Transport box, lead, muzzle: traveling with dogs

Not every dog loves long walks and swimming laps - and then there's the long journey in the carrier. A vacation with a dog requires some preliminary considerations as to which activities are suitable for the animal and which are not. Once the decision has been made, you should first get your dog used to car rides and perhaps a few test trips. This will give you a feel for what your dog might have problems with.

On the journey itself, safety is everything: Attached transport boxes are the best way to protect your dog, but special harnesses are also a good way to prevent dangerous wanderings in the van. Travel sickness is to be expected, so your pet should not be fed too much before setting off. Access to a water bowl during the journey is all the more important: there are special bowls for this purpose that prevent the liquid from spilling over. Also make sure the climate in the vehicle is pleasant: your dog doesn't want to get a draught or suffer from sauna-like conditions - your dog should never be left alone in the car! Regular breaks with walks, preferably every two to three hours, are essential to allow your dog to recover.

In any case, a lead and muzzle must be carried: in most countries, dogs must be kept on a lead. In some countries, dogs must also wear a muzzle on public transport (or at least have one in their luggage, for example in Italy). Find out in advance what applies in your destination country.

Not all campsites allow dogs, so choose one where you and your four-legged friend are in good hands. Once you have arrived, there are of course a few site rules to follow. In most cases, this means putting your dog on a lead and using dog waste bags. If you find a more secluded pitch, you will have fewer neighbors around you who might be bothered by the barking.

Getting used to it in advance: traveling with cats

First of all: Not every cat is suitable for traveling. The animals are generally headstrong and freedom-loving. A long journey in a transport box and the change of familiar surroundings puts many animals under great stress and should therefore be carefully considered. However, if you have a particularly open-minded domestic cat, you can take the plunge.

The same applies to cats as to dogs: They must be secured in the vehicle with a transport box. This should be placed on a non-slip surface. The best way to get your pet used to the crate is to place it in your home a few weeks in advance. This will give your tiger the opportunity to get used to it - and then have a familiar place to sleep on vacation. You should also familiarize your cat with the vehicle in advance and give it the opportunity to explore the surroundings. 

Your cat should not be fed before the journey. If the journey takes longer than five hours, you should offer your cat food, but not for shorter journeys. Because your cat can also get sick in the car! However, remember to provide a bowl of water. Breaks are important to reduce your pet's stress: Put the crate out in the fresh air or let your furry friend roam around the van for a while. However, you should make sure that she doesn't escape - looking for Mietzi for hours on end can really lengthen the journey.

Once you arrive at your destination, you can secure your pitch with a fence or cat fence. With a lead - if the cat is used to this - you can explore your new home for the next few days together. It is important to put a collar with your contact details on your cat. This will save you and your pet a lot of stress if your tiger goes its own way.

Medical check-up: chipped and vaccinated

Within the EU, all pets traveling with you must be chipped. An exception applies to animals that were first identified before July 3, 2011: In this case, a tattoo is also sufficient, as long as it is still clearly legible. A valid rabies vaccination is also particularly important for dogs and cats. This means that animals must receive their rabies vaccination at least 21 days before departure or a booster vaccination (in this case the 21-day period does not apply and a short-term injection is sufficient). Tapeworm treatment is also mandatory for dogs in Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Malta. The medical treatment of the animal is recorded via a corresponding identification document.

The most important information combined: The EU pet passport

In EU countries, it has been mandatory to carry an EU pet passport since 2004. The passport contains the most important information about the animal, such as name, breed, age, sex, color and microchip number, as well as the address of the owner and the responsible veterinary practice. Vaccinations - primarily against rabies - are also documented. Any authorized veterinarian may issue the ID card - who exactly is authorized varies from state to state. In Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony, all veterinarians are authorized to issue the ID card, while in other federal states an official procedure is required. It is therefore important to find out in advance which veterinary practice is authorized to issue the EU pet passport.

Regulations in non-EU countries

In Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Norway, the same requirements apply as within the EU. Otherwise, most non-EU countries have their own regulations governing the entry of animals. However, a number of regulations must also be observed when leaving and re-entering the EU: After a stay in the countries of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Thailand or South Africa, an antibody test against rabies must be presented, which in turn must be done no earlier than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Accordingly, some planning is required here with regard to vaccination and the antibody test.

Checklist

• Consider in advance whether your pet is suitable for the trip and the planned activities Find out about prohibited dog breeds in your destination country.
• For puppies: Find out from what age your dog is allowed to enter your destination country Find out whether animals are welcome at your desired campsite.
• Have your pet chipped.
• Have your pet vaccinated in good time.
• Find out whether your pet also needs tapeworm treatment.
• Apply for your EU pet passport at a veterinary practice.
• Find out about the obligation to keep dogs on a lead and muzzle.
• Get a suitable transport box or a safety harness.
• Do not feed your pet before the journey.
• Provide water during the journey.
• Make sure you take regular breaks.
• Select a suitable parking space and secure it if necessary. 
• If necessary, have an antibody test done before departure.