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Traveling with Pets
Since I was going to France for a month and have a small dog under 15 lbs that could travel in the cabin, I decided to bring my dog, Pierre. Dogs are very welcome in France, including in most restaurants, if they are well behaved. Dog training is big in France, and I witnessed some impressive obedience during outings with Pierre, who barely passed puppy school. Pierre was popular with the locals and well behaved under the table at restaurants, but I needed to reign in his excitement to greet everyone, to lay down then pounce on oncoming dogs, and to bark at every bird, duck and cat. Keep behaviour in mind before deciding to take your dog to France.
Traveling with my dog for the first time went extremely well. Pierre was a total trooper in his carrier on the plane floor in front of me and being shlepped around on a luggage trolley throughout the terminal. I feel super grateful that this worked out.
The author’s dog, Pierre, checking out the pond in the town of Meaux, France.
Pet Travel Essentials
Like many things, dog carriers have come a long way, and for next time, I will invest in this 4-in-1 carrier by KOPEKS. It converts from a wheeled luggage style for the airport commute to a pet bed for in-cabin, to a backpack for off-boarding and to a car seat for your rental. Genuis.
Clothing
Pets get cold too so if you’re traveling in the Fall/Winter, throw in a sweater or two for them. Plus, they look cute and are bound to entice conversations with fashionable locals. H&M has a great line of dog wear to keep your pet warm and looking chic.
H&M has some great pics that will keep your pet comfortable, warm and in style. Check out these little gems: H&M Fleece Dog Top, H&M Jacquard Knit Dog Sweater, H&M Teddy Fleece Dog Jacket
Rain Gear
If (when) I do end up on the west coast of France with Pierre in tow, going for daily beach walks in rainy weather, waterproof gear will be imperative. Here a few must have items to take on any journey with your pet.
This raincoat keeps your dog dry, visible, and ready for any adventure.
The travel leash that will keeps adventures easy with comfort, control, and everyday convenience.
Provides your dog with bright, waterproof protection for rainy walks in style.
Travel Accessories
For travel day and day trips, bring a portable water bottle or bowl that attaches to your daypack, and some wipes for spills and accidents.
An Apple Air Tag gives peace of mind during travel day and when you leave your pet behind at your hotel or rental home.
Compact, convenient, and ready for every adventure together.
Offers smart, stylish safety for curious cats who love to explore.
These ready-to-go wipes keep paws, fur, and faces fresh during travel and while on vacation.
Process & Logistics
For Canada to France, I started planning with my local vet two months in advance, ensuring paperwork and dates/timing were accurate for Rabies and microchipping and sending forms ahead for review to the Canadian Health Inspection Agency (CHIA), who have a system in place directly with France for all pet exports. Within 10 days of travel, the pet needs to be inspected, and all forms signed by the vet (in blue pen), then endorsed by the CHIA at an in-person appointment, who then provide a master set and 2 copies.
Each airline is different, but with Air Transat I had to book for the pet in advance to ensure no more than 4 pets were on the same flight. It was $100 each way (Air France is $200). At check-in, they asked only to see the Rabies form and checked nothing else. On the way home, they went through all forms at the counter in France, then at Canada Customs on the other end I was ushered to a room where they went through the forms again.
In-Flight
On board was the only time there was an issue. Despite being told I could only book an aisle seat (which has more legroom for the pet), in both cases they ended up moving me to a window since the carrier wouldn’t go fully under the seat in front and was therefore a safety issue. In no scenario could a carrier fit fully under the seat so I’m not sure what they expect, as they also insist that the dog can stand up and turn around. Nevertheless, being in the window was much better as no one could see him, and I kept the top of the carrier open so he could see me. I took off his harness for the flight so that he was comfortable and have a great carrier that extends on the side, so I opened it up as much as possible for him to move around. I will research other airlines for next time to see if the on-board situation is more organized and less disruptive to other passengers.
I did not sedate Pierre. He was more anxious traveling to the airport and throughout the terminal than on the plane, as at that point he was so tired he was ready to sleep (overnight flights are helpful for this). On the way home he knew the drill and was much calmer.
Tips
- Stop water and food once you get to the airport if not earlier. There are pet relief areas (some better than others) but my dog wouldn’t use it. At the other end, you’ll need to wait until after baggage claim so it can be quite a long time.
- Keep your pet out of the carrier (or with their head sticking out) in the airport before boarding (you officially aren’t supposed to, but no one cares). Go to a quiet area near the gate and let him walk around. The flight is a long time to be in a carrier.
- Have water, a travel water bowl, and dog snacks in your carry-on in case of a delay.
- At your rental, bring toys from home and a few days’ supply of food
- Seek out pet food stores at your destination ahead of time to see if they have your brand, or order it from Amazon
- Find a local vet at your destination and add to your Contacts
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