Take your dog vagabonding

Globe-trotting with your dog is totally possible! With appropriate paperwork, a microchip, and some forethought, taking your animal traveling can help break down cultural barriers and spark conversations. My border collie, Trinity, ushered me into far more conversations in Paris than I ever would have attempted with my meager French vocabulary.

There are a few key things to take into consideration before striking off with your canine pal. First, it’s all about the paperwork. Most countries require a microchip, health certificate and proof of rabies vaccine. The Pet Travel has up-to-date information about entry laws and quarantine laws, as well as bilingual passports for purchase. Make sure to follow the steps in the fine print! Before booking flights, check into the airline’s pet rules about crate sizing, prices, and cold temperature cut-offs.  An important note: many airlines no longer permit snub-nosed breeds for the animal’s own safety.

Photo credit: Lindsey Rue

Before you go, look into Fido Friendly accommodations around the world. I’m also a fan of Couchsurfing , which has several group threads of hosts who welcome you and your pets. Over the years, I’ve camped in back yards, rented rooms and flats, and occupied a couch for a night or two with my dogs. Just make sure y’all are well behaved guests.

Some pets, dogs especially, can carry their own things in a pack, and I recommend a dehydrated pet food diet because it’s conveniently lightweight.

photo credit: Lindsey Rue

As Dwight Eisenhower once said, “The friendship of a dog is precious. It becomes even more so when one is so far removed from home…”

Have you ever traveled with a dog? Please share your stories in the comments section.

 

Posted by | Comments (3)  | February 2, 2012
Category: Vagabonding Advice


3 Responses to “Take your dog vagabonding”

  1. Mr. B. Says:

    Great article, Lindsey! Clear, concise, and informative. Good job! Even at your young age, you have a million stories to tell (some of them true, I hope). Keep it up!

  2. Dave Guilford Says:

    You and Trinity coming back to Paris this year? Hope you’re well.

  3. GypsyGirl Says:

    @Dave, This summer we are staying Stateside. I’ve got a young Service Dog in training (a red female Poodle, 10 months)and am putting 60 days training on a mare(horse)starting next week. However, we should be back to France spring 2013. I’ve got a position starting several young Friesian horses at a chateau in Limousin. At some point we’ll be back through Paris; if not for the writing course again, at least to visit and explore.