Transporting your dog safely and comfortably by land, both domestically and internationally, is a key part of planning a trip with our four-legged friend. This requires not only proper preparation and an understanding of our pet's needs, but also knowledge of the legislation governing pet transport. In this article, we will discuss the important issues involved in transporting dogs by car, including choosing the right equipment, acclimatisation techniques, as well as the necessary documents and formalities when crossing borders.
Transporting your dog by car can be both an exciting and stressful experience for your pet. Here are detailed tips on how to properly prepare your dog for overland travel:
Acclimatisation: If your dog is not used to driving, start with short rides, gradually increasing the length of the journey. This will allow your pet to acclimatise and reduce the potential stress of driving.
Safety: your dog should be transported safely in the car. This can be done with special dog seat belts that fit into the regular car seat belts, or with carriers or cages. Make sure the method you choose is suitable for the size and breed of your dog.
Comfort: Provide a comfortable place for your dog to sit or lie down. You can lay out a blanket or mat to make your dog more comfortable. Remember to take regular breaks where your dog can move around and take care of its needs.
Water and food: Remember to take water and a bowl with you for your dog. Some dogs may react badly to riding on a full stomach, so it is better to avoid feeding your dog 2-3 hours before the journey. Feed him small portions of food during the journey.
Toys and treats: Take your dog's favourite toys and treats with you to distract and occupy him during the journey.
Health and medication: It is a good idea to consult your vet before a long journey. If your dog is prone to motion sickness, your vet can prescribe appropriate medication. Remember to take any necessary medication with you for your dog.
Documents: If you are travelling abroad with your dog, make sure you have all the necessary documents such as a pet passport, proof of vaccinations and a health certificate.
Travelling with your dog can be a great experience for both parties if properly planned and thought out. Remember that your dog's safety and comfort is paramount.
Your dog must be transported in a ventilated car, with access to drink and food.
If you have a small dog, it is best to place it in a cage, a carrier. It is important to place it in a safe place and make sure that it will not move when braking sharply or in case of an accident.
A water drinker can also be placed in the carrier. It is best to additionally secure the cage with safety belts. If you do not want the dog to be transported in a cage, you can fasten it in a car with special safety belts which protect the dog while driving.
The puppy can be transported either in a cardboard box, in a carrier or on a seat covered with absorbent mats. The carrier should fit comfortably on the floor next to the driver's seat.
Large and medium-sized dogs should have their own place in the car. It is possible, for example, to transport them on the sofa next to the driver in a minibus. Larger dogs in cars may be transported either in the boot of an estate car or on the back seat, which should first be covered with a blanket or other protective material. The safest, but not the most pleasant option for the dog is to be transported in a container.
Carriers may require large and aggressive dogs to be muzzled in addition to the crate.
Companies specialising in pet transport often offer that the transport includes a driver and a handler to ensure the safety and comfort of the journey.
This is something to bear in mind:
Water for your dog even during the shortest journey. Stops should be made every 2-3 hours.
Prices:
The cost of transporting a dog depends, among other things, on the size of the dog, the type of car in which it is to be transported and whether we are commissioning a special transport or looking for a carrier who will transport our pet on occasion.
Transporting your dog abroad requires them to have a microchip (a tattoo is still sufficient in some countries). The microchip must comply with ISO standard 11784, so that the name and address of the dog's owner can be determined with a reader that complies with ISO standard 11785. Since 2012, transponders, i.e. passive radio frequency identification devices, have been used as a form of identification.
In addition, dogs must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination is valid 21 days after it has been carried out in the case of the first vaccination in a dog over three months old. For subsequent vaccinations carried out regularly every year, the vaccination becomes valid on the day of administration. The date of vaccination must not be earlier than the date of insertion of the dog's microchip.
The dog must additionally be in possession of a passport issued by an authorised veterinarian with certified rabies vaccination. You can find lists of doctors authorised to issue pet passports in each country online.
UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta: In addition, the dog must be dewormed and treated against ticks 48 - 120 hours before departure. Tapeworm prophylaxis is obligatory for dogs and should be carried out before the date of their intended entry into these countries.
Here are the 10 most popular dog breeds in the world, with a brief description of each:
Labrador Retriever: These are extremely sociable, intelligent and gentle dogs. They make excellent family dogs and are great as guide dogs.
Golden Retriever: They are known for being extremely devoted and patient, making them excellent dogs for children. They are also often used as therapy dogs.
Beagles: These are small, friendly dogs with large ears and a distinctive voice. They are known for their extraordinary sense of smell.
English Bulldog: These dogs are charming, gentle and extremely sociable. Despite their menacing appearance, they are very calm and friendly.
Yorkshire Terrier: Small, energetic and confident dogs that have a lot of character despite their small size. Their long, silky fur requires regular grooming.
Poodle (Poodle): Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature and toy. They are intelligent, elegant and do well in a variety of canine sports.
Rottweiler: These are strong and confident dogs that, with the right training, can be excellent family dogs. They are loyal and protective.
Dalmatian: These dogs are easily recognisable by their white fur with black or brown spots. They are energetic, friendly and require lots of exercise.
German Shepherd: These dogs are extremely intelligent, versatile and easy to train. They are often used as police, rescue and military dogs.
Siberian Husky: These are beautiful dogs known for their blue or multicoloured eyes and wolf-like appearance. They are friendly but have a lot of energy and require a lot of exercise.
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