Travelling with a Pet

Why Travel with Your Pet?

Even for short trips, some people find it hard to be separated from their favourite pet and choose to take them along. But is it really worth it, especially when pet-sitting options exist?

Note that many of the tips here primarily apply to dogs and cats. Also, when it comes to regulations and fees, assistance dogs (guide dogs or others) usually benefit from special status.

On Holiday

For you to expand: Depending on the length of the stay, the type of holiday (sedentary or not), and especially the destination (domestic or abroad) and planned transport (personal vehicle or public transport), the benefits vary.

Expatriation

For you to expand: While the benefits may be debatable for holidays, when it comes to expatriation, it’s understandable to want to bring your pet along.

Pet-Sitting Solutions

For you to expand: Kennels, friends, or even leaving them alone at home—what are the best solutions for looking after your pet while you’re away?

Entry Requirements and Preparation

Administrative Formalities

Travelling with a pet isn’t something you can improvise when it comes to paperwork, and it can sometimes take several months before everything is in order. However, this varies depending on whether you’re travelling within the European Union or beyond.

European Union

Since 2004, any pet travelling within the European Union with its owner must have a "European passport" issued by an authorised vet for identification, which includes up-to-date vaccinations, particularly against rabies. Additionally, the animal must be microchipped; tattoos are no longer recognised. Some countries, like the UK, Ireland, or Malta, have extra requirements, such as a parasite treatment administered one to two days before arrival.

Elsewhere

While the "European passport" remains useful and the rabies vaccine is mandatory, local legislation often adds further requirements. Age, species, breeds, various vaccines or treatments, or even quarantine may all factor into the final approval—or pets may be outright banned, as in Iceland or the Faroe Islands. Since there’s no general rule, it’s essential to check with the consular authorities of the countries you plan to visit well in advance of your departure date.

Insurance

Like humans, pets can benefit from insurance.

If your pet causes material damage or bites someone during the trip, you’re covered by the civil liability included in multi-risk policies. However, it’s still best to inform your insurer when you decide to travel with your pet.

On the other hand, for illness, injury, or even repatriation, you’ll generally need specific insurance. As with people, it’s best to compare offers, their terms, and limits, knowing that very young or elderly animals are rarely covered. Additionally, these policies usually only apply to dogs and cats.

Preparing for the Trip

Just like for humans, travel requires a bit of preparation, especially for longer journeys.

For transport, stress, or even motion sickness, it’s best to plan medication before departure. This should be provided by the vet, who knows the animal and will choose the most suitable option—not administered through "self-medication" by the owners. In any case, ensure your pet has only a light meal before leaving.

If travelling by car, consider bringing your companion’s familiar objects (bowls, basket, toys) to help them settle in more easily elsewhere. Also, depending on where you’re going, pack a small first-aid kit with at least antiseptic and anti-parasite treatments.

For those taking a plane, train, or even a bus, be aware that each company has its own rules for transporting animals, and a crate (sometimes with specific dimensions) is usually mandatory. In short, it’s essential to contact them beforehand to prepare your pet as best as possible.

Transport

By Car

This is generally the simplest and most suitable mode of transport for pets and their owners. You travel at your own pace with fewer constraints than other forms of transport.

Practically speaking, the animal should always be in the back (seat or boot if it opens into the cabin). For restless pets, a separation net between the front and back of the vehicle can be useful. Whether to keep the animal in a crate depends on its travel habits and ability to stay calm. Also, note that there are "seatbelt" options for pets in cars.

For health and comfort, only plan a light meal before departure and a vet-prescribed treatment for motion sickness or stress if needed. Don’t forget to keep the animal hydrated throughout the journey. And, of course, like everyone else, dogs and cats appreciate stretching their legs and taking a quick bathroom break along the way.

By Train

This is a well-adapted mode of transport for travelling with a pet. Most rail companies allow them on board (provided other passengers don’t object), though each may have its own regulations. As always, it’s best to check beforehand.

Travelling with your four-legged companion isn’t necessarily free for them—far from it. More and more, specific fares apply, usually based on the animal’s weight. In France, SNCF charges a flat rate of 6 € for pets under 6 kg and 50% of the second-class fare for larger ones (different pricing for IDTGV, Thalys, and pets are banned on Eurostar). Pet tickets are now available for online purchase.

Like passengers, pets are subject to ticket checks on board, with fines for lack of a valid ticket.

By Plane

This is often the most problematic mode of transport. The first thing to know is that it’s best to prepare your trip well in advance, informing your travel agency or airline as early as possible that you wish to bring your dog or cat. Some carriers limit the number of pets per flight or even ban them from the cabin. For extra caution, it’s recommended to reconfirm with the airline two or three days before the flight to ensure your pet’s spot. Also, note that animals under two months old are generally not allowed on planes.

As for pricing, rules vary by airline and destination. Specific fares also apply based on the animal’s weight. In any case, flying with a pet isn’t the most economical option, and putting a large dog in the hold often costs the equivalent of an additional adult ticket.

Lastly, like humans, pets must have all necessary paperwork and vaccinations for air travel.

In the Hold or Cabin?

Each airline has its own rules for transporting pets, but the larger the animal (often over 4 or 5 kg), the more likely it will have to travel in the hold. For the "worried," note that the holds of (large) planes are ventilated, pressurised, and heated—though this isn’t always the case on smaller aircraft. Crates are secured to withstand turbulence and other jolts. A water supply is available for each animal.

Note that since 2008, the EU has granted exemptions for assistance dogs to travel in the cabin.

Practical Aspects

In all cases, a suitable crate is essential. It must be approved, sturdy, well-ventilated, and large enough to allow some movement, especially for turning around. It should have a keyless locking system, and padlocks are prohibited to allow easy access if needed. Like luggage, the crate should be labelled (including for cabin transport) with the animal’s details, as well as your contact information and destination. Practically speaking, in the cabin, the animal counts as "hand luggage," and in the hold, as "checked luggage." In the latter case, it follows the same path and procedures as your suitcases, especially during transit.

For the animal’s "physical" preparation, as with other modes of transport, only plan a light meal before departure and a vet-prescribed treatment for motion sickness or stress if needed. For bathroom breaks during transport, line the crate with a puppy pad or absorbent paper.

Choosing Your Flight and Schedule

This is a detail often overlooked, but travelling with a pet involves some constraints when selecting flights. Beyond looking for attractive fares, ensure that if your flight involves multiple airlines, each will accept your companion (and under what conditions). Similarly, it’s best to limit layovers, especially long ones, and if a veterinary check is required upon arrival, avoid landing outside service hours to prevent long waits.

Other Transport

Buses and Ferries

Most bus companies only accept small animals if they’re in a crate or carrier. They may apply a special fare.

For ferries, each company has its own regulations and pricing, so it’s essential to check beforehand. Also, note that once on board, you generally can’t access your vehicle, so it’s best to be prepared if you plan to leave your pet alone in the car during the crossing.

In the City

There are no general rules for urban transport; for example, what’s allowed on buses in one city may not be in another. So, for buses, metro, trams, or suburban trains, you’re expected to check the regulations in place, though in practice, it often comes down to tolerance and mutual understanding. Of course, the smaller the animal, the better—same if it’s in a crate or muzzled for larger ones.

As for taxis, it depends on the company and/or driver. In terms of pricing, a taxi is generally entitled to charge extra for transporting an animal.

Accommodation and Sightseeing

Accommodation

Whether at a hotel, rental, or even a campsite, finding pet-friendly accommodation isn’t always easy.

In all cases, check at the time of booking and find out under what conditions, including financial, pets are allowed. Don’t forget the pet’s health record, and it’s best if they’re microchipped. Note that there are now online directories listing establishments that accept dogs and cats. One of the best-known in France is the 30 Millions d’Amis site.

Lastly, avoid sneaking your pet in if they’re not allowed...

Sightseeing

A recurring question when sightseeing: what to do with your pet when access to many places (including some beaches) is restricted?

Unless you take turns waiting outside (which is impractical), the best option is to leave them in the car for the necessary time. Of course, park in the shade, preferably in a quiet spot, leave at least one window slightly open, and if possible, provide a bowl of water. However, avoid leaving them alone at your accommodation, or they might take their frustration out on your belongings...

The rest of the time, when out and about, a dog should always (or as often as possible) be kept on a lead, and for larger dogs—or certain breeds—a muzzle is required. And, of course, always keep an eye on your pet to prevent mischief or, worse, biting someone. The same goes when in nature, especially around livestock.

Other Pets Besides Dogs and Cats

For you to expand: While cats and especially dogs make up the vast majority of travelling pets, other species are also taken along by their owners. How do you travel with them in this case?