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Essential information for travelers who bring their canine companions.

Mandatory use of the blue EU pet passport for canine travel within the European Union, plus trips to Norway and Northern Ireland.

Essential when journeying with man's best friend.
Essential when journeying with man's best friend.

Essential information for travelers who bring their canine companions.

Are you planning to take your furry friend on an international adventure? Our German-language service and news portal is here to help! We provide valuable information about life and work abroad, including essential tips for traveling with your dog.

First, it's crucial to be aware of the signs of heat stress in dogs, such as restlessness, heavy panting, and occasional vomiting. If not addressed promptly, more severe complications like coordination disorders, unconsciousness, and circulatory failure can occur. In such cases, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

When venturing into third countries, national entry requirements may differ significantly. This could include mandatory waiting periods after vaccination or quarantine requirements. It's essential to research and understand these requirements before your journey.

Traveling by train with your dog can be possible, but there are some rules to follow. Dogs that do not fit in a carrier require a discounted ticket and must be kept on a leash and muzzled throughout the journey. However, guide dogs and other recognized assistance dogs are exempt from these requirements and can travel for free.

When it comes to air travel, the carrier for your dog must comply with the applicable IATA guidelines. These guidelines include size, ventilation, and escape protection requirements. Some airlines do not allow animals at all, while others permit the carriage of small dogs in the cabin if they weigh no more than eight kilograms including their carrier. In all cases, booking and confirmation with the airline in advance is necessary.

Larger dogs must travel in the cargo hold on airplanes, with certain breeds often excluded from transport. The blue EU pet passport is mandatory for travel within the European Union and to Norway and Northern Ireland. This passport includes the owner's data, microchip number, current rabies vaccinations, and any required parasite treatments.

Safety is paramount when traveling with your dog, especially during hot weather. On hot days, it's advisable to perform the hand-back test to determine if a walk is safe for dogs, as the ground may be too hot for their paws. First aid for a heat-stressed dog involves moving the animal to a cool place, covering it with wet towels, and offering it small amounts of lukewarm water. Cold water should not be used.

In road traffic, dogs must be secured in a way that neither people nor animals are endangered in the event of braking. Suitable methods include stable carriers, partition grids in the trunk, or special dog safety harnesses. It's also important to note that loose animals inside a vehicle pose a significant safety risk to both the animal and the human occupants.

Lastly, remember that your pet is a part of your family, and you want to ensure their safety and comfort during your travels. That's why we also cover topics like stress-free vacations with dogs, the best cities for hiking enthusiasts worldwide, and green vacation idylls on the Baltic Sea in Lithuania.

For more information, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Safe travels!

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