The Viking Travel Blog

  Traveling Abroad with Pets this Summer?

If the idea of visiting Paris with Fifi or Venice with Gianni (we're talking cats and dogs here) seems appealing, then you are not alone. Millions of people successfully travel internationally with their pets each year.  

Family pets are often a big part of the family, and sometimes it's hard to leave them behind when you travel.  With these simple tips, pets won't have to miss out on one fun moment of a family's big vacation.

1. Work with a professional travel consultant to ensure that you and your pet have a safe and enjoyable trip and to find out what accommodations are pet friendly. Travel consultants know the right questions to ask and where to find the answers, which means that your pet can be the perfect addition to a perfect vacation.
   
2. Make sure your pet is physically able to travel. If the pet is older, if it is very young and not well trained yet, or if it has been sick or at the vet a lot, reconsider your position. Your dog or cat may be better off in familiar surroundings with a loving pet sitter than on unfamiliar turf at this time.
   
3. Visit your veterinarian. In the case of traveling abroad, make sure you and your vet know what documents are necessary for ease of entry into another country, particularly a European country. To purchase forms for over 80 countries, CLICK HERE.  Make sure that your pet has his vaccination and rabies records up to date, the information is not more than 10 days old and that you have two or three copies of this record with you. Also, have your vet micro chip your dog or cat. And be sure to take a photo along...just in case.
   
4. Keep the phone number of the vet with you. Find out from your veterinarian information on medications for motion sickness, tranquilizers and any health dangers in that area, such as tick, heartworm or flea infestations. 
   
5. Purchase an appropriate carrier for your pet, depending on its size and how you will travel. Several airlines have approved the Sherpa pet carrier for in-cabin traveling with small pets. Spend several weeks getting your pet used to the carrier or crate in short intervals before embarking on the pet vacation.
   
6. Pack a relaxed attitude. This is supposed to be fun for your family and your pet.