Pet Travel Europe
Traveling with a pet in Europe may not be as crazy as it sounds. Believe it or not, pets generally get more respect in Europe than they do in North America. This means that if you choose to travel in Europe with your pet, you will likely find more places where you can take your dog or cat than you would at home.
In general, your pet can travel with you on most trains in Europe including France, Germany and Italy.
Pet Travel on Trains
Pets are accepted on trains operated by National Rail. For other lines in the UK check with the specific Railway as Dogs/other animals are not allowed on all trains in Great Britain, Spain, Ireland, or Norway but are allowed on many of the local trains. No pet or animal, except guide dogs, may be taken on the Eurostar. You should always double check all rules locally. Again, check with the railway you are planning to ride.
In most cases, small dogs travel free or at a minimal charge, and large dogs travel at half the 2nd class fare, even if traveling with passengers in 1st class; this charge is payable directly to the conductor.
Often, dogs are required to be kept in a traveling container or must wear a muzzle and a leash. Dogs in a carrier may travel at a minimal cost, depending on the country. A small domestic animal in a carrier can travel free of charge. Dogs for the blind, travel free of charge.
Dogs are allowed on trains as long as the other passengers sharing the car/compartment agree to it. A dog is allowed in a sleeper car only if it is fully occupied by the owner (i.e. two passengers with a dog in a double).
Air Traveling with Pet In Europe
When you travel in Europe, you are usually traveling to many different countries and they each have their own rules regarding pets. The following is a list of steps required by most countries relating to traveling with your pet by air in Europe. This list is for information only so please double check with your own airline once you have an itinerary.
- Buy airline tickets
- Microchip (or tattoo)
- Rabies (after microchip)
- Titer (rabies blood test - 120 days after rabies)
- USDA endorse vet cert E9.45 (within 4 months)
- deworming (within 10 days of travel) - fill out deworm certificate
- Go to Europe!
- In Europe: Go to an EU approved vet and get a Pet Passport
Airline Tickets For Pets Traveling in Europe
Most airlines have regulations regarding bringing animals on the plane or in the cabin. Some airlines don't allow "PETC" (pet in cabin) and some only allow a limited number per class or only in certain classes. You need to get a PETC reservation, which usually costs $50-100 each way. You cannot fly with a pet in cabin to the UK, even if you don't disembark.
Make sure you check about international travel for the airlines that you are crossing the ocean with, many airlines have different requirements for international segments, for example, the following airlines do not currently allow pets in cabin on international flights: USAir, Singapore Air, Air Canada, Iceland Air, Scandinavian Air, UAL First Class, British Airways, Iceland Air.
Some countries/airlines may require the "International Health Certificate" (stating that the animal is healthy) and some may require the "Bilingual Health Certificate" (E9.45). If you're unsure, you can do both, though getting a health certificate requires having a vet checkup beforehand.
The USDA says that the rabies certificate must be more than 30 days old but within the last year. If it's more than a year old, they claim you need a booster, though Sweden claims that no booster is needed if the vaccine hasn't expired (i.e., if you are going back to Europe after a year). This information will be on your past rabies certificate - most vaccines last 2-3 years.
Documentation
When you go to Europe with your pet bring all the documents, all the health certificates, veterinary certificates and rabies papers. When you go through customs you must declare at customs that you are importing an animal.
Pet Passport
If you think you may ever return to Europe, or if you plan on traveling around Europe, you should go to an EU approved vet and get a pet passport. Then you can enter most countries and you'll only need the passport and a deworm (and possibly proof of rabies vaccine and ticks.).
Prepare Well to Travel Europe with Your Pet
The key to successful travel with your pet is good preparation. If you are planning to travel with your pet and you care about your pet’s comfort, you need to visit dogcarriers.com where you will find the biggest selection of dog carriers on the internet as well as a full line dog beds, dog collars, dog toys and dog and all pet accessories in a wide range of colors and styles.