog's temperament and needs into consideration.

By pet-approved private jet. Companies like K9 Jets, and a growing number of similar operators, run scheduled routes between London and many destinations across Europe and beyond. Dogs travel with you in the cabin, with no crates and no separation. An expensive option, but for some pet parents worth every penny for the stress it removes.

What to pack

A collapsible water bowl and travel food bowls for the first day. Bring their normal bed if space allows, plenty of poo bags , a favourite toy, a licky mat for hot-day entertainment, and their usual medication, supplements and treats.

For sunny destinations, pack a few essentials for post-beach days, a cooling mat, a float coat, and Pure Balm for paws.

If you're staying for a longer period, consider taking a grooming kit with you: nail clippers, scissors, brushes. Our Learn to Groom Your Dog at Home course is worth considering before you go, so you can keep your dog comfortable between professional appointments.

Travel can be stressful for humans and for dogs. The best summer trips are the ones where rigid schedules are replaced with good preparation of the boring bits and staying relaxed about the rest.

If you're planning a trip, come and see us. We can help with travel essentials suited to your dog and to the climate you're heading to. 🐾