Do you have advice on taking pets abroad?

Question

Hi,

I am planning on going to turkey later this year and I need to take my dog Beth. It will be a long stay holiday approx 5 months and I am really nervous about her flight in cargo. Does anybody have any experience of taking there animal abroad, and if so could you please give me some advice. I have spoken to my vet about it, he says he doesn't recommend sedatives to calm her nerves, but other than that he has no advice.

Answer 1

When I was thinking of flying my dog back from Switzerland, the vet recommended not giving sedatives as he said that there were too many risks (something about the dog not being able to control it's temperature and therefore increasing the likelihood of overheating). However you can try natural / homeopathic solutions such as 'Anxiety' to help relax the dog. In the end however we chose to drive back.

The best thing you can do is get Beth used to her travelling crate as soon as possible and make it a positive place for her to be. Introduce her to the crate now. Put it in your house, put lots of bedding in, leave the door open and let her wander in and out freely. Put toys and treats in there sometimes for her to find. Once she is happy in the crate you can gradually start shutting her in there - start with a couple of minutes and slowly build up. Give her a stuffed Kong or similar to keep her amused. Once she is happy in the crate in the house, take her on some car journeys in it to get her used to travelling in it. You can even try taking her on the train in it. The more she can get used to the crate in different situations, the less stressed she will be when flying.

Finally, make sure you choose a reputable airline. Ask lots and lots of questions to be sure that they will look after her properly.

Good luck!

Answer 2

If the dog is small enough, you might be able to get a small carrier and be able to take your dog, Beth, on board with you instead of having her stored in the cargo bay. Sedatives are the best thing to give a dog before a long flight, that way they are not scared when being put into the cargo area of the plane. There are also some natural sedatives that you can order from places like Drs. Foster and Smith that will help out with your problem. I am including a link so you can go and look at the products for yourself.

Answer 3

I have taken two dogs by plane They where not sedated as my vet said it increased the change of heath problems Your dog will be checked by a vet at the airport before being allowed to fly and you must have all the paper work that turkey require to let your pet in to the country eg export paperwork you can get this information from DEFRA and vacations your dog requires. This site will help you or call them . I found them very helpful http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/index.htm

Answer 4

I would go to another vet she will be better off sedated.I am like you only up to now I have stayed at home.Have a good holiday will you let us know how beth gets on.

Answer 5

If you want to take your dog with you, there's quite a bit of papers to process. But before that, you have to check where you'll be living/lodging and see if they allow pets.

Answer 6

when i took my dog on a plane it cost money for passports ect. and on the way back she had to have tests and all that stuff. and even on the way they gave her tests. take your dog to the vets to make sure shes ok so on the way back she will take less than a week. oh and take lots of water and food for the journey

Answer 7

pets now have there own passport...
no probs with papers in e.u.

Answer 8

no.