The dog may set out together with its family, and, after all, even Belka and Strelka had a chance to see the big wide world! Thus, let us start with packing the suitcase of your beloved little friend.

International veterinary passport

It’s highly important for your charge to have all necessary vaccinations, letting your dog go on travels. Take into account the timeliness of their carrying out (as a rule, a month as minimum and a year as maximum before the trip). Dogs having rabies, hepatitis, plague and other dangerous infections are not allowed to depart.

Microchipping

In addition to all vaccinations you need to put a microchip in your pet’s skip with injection. Don’t worry, this procedure is fast, painless, absolutely safe and can be done in most veterinary clinics. Besides, if you loose your pet, a microchip will help it to find its way home as it contains information about the animal and its owner.

Veterinary certificate

After the successful medical examination of a pet, including its vet passport, the state pet hospital issues this form. Without such veterinary certificate the departure of an animal is also impossible. However the form of this document can vary for different countries.

Luggage ticket

A luggage coupon is possible to directly get in the airport or at the station, showing the veterinary certificate. Notice that at each airport the ticket’s price depends on the weight of your dog. The distance is important in case your trip begins from another place (train station, seaport etc.).

Muzzle and dog’s lead

No matter if your dog bites or not, it must wear a muzzle as at least at the beginning of the travelling. Puppies, younger than four months, are not taken into account. Don’t forget about the dog’s lead to not lose the pet.

Dog travel box/case

It’s essential to prepare a special carrier, since according to the rules of air transportations, a dog has to be in a specially equipped compartment on an aircraft. A box/case should be quite firm and big to let your pet feel as much comfortable as possible. It’s also recommended to scatter over the bottom of it a special toilet filler to avoid bad smell of unexpected incidents.

Before the departure it’s necessary to properly walk the dog, trying not to feed it at all. One can put on a dog a special medallion with all the important data as well, for example, master’s address, name of an animal – just in case.

Staying in a cabin is permitted for maximum two dogs, weighing less than six/ten kilos each. Some air companies have different requirements about parameters of dogs. It’s also allowed to take a dog of small sizes with you.

First-aid kit

During the trip your buddy can be hurt and, worst of it, be poisoned or catch an infection. That is to say, the professional help doesn’t always come on time, so take medicines not only for yourself, but also for your pet.

Extra

You should concern about the comfortable carriage and nice holiday of your animal. Pay attention to the season, since a warm rug and a dog dress might be needed. There’s no doubt that you will not do without a bowl and food/water supply. Find some space in your case to take your doggy’s lovely toys with. If you’re going to take ideal photos of your cute favourite, pack its brush.

Going abroad

In case you’re planning a trip outside your homeland, keep informed about the basic requirements of the entry and the dwelling on the territory of the foreign country. The rules differ and vary, that’s why it’s better to once again specify every detail before your setting-off.

Choosing a hotel, inquire about a possibility to move with a dog. European inns give such opportunity and it’s enough to inform the administration in advance. Staying in a hotel, look after your pet’s behaviour and notify the governess, when leaving the dog in the room for a longer time.

In exotic countries not only a human, but also an animal can catch a dangerous illness. Don’t be lazy to ask your vet about all prophylactic immunizations to avoid serious problems.

On the way

In the event that your pet travels with you from the puppyhood, every trip is a joy for your dog and it gets into its box, each time worrying to be forgotten.

However not all dogs enjoy travelling. Some of them are scared to sit in their carriers, to say nothing of noises and a great number of unfamiliar people in a public transport.

Firstly, it’s necessary to make the travel box a cosy place, spreading a favourite rug and putting a toy there. Give your pet some time to become familiar and to get used to its box.

Before a long journey on your car, let your dog just to sit inside, take it for a short drive. Remember to pet, say nice words and treat the doggy to help it feel safe. A good advice is to give your pet a dog-sedative three days earlier the planned setting-off. It is the stress that provokes travel sickness among dogs.

Please, take into account, that not all dogs endure flights equally, especially long ones. Unfortunately, there are some tragic cases in this practice.

Dogs with flat muzzles (the Bulldog, the Boxer, the Pekinese, the Pug etc.) are forbidden in luggage compartments of airplanes, since they have a biologically laboured respiration that can lead in such situations to overheating of a creature. The Spitz, the Yorkshire, the Toy Terrier and other toy breeds, according to veterinarians, are those dogs, which are prone to stress most of all.

Read also: Russian railway: rules for pet transportation