Traveling in Europe with a dog

Thanks for the helpful info, not so much the diatribe.

In theory as long as you have the right papers and other documentation it is possible to bring your dog into continental Europe (the UK is much stricter). But IMO it would be a huge hassle and very stressful for the dog. Also, one missing piece of documentation could put your pet into quarantine for several months. It's best to leave you dog with friends or a kennel.

I think that would be an awful thing to do to a dog! How comfortable would it be jammed under an airplane seat in a carrier for 8+ hours with nowhere to relieve itself en route? Not to mention the comfort of fellow (human) passengers. I'm a dog lover, but would never consider taking one on such a trip.

Travelling with a Pet presents unique challenges. Some Airlines have banned them from the Cabin altogether. (Service dogs are an exception.)
It's always fun operating a flight with a pet on board. Lots of complaints...everything from allergies, phobias and accusations of fleas! I've witnessed more than a few arguements break out. I've even witnessed a Fido make a date with their seatmates legs...repeatedly!

The hold is no place for a Pet either. When we bring the Trolly up on the elevator we often hear them howling and we can't do much to comfort them. As a Pet lover, it toubles me. I'd only subject my Fur Kids to that if I absolutely had to like if I was moving permanently.

I'm not sure how welcome your Dog would be in general. I guess it would vary depending on the policies whever you are staying.
There are also other things to consider. When I'm in Portugal I see stray dogs all the time. Some of them are sick or wounded and can be viscious. I would hate to see your dog attacked by one of these more or less wild dogs. Not all cultures invite Dogs into their homes as we do in North America.
I have seen dogs in restaurants and I don't think having them there is considered to be a health violation. But I wonder if some of the dogs I've seen were owned by the people who lived at and owned the restaurant. I often have dined at one place with their dog next to me. He was "my dog away from my dog".

I know if you leave him or her at home you'll miss them terribly. It's tough. Leaving them with Family at home or at least someone you actually know makes a huge difference.
It's like leaving your family behind!

In France I know dogs can go most places, not the super nice restaurants( hey they don't even really want kids either, LOL ) and many hotels do accept them, BUT,

I think the torture and risk one takes when flying a dog inter-continentally is horrible. The dogs HATE it, and some do die or injure themselves. I would never do it unless the dog could fly with me in the cabin( and then , yes,where do they pee?) or if I was moving permanently.

I would rahter fly with a dog in the cabin next to me then a baby, and yes, I like babies too! LOL

Susan,

There are currently two US Carriers that will allow pets in cabin for International flights - Continental and Delta.

With that said, I fly with my cat to and from the US. Documentation is the key as well as specific micro-chipping. The EU has specific regulations. It is not as difficult to get an animal in and out of the UK as it once was as well. There is a new system - a pet passport - that you can have arranged.

The micro-chipping is very specific - the rule is if your chip does not meet the EU standards you must bring your own reader. Ouch.

As for reception. I can speak for Paris and France specifically. Anyone with a dog usually gets a seat on the metro before an old lady. Typically in Europe animals are more tolerated - such as France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland because to have a pet is costly.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm

Also try each countries embassy info - Enjoy

One more thought as well

Check with your veterinarian - when I travel long haul - my cat takes a little anit-anxiety meds.

Greetings
Animals are tolerated in many more places here - I see dogs on the Scottish buses frequently. And they're usually better behaved than most humans.

But - it is a huge hassle to bring a dog over unless you are moving to Europe. You have to plan more than 6 months in advance due to vaccination/titre, you have to fly on certain airlines to specific cities. And then fulfill the requirements for each country. In addition to getting the correct kind of micro-chip - not all the ones used in US can be read by European scanners.

Details here: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm

So don't take people's comments the wrong way - your question is valid, but given the regulations it's really not fair to you or your pet to bring it along on a vacation. They'll be much happier at home with a dog-sitter or in their favorite kennel.

Also, remember that if you are coming to the UK - though rules are relaxing - the dog would count as your only carry on item.

Kate

I was in Berlin and Vienna a couple of months ago and dogs were allowed on public transport. Not sure about the restaurants.

Just finished reading a book called "Ella in Europe", by Michael Konik, about a fellow who takes his 75 lb., incredibly well-behaved mixed breed to France, Germany and Italy, among other places. It's a fun read, and the author finds that Europeans are much more broad-minded than Americans about dogs using public transport, staying in hotels and going to restaurants. I recommend it (the book). Chances are most Europeans will love your dog.

I haven't had any trouble getting my dog into restaurants in France, Switzerland or Belgium. In the UK you kind of have to stick to outdoor seating or pubs. If you google "dog friendly UK" some good site come up - like the London Dog Forum Contact me if you need more info. I travel with my dog at least a few times a month.

Ah, that explains it...I wasn't paying any attention to the dates. I don't know about making money from blogging, but I'm sure the whole thing actually satisfies some psychological need by communicating lots of stuff to total strangers who may or may not care. I don't mean to offend bloggers, but does anyone really care what you have to say? Maybe they do, so that makes blogging okay...I don't know. I found a cartoon similar to those you would see in The New Yorker...two dogs talking to one another, and one says: "I had my own blog for a while, but I decided to go back to just pointless, incessant barking."

Good lord, I can't believe there are so many people who can't part with their dog for a couple of weeks. There are several posts all over the Helpline regarding this same topic. Doesn't anyone want to take their cat to Europe?

Michael, Rachel from Stockholm resurrected every old thread she could find (this one is 5 years old) to get people to read her blog. Totally against the helpline rules. Anyway, not to worry. These are all old posts.

I am clueless about blogs and why people so badly want others to read them. Is there a financial gain involved? I mean does the blogger make some money for every time someone clicks on? Signed: Blogless in Montreal

I think some bloggers do make money. Not sure exactly how. Maybe ads that people can click on?? I did a blog during my trip last fall for a few family and friends to follow along. I must have done something wrong... I made no money off it! :-)