Tips for Those Who go on Holiday with Their Pet

You can not resolve to leave your trusty doggie or kitty athome when you go on vacation? So, just take it with you! However, be sure totake the necessary precautions (see below) so that everyone can travel aroundthe world safely and with peace of mind!

Think about it before you start

Before setting off or flying to distant lands, it is best tocheck that all vaccines and papers for your pet are in order. Be aware, forexample, that your faithful companion must be vaccinated at least 21 daysbefore departure against rabies. Your veterinarian can provide you with thenecessary documents. Carry the European passport of your faithful companion onall fours and ensure that he or she is identifiable via an electronic chip (akatransponder). A tattoo made before July 3, 2011 is also valid. Warning: if yougo to the UK, Ireland or Malta is aware that a transponder is mandatory.

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Abroad, you will not always find pet supplies or your pets favorite food. Unfortunately, all you need is a change of diet so that your faithful companion gets a full stomach. It is better than to carry a small portion of food which he is accustomed to so that the change is not too abrupt.

Especially in hot places, the risk of heat stroke is real.Always carry enough water and flip through the garden & animal folders fora folding lunch box, easy to pack in your backpack. Hang a small medal or anaddress tag with your details on your pets collar and always have a clearpicture of your faithful companion in your pocket (or in your smartphone).

On holiday by car with your pet?

Before making a long journey, it is better to accustom yourfaithful companion by taking him by car on shorter distances. Make sure thereis a nice temperature and there is plenty of fresh air in the cabin, but do notlet your dog stick out of the window. Not only is it dangerous, but it alsooften causes ear infections and conjunctivitis.

In many European countries including France, Italy andSpain, your dog must travel in a closed cage or with a harness (a safety beltspecially designed for him) . For the full list, take a look at this website. Forcats, it is better to opt for a small cat basket. Provide plenty of water andexcrement bags and favorite toys for your doggie or kitty. In short, do nothesitate to visit your favorite pet store to have everything you need.

Just like for you, it is advisable to allow your faithfulcompanion to stretch his legs every two hours. Not to mention the leash ofcourse, especially in places that yours pet does not know. Especially near thehighway Never leave your pet in the car. The temperature can quickly riseabove 50°.

On a plane holiday with your faithful four-legged friend?

The regulations differ from one airline to another. AtBrussels Airlines, for example, taking your pet on a trip is no problem.Depending on its size and especially its weight, your faithful companion on allfours may or may not accompany you in the cabin. Dogs and cats weighing morethan 8 kg must travel via a transport cage in the hold. It is best to informyour airline in advance about specific rules for pets. The price to bring yourpet varies so much from one company to another. This can cost you from € 20 to€ 800.

Here too, it is better to accustom your pet in advance to the conditions of travel. Give easy food to your faithful companion 24 hours before the trip, but never sedatives. With the variations of atmospheric pressure, it turns out to be a very bad combination.

Want more tips for your four-legged pets?