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Lilith · Joined: 27 Jul 2007 Posts: 7

Thought I'd give spiral78 a break....if spiral78 wants a break!

I've heard two very reasonable, logical and yet opposite methods of travelling with pets to Europe.

I am on my way to find a job in person, and would really like to take at least my dog with me. Spouse would bring two cats later.

1. I'm nervous about landing somewhere with no job and no home and no way of getting from the airport......with a rather large dog (Akita).
I am going to one of the Med countries - Portugal, Spain, Italy (All I know is that Italy requires a muzzle on public trans).

2, At the same time, I don't want to send them on a later flight only to have them get lost or get put on the wrong type of plane.

I know there are pros who specialize in moving pets worldwide, but they are pretty pricey for a teacher's wage, no?

Any advice, thoughts or experiences most welcome.

Thanks.

Aussie Chick · Joined: 17 May 2007 Posts: 104 Location: Australia

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I think this question's already been answered for Lilith, but just in case anyone else might find the info relevant, I have to disagree with Aussie Chick.

My dog's traveled with me through 6 different countries, and into several different teaching jobs.

My advice would be to pre-arrange a couple of weeks of housing - most cities in Europe have agencies that rent apartments by the week (they're too expensive to stay in long-term, but it gives you a nice haven when you first arrive). Many of these allow pets, particularly the cheaper/older ones with more basic furnishings. I have NEVER had a problem finding short term accomodation that allowed the dog.

Later, a nicely groomed, polite, obviously civilized dog (or cat) standing in front of a potential landlady is MUCH less likely to be turned down than a hypothetical 'large' dog she hasn't met personally when seeking longer-term accomodation.

And sending your pets on a flight that you aren't on personally is far riskier than flying on the same flight with them. The points where animals get lost are when changing planes. If you're on the same flight/s, you can ensure through questioning that your animal is safely loaded onto the correct flight.

You can also be sure that the compartment he/she will be flying in is temperature controlled, by asking a host/ess to double check with the pilot to triple confirm that your animal is aboard. This gives a pilot the heads-up to make sure the temperature in that part of the plane is regulated, just in case he'd scanned over that part of the flight data and missed the fact that an animal/s is/are aboard. This happens rarely, but it does happen, particularly on smaller jets.

Buying a flight ticket for your dog on the same flight with you is also often cheaper than having him shipped. This is because you can personally do more of the required handling. This may vary by airline - I am not 100% sure of this. But worth checking.

Sure, it's a hassle to bring the pets to begin with, and the easiest thing, particularly if you're heading out for newbie/entry level positions is not to bring them. It's a bit easier when you're heading for specialist jobs, where more arrangements are made on your behalf by an employer. But an amazing number of newbies have a dog or cat that's just too hard to leave behind. Understandable - but I recommend the plan above to approach the problem.

007

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Nope. Just valid immunization records and a certificate of general health from country of origin.

Upon arrival in the EU, it's advisable to go to a vet, present the documents from country of origin, and obtain an EU veterinary document. But you can't get it until you're here, and it's not a requirement to enter.

tabbicat · Joined: 02 Oct 2006 Posts: 12

You might want to check with the consulate of the country you are going to what, if any, restrictions they have on bringing animals in. Some countries do require a pet passport, I believe. Also, worth looking at Defra to see what is required when/if you return to UK (if that's where you're from). http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm

You can find pet couriers through Google. I know there are several who operate to and from Spain. They transport the cats or dogs by road, door to door.

If coming to Spain, you should be aware that public transport is not very dog friendly. If renting a flat, you might consider not mentioning your furry friends to the landlord. Having said that I don't think most would mind as long as you pay your deposit up front (2 months rent if furnished), plus rent (and, if through agency, their fee). Hope you have sufficient funds.
Good luck!