Pet Travel

From A dog’s travels to France & Spain & Switzerland by Hamish– the Westie

Traveling as a family, with everybody along…what could be more priceless? In today’s changing world, traveling with pets is becoming more and more possible. All week we have shared tips and stories about pet travel, from the best dog parks to pet-friendly hotels to pre-trip packing and preparation tips. Today we highlight international travel with pets, with a special focus on traveling within Europe.

Hamish– the Westie, a unique Realtraveler, is a west highland terrier who got to travel through Europe with his parents and his fellow dog brother. Along with other adventures through France, Spain, and Switzerland, his trip coincided with the World Cup! As you can see in the below excerpt from Pau, France, a blog from a dog’s point-of-view has a special sort of charm:

“Tom Tom leads us directly to the door of the Hotel Rocevaux which is slap bang in the centre of Pau. We notice 2 things….things seem rather quiet and …. there is rather a lot of bunting around the place…of course Cup du Monde! It’s the world cup final evening…the big final match between France and Italy. Oh how exciting!!!..I can get my football out and bark ‘allez allez Thierry Henry!!’ VaVa Voom!!!” (more…)

Here are some travel tips for traveling with pets outside the United States. They are by no means exhaustive, so be sure to consult your vet, airlines, and the Embassy or Consulate of any and all your destination countries, including the one to which you’ll be returning!

Pet Passports

Yes, animals need them too. The needed documents will vary from country to country, even within the EU, so be sure to check what you’ll need. Regulations do change, and the Embassy or Consulate will give you the most current information. While visiting the vet for your pre-trip vet checkup, as recommended in our Preparing for Pet Travel article, obtain any necessary health certificates you may need. You may need additional vaccinations in order to clear customs. Note that all documents are valid for a limited time period, so you will need to find this out and determine how it coincides with your trip.

Visit these links for more information:
Pet Passport Info
Official USDA Certification

Following the Rules of the Road

You’ll also want to think not only about getting there, but also about what methods of transportation you’ll be using within your destination country, and contact each service to find out their regulations. This includes airlines as well as train travel. You’ll also need to consult with each Embassy or Consulate about their quarantine policies. There’s likely a cost involved, and you may need advance reservations.

For information on bringing your pet into the United States, whether from another country or on your return trip back home, visit the Pets and International Travel US Government Site.

Visit these links for more information:
Traveling Europe by Train with Pets
Airline Transport Association
Airline Travel Rules with Pets

Finding Accommodations

Pet-friendly hotels are cropping up more and more in Europe and around the world. The following directories speak for themselves, so click on an individual country to find your destination. Calling the hotel to verify their policies is always recommended.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Europe
Pet Friendly Hotels in Paris
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Amsterdam
Worldwide Pet Travel Hotel Guide

Having Fun

Paris is known for its dog-friendly atmosphere. Most restaurants will allow well-behaved dogs to sit at their owner’s feet while they dine, and if boutique, bakery, and post office staff are amenable, dogs can join in there, as well.

Small dogs in their carrying bags can ride the Paris Métro and bus, and some taxis will let dogs of any size ride in their cars (call ahead to be sure). For a custom ride through town, try Taxi Dog, a taxi company that specializes in dog transportation. If you speak French, Il Partent Avec Nous is a helpful site for pet travel in Paris.

All pet owners love to find parks to let their dogs get their play time! In Paris, the south end of Luxenbourg Gardens is a popular spot. In Amsterdam, another dog-friendly city, Oosterpark is a popular spot with locals and just off the beaten path for tourists. It is part of the grounds adjoining the Tropenmuseum and has a picturesque, quiet atmosphere, plus is divided into dog and non-dog zones for childrens’ safety. Vondelpark Amsterdam’s largest and best known park and also a fun place to bring your dog.

Dog Parks Outside the United States:

Paris Parks Guide
Public Open Spaces for Dogs in Australia
Dog Parks in Canada
Sampling of City Parks Around the World - popular parks to walk your dog

Additional Resources:

Europe Travel Guide
Etiquette Guide to Dining Out with Your Pooch
Dog Park FAQ
ABC’s of Air Travel with Pets

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One day in the Big Apple by Jenica

Ever since a puppy showed up on my dad’s doorstep, my dad has been on the look out for dog parks near his house and everywhere he goes. On a recent trip to New York City, he was entertained by a sign on one dog park that said “No dogs without people. No people without dogs.” They had a small dog park for small dogs, and a big dog park for big dogs. Even at night, the parks were filled. This got me to thinking about finding dog parks on the road - finding dog parks and beaches in your neighborhood can be tricky, finding them as you are traveling can be even harder. Here’s a quick guide for helping you find parks and beaches on the road to stretch your canine and human legs.

Taking your dog for a hike

Heading on a road trip to see Yosemite, Grand Canyon, or Yellowstone National Park? You may be surprised to know that National Parks and Reserves in the United States don’t allow dogs on trails and many other areas in the park. For example, Yellowstone National Park allows dogs in parking lots on leashes, but not on trails. This is so wildlife will be protected, and you will be protected from wildlife, namely bears. They warn on their website, “A loose dog can lead a bear directly back to you,” and “there is a strong possibility that your pet could become prey for a bear, coyote, owl, or other predator.” They also give an ominous warning about bringing dogs near the thermal pools. This will surely scare you and your dog away, but don’t fret, there are usually beautiful parks near many national parks where your dog can enjoy great trails and breathtaking scenery with you.

In Yosemite National Park, pets are allowed on a few trails according to the park’s website: “the Meadow Loop and Four Mile fire roads in Wawona, on the Carlon Road, and on the Old Big Oak Flat Road between Hodgdon Meadow and Hazel Green Creek.”

Keep in mind basic dog park etiquette, especially when in unfamiliar territory.

For more information, visit:
Hiking with your dog
National Park Service - search the park of your choice for pet guidelines
Map of Dog Parks in the United States
Off-leash dog parks

A dog day at the beach

Even dogs long for a day at the beach. Two of my favorite places in San Francisco to see dogs running along the shore are Fort Funston and Chrissy Field overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Nearby in Santa Cruz, dogs can enjoy watching surfers ride waves at the Lighthouse State Beach. At many beaches, signs are usually posted letting you know whether or not your dog is allowed on or off leash.

Here are some lists of beaches in the United States that allow dogs:

Dog Friendly Beaches in California
Dog Beaches along the US East Coast
Dog Friendly Beaches in the United States
Article on Top 10 Dog Beaches in US

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