How To Travel With Your Dog in Europe?

What do I need so I can travel with my dog? This dog blog is dedicated to provide the best information about the rules & laws of travelling with dogs in Europe.

Transporting a dog safely in the car can be done on the passenger seat, on the back seat or in the boot of the car. The most important thing is that you yourself, the dog and other road users are safe. Think of dogs loose in the car, which can cause the dog to be seriously injured. With the right safety elements, you can prevent extreme accidents and dangerous situations.

General Rules of Transportation By Dogs in Europe

If you’re travelling to the EU, your dog will need to be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies and an EU health certificate completed. Sometimes, a rabies titre test will be required, or your dog may need a worming treatment. For other countries in Europe, generally similar requirements apply, but they can differ.

The following general rules apply for transporting pets in the EU:

• Mandatory travel document and for your dog: An EU passport is mandatory for your pet to travel in Europe. You can easily obtain a dog passport from your vet for €2.70. The pet passport is compulsory and includes a description of your pet, microchip codes, rabies vaccination details, and necessary contact details;
• Rabies vaccinations: all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before departure;
• Medical documents and contact information: sedative medication for car sickness or stress, other medications and your vet's phone number or any contact information for other emergencies on the dog's collar;

We have collected some information on the rules in Europe, but we always recommend doing additional research yourself for up-to-date information.

Travelling With Dogs in Europe Countries

Read more: 29 Must-Follow Tips | How to Transport a Dog in a Car?

How Long Can a Dog Sit in The Car?

The length of time that a dog can safely travel in a car depends on several factors, including the age, size, and health of the dog, as well as the weather and road conditions.

In general, it is best to take breaks and allow your dog to rest and stretch their legs every few hours during long car trips. This will help prevent fatigue and discomfort for your dog. Make sure to bring plenty of water and to offer your dog water breaks during the trip. It is also a good idea to pack some of your dog's favorite toys and treats to help keep them entertained during the trip.

Law & Rules of Travelling in the Car With a Dog

Is it compulsory to secure a dog in the car? It is not compulsory in the Netherlands and Belgium to secure your dog in the car. There are no clear rules or legislation for transporting your dog. However, dog owners are expected to be able to assess dangerous situations themselves. You can also be fined if a dangerous situation arises because of the dog. How high is the fine if the dog is loose in the car Anyone who does not follow the rules and is caught will be fined 50 euros.

Read more: Ugly Truth About Car Sickness By Dogs

Pet Travel Documents For Dogs

Can my dog come with me on holiday? On holiday within and outside the European Union (EU), your dog needs an animal passport. Your pet must also have a chip. You can get this through your vet. Ferrets must also have an animal passport and a chip if you are taking them on holiday.

How do I get a dog passport? And what does a dog passport cost?

• Your pet needs an EU passport. The Dutch version is issued by the vet. Then you have to apply for a European pet passport. You get that passport from an official veterinarian. For other pets, a health certificate from your vet is often sufficient. Quite simply, you can ask your vet for a pet passport. Almost all vets issue an NDG pet passport. This will cost you just €2.70.
• All dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before departure. The vet must note this in the passport. A rabies vaccination is valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine used. You can get information on this through your vet.
• Rabies vaccination of animals younger than 12 weeks is not useful and not valid. To come to the Netherlands, the dog or cat must be at least 15 weeks old. Different requirements apply for some Member States. Information on this can be obtained from the embassy of the country concerned.
• For some countries such as, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Finland (and the UK), a treatment against tapeworms by the veterinarian is mandatory for dogs. For more information on worm treatment for these 5 countries, please contact your own vet.

Luxury Dog Car Seat

L'élianne ® designer dog car seat is original, exclusive & innovative designed for any car-adventure. Our iconic dog travel bed provides the best protection, comfort, and support during dangerous & unsafe situations.

The dog booster seat is a must-have to instantly master anxiety, stress or car sickness. The elevated seat provides a breathtaking view of the outside world. L'élianne ® strives for a future where dogs no longer have to feel such problems.

The luxury dog booster car seat functions as an airbag effect during sharp turns, hard brakes & high bumps. By recreating the comforts of your home for small to medium-sized dogs into the car.

Medication Motion Sickness By Dogs

If nothing else, there are remedies for your dog to relax. A remedy for your dog that works well and has been scientifically proven to work is: Cerenia. It is an anti-vomiting agent for your dog when travelling. Do not use on dogs younger than 16 weeks.

This remedy is available from your vet. This new remedy does not cause drowsiness and works for 24 hours. Administer at least 1 hour in advance, when leaving early in the morning it can be administered the evening before. More natural remedies: Adaptil tablets, the Calmasure chewable tablets and Vet-concept's Relax Liquid, which is widely used in Germany.

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