Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category
France is a place where most people would love to visit at least once in their lifetime. From the gourmet food and pastries to the outstanding architecture, France offers a vacation like no other.
If you need a Service Dog to help you navigate your way, or use one for other medical reasons, you can still enjoy all France has to offer; you just need to plan ahead.
In this post, we will provide you with a complete travel guide for a Service Dog in France. Don’t book your flight until you have all the facts.
Traveling to France With a Service Dog With an EU PassportBefore you can travel to France with your Service Dog, he or she must have a series of requirements completed. This can be in the form of an EU Pet Passport.
What is an EU Pet Passport?
The EU (European Union) Pet Passport is a document issued by an official veterinarian in a European Union Member State (a country within the EU) or other designated country that contains official health information related to a specific pet. The purpose of this document is to make it easier to travel between the EU Member States and for animals returning from the EU to other countries.
Note: an EU Pet Passport cannot be obtained in the U.S.
Who Can Fill Out an EU Pet Passport?
There are several sections that need to be completed on the EU Pet Passport. These sections are labeled as;
Authorized Veterinarian – referring to an EU veterinarian A Veterinarian – any licensed vet including those from the U.SIt is very important that each veterinarian fills out there own sections. Failure to do so could have the Pet Passport denied.
Service Dog Requirements Without an EU Pet PassportIf you do not have an EU Pet Passport, you will have to complete a checklist of requirements before you can bring your Service Dog into France.
1. An ISO Compliant Microchip – these are 15 digits long (11784 and 11785). If your Service Dog does not have this type of microchip, you can either bring a compatible microchip reader with you or contact the EU Veterinarian at your destination point to see if he/she has the appropriate reader. You can also have a USDA accredited vet implant the EU microchip.
Remember, the number and implantation dates of both microchips must be documented on the EU Health Certificate.
2. Rabies Vaccination – Must occur AFTER the microchip was implanted or on the same day. However, any rabies vaccination administered before the microchip is considered invalid.
If your pet had a non-ISO compatible chip implanted at the same time as or before your pet’s most recent vaccination, your pet would not have to be re-vaccinated even if it had to be re-microchipped with an ISO compliant chip to travel to the EU.
Vaccinations that are valid from one to three years are acceptable as long as they are current and given according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
The vaccinations also cannot expire before entering France.
3. 21 Day Vaccination Waiting Period
Your Service Dog must wait 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination before traveling to France.
Vaccination is considered “primary” when it’s given at the same time or after a microchip implantation, or it is given after the previous rabies vaccination has expired.
4. The EU Health Certificate
Service Dogs must have an accredited veterinarian issue, complete, and sign the EU Health Certificate. This certificate must be issued within ten days of entering into France.
5. APHIS Endorsement
After your veterinarian has issued the EU Health Certificate, have your completed paperwork endorsed by your local APHIS Veterinary Services office.
APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) will be able to provide specific information about the process and fees associated with the endorsement of the EU Health Certificate.
Click here to download a non-commercial Health Certificate for your Service Dog.
Please Note: According to their website;
“The EU health certificate is valid for travel within the EU for up to 4 months from the date it is issued by the USDA Accredited Veterinarian as long as the rabies vaccine documented on it does not expire.
After entering the EU, dogs who are subsequently traveling to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway will need to be treated for tapeworms by an EU veterinarian within 1-5 days before entering those countries.
The EU veterinarian will add the tapeworm treatment information to the EU health certificate issued in the United States. It is your responsibility to ensure your pet meets the import requirements of each country you visit.”
Traveling in Paris With Your DogThe public transportation rules in Paris are very dog-friendly. You may travel with your dog in subways and trains as long as you purchase a ticket for your dog and they are leashed. Unfortunately, buses do not allow dogs in Paris.
Traveling to France With Your Service DogBefore you book your flight from the U.S. or Canada to France, be sure to start the lengthy process of getting your Service Dog ready to travel.
As we covered, your Assistance Dog will need to have an ISO compatible microchip, and up-to-date rabies vaccination. You will also need to have an EU Pet Passport in place or the five-step alternative process taken care of before your Service Dog will be admitted into France.
Following this process will ensure your Service Dog is ready and able to travel abroad.
Traveling is exciting. Taking in the new sites, discovering interesting people, and making memories are all things that a wonderful vacation are supposed to be. These expectations shouldn’t change just because you need to travel with a Service Dog.
However, before you book your flight, there are some things you will need to keep in mind when traveling to Europe with a Service Dog. In this post, we will cover all those important areas to help get you prepared for your dream vacation.
Traveling to Europe – Rules About Service DogsWhen traveling abroad with your Service Dog, there are five main things you will have to get done before your canine will be allowed into the country;
1. A microchip in your Service Dog 2. Rabies vaccinations 3. Blood Work 4. EU health certificate 5. Treated for ticks, fleas, and wormsThe microchip must be ISO compatible as not all from the United States can be read in Europe. Ask your veterinarian if your Assistance Animal’s microchip is going to be “readable” at your destination point.
The second major concern is with your dog’s rabies vaccination. Most European places will need proof of your dog receiving two rabies titers as well as the original rabies certificate. This document also needs to have details of the vaccine used including the expiration date and the lot number.
Your Service Dog must have its blood tested (at an EU-approved laboratory) with a satisfactory result. This will have to be done six months in advance of your travel date.
Once this has been completed, you will have to apply for an EU pet passport or, in a non-EU listed country, a third country official veterinary certificate.
Note that when traveling from the US to Europe all animals (including those used for service) must have a USDA certification stamp which is completed by your veterinarian.
Finally, your Service Dog will need to be treated for ticks, fleas, and tapeworms.
Where is My Service Dog Allowed in Europe?It is against the law for service providers to discriminate against those with disabilities, this also includes individuals with Service Dogs.
Under the new law, service providers must make “reasonable adjustments” to their premises making it accessible for those that have a disability. This law also covers giving the person extra help where needed (i.e., guiding to a table or finding the washroom).
In Europe, Service Dogs and their handlers are allowed access to all public places including restaurants, hotels, public transportation, banks, theaters, pubs, and libraries.
Many businesses in the UK have been accredited by Assistance Dog International or the International Guide Dog Federation. Both these non-profit organizations are dedicated to helping those with disabilities get the rights they deserve and help guide businesses in being Service Dog-friendly.
Caring for Your Service Dog When Traveling to EuropeCaring for your Service Dog when traveling abroad will take some planning. Check out these helpful tips so you and your Service Dog will be prepared.
Food & Supplements
Make sure your dog’s food is manufacturer sealed. This will avoid any conflict when boarding the aircraft. Your local pet retailer may have sample packages of your dog’s kibble that will be easier to transport.
If you are embarking on a more extended trip, you may consider ordering your dog’s food and having it delivered to your destination point. Many regions will also have pet retailers that you can purchase your dog’s kibble; however, you may want to call or email them to be sure your dog’s brand is carried and in stock.
If your canine needs medications, be sure to keep them in the original bottles with a note from your veterinarian explaining their purpose.
Climate Changes
When traveling abroad, you will want to consider the climate you are both coming from and entering into.
When traveling from a cold to a warm climate, acclimate your Service Dog by;
1. Shaving or trimming his coat 2. Brush his coat often 3. Add Pedialyte to his water to prevent dehydration 4. Use small pocket freezer packs in the dog vest to help keep your Service Dog cool 5. Use paw Booties to protect the dog’s feetWhen traveling from a warm climate to a cold one, protect your SD by;
1. Using insulated vests or dog jackets 2. Brushing your dog’s coat to keep it in optimal condition 3. Using paw Booties Additional Service Dog Health TipsNo one wants their pet or Service Dog to become ill, especially when traveling outside their own country. To help keep your canine companion in top shape when in Europe, follow these additional Service Dog health tips.
Carry a pet first aid kit and add any additional supplies that apply to your Service Dog. Take a pet first aid course or ask your veterinarian for the basics. Even if you may not be able to physically perform the first aid task, you may be able to instruct someone else to do so. Find a veterinarian at your destination point. It may also be handy to drop this person an email introducing yourself. Letting them know that you would like to use their services in the case of an emergency. Keep this information in a safe, yet handy place. Set aside “emergency money” just in case your Service Dog gets ill or injured. Carry a muzzle or head halter. Some places may require this gear. Be sure your dog has been introduced to these and is comfortable using them. Have a backup plan in case your SD cannot help you. Traveling With Your Service Dog in EuropeWhen traveling with a Service Dog to Europe (or any destination), you will have to make plans well in advance. Inform the airlines (before your flight date) that you will be accompanied by a Service Dog to avoid any delays.
Make sure your canine has had proper rabies, wellness check and parasite treatments that are required by law for any animal traveling into Europe.
Finally pack your dog’s food, supplies and get him ready for any significant climate changes.
Being prepared is the best way to avoid delays or even dismissal from your final destination point.
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