10 helpful tips for those traveling with a dog
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1. Find out what documents you need to bring your dog into your destination country
When traveling with your dog, the first and most important thing you need to do is to find out about the rules for importing your pet into your destination country. Since there are no uniform international rules for importing dogs, each country has its own laws on the subject. Somewhere you can't import fighting dogs, and somewhere they won't let puppies in. In 2023, some countries still have simplified rules for importing animals for Ukrainians.
In order to avoid unpleasant surprises for you and your pet upon arrival, we advise you to call the embassy or consulate to get official information on this issue. And don't forget, before buying airplane tickets, to also find out about the rules of pet transportation from the chosen airline.
For rules on entering Poland and a checklist of what you need to do before traveling with pets , see here.
2. Apply for an international veterinary passport in advance
Without a passport, your dog will simply not be allowed into the country. The passport contains all the necessary information about the pet and its owner in English. The most important block of the document is the vaccination information. All vaccinations of your dog should be done at least one month before the start of the trip, and do not forget to specify the treatment against various parasites.
The passport for animals is not faster than for people, so do not put it off to the last moment, it is better to do it 3-4 months before the trip.
3. Ensure a smooth journey
In order to ensure that your dog will have a calm and comfortable journey without causing trouble to you or your fellow travelers, we recommend that you do not feed your dog 10 hours before the trip and give him a sedative 30 minutes before departure.
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4. Don't forget to chip your dog
Another important thing to do before traveling, although it can be done as soon as you get your dog, is to have it chipped. This is a simple and harmless procedure in which a chip containing all the information about the dog is inserted under the animal's skin. And in case the dog goes missing, the chance of finding it increases many times over, thanks to a special identification number, which is stored in an international database of animals.
5. Find veterinary clinics you can go to while traveling
Before traveling to another country or city, find out the addresses and numbers of local veterinary clinics or contacts of good doctors. Traveling is unpredictable, and traveling with a dog is even more so, so you'll need this information.
6. Pack all your dog's necessities in your suitcase
If you decide to take your dog on a trip, get ready to carry another suitcase. Yes, although the pet does not need a lot of outfits, electronics and various cosmetics, but still he has a lot of necessary things for traveling.
The minimum set of a dog-traveler looks like this: suits (if to cold lands), leash, waterproof bowl, several packs of dry habitual food (because the animal may not immediately adapt to the local food), preventive external and internal remedies, muzzle, brush for long-haired dogs and a place to sleep (if it is not provided by the hotel).
7. Before booking a hotel, find out about the possibility of accommodation with animals
This will be relevant for both expensive apartments and cheap hostels. If the information about the hotel says that accommodation with animals is allowed, then in any case when booking do not forget to indicate that you are checking in with a dog. Such "surprises" can sometimes turn into a hassle to find new accommodation.
8. If traveling by car, pay attention to the following points:
- To keep yourself and your pet safe, buy a car seat for your dog. This way, the dog will be safe and you won't be distracted by chaotic movement around the cabin;
- Do not allow your dog to stick his head out of the window to avoid irritating his eyes and ears;
- Make stops every 2-3 hours, so that the pet can make a timely need and "stretch his legs";
- Another important rule that will keep the cabin clean: 7-8 hours before the trip do not feed the dog;
- And the most important thing: if you are traveling in summer, never leave your pet in a locked car under the sun - the dog can get a severe heat stroke!
9. Before traveling, find out what there are interesting things to do for dogs in the place you are heading to
Many of us do not realize it, but the infrastructure for recreation for pets in recent years is developing no less actively than for people. So, every year there are more and more cafes, restaurants, hotels, parks and even spas for animals, including for dogs.
Don't forget to scout before your trip to see if there's something like this in the city you're traveling to. Treat your most loyal friend to a holiday.
10. Keep your dog calm during the trip
To make a long journey not to turn out to be stressful for the dog, take with you his favorite things - toys, bones, favorite blanket or pillow, familiar treats. All these little things will create an atmosphere of home for the pet and at the same time will reduce all the worries and excitement, especially if the animal will have to spend a lot of time alone.
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