You're taking your DOG to EUROPE?

Took the dog to Russia (long term) and the Netherlands (for about a week, flying in then car rental), absolutely no issues whatsoever.

Our stay in Holland was too short to come up with any useful observations, but as far as Russia goes, I found a couple of things quite surprising - and generally in a good way. Vet services are top-notch and a fraction of what they cost here; dog owners are generally much better educated about their dogs' needs and the dogs - on average - are better trained; dog shows generally have a much friendlier and fun-centered vibe to them (the vast majority of dogs are owner-handled). Another thing that I found very appealing is that all sorts of dog sports are readily available to the general public - and that includes both the usual bite sports, agility, and obedience and the more obscure (but totally fun) lure coursing, bikejoring, and freestyle dog dancing.

There were also several things that struck me as odd, such as the lack of general "pick up after your dog" culture, lots of strays, and an unusual number of dogs off the leash in "public areas" (such as forests). It is my understanding that to go off the leash, the owners and their dogs need to pass an equivalent of AKC's k9 good citizen test.

You will probably want to check individual requirements by country - some countries may require specific vaccinations or rabies antibodies test, - but generally the protocol is very similar - current rabies vaccination/ab titration test, dog ID (iso-1184 microchip/tattoo), veterinary passport. Also, some countries have restrictions on importation of certain breeds.

As far as I understand, heartworm is not as big of a deal as it is here, but we stuck to our medication regimen just in case. Other vaccinations are generally very similar (DHPPi vs DAPPV).

Overall, it was a lot of fun - and our dog loved it!

PS. Just a reminder (probably an unnecessary one) - not all the countries you listed are currently members of the EU, and I'm not too sure if Montenegro is listed under Annex 2, so if you are re-entering the EU from, say, Montenegro, an antibody titration test will be required.

I imagine you'll be OK because of the mix of countries you mentioned, but just to be sure:

People traveling on US passports are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period inside the countries that make up the Schengen Zone. Do check to be sure your plans won't have you in violation of that rule. Both your arrival day and your departure day count. Leaving the zone does not re-set the counter to zero. On any day you are in a Schengen Zone country, you must not have spent more than 90 days (including the current one) of the last 180 days in the zone.

There were also several things that struck me as odd, such as the lack of general "pick up after your dog" culture, lots of strays, and an unusual number of dogs off the leash in "public areas" (such as forests). It is my understanding that to go off the leash, the owners and their dogs need to pass an equivalent of AKC's k9 good citizen test.

The UK has a good pick up attitude partly helped by the proliferation of dog waste bins however there are always exceptions.

As for the citizen test equivalent, I've never heard of such a thing. I can't speak for anywhere else in Europe but there is certainly no test to pass to enable you to walk a dog off lead. The only rules are those areas where off lead walking is forbidden.

As someone else mentioned, be sure that you're clear on the provisions of the Schengen zone. Exceeding the limits can result in hefty fines and possibly deportation.

For driving in Europe, you'll require the compulsory International Driver's Permit for some countries (ie: Italy, France). You may also want to do some research on the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato zones in Italy. EACH pass through these zones will result in hefty fines, which you won't know about until months after you return home. Some cities (ie: Florence) are almost saturated with automated ZTL cameras, so it's a good idea to not drive there.

You didn't say where you would be renting the car, but if you'll be driving (for example) in Switzerland or Austria, you'll have to ensure that you buy the applicable Highway Tax Vignettes for each country. Especially in Austria, fines can be severe (up to €3000 for unpaid fines). Traffic fines in many places in Europe are payable *on the spot!**

As someone else mentioned, be sure that you're clear on the provisions of the Schengen zone. Exceeding the limits can result in hefty fines and possibly deportation.

For driving in Europe, you'll require the compulsory International Driver's Permit for some countries (ie: Italy, France). You may also want to do some research on the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato zones in Italy. EACH pass through these zones will result in hefty fines, which you won't know about until months after you return home. Some cities (ie: Florence) are almost saturated with automated ZTL cameras, so it's a good idea to not drive there.

You didn't say where you would be renting the car, but if you'll be driving (for example) in Switzerland or Austria, you'll have to ensure that you buy the applicable Highway Tax Vignettes for each country. Especially in Austria, fines can be severe (up to €3000 for unpaid fines). Traffic fines in many places in Europe are payable on the spot!

We travel to Europe with a guide dog. We checked with our vet on what medications to take for the unexpected such as intestinal problems, an allergic reaction to bee stings, etc. We have varied the protein source of her food so we’ve had no problem with giving her a new brand of food bought there. We always have our paperwork in order but once in Europe and crossing borders no one pays attention to it. I have a question for you. Since you will be there for 5 months, and the health certificate from the US is valid only for 4 months, will you be getting an EU pet passport? It was suggested to us to do so since we’ve been traveling so much.

Thanks to all of you who posted in response. I enjoyed reading them all.

I have lived in Europe, in England, France and Switzerland and traveled alot there so I am familiar with the shengen and it's rules but thanks for the heads up anyway.

My hope was that I would hear from a few more folks that actually have taken their dogs with them.

Just a note to those that may be thinking of doing the same. All of the countries I will be in including some of the less traveled by Americans such as Bosnia Hercegovina all accept the EU pet passport and its attendant rules and documentation according to my research.

I would love to hear more from those who have taken their Pooches to Europe.

Thanks

My husband’s guide dog has been to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Italy, France, Switzerland, Vatican City, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, and Canada.

We stayed at an agriturismo outside of Sam Gimignano that she absolutely loved. The dog would lie in the sun in the thick grass without a care in the world. I thought she was going to quit working and become a permanent resident there.

We used points to stay at the JW Marriott resort on its own island across from Venice. Two employees came to our room, one with a dog bed and another with dog bowls. It was quite fun having the special treatment.

Amsterdam was hard work for her with all the cyclists. Her head kept swiveling so she could let my husband know when it was okay to proceed without getting hit.

At the top of the Schilthorn we met so many people because they wanted to know about the guide dog and have their pictures taken with her.

She is a great traveler and adapts very well to the various places she’s been. She is a natural icebreaker which enables us to meet many people on our travels. She is nearing the end of her career. We hope the next guide dog is a good traveler.

I haven't traveled with a dog myself, but I enjoyed reading Maggie's travel blog about her travels to Venice with her keepers, Durant and Cheryl Imboden.

One of the things I have been struggling with is what to do with his Airline crate once I land in Paris. It's too big, bulky and heavy to drag around Europe with us. I guess I will just have to give it away or something and buy a new one for my return trip.

Any ideas out there?

Thanks for the tip on the blog.

Doesn't yours come apart? But I agree, probably still too bulky and cumbersome to lug around.
A new IATA-compliant crate for a medium dog should set you back about a hundred to two hundred euro (for something basic but decent quality like Ferplast Atlas).

I wish there was a good way to connect with someone in Pairs that might need one for a trip about the time I was arriving. I hate the thought of throwing it away. I have thought that I might be able to donate it to a shelter for poor pooches. I guess I need to do even more research....

I was hoping that someone at RS might have some ideas.

You might want to check with this organization that has its headquarters located in Paris, France, http://www.fondationbrigittebardot.fr/nous-contacter Google Translate will translate this page into English if you do not speak French.

If you want to scare someone from the UK or Ireland, say the word 'rabies'.

Both countries have been rabies free for a century. When the EU Pet Passport was introduced every step was checked against Dublin and London's needs.

Tom_MN...Not sure what your comment has to do with me taking my dog to Europe. My dog is not a "Companion Dog" he is just my best friend and he will travel in a crate in the cargo hold. And just a note. When I brought him back to the US from Cambodia he was in his crate for a total of almost 24 hours and he dutifully waited to relieve himself until he was outside the Seattle Terminal after what had been a very very long and scary flight for him.

No, Arthur, I think that was just a side comment.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

My Rottweiler is just not as well behaved as dogs in places like Germany. I wou!d be embarrassed to take her over there. For now, it is a kennel for her.

Thanks for pointing out to me the "side comment" I took it differently. Europe is generally very dog friendly, much more so than the US. So I am not anticipating any major issues but love to read others accounts of their travels with their furry friends.

Thanks again to all who have replied.

Arthur,

I have no dog adventures to share (unfortunately because I am a dog lover!!!) but I do like to help problem solve. Regarding your crate, could you ship it to your final destination and have them hold it for you? I'm not sure how big it is but it might be cheaper than buying a new crate!