Thinking about taking your dog on a European adventure? You’re not alone! At Pet Home Goods, we know how important it is to include your furry companion in life’s biggest journeys. Whether you’re planning a short vacation or an extended stay abroad, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to travel to Europe with your dog—stress-free and fully prepared.
🐩 Meet Pumpkin: Our Travel Inspiration
When we decided to spend three months in Italy, leaving our toy poodle, Pumpkin, behind was never an option. Adopted in 2020 from the Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Pumpkin came all the way from China and quickly became part of our family. Her story is a testament to resilience and love (read more here).
🧳 Traveling with Pets: What You Need to Know
Bringing a dog to Europe involves more than just booking a flight. From health certificates to airline policies, here’s a checklist to help you prepare:
✅ Essential Pre-Travel Steps
- Microchip Your Dog: A microchip is mandatory for international travel.
- Update Vaccinations: Ensure vaccines are valid for at least 3–6 months beyond your return date.
- Start Early: Begin planning months in advance—rules change frequently.
- Plan Your Route: Direct flights are easier on pets. Avoid layovers when possible.
- Research Airlines: Each airline has different pet policies and fees. We flew with ITA Airways and paid $225 round trip.
- Call to Confirm: After booking, notify the airline that you’re traveling with a pet. Use this airline contact list.
🐕 Airline Tips
- Pets under a certain weight may travel in-cabin. Check your airline’s weight limits.
- Book seats early and confirm pet accommodations.
- Use this seat guide to compare airline policies.
- Call the Airline Directly
- After booking, it’s essential to call the airline and confirm they’ve noted your pet on the reservation.
- You can find airline contact numbers at TollFreeAirline.com 1.
- Watch Your Dog’s Weight
If your dog is close to the maximum allowed weight, monitor it carefully. Airlines may weigh your dog at the airport
🌍 Country-Specific Rules
- EU Countries: Follow the EU pet travel regulations.
- Non-EU Countries: Places like the UK or Switzerland may have additional requirements—research thoroughly.
📄 Paperwork & Timing
- Download the Pet Health Certificate: Get it here.
- Vet Submission: Your vet must send the paperwork to the USDA within 3 days of departure.
- EU Pet Passport: For stays longer than 3 months, apply for a pet passport from a local vet in your destination country.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Traveling with your dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences. With the right preparation, your pup can enjoy piazzas, flower markets, and cozy cafés just like Pumpkin did in Rome. From paperwork to paw prints, we’re here to help you make every journey unforgettable.