More and more people are choosing to travel abroad with their dog in search of new adventures, but while this can be a fantastic bonding experience, it can be pretty
tricky if you’re not prepared.
Dogs have gone from being man’s best friend to being part of the family and, which means traveling without them is falling out of style. While taking your dog along when running errands or even letting them join you at work is commonplace, taking them abroad is a whole other ballpark.
Luckily, things are getting more manageable in this respect, but there’s still a lot you need to consider. If you’re thinking about traveling abroad with your dog, you should consider these things:
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Let’s cut right to the chase. Not all countries are as pet-friendly as the United States.
While pet culture is spreading around the globe, a lot of countries still consider them “just animals,” which means your dog might not receive a warm welcome.
A quick research on how dogs are treated in your destination is a must, as you want to know how easy (or hard) it will be to find dog-friendly places.
If the country, you plan to visit doesn’t have a dog culture you might even have to consider leaving your dog behind. After all, traveling all the way to a new country only to stay in a strange room all day long can be scary for any dog.
GET A PET PASSPORT
Yes, dogs need passports too.
Dog passports are issued by specialized veterinarians and contain proof that your dog is healthy, vaccinated and meets all requirements to travel abroad.
Ask your vet about getting a passport. If they can’t issue one, chances are they know someone who can.
While you’re at it, get your dog a checkup and, if he isn’t, make sure to microchip them, as that’s another requirement your dog needs to meet. Plan Accordingly
PLAN ACCORDINGLY
We’re not talking just pet-friendly accommodations here. We’re talking the whole vacation.
Your dog is traveling with you, so make sure they have fun too!
Make a list of nearby parks, pet-friendly restaurants and cafés, pet shops, dog parks and anywhere else your four-legged friend would like to visit.
Sure, your dog will be happy to be by your side no matter where you go, but who doesn’t like being treated to fun activities now and then?
PLAN FOR THE WORST
Yes, that seems a little dramatic, but it’s not as bad as it sounds.
Yes, a new country means adventure, it also means unique flora and fauna, some of which can be dangerous for your dog.
The stress of the trip and the new environment can also lead to some problems you weren’t expecting and if that wasn’t enough, well, let’s face it: Accidents happen.
While a positive mentality and a can-do attitude can take you very far, it pays to have some contingencies in place just in case things don’t go as planned, so we suggest you find a vet well in advance of taking your dog abroad.
Knowing a vet in the country you’re visiting is also a fantastic way of ensuring your dog has fun during your vacations, as no one is more familiar with the best hang-out spots for dogs than those who work with them.
