How to Travel With a Dog Internationally: Expert Tips!
- Global Paws
- May 23
- 6 min read
How to travel with a dog internationally - Travelling with your dog sounds like an exciting adventure, right? But let’s face it, a smooth journey doesn’t just happen magically; it takes a bit of planning!
From ensuring your furry companion’s comfort to understanding the legal requirements, there are several things you will need to consider to make the trip as stress-free as possible.
So, if you are wondering how to travel with a dog internationally, don’t worry; Global Paws has fun and practical tips to make your journey a breeze.
How to Travel With a Dog Internationally: Preparation Before the Journey
Taking your dog abroad is not a last-minute decision! Travelling internationally with your pup means plenty of research, paperwork, and health checks. The process can take time, so start planning a few months to guarantee everything is in place for a smooth journey!
1. Research Destination Requirements
How to travel with a dog internationally? Determining your destination's requirements is the first step in travelling with a dog internationally. Each country has different rules about pet travel. Some may require certain vaccinations, health certificates, or even microchipping.
To avoid any unwanted surprises (like your dog being denied entry), take some time to research the pet import regulations of the country you are heading to. And don’t forget to check for any breed-specific rules or quarantine requirements!
2. Choose the Right Travel Method
Now comes the fun part: deciding how to get to your destination! Whether you're taking a pet-friendly ferry, a train, driving, or even flying, choosing the best travel method is important.
For flying, research pet-friendly airlines and examine their specific pet policies. Some airlines allow small dogs in the cabin, while others might mandate that they travel in the cargo hold. Make sure you pick the method that keeps your pup safe and comfy!
3. Health Checks
Flying internationally is stressful enough for humans; now imagine being a dog with no clue why everything suddenly feels so chaotic! Even the most seasoned road trip pup can struggle with air travel.
So, before booking that flight, check in with your vet to ensure your dog is healthy enough to handle the journey. If your dog has a medical condition, flying may not be the best idea, as stress and high altitudes can worsen things.
This is also the perfect time to update your dog’s vaccinations. Most countries require a health certificate proving your pup is up-to-date, and some destinations might even need extra vaccines or medications. Your vet can guide you on this.
If you usually give your dog anti-anxiety meds for car rides, hold off before packing them for the flight. Sedative usage is not recommended for air travel, as sedatives can cause unpredictable reactions at high altitudes. Even calming wraps or vests might be prohibited by airlines.
4. Health Certificates
As mentioned above, a health certificate is irreplaceably important when travelling internationally with a dog. Before packing your bags, ensure your dog has an International Health Certificate from your licensed vet.
This certifies that your dog is healthy enough for travel. Also, check that all vaccinations are up to date, especially rabies, which is a mandatory vaccine in most countries.
5. Pet Passport or Records
Some destinations require an official pet passport or detailed vaccination and health records. These documents are like your dog’s VIP pass to travel the world! Ensure everything is in order and that your dog’s passport (or records) is current.
Trust us, having these papers handy will make the whole process smoother. If you need expert tips on how to travel with a dog internationally, look no further! Check out our services here!
Ensuring Your Dog’s Comfort During Travel
1. Choosing the Right Crate or Carrier
Now that you have sorted the documents, it is time to consider how to travel with a dog internationally in comfort. For air travel, ensure you have an IATA-compliant crate to keep your pup safe and comfortable.
The crate should be roomy enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down, just like its little cosy hotel room! Plus, good ventilation is a must for those long flights.
Quick Note!
Can you bring your dog on an international flight? It is important to check with the airline you are flying with to know whether they allow dogs and if there are any potential breed restrictions.
For example, brachycephalic dogs (those adorable smushed-faced pups like pugs, French bulldogs, boxers, and Boston terriers) might not be allowed to fly, especially in the cargo hold or as excess baggage. These dog breeds frequently struggle to breathe in certain conditions, so they are not the best companions for air travel.
Good news—your brachycephalic dogs can still fly! Shipping them as manifest cargo is a safe and comfortable way to get them to your destinations.
With the right prep and expert help like ours, they will be jet-setting happily in no time. And don’t forget to always double-check with your airline first or call us so we can dedicate ourselves to preparing everything for you!
2. Pack a Travel Kit
Your dog needs some essentials, too. You don’t want to leave home without a travel kit when travelling internationally.
Pack food, water, a leash, poop bags, toys, and any necessary medications. Also, don’t forget a familiar blanket or a favourite toy (if the airline allows it); it will help your dog feel more at ease during the journey.
Quick Note!
Before your flight, be sure to check with the airline to see if they have any restrictions on feeding food or water to your dog. If the airline has no specific guidelines, it is always wise to ask your vet for advice on how to keep your pup comfortable during the journey.
Arrival and Settling In
1. Clearing Customs
Yay, you have arrived! Now, let’s get through customs. When travelling with your dog, ensure you have all the documents ready for inspection. These might include your dog’s health certificate, vaccination records, and pet passport (if required).
The customs process may take some time as officials verify everything, but it is all part of the fun international travelling provides!
2. Helping Your Dog Adjust
Now that you are in a new place, give your dog time to settle in. Like humans, dogs need time to adjust to a new environment. Stick to familiar routines like feeding and walking schedules to help your dog feel more at home. Extra love and patience will go a long way in reducing travel stress for your pup.
So, now you know how to travel with a dog internationally. Not as scary as it sounded initially! With the right preparation, documents, and attention to your dog’s comfort, your international adventure will be fun for both of you.
However, if you bring your dog overseas, carefully follow the entry requirements of the countries you visit and remember the rules for returning it to your country of origin.
For a stress-free travel experience and expert assistance, trust Global Paws, a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience in international pet relocation, as a member of the International Pet & Animal Transport Association (IPATA) and holder of IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) certification.
We are here to make your pet’s travel as smooth as possible. Contact us today for personalised travel solutions. From doorstep to destination, we move pets with love!
About Global Paws:
Global Paws is a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience in pet travel and relocation. We know your pets are part of your family, and we care for them like they are part of ours. As proud members of the International Pet & Animal Transport Association (IPATA) and certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR), we’re committed to making sure they travel safely and comfortably.
What sets us apart is the extra care we provide. Every pet is treated like family, and we make sure their journey is safe and stress-free, no matter where they are headed.
We believe every pet deserves a first-class experience, and we are here to make sure they are comfortable from start to finish. Our experience, backed by IPATA and IATA, gives you peace of mind knowing your pet’s journey is in safe, loving hands.
Then, are you ready to give VIP treatment for your furry friend? Visit our website to book your pet’s dream vacation today!
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