EU Travel Update

EU Countries & Multiple Dogs

Until recently, transporting multiple dogs internationally could be tricky and expensive if a European Union member country was the destination. However, owners of more than 5 dogs (and accepted pets in general), are now able to enter an EU member country with all of their pets, provided they can prove they’re headed for a show or exhibition.

A story from National Geographic details other pet travel circumstances to take into consideration that are destination-specific. For instance, importing pets into Korea will require the owner to have a health certificate issued in either English or Korean, only.

An important highlight: a pet travelling to an EU member country must have their microchip implanted before they receive their vaccination. Reversing this order is a common mistake among owners with pets bound for an EU country.

Pets Arriving Safely At Their Destination

It’s important for pet owners to take two major steps to ensure that their pets travel safely to another country.

Firstly, pet owners must make sure that all of their travel paperwork is completely accurate, and that all airline-specific and destination-specific requirements have been met. Even if a veterinarian or trainer advises that your documentation is perfect, make sure that you have done adequate research or retained the services of a professional relocation company. Veterinarians have never had to be aware of or monitor travel requirements for pets as a part of their training.

Secondly, rehearse the travel experience with your pet through crate acclimation and travel simulation. A crate that is being seen for the first time by your pet on the day of travel will cause it significant stress.  One study indicates that pets in transit experience the same relative stress for car travel versus air travel. What’s interesting to note is the timing of this peak stress: handling prior to take-off up until take-off had completed, and stress measured during landing up until post-arrival handling had completed. Pets had baseline stress responses during the actual flight or car ride. If you simulate and rehearse this experience, you'll greatly reduce the stress your pet feels during relocation.

The study was originally designed to test for possible benefits of a medicine during flight (the results proved there were no effects). Premier Pet Relocation will not ship a pet that has been sedated. You should never medicate a pet prior to travel with the intent of sedating your pet.

Much like with proper training techniques, relocating your pet requires both specific knowledge and rehearsal. If your pet’s paperwork and records satisfy all of the airline and destination requirements, then make sure to integrate your pet’s travel crate and experience into their life periodically until the travel day. These elements make for a successful, stress-free pet move.