There’s nothing so grounding and freeing at the same time as traveling, and now, more people are doing so with their best friends: their pets.
More acceptance of pets as travel companions has helped normalize what many once thought of as a traveling decision for only the most devoted pet parents.
This greater acceptance has created a more accessible means of going on vacation with your pet. It’s now increasingly popular for visitors to bring their animals to backpack across Europe or even check into old European lodgings.
But before that, make sure you have all the kit your furry friend will need for a good holiday.
What Travel Kit Does My Pet Need?
Once you have packed your suitcases, think about what your pet may need for a comfortable journey and a stay at your holiday destination.
You will be surprised at how you can use things from around the home to double up for your holiday and save extra expenses for you and your pet.
Some of the best golf accessories like visors, caps, towels, and umbrellas can be useful on an outdoor excursion holiday.
It’s essential always to be able to provide portable shade, and an excellent way to do this is with a golfing umbrella, which can be helpful for you, too, in wet weather.
You will need a small portable bed that may be kept in a cage or your check-in baggage. This acts as a reference point for your pet when you sleep in unfamiliar areas. It is also best to get them used to this before you travel, so it has their scent.
Always take spare harnesses and collars in case of breakages, and make sure your pet carries clear identification with your contact details.
Portable food and water bowls are an excellent idea for when you have arrived at your destination and are out and about.
Travel Requirements and Documentation for Your Pet in Europe
Loosely called pet passports, sometimes it is necessary to provide documentary certification if you travel with your pet from the USA to Europe.
Your pet will need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. The microchip needs to be ISO compliant. If your pet is getting its rabies vaccination for the first time, this needs to happen at least 21 days before arriving in Europe.
In addition to this, your pet will need an EU Animal Health Certificate for your destination country, produced by an accredited veterinarian within ten days of your arrival in Europe. It also needs to be certified by a USDA APHIS Veterinary Service endorsement office.
You can use the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) to submit this paperwork, or you can send the documents to the USDA Endorsement Office for your state. Use a tracking service, and there will be a fee to pay of around $40.
Conclusion
If you have never traveled to Europe with your pet before, then speak to your veterinarian well ahead of your proposed trip for advice and guidance. It is always worth talking to other pet owners who have done this too. They will have experience and are bound to be able to share some valuable pointers with you – pun definitely intended!