From the article: Travel With Pets | Taking Your Pet to Europe
Pet travel is difficult enough for your pet, but it can also be a daunting task for you, with all the official papers to fill out and get stamped and wait for in the mail, not to mention submitting your pet to various tests and shots. Got advice for other travelers faced with deciding whether to bring their pets on their European vacations? We'd love to hear it! Share Your Experience
Woof-Woof - Up Up and Away
- My golden retriever (70lb. service dog) flew with me in the cabin in June Vegas to Munich. Delta was awesome as far as accomodating our bulkhead seating.and In ATL the agent took her to the relief area to do her thing. I could not take her, as this area is in a secure grass area on the ground in the gate area. She is trained to work with people dealing with anxiety, so she got lots of attention on the plane. No problem with German customs either way, just had the current heath certif. from vet. I will say that Germany is the most pet freindly country I've been in the world, and they treat their dogs as good, as their kids. Bottom line, enjoy your trip, and remember, you dog is smarter than you, and picks up your stress vibes. So please set a good example, and enjoy more wag and less bark.
- —Guest Jay - Las Vegas
small dog on plane
- You are lucky if dog is small enough to travel under your seat. Try to get dog used to carrier & take short flights previously so dog is used to routine I give my 12lb dog half a child's benedryl a few hrs before getting to airport, then another dose before boarding She is then drowsy and calm. Helps a lot when expected to remain in a small space for 7-8 hrs! Try not to have connections or keep then short. We once had a 4hr wait in Madrid airport and it was a hassle leaving terminal to find place for her to relieve herself. Have to go thru security again. Some airlines are more dog friendly than others and some airline personnel are more friendly than others. The paperwork is complicated so plan ahead! no one ever looks at it, but don't count on that as your trip could be ruined if you don't have the proper documents. Air France once told me my dog & carrier weighed too much and I'd have to put dog in cargo I actually burst into tears and supervisor eventually let us board
- —jeannecolby
travel with small dog in France
- I have taken my Jack Russell terrier to France twice. She fits under the seat and is used to the routine of flying. France is dog friendly but consider the personality and tolerance of your dog when planning. We did self-guided hiking trips through Dorgdogne and Languedoc regions. Trips were planned for us by tour operators and our luggage was transported to the next hotel each day. This was a great trip for us since our dog LOVED the countryside. She was so tired at night that we could just leave her snoozing in the hotel room and go have our dinner. Though dogs are allowed in restaurants, she preferred to stay in the room. I recommend Scott Anderson at info@enlightenedtraveller.co/uk for trips in Languedoc area of France. Many historic and scenic hiking paths in the area. Great food, reasonable rates. Scott arranged our walking trip and found hotels accepting dogs. He is very knowledgeable and loves the area. He was always available by phone to help us.
- —jeannecolby
flight to Germany
- Ok, it's traumatic experience for your dog. No way around it. Most of the vets can direct you to person whoes is certifies to sign shots. When you get a chip ask for international one, we got one for our dog and didn't have to buy chip reader...all airports has it. Fly with SAS or Lufthansa...they are very dog friendly. They kept our dog in the office until everything was ready to load him up. In Frankfurt they have dog pens, so if you have to have lay over they will walk your dog and take care of their thirst. When we landed in Stuttgart people in airport brought us water for Atos. So plan your trip carefully, get your paper work and remember to reconsider putting your dog on prozac (min month before the flight) It will make your dog calmer and relax without being sleepy.
- —Guest Paulina
small dogs on planes
- It's a lot easier to take your dog if he's a small dog that go in the cabin, under the seat. Although its a good idea to sedate him once you're on the plane, I admit it can be 9 hours of tedium and irritation. No dog carrier is completely escape proof if your dog is determined to get out! But most flight crews are pretty tolerant, especially on European airlines such as Lufthansa. I've taken my Dachshund to Germany 5 times without many problems, and we always have a blast!!
- —kpfranco
