Is it easy to travel in Europe with a dog?

Europe is an incredibly dog-friendly continent that's perfect for a country-hopping trip with your intrepid pup. There, animals mostly have the same freedom as humans to move through European Union borders without needing extra documentation, which limits the hassle.



People Also Ask

Traveling internationally with a pet can be complicated, more so because of the regulations and paperwork than because of the actual trip itself. The reason for all those extra rules, regulations, and procedures boils down to one main reason: rabies. Many countries are proudly rabies-free and want to keep it that way.

MORE DETAILS

Pet Friendly Trains in Europe. Your pet can travel with you on most trains in Europe including Rail Europe (except trains in Spain, Ireland, Great Britain, Finland and Norway) and RailJet. Only service dogs traveling with visually impared passengers are permitted on Eurostar trains.

MORE DETAILS

French trains are dog-friendly (up to two dogs per passenger) as long as your dog is in a bag. If your dog is more than 13 lbs then no bag is necessary — you can walk them on a leash and muzzle.

MORE DETAILS

It is natural and normal for your pet to relieve themselves in the crate during the flight. Make sure you line the crate with an absorbent mat or puppy pads to soak up the urine. All Petraveller crates are lined with super absorbent and washable Petraveller Sky Beds to ensure your pet's flight is comfortable.

MORE DETAILS

Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

MORE DETAILS

Pet dogs and cats travelling to an international destination are placed in a pressurised and temperature-controlled area of the cargo hold of the aeroplane. Even though it is part of the cargo hold, your per will not travel stacked on top of the baggage.

MORE DETAILS

Most airlines require that the carrier with the pet inside weighs no more than 8kg (about 17.6lbs). Alitalia is the only airline to allow slightly heavier pets in cabin on flights between the US and Europe with a maximum weight of 10kg (about 22lbs).

MORE DETAILS

Therefore, cats and dogs can travel from the United States to Italy as long as they have the following: A valid Veterinary Certificate (stating owners details, a description of the animal, details of identification and vaccinations) A valid rabies vaccine.

MORE DETAILS

What Paperwork Do I Need to Import my Pet to Europe?
  1. Implantation and certification of an ISO Microchip. ...
  2. Three-year rabies vaccination, which must be done AFTER the ISO Microchip. ...
  3. Ten days before departing for the EU, visit your veterinarian for an international health certificate and an EU veterinary certificate.


MORE DETAILS

Top 6 Dog Friendly Countries in Europe
  • Italy: heaven for dogs! ...
  • Switzerland: Swiss people are very friendly towards dogs both when interacting with locals and with businesses. ...
  • Netherlands: Your life is so easy when walking around with a dog in the Netherlands.


MORE DETAILS

You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. Keep in mind, a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.

MORE DETAILS

In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

MORE DETAILS

Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier that's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier are some of the airlines that allow pets as carry-ons.

MORE DETAILS

Flying a dog in the cabin usually costs between $125 and $200, while the cargo hold is typically over $1000. There are also licensed companies that offer international pet shipping companies — they usually charge between $1000 and $6000.

MORE DETAILS

The whole process of flying can be stressful for a dog, but those levels of stress can be greatly reduced with a few simple home comforts and reassurances. Ensuring your flight is a non-stop flight rather than one with changeovers can be a huge benefit to your dog, as can looking to travel at a suitable time.

MORE DETAILS

Dogs' ears can be sensitive to changes in air pressure during flights, which can cause discomfort or pain. Providing your dog with plenty of water and a comfortable carrier can help alleviate these symptoms.

MORE DETAILS

Because flying in cargo can be stressful for your pup and could aggravate underlying health conditions, having a recent exam prior to flying protects both your pet and the airline from dealing with health emergencies.

MORE DETAILS

Your pet will travel in the cabin if: They are below the maximum weight permitted by the airline. The average maximum weight is 8kg (including cage/carrier). Their carrier is generally no larger than 115 cm (L+W+H). Cage/carrier size and weight limits vary by airline.

MORE DETAILS