Answering questions regarding immunization records, EU pet passports, and where to find dog-friendly restaurants is all part of your pet travel introduction.
We're devoting this week's column to answering more questions regarding what you need to know when traveling with your pets, because almost everyone loves dogs in our world.
Do I require vet records to travel within the United States?
As long as your dog is joining you in the cabin, you don't require vet records for domestic travel on flights in most parts of the United States, Blond told me.
If you recall from my recent piece about what you need to know about flying with dogs, most U.S. airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as luggage or in the hold as extra luggage as long as you and your pet are traveling together and your animal fulfills specific size and weight restrictions. Some airlines, on the other hand, mandate that all dogs be transported as cargo.
Many airlines demand a health certificate if you check your pet as cargo, but the regulations are more higher if you are traveling to Hawaii, for example, she explained. You'll also need to show proof of rabies vaccination if you wish to travel your dog to Puerto Rico.
What is the weight restriction for animals aboard planes, and how should they be secured?
It varies by airline, but generally pets must weigh less than 25 pounds, and it has to do with the size of the carrier your dog is going in. Airlines require the use of specific types of carriers with a maximum size that must fit under the seat in front of you, Blond explains. "Your dog or cat must be able to fit comfortably within the kennel." Before booking a ticket, call the airline to inquire about their pet policy and the exact dimensions required for the carrier.
Alaska Airlines' pet policies, for example, are available on the company's website. Alaska Carriers accepts dogs as long as they fit in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you; however, other airlines, such as American Airlines, have a 20-pound weight limit for dogs, so do your research.
Which airlines are the best for flying with my dog?
Despite the fact that most airlines have identical restrictions regarding weight and cabin limits and taxes, you may find yourself favoring one airline over another when traveling with your dog, just as you may have a preference for particular airlines when flying.
I've heard that Alaska Airlines is a favorite for the lowest prices, Blond added, based on her considerable travel experience with her dog and previous canines. I've also heard that Delta is difficult to navigate because not all seats can allow dog carriers. We flew Southwest and had a fantastic flight. Just keep in mind that your dog's flight will cost you between $100 and $175 each way, depending on the airline you choose.
What is a European Union pet passport, and how can I obtain one?
According to the European Union, a European pet passport is a document that follows an EU standard model and is required for travel between EU nations. It includes a description and details about your pet, such as its microchip or tattoo code, rabies vaccination record, and contact information for the owner and the veterinarian who issued the passport.
A European pet passport is available for dogs, cats, and ferrets, and it is valid for life as long as your pet's rabies vaccination is current.
However, if you're traveling from the United States to Europe, you'll need an EU animal health certificate, which contains identical information about your pet.
According to the European Union, if you are going from a non-EU nation or territory, your pet must obtain an EU animal health certificate issued by an official state vet in the country of departure not more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. The certificate is valid for four months from the date of issue or until the anti-rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.
Pet owners should be aware that the aforementioned pet passport can only be applied for and received on the ground in Europe.
You will still need an International Health Certificate from a USDA vet in the US to initially enter into the country to receive the EU pet passport, Blond recalls, describing her difficult experience obtaining one in Italy here. Unless you expect to go back and forth to Europe with your dog on a frequent basis, getting a pet passport may not be worth the trouble. In other countries, it is also difficult to obtain.
What's the best way to find dog-friendly restaurants?
BringFido is a fantastic resource that is generally correct. Often, a simple Google search will reveal whether or not a restaurant is dog-friendly, and I always call to confirm. I only know of a handful of dog-friendly eateries in the United States (small breweries that don't serve food are sometimes an exception),Blond explains. Most dog-friendly restaurants actually have a dog-friendly outside eating section, which is ideal for warm places or during the summer.
Details Here
