Traveling in Europe with my dog

Are you really going to put the dog in the baggage hold on transatlantic flights? Check on quaratine regulations, vaccinations, etc., both entering France and Switzerland and returning to the U.S. Also check with each hotel. Some hotels permit pets but don't permit you to leave them unattended in the room. If you have to pop in at a drugstore or supermarket, will you leave the dog tied up outside? Car rental agencies may have a restriction on pets too.

While Europe in general is very dog-friendly and there are many dogs there, the regs re bringing in a dog from elsewhere are usually very strict- to protect THEIR dogs. Quarantine is often 90 to 180 days, tho things may be more relaxed sometimes. Check those quarantine regs online and pay attention to country requirements for rabies shots and certificates and other needs. Good Luck

No idea what the exact regulations are for France or Switzerland, but when my friend was making a permanent move overseas to the UK, it took her well over 6 months to get the appropriate paperwork and shots to bring her dogs. Look into what is required sooner rather than later if that's what you really want to do, but long overseas flights are very hard on the majority of animals (especially ones that are too large to fit in the cabin). By the time you get everything in order, you may find it costs the same to just hire a pet sitter if you can't find a relative or friend willing to take your dog for a few months.

I haven't taken a trip with her to France or Switzerland yet, but I generally have not experienced any trouble finding hotels that allow dogs in Germany, Austria, Belgium or the Netherlands. At most, I may not get my first pick. Dogs are usually welcome in all but the most fancy restaurants. I find that many even bring out a bowl of water for the dog. Hiking- there's no better way to hike through Europe than with your dog! When hiking, I usually let mine walk off the leash, but it's common courtesy to put the leash back when other people are approaching. Finally... I have found that having a friendly dog is probably the best way to meet people over here.

I have made 6 trips to Europe with my dachshund - quarantine in the EU was never required - only a health certificate from the vet.

Peggy, is your Lab a guide dog? That would definitely make a difference.

The cruise ship Queen Mary 2 has some canine kennels, assume below passenger decks, for transatlantic crossings and is perhaps a more humane but longer option for transport to Europe. See seat61 website for more information.

We are traveling both ways on the Queen Mary 2. I wouldn't take her if she had to go as baggage. I've visited the kennels on board and talked to the dog owners who have all been very pleased on behalf of their dogs.

We - my husband and I - will be in Europe for nearly 3 months, so the idea of leaving her home just doesn't appeal. The quarters on the QM2 are on Deck 12 - owners tell me dogs do not get seasick. Good news.
It also appears that as of January 1, 2012, the regulations regarding travel with dogs will be relaxed even further. As she is already microchipped and has had a rabies vaccine, the only items left are a blood titre to demonstrate that the vaccine "took", a flea and tick treatment the day before embarkation, and a certificate of good health from our vet. My main concerns are whether or not she will be able to accompany us on funiculars and boats and hikes in the hills, etc. I have found even here in Ohio that walking about with a friendly dog is the best way to meet new people.

On funiculars, boats, cable cars, and most if not all trains a muzzle might be required, and you may have to pay an extra fare. Schatz was such a regular passenger on the lake ferry in Hallstatt he got to sit up front! One word of caution - my dog was constantly hunting for ducks and swans in any body of water and it got to be a pain. And swans can be aggressive. He loves hiking, but he's always on-leash in town or busy places. And picking up poop is of course mandatory.

"And picking up poop is of course mandatory." Some people seem to believe it's optional >:(

Unfortunately true. Those people give dog owners a bad rep.

"... she is already microchipped ... " As so often, the devil is in the details: European authorities expect an ISO compliant chip, and in America in most common standard is FECAVA (but newer ones can often work with ISO too). Look at your documentation or ask the vet to make sure your dog has the right (ISO) type of microchip.

Thanks for the heads up. We know she has an 11 digit # on her microchip, but even the HomeAgain folks have been unable to tell me if it ISO compliant. Do you know if taking along our own chip reader will suffice?

My dog has the Home Again chip he got 8 years ago and it has never been questioned. The number will be on the Certificate of Health, which must be in the language of the country you entering ie., France = French. If your vet is not familiar with the procedure for processing the certificate, find one who is. It needs to be done within 10 days of departure (in Illinois) and is sent to the department of agriculture where your dog is designated livestock for exportation and then sent back to the vet. You will have to pay for overnight delivery. It is important to have all this paperwork in order, but at the airport, they usually just give it a cursory glance, looking mainly for vaccinations. Don't know what will happen going by boat. But no one has EVER asked me any penetrating questions about his micro - chip.

I can only speak to Switzerland, but the news is good. Dogs are allowed on trains, large cable cars, etc. But you must buy a ticket. It costs the same as a child ticket. I don't know about muzzles; I have seen Bernese Mountain Dogs on the cable car up to Mürren with no muzzle. Lots of hotels. Particularly in the mountain villages, welcome dogs. You will see the price for dogs listed with the room rates. Seems likemit is generallynaround 10 CHf per night, maybe more if they provide food. As for restaurants, well-behaved dogs that lie quietlybunder the tBle are welcome many places. Just ask. And train your dog to sty under the table before you go. (Our Labrador just naturally did this when we took her to a dog-friendly restaurant in Portland, OR, much to our surprise as she is very social and normally wants to wag and greet everyone around her.) For hiking, be sure to keep your dog leashed. Not fun, I know, but if she were to chase cows or otherwise misbehave it would not be good.

Regarding muzzles on public transportation (the caveat being that I can only speak for the countries where I have experience with this, ie, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands), I have found the "official" policy often differs from what actually happens. In these countries, dogs over a certain size are supposed to be muzzled on trains. However, whether or not the conductors enforce this policy tends to be more based on the individual dog's temperment. If your dog is of the happy-friendly or the quiet-lazy type, they will likely waive the muzzle requirement. You mentioned you have a Lab, so I'm guessing that will likely be the case. If your furry friend has a guard dog type personality, though, you may as well just apply the muzzle. PS- First time I brought our Toller on Deutsche Bahn, I put on the muzzle. She looked so sad and pathetic that the conductor said "Oh, please, take off the muzzle!"

Maybe it's only Austria where muzzles are required. I was shocked when I was told to put a muzzle on my 13 pound mini-Dachshund, otherwise they wouldn't let us board the bus, so I tied a bandanna around his nose. The next day I went to a yarn shop and then crocheted a muzzle. It might be a good idea to at least have one with you just in case.

Peggy, when walking your dog in the forests, be sure to check her later for ticks. Our dog was covered with them when we were camping outside of Heidelberg. Just be sure to have your tweezers and matches available. Our dog sometimes ate better than we did in restaurants. The owners would bring her a big bowl of leftovers. She was always welcome inside. She was also able to ride on the street cars. We did have a hard time finding a pension that allowed dogs. Hope you can take your dog. Enjoy your trip!

Thank you for all of the input, information and feedback! It's such a relief hearing from folks who have actually traveled in Europe with their best friends and have lived to tell the tale. I have read that planning for a trip is often the most fun - since I have started planning a full year early I am already enjoying this and hopefully the important things will all work out and we'll all have a good time in Europe.