Can I Take My Dog Abroad By Car?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The short answer is

YES, you can

! “But” there are some things you need to be aware of before you travel. Your dog will also need to be seen by an official veterinarian for medical checks to make sure your dog is healthy enough to travel abroad these checks can include…

Can I take my dog with me to another country?

To be able to take your pet abroad with you,

most countries require that you get a health certificate stating that your pet is in good health and free of parasites

. Many countries now require that your pet’s health certificate from your local vet is also certified by a USDA veterinarian.

How do I travel internationally with my dog?

Today, dogs traveling internationally are

usually required to have a microchip, either by the airline or your destination country

. If your dog gets lost, an animal shelter or vet will be able to scan their microchip and reveal their unique identification number.

How do you travel long distance with a dog in a car?

The safest way for your pet to travel is

in a carrier that has been strapped to the seat with a seatbelt or other anchor

. Make sure the carrier is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down. You can also use a pet seatbelt, but these have not been proven to protect animals during a car crash.

Which UK airlines allow dogs?

Airline To – airport Air Canada Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, Manchester Air Europa London Gatwick Air France – KLM Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Heathrow, Manchester Air Malta London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester

Can I fly my dog from UK to Spain?

As stated in the Iberia Express pet policy: “

Animals are allowed in the cabin and in the hold on flights departing from the United Kingdom, provided that they fulfill the requirements for Travel to Members States of the European Union

.”

Where do dogs pee on long flights?

Dogs must go to

the bathroom inside their carrier

. This is true for pets that travel in-cabin or in the hold, and even on cargo flights. Service dogs (and sometimes emotional support animals) are often the exception. They may be allowed to use the airplane’s bathroom.

How can I take my dog to Europe without flying?

In Europe,

you will need an E.U. health certificate issued by a U.S. Agriculture Department-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by your state USDA office

. The document must contain vaccination and rabies records, plus proof of a tapeworm test, depending on the country.

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

If your pet qualifies, it can fly for a fee. For travel within the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, there is a $125 fee each way to carry on your pet.

For international travel or travel to the US Virgin Islands, that fee jumps to $200

. However, if you’re traveling to Brazil, the fee is just $75.

Do dogs need passports to travel internationally?

You need a pet passport! Traveling with pets is possible, but it does require extra planning research to pull off an international trip with Fido or Fluffy in tow. Just like humans,

pets need their own passports to become world travelers

. They may need additional documents, too.

Does my dog have to quarantine if I travel?


Most popular countries for people to travel to with their dogs don’t require quarantine

. This includes most of Europe (including the United Kingdom, which previously had a long quarantine period), the United States (except for Hawaii and the territory of Guam), Canada and Mexico.

How do I move my dog to Europe?

  1. Implantation and certification of an ISO Microchip. …
  2. Three-year rabies vaccination, which must be done AFTER the ISO Microchip. …
  3. Ten days before departing for the EU, visit your veterinarian for an international health certificate and an EU veterinary certificate.

Can dogs sit in the front seat UK?

It’s legal to take your pet in the car with you, so long as you properly restrain them,

don’t let them sit in the front seats

, or let them stick their head out of the window.

How stressful is flying for dogs?

Think about it:

Flying can be a stressful experience for your dog

. It removes them from comfortable and familiar surroundings, then forces them into a situation with loud noises, bright lights, thousands of people, changes in air pressure and cabin temperature, and a limited ability to use the bathroom.

How long can a dog travel in a car?

During the day, experts recommend that

adult pets stay in a crate for no more than four hours and young pets no more than two hours

[source: Woodard]. All of this assumes that you’re in the car with enough air circulating to keep everyone in the car — including your pet — comfortable.

Can you take dogs on Ryanair?


A maximum of four guide/assistance dogs are permitted per flight

. The dog along with containers and food are carried free of charge. Any passenger wishing to travel with their guide/assistance dog on board should pre-advise us preferably on the same day as booking.

Can I take my dog on an EasyJet flight?

Unfortunately,

EasyJet does not accept animals

. They explain that any problem with a pet that is traveling on any of their flights could prolong the turnaround time of a flight. This prohibition applies to either cabin baggage or luggage which is transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft.

Can dogs travel on domestic flights UK?

Do Any UK Airlines Allow Pets in the Cabin? Unfortunately,

no UK airline allows pets to fly in the cabin

(at least any airline that flies in and out of commercial airports). The only animals that are permitted to fly in the cabin are registered assistance dogs.

Are pet passports still valid?

You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland. You can still use a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland.

Can you take dogs on Santander ferry?

Coping with the trip

When taking the ferry to Spain,

pets cannot be left in vehicles given the duration of the crossing

. As such, it’s necessary to book a cabin that can accommodate you and your pet. Alternatively, there’s also the option of using the on-board kennel services available on many crossings to Spain.

Can I take my dog abroad after Brexit?

On 1 January 2021, the UK became an EU “part two listed” country. This means

pets from England, Scotland and Wales can travel within the EU’s borders as long as owners obtain an animal health certificate (AHC) first

. The AHC confirms that your pet is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.

What happens if a dog poops on a plane?

Often, they won’t be sitting in a carrier but at their owner’s feet or in the lap.

If an ESA goes unexpectedly, then it’ll be on the carpet

. Service dogs are allowed to move through the plane with their owner and as they can eliminate on command are permitted to use the plane’s bathroom.

Which airline is the most pet friendly?

1.

Alaska Airlines

. Alaska Airlines is the best airline for traveling with a pet. It had among the lowest fees and the most flexible pet policy in terms of what types of pets you can bring.

Should I feed my dog before a long flight?

Since a full stomach might be uncomfortable for your dog during travel,

we recommend feeding him about four hours before the flight, if possible

. While it’s best to refrain from feeding your dog right before the flight, you can (and should) continue to give him water right up to the time of travel.

Is it safe for dogs in cargo?

The USDA has since removed public animal welfare documents from its website. Undeniably,

cargo is the more dangerous option for pet travel

. The safest way for any animal to fly is in the cabin as carry-on luggage, provided that’s an option.

How do you transport a large dog across the country?

Flying with Large Dogs


Several airlines do accept large dogs by stowing them in the plane’s cargo

. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.

Can I travel with my dog on a cargo ship?

Regardless of how you travel, by air, land, or sea, your dog will never leave your side. Your dog will never travel in a crate*, and

your dog will never ever travel in a cargo hold or on a cargo plane, train or truck

.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.