Dog passports/ taking dogs abroad

[R TOY]

We usually take our Gsd on hols with us when we go off in the motorhome but Mrs Toy has decreed that we are going to France this June instead of blighty and i'm not sure wether its a good idea to take the dog or not.
He travels fine and really enjoys trips but it will seem strange taking him to foreign parts.
Local vet say they can give him vaccinations and issue his pasport to travel but not sure how the procedure is at ports etc.
Anyone take dogs abroad or know of problems etc
Dave.

[PoleDriver]

Either use the tunnel or pick your ferry carefully! Most (all?) of the ferries make you leave the dog in your car, strange noises, strange smells and no mum and dad makes for a very worried pooch.
Make sure that the vet you use abroad fills in the paperwork correctly, I took one abroad three years ago and the vet filled in the date of his inspection but not the time, luckily the guy at the ferry had to look away for a moment!

Also check the foreign rules for dangerous dogs. we took a Rottie and got a bking from le Plod at Calais on the way home because he wasn't muzzled!

[bexVN]

Also be warned that Rabies shouldn't be your main concern. Check the other diseases your dog is at risk of first.

Edited by bexVN on Monday 2nd April 07:29

[kVA]

Much easier now - I do it several times a year with 3 or more dogs: New rules as of Jan 1st 2012 - rabies vaccination done (dog has to be microchipped first) and then 21 days later he/she can come back into the UK. All you need to do abroad is have a vet administer tapeworm treatment and sign the passport, between 1-5 days before you cross the border back into the UK. Easy-peazy...

Also, if you use Eurotunnel, the dog stays with you in the car and doesn't even know they're abroad (it just went dark twice that day - and even that's only if you travel during the more expensive daytime!)

If you are into saving money (and your dog really DOES enjoy travelling, go out via Sealink and come back via P&O, then you only have to pay one-way for the dog

[BOR]

PoleDriver said:

Make sure that the vet you use abroad fills in the paperwork correctly, I took one abroad three years ago and the vet filled in the date of his inspection but not the time, luckily the guy at the ferry had to look away for a moment!

We watched exactly this go badly wrong for the people in the queue in front of us at Calais,last friday night. Time not filled in, access denied, travel postponed until the following day(hopefully).

Doublecheck your paperwork.

[JCW]

kVA said:

Much easier now - I do it several times a year with 3 or more dogs: New rules as of Jan 1st 2012 - rabies vaccination done (dog has to be microchipped first) and then 21 days later he/she can come back into the UK. All you need to do abroad is have a vet administer tapeworm treatment and sign the passport, between 1-5 days before you cross the border back into the UK. Easy-peazy...

Also, if you use Eurotunnel, the dog stays with you in the car and doesn't even know they're abroad (it just went dark twice that day - and even that's only if you travel during the more expensive daytime!)

If you are into saving money (and your dog really DOES enjoy travelling, go out via Sealink and come back via P&O, then you only have to pay one-way for the dog

This. We've taken our hound all over Europe and the new legislation makes it easier now, although I always use the Chunnel as its quicker and less stressful on the dog/owner than ferries as you're constantly together. I'd also recommend taking a Leishmaniosis collar to keep mossies away as this is a nasty disease they can (rarely) pick up in river beds etc. Other than that - simples!

[Roadster25]

Slightly off topic, but we took our Jack Russell to the South of France last year and were amazed at how welcoming the French are of dogs - bars, shops, restaurants all allowed her to join us. They were even surprised we asked.

Wouldn't hesitate to take her back there, it really made the holiday taking our pal everywhere!

[kVA]

Roadster25 said:

Slightly off topic, but we took our Jack Russell to the South of France last year and were amazed at how welcoming the French are of dogs - bars, shops, restaurants all allowed her to join us. They were even surprised we asked.

Wouldn't hesitate to take her back there, it really made the holiday taking our pal everywhere!

Same in most of mainland Europe... Only the stuffy Brits don't like dogs in public places / shops / restaurants, etc

[R TOY]

I've noticed that most restaraunts in France seem to have a dog, thought it must be the law over there .
I always like to find a pub that will allow dogs in, you usualy have a couple of friends as soon as you walk in, the dog soon lays down . Takes up a lot of space but no trouble..
Going to get him jabbed and chipped next week so ready for hols (less trouble than the kids)