Whether crossing international borders or living on a boat or in an RV, pet travel means navigating a maze of considerations to ensure your furry family members stay healthy and happy. The complications of pet travel necessitate including them in your Planning Stage.
While the obvious question is, “What are the options for our pet?” The answer is more complex, nuanced, and time-consuming.
Starting Your Pet Travel Research
At this point, your goal is to research and compile a list of questions and resources. You don’t have to make an immediate decision. You do have to start planning your timeline. If you decide to travel with your pets, you’ll be ready for the Preparation Stage when you begin detailing the steps you’ll need to take in the Action Steps Stage.
Knowing your Travel Goal, aka Your Why, and some of the answers to the categories in the Planning Stage will make it significantly easier to make decisions about your pet(s).
For example, if you plan to RV around North America, your level of research will be substantially less than if you plan to travel internationally by boat or plane.
However, if you plan to travel internationally with your pet, set aside enough time to do the necessary due diligence. Unfortunately, you might reach a point in the Planning Stage where you have to make a difficult choice: modify your ideal list of countries, find a place for your pet to live while you travel to those locations, or ???
Learning About Pet Travel From Full-time Expert Travelers
People who’ve successfully traveled with their pets can help you formulate your list of relevant questions. While official websites are crucial sources for information, but nothing beats hearing directly from people who’ve already walked the same steps.
We’re highlighting 1) Nikki and Jason Wynn who traveled for years with their two cats (Cleo and Singa), 2) Kate and and Curtis because they’re newer pet travel full-timers with their 50lb dog, Roxy and 3) Eva zu Beck who recently flew back to Europe from the U.S. with her 100 lb dog Vilk.
Nikki, Jason, Cleo & Singa
The Wynn’s cats journeyed for years in their various RVs and became salty sailors on their catamaran Curiosity, covering over 13,000 nautical miles.
Following an agonizing decision, Jason and Nikki brought their cats home from abroad. Nikki and Jason knew it was time for Cleo and Singa to ‘hang up their keys‘ and retire to Mutiny Ranch, a loving animal sanctuary run by their friends Lynn and Clark.
Kate, Curtis & Roxy
Kate, Curtis and their dog Roxy sail their monohull Sweet Ruca. They’ve done a great job of diving into the nitty-gritty with Everything You Need to Know About Sailing and Cruising With A Dog.
Eva & Vilk
Eva shares her experience flying with Vilk on KLM in Autumn 2023. Not only does she document their travel day and her thoughts and fears, she also answers some of the most common questions asked by her community. (p.s. If we ever have to fly our dog to Europe, KLM will be at the top of our airline choices.)
Many other full-time travel content creators travel with their pets. They’re a fantastic resource for learning about the more specific issues you might face. Make sure to read the comments and note the resources provided!
Reflective Questions:
- Do your pet’s needs match your intended travel pace and activities? See Singa Wynn’s list to help you decide.
- If you plan to travel by plane, is your pet allowed in the cabin, or will they have to travel in cargo?
- Will you have the necessary financial resources to pay for their entry into the countries on your list?
- Do you plan to hurry from country to country or remain in each location for an extended period?
International Pet Travel
Traveling internationally with pets isn’t just about booking a flight and setting off or showing up in your boat. Different countries have various entry requirements and quarantine regulations that can affect your four-legged friends.
You, the owner, bear the responsibility to ensure your pet has met the requirements of your destination country. For planning purposes, know that walking through the necessary steps to bring your pet into another country can take weeks to months.
Each additional country you visit will have its requirements and timelines. Any planning you can do in advance will make it much smoother as you travel.
For example, if only one of your intended countries requires your pet to have a particular type of vaccination, see if their timing window will allow you to get it done in advance.
The U.S. State Department can get you started with an overview on:
- Shipping Your Pet Overseas
- Traveling With a Service Animal
- Worldwide Import and Quarantine Restrictions
- U.S. Airline Pet Policies
- The I.S.O Microchip
- European Union Pet Regulations
- Emergency Planning for Your Pet
- Returning Your Pet to the United States
- Helpful Links
The U.S. State Department’s ‘Returning to the U.S. with Pets’ (https://www.state.gov/returning-to-the-u-s-with-pets/) includes a Notice of Temporary Suspension for Dogs Entering the United States from 113 Countries Classified as High-Risk for Dog Rabies Extended Through July 31, 2024
Additional State Department Resource:
Taking a Pet Overseas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) offers Pet Travel Guidance and a FAQ. Knowing APHIS pet travel requirements in advance is crucial if you plan to head out of the country.
Reflective Questions:
- Is your pet’s breed allowed entrance into the countries you plan to visit?
- Will your pet need an EU pet passport?
- Is your pet micro-chipped?
- Are your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date?
- Have you reviewed the above links to add more relevant questions to your list?
- Do any required vaccinations need to be given within that country, or will they accept documentation from elsewhere?
- Will your vet provide any necessary health certificate for pet travel?
Quarantine Conundrums
Not surprisingly, many countries enforce quarantine to prevent the spread of diseases. Unfortunately, quarantine can range from a few days to several months and can be stressful for animals accustomed to constant companionship and freedom.
Reflective Questions:
- How would a quarantine period in a new country affect your pet’s emotional and physical state?
- What will you do if you plan a short stay in a country requiring a more extended quarantine period?
- If you’re traveling by boat, can your pet go to shore at your intended destinations without quarantining in a government approved facility?
Training for the High Seas
Taking your pet on a boat requires special preparation, particularly regarding sanitary needs. Early training is essential to avoid messes and ensure they’re comfortable with their new routine. Whenever possible, start with short day trips and extend them gradually as your pet develops their new skills.
In addition, supplies like cat litter and brand specific dog foods are not typically available in other countries.
Also, just like humans, pets need to learn the ropes of boat life. Designating a specific spot to relieve themselves and maintaining a routine can help them adjust quickly.
Reflective Questions:
- Can you dedicate your time and patience to training your pet for life on the water?
- If you sail a long crossing, will your pet be comfortable spending many days at sea?
- Does your dog know how to swim?
- Does your pet get motion sick?
- Is your pet adaptable to different brands of food and different tasting water?
- Would your cat be adaptable to a new litter box substance?
Domestic Pet Travel
Hitting the road in an RV means bringing your home – and your pet – with you wherever you go. However, it’s essential to understand the pet policies of the places you’ll be staying, especially national parks and forests and other public areas.
What’s the Law?
If your dog has lived without hiking or experiencing new places, take time during the Planning Stage to help make the transition more successful. “How to Safely Hike, Camp, and Backpack With Your Dog” covers most of what you’ll need to consider as you put an exposure training plan in place.
In addition, most cities and urban areas have leash laws.
Heading to the beach? Take the extra time to plan stops at dog friendly beaches.
Reflective Questions:
- If your pet has lived a more rural life with plenty of room to run and play, will they adjust to life in a small space and restrictions on their open movement?
- Is your dog’s breed consistent with the full-time travel lifestyle you envision?
- If not, do you have a plan for keeping them safe and happy while you’re off adventuring during the day?
National Park & National Forest Pet Rules
While national parks and forests offer breathtaking views and experiences, many have specific regulations about where pets can go, often limiting them to particular areas and requiring they be on a leash at all times. PetFriendlyTravel and PetKeen can help you begin your research.
Reflective Questions:
- Are you ready to adjust your travel plans according to the pet laws of each park and forest you visit?
- Will you have the ability to run air conditioning in your RV while staying in a national park campground or national park rural site?
- Will you be able to monitor your RV’s interior temperature from afar?
- Is your pet good with other animals or will you be doing additional training before you launch?
Your Pet’s Health and Well-Being
When traveling full-time, you must also think about your pet’s long-term care. Unlike a short vacation, where a pet sitter might suffice, extended travel requires a sustainable plan for your pet’s ongoing needs and health.
Firstly, beyond ensuring that your pet is up-to-date on any required vaccinations and micro-chipped, you’ll want to prepare a pet emergency medical kit. Talk with your vet about any recommended medications (e.g., antibiotics).
Secondly, most North American vets don’t care for dogs and cats who travel full-time out of the country. Consequently, to help your current vet meet your pet’s future needs, be prepared to give them a list of recommended supplies you’ve compiled from trusted resources. Expect your local vet to understand local laws rather than federal import/export or international laws and options.
Red Cross Pet Resources
Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist
- Reflective Questions:
- Will you be providing your pet with enough physical activity while you travel?
- Is your pet flexible about working with different vets, or do they need the consistency of the same vet?
- Will your current vet provide medications to cover an extended travel time?
- Does your pet require special diet food? If yes, can you purchase it in the countries you plan to visit, or will you have enough storage space for months of food?
- Do you have a basic plan if your pet becomes ill and can’t continue to travel or requires additional recovery time?
When Your Pet Can’t Come Along
Sometimes, despite your best intentions, it’s not feasible to bring your pet with you. There can be many reasons to bring your pet, but even more reasons to have them remain at home.
- Some pets are too elderly or require regular vet care.
- Others are particular in their environment and need too much time to adapt to new settings.
- Larger pets might be too large for your mode of travel.
- Your pace of travel may be faster than quarantine times allow.
In these cases, finding a long-term care solution that prioritizes your pet’s well-being is crucial.
Long-term Care Options For Your Pet
You might entrust your pet to a family member or friend who can offer the love and care they need in your absence.
If there’s no one available to care for your pet while you travel (e.g., you plan to be traveling for an indeterminate length of time), please do not dump your pet at your local humane society. Instead, take the time to find your pet a home that will work long-term. Finally, you can contact non-profit rescue organizations for help.
Reflective Questions:
- Have you explored all the long-term care options available for your pet if they can’t join your travels?
- Are your travel companions, especially children, prepared for this relationship loss?
Traveling with pets requires careful consideration and planning. Whether dealing with international pet quarantine, adapting to life on a boat or RV, or finding the best care solutions, your pet’s needs should always be a part of your plans. Lastly, by asking the right questions in the Planning Stage, you can ensure that your journey is as enjoyable for your pet as it is for you.
Remember, while the idea of full-time travel with your furry companion may present challenges, the joy and companionship they bring can make your adventures all the more rewarding.
