How to Travel with a Dog?

Planning a trip and hoping to bring your dog along? That is often possible, but it does require careful preparation before you leave. Traveling with a dog is much easier when you know the rules in advance, have the right documents, and choose a mode of transport that suits both you and your pet. Here is the essential information you need to organise the journey with peace of mind.

The formalities before departure

Before travelling, your dog must be up to date on vaccinations. The most important one is the rabies vaccine, which is required for entry into most countries. Depending on the destination, other vaccinations may also be requested, so it is important to check the entry conditions well in advance.

Some countries also require treatment against internal and/or external parasites. These requirements vary from one destination to another, which is why a quick check with your veterinarian or the relevant authorities can save you trouble later.

When it comes to paperwork, your veterinarian must provide a European pet passport confirming that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies and can be identified by a tattoo or microchip. The European pet passport is required for travel within Europe, but it may also be accepted in some non-European countries.

An international health certificate, also issued by the veterinarian, is usually required for travel to most countries. In practice, airlines often ask for it, and customs officials in the country of arrival may also request it.

Some countries additionally require an import permit for your animal. This document is obtained from a ministry in the country you plan to visit. In some cases, it can be issued on arrival, but it is always safer to confirm this before departure.

On arrival

In many countries, your dog will be inspected as soon as you arrive. Some states also impose quarantine, and the length of that quarantine depends on the country’s regulations.

It is also worth remembering that things may not work the same way abroad as they do in France. Once you arrive, you will need to make sure that the places you want to visit, the activities you have planned, the restaurants, and even the hotels, accept dogs before you go. A destination may look welcoming in general, but pet policies can vary greatly from one business to another.

Checking these details in advance makes the trip smoother and avoids unpleasant surprises. It is especially useful when travelling to regions where pet-friendly services are less common or where access rules are stricter than at home.

Travelling with your dog: which mode of transport should you choose?

By plane

Depending on its weight, your dog may travel in the cabin, in the hold, or as freight. Be sure to check the airline’s policy when booking your flight, especially regarding fares, size limits, carrier requirements, and travel conditions. These rules can differ significantly from one airline to another, and some companies have very specific restrictions.

If your dog is allowed in the cabin, you will usually need a suitable carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. For larger dogs, travel in the hold or as cargo may be the only option. In all cases, it is best to ask the airline for the exact conditions before confirming the reservation.

By train

If you plan to travel by train, note that the SNCF takes the animal’s weight into account: the threshold is set at 6 kilos. Your dog must travel in a bag measuring 45 x 30 x 25 cm, and you will need to pay a ticket costing 7 euros for the trip (outbound and return).

If your dog weighs more than 6 kilos, it must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash. A ticket is also mandatory, and its price reaches 50% of the full second-class fare.

These rules mean it is best to prepare the journey in advance, especially if you are travelling at busy times. A calm dog, a suitable lead, and the right carrier can make a big difference to comfort for everyone on board.

By boat

For boat travel, your dog must stay with you. It is a good idea to keep some water available and make sure your pet is comfortable throughout the crossing.

Because conditions on board can vary, it is also sensible to check the transport company’s instructions before departure. Some routes may have specific rules for where animals may stay during the journey.

By car

A few days before departure, try taking your dog on short drives so it can get used to travelling before the longer journey. On the day itself, a few precautions will help keep the trip safe and comfortable:

• Place your dog in a transport crate and secure it on the back seat, or put your dog in the boot/trunk with the parcel shelf removed;
• Install a safety net or divider grille;
• Make sure your pet has enough fresh air;
• Do not drive with the windows open;
• Do not put a muzzle on your dog;
• Stop regularly for breaks;
• Offer water often;
• Never leave your dog unattended in the car.

Good preparation is what makes the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one. With the right documents, the proper transport setup, and a few sensible precautions, travelling with your dog can be much easier than it first seems.

You now have everything you need for a successful trip with your dog!