Today after yoga class one of my goals is to come to a decision on how I am going to get both dogs to France. It’s almost at the 3 month mark when I am anticipating leaving, October 18th. There are so many things to organize and figure out. One of the most surprising and difficult aspects of getting this trip set is finding a safe, practical and reasonably priced way to travel with both dogs. Traveling with the dogs in cargo is not an option for us due to the risk associated with that travel method. I will not explore that method in this post but offer other information I have learned in this process for moving to Europe with dogs.
Option 1: Commercial Air Travel
One of the dogs Lily is 16 pounds and the other dog Lucy is 33 pounds. Both are considered small to medium-sized dogs. However, Lucy ‘s build is such that she is double the size of Lily and has long legs. A dog can fly in the cabin of the aircraft if the dog carrier fits under the seat. The dog must stay in the carrier for the duration of the flight. The average size being 18″ X 11″ X 11″. These measurements happen to be requirements for American Airlines. These dimensions are very similar to other airlines requirements as well.
Lily fits in the carrier but cannot move around or stand in it, which is a requirement and Lucy is altogether too big to fit under the seat. So, now my options can be to fly cargo each in their own travel kennel. I have read quite a bit of both pros and cons for each traveling cargo. Personally, I will not be considering this option. However, many have had success transporting their dogs this way.
Option 2: Travel By Sea
Then there is by sea the ocean liner Queen Mary 2 part of the prestigious Cunard Line which allows dogs and cats on its transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton. The ocean liner has 24 dedicated kennels. Dogs are walked regularly by staff and by their owners. There is a designated deck for walking, the owner can visit their pet for 6 hours per day. Cunard provides toys, fresh-baked treats, feeding bowls, beds as well as life jackets. A crossing takes a week. The Cunard has been transporting dogs and cats since the early 1900’s. Due to the excellent care and services there is usually on average a yearly waitlist.
Option 3: Charter Flights
Finally, there are charter airlines which enable a dog to fly in the cabin. Charter airlines, K9 airlines, La Compagnie and the new airline Bark Air. Each is very popular and has its own requirements. Charter airlines & K9 allows one dog up to 50 pounds and another, if need be, to sit on your lap. La Compagnie allows each passenger to fly with one pet (up to 33 pounds) in a container with a maximum of 3 pets per flight. Bark Air is an airline completely catered to dogs. Dog treats are given during the flight. Belly rubs can be requested and scents are used to help calm anxiety. Again, 1 dog per passenger.
Required Paperwork
Each airline requires that the dog(s) must have the following requirements for travel to Europe*:
- A Health Certificate: this cannot be issued more than 10 days prior to flying
- An up-to-date single year rabies shot (the 3 year rabies shot is not acceptable
- A European-compatible microchip: This is a 15-digit ISO microchip and MUST be associated with rabies vaccination
- Dewormed 72 hours prior to the flight: this depends on the destination country
Veterinarian Requirements
This health process starts at a certified USDA vet who will fill out the form and mail it to the correct federal agency. Then the completed document will FedExed back to the owner to present to the ticket agent at the airport prior to the flight. Timing is crucial for all these required steps and is often quite a tight deadline especially considering sometimes your departure airport might be far from where you live. Once you land in the new country it is advisable to see a vet to validate the papers within that country. The price for each varies, they range from $2,000 to $10,000. As of yet I have not made a reservation yet there are so many variables to consider for international relocation with dogs.
The USDA website where I get my information is here:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export
My dogs have brought so much love and laughter into my life. I want to make sure that they will be able to travel in the best way possible. I also have to give a shout-out to an amazing Facebook group that has been such an amazing source of information and guidance. Chartered Air Travel with Pets was born from the need to internationally relocate with pets. The group is full of dedicated pet parents who want the safest solution for travel and often book charter flights together.
A quote I really like is “Dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive” – Gilda Radner
I hope you found this post about international relocation with dogs helpful
Thanks for being here,
-Soraya
Learn more about my journey, Hello World!
*This information is just a shared personal experience. For guidance and advice please refer to the appropriate agency websites.