Holiday Abroad With Your Dog: What You Need to Know

Thinking about jetting off on a well-deserved holiday but can’t bear to leave your four-legged bestie behind? We get it, who needs a sun lounger when you can have zoomies on the beach? But before you and your pooch pack your bags (and their favourite squeaky toy), there are a few things you need to know about taking your dog abroad. From paperwork to pet food regulations, here’s the Ultimate Grub Clubber’s Guide to travelling overseas with a dog.

Preparing for Your Trip: Essential Paperwork for Taking Your Dog Abroad

Before you start dreaming about European adventures with your pooch, make sure you’ve got your dog’s travel documents in order. Yes, even your pup needs identification at passport control. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Microchipping – A must-have! Your dog needs to be microchipped before they can travel

• Rabies vaccination – This is non-negotiable. Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel

• Animal Health Certificate (AHC) – Since Brexit, pet passports are out and AHCs are in. You’ll need one of these from your vet for each trip

• Tapeworm treatment – If you’re heading to certain countries (like Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta), your dog will need a tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before you go and this will need to be documented

If you travel without some of these you could be turned away or your pet could be quarantined – Yikes!

Understanding EU Pet Travel Regulations from the UK

Post-Brexit, pet travel from the UK to the EU is a little different than it used to be so here’s what you now need to know:

• Pet Passports – UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid. A pet passport can only be issued in one of the following places: an EU country, Andorra, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Northern Ireland, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City State. If you don’t/can’t get one from here or if it is rejected you will need an animal health certificate

• Animal Health Certificates – If travelling from the UK you will need this certificate. You can get one from your vet no more than 10 days before you travel and you will need to have proof that they are up to date with all of their vaccinations including rabies

• Border checks – Expect to have your dog’s microchip and paperwork checked at the border

*For more information on all of this, visit the Gov UK website

Bottom line? Do your research and plan ahead! Vets get booked up, and you don’t want to be stuck at home while your dog’s Instagram followers miss out on beach snaps (yes, we know they have one!!)

Packing Essentials for Your Dog’s International Holiday

Packing for a dog is no different than packing for your kid – you definitely don’t want to leave behind anything important, but you also don’t want to end up carrying their entire toy collection! Here’s what you won’t want to be without:

• Enough food for the journey and your stay if you can’t purchase it out there (stay tuned for more on food allowances below)

• A collapsible water bowl (hydration is key!)

• Their favourite bed or blanket for comfort

• Travel-friendly toys (because a bored dog is a mischievous dog)

• Brush/comb depending on the breed

• Collar with name/information tag, lead, harness, muzzle etc if required

• Medications and flea/tick treatments

• Poop bags (because manners matter, even abroad!)

Pet Food Regulations When Travelling Abroad

Here’s where things get a little tricky. The EU has strict rules about what pet food can be brought into the region so if you’re travelling with dog food from the UK:

• You CANNOT bring meat-based pet food – That means no kibble or wet food containing meat or dairy

• You CAN bring plant-based or insect-based dog food – As long as it meets EU regulations i.e. it is a commercially produced, packaged product that does not contain any other prohibited animal ingredients

• Stock up/order before you go – If your dog is picky, research pet food options at your destination to avoid last-minute tummy rumbles

Bringing Insect-Based Dog Food to the EU: What You Need to Know

Insect-based dog food is becoming all the rage (which we love!) and if your dog is on board with the hypoallergenic bug diet, you might be in luck when it comes to travel rules. Insect protein is generally permitted under EU pet food regulations, but always closely check the ingredient list before packing it in your suitcase, you don’t want your dog carted off for food smuggling!! If you are already in the Grub Club, you will be A-OK to travel, if you’re not, maybe this is the time to switch!

Keeping Your Dog Safe and Comfortable During the Trip

Travel can be stressful for some dogs, so make it as easy as possible by:

• Planning rest stops – If travelling by car, factor in toilet breaks and leg stretches

• Keeping them hydrated – Dehydration is a no-go for a happy holiday. Have your collapsible bowl handy at all times

• Helping them stay calm – A familiar blanket or a natural calming remedy can work wonders if they get a little stressed when travelling. If you are concerned that their anxiety may escalate during travel, speak to your vet about medication options

• Securing them safely – Whether in a carrier or a harness, safety first!

Dealing with Emergencies While Travelling with Your Dog

No one likes to think about emergencies whilst on holiday, but it’s better to be prepared:

• Find out where the nearest vet is at your destination and make a note of their number

• Check your pet insurance coverage for international travel

• Carry a basic first-aid kit. This should include items such as gauze, bandages, saline, medical tape, scissors, tweezers, disposable medical gloves, antiseptic spray/ointment, foil blanket, antihistamines and a thermometer

Returning to the UK with Your Dog: What You Should Know

Heading home? Here’s what you need to do before crossing the border:

• Tapeworm treatment (if required) – If you’ve been to Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta, your dog will need a vet-administered tapeworm treatment before re-entry. This must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before arriving back in the UK

• Ensure all paperwork is in order – A missing document could mean a longer delay at the border

• Prepare for checks – Your dog’s microchip and health documents will be inspected on arrival

Ready for Takeoff?

Travelling abroad with your dog takes a little extra planning, but it’s absolutely worth it, who doesn’t want to make memories with their best friend? With the right paperwork, packing list, and a few treats in your pocket, you and your pup will be all set for a stress-free, tail-wagging adventure. Happy travels!

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