Traveling together: what you need to know about vaccinations for your dog abroad
, by Michael van Wassem, 5 min reading time
Holidays are just around the corner, and of course, your dog will be joining you. Whether you're driving to the South of France, exploring the Italian mountains, or planning a beach holiday in Spain, it's important to check not only your own passport, but also your dog's. Each country has its own rules and vaccination requirements for pets. In this blog post, we'll list the top 5 holiday destinations for dog lovers and what to look out for.
๐ซ๐ท France
France is popular with campers, hikers, and nature lovers. Fortunately, it's a dog-friendly country, but there are a few rules.
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Rabies vaccination is mandatory. The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before departure.
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Your dog must be chipped .
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A European pet passport is required.
Caution: Sand flies are present in the south of France. They can transmit diseases such as leishmaniasis. Tick and sand fly repellent is strongly recommended.
๐ช๐ธ Spain
A sunny destination where dogs are welcome, especially if you do some research on dog-friendly beaches and accommodations.
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A rabies vaccination is also mandatory here (at least 21 days before departure).
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Chip and passport are required.
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A protective collar or pipette against sand flies is not an unnecessary luxury, especially in warmer regions.
Some dog breeds are classified as "dangerous" in Spain and may have additional regulations, such as a muzzle requirement. Check this in advance if you have a larger or muscular dog.
๐ฎ๐น Italy
Italy is a fantastic holiday destination with plenty of nature, culture, andโฆ ticks. Especially when exploring the countryside with your dog, good protection is essential.
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Rabies vaccination : mandatory, at least 21 days before departure.
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Your dog must have a microchip and a European passport .
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Use a repellent against ticks and sand flies .
Extra tip: In some areas, leashes are mandatory, including nature reserves. So always keep a long leash handy.
๐ฉ๐ช Germany
Germany is close by and dog-friendly. You can enjoy hiking, camping, or exploring cities with your dog.
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Rabies vaccination : mandatory from 15 weeks of age, 21 days before departure.
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Chip and passport are also mandatory here.
Some states have regulations regarding leashing or even muzzling certain breeds. Check regionally. Generally, the regulations are easy to find and clearly posted.
๐ญ๐ท Croatia
More and more people are discovering Croatia as a holiday destination. Its beautiful scenery, clear water, and many dog-friendly areas make it a popular destination.
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Rabies vaccination is mandatory.
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A chip and European pet passport are required.
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Tick โโprotection is strongly recommended. In some areas, the disease babesiosis, transmitted by ticks, occurs.
Note: Dogs are not allowed on all beaches. So, check for dog-friendly beaches or campsites in advance.
Final tips for a carefree holiday
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Start vaccinating in time : at least 3 weeks before departure.
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Check your dog's collar or harness for security โ you don't want to be stressed out by a loose leash abroad.
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Bring a dog first aid kit , including tick remover.
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Make sure your dog is insured for medical costs abroad .
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Download a translation card with important medical terms, in case you need to visit a vet abroad.
With the right preparation, traveling with your dog will be a joy for both of you. Heading out soon? Get your dog used to long car rides , check your packing list, and make sure everything is taken care of. Prefer to fly with your dog? Then check everything for safe flying with your dog . Happy holidays! ๐ถ๐
