Holidaying with Your Canine Companion - ADAC Offers Guide for a Pawesome Vacation
When embarking on a vacation with your beloved pet dog within the European Union (EU), it's essential to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey for both you and your furry companion. Here's a breakdown of the key considerations to make your pet travel experience as stress-free as possible.
Pet Passport and Documentation
An EU Pet Passport is required for free travel between EU member states, confirming that your dog is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. However, due to Brexit, UK-issued EU pet passports are no longer valid. Instead, a vet-issued Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is needed for travel from Great Britain to the EU.
The AHC must be issued within 10 days prior to travel and covers one trip with onward travel up to four months within the EU. It's important to note that the AHC must be in English and the language of the first EU country of entry. Multiple certificates may be needed for different trips.
Vaccinations and Treatments
Your dog must be microchipped before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccination must be at least 12 weeks old, and travel can only occur 21 days after vaccination. Tapeworm treatment is necessary 1–5 days before entering specific EU countries free of Echinococcus multilocularis, such as Ireland, Malta, Finland, and Norway.
Dogs under 15 weeks and not vaccinated cannot enter some countries like Portugal.
Transportation Regulations
Pets must enter EU countries through designated Travelers’ Points of Entry. Different countries may have specific additional rules but generally must comply with EU Regulation 998/2003/EC on animal movement.
Insurance Options
While not mandatory for travel, pet insurance covering health emergencies abroad is strongly advisable to handle veterinary care or unexpected incidents during the trip. Various providers offer coverage tailored for international travel with pets.
Additional Tips
- Special transportation regulations apply when traveling by car with a dog, requiring secure containment such as a transport box, partition grid, or safety belts.
- Dogs should never be left alone in a parked car, as it can quickly become dangerously hot for them.
- Liability insurance for the dog should be readily available.
- Chipped dogs can have their owner's data read out throughout Europe.
- Having the vacation address and phone number on a dog's collar can help if the dog gets lost.
- The blue EU pet passport is necessary for travel within the EU, containing the rabies vaccination and microchip registration of the animal.
- Packing the usual food for the pet is important during vacation.
- Some dog breeds are not allowed to enter certain EU countries.
- Older and weak dogs may not enjoy hiking in the mountains during vacations.
- Enough water should be available in the car to bridge traffic jams.
- A break for drinking, eating, and moving should be taken every 2 to 3 hours during car travel with a dog.
- Deworming may be required before travel; consult a vet for details.
- ADAC members can get a free brochure "Traveling Abroad with Dog or Cat" with entry requirements for 36 vacation countries.
- Booking pet travel should be done in advance and may be complicated.
- A GPS device attached to a dog's collar offers precise location tracking.
- The dog must have the necessary vaccinations for the travel destination.
- ADAC Pet Travel Insurance provides optimal coverage for pets in case of illness or injury during an abroad trip.
- Measures against heartworm, leishmaniasis, and other diseases, as well as mosquito protection, may be recommended before travel.
- Informing yourself about transport regulations is necessary for traveling with a pet on trains, ferries, or planes.
- ADAC Pet Travel Insurance covers dogs and cats worldwide.
- The ADAC brochure can be obtained from ADAC business offices.
Remember, a leash is required for dogs in many countries, and a muzzle must be carried in some cases. Long-haired dogs may find summer in the southern regions uncomfortable.
Stay informed, plan ahead, and enjoy your pet-friendly vacation within the EU!
Pets can enhance a traveler's lifestyle, especially when embarking on a vacation within the European Union (EU) with a beloved pet dog. It's essential to ensure a smooth travel experience by obtaining the necessary documentation, such as an EU Pet Passport or an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) when traveling from Great Britain to the EU. Additionally, understanding transportation regulations, vaccination requirements, and obtaining pet insurance can help maintain a stress-free journey for both you and your furry companion during your travels.
