When flying with a dog there are rules to follow to ensure the safety of your pet, the animals at your chosen destination, and the animals back at home.
We have put together a handy guide to dog travel vaccinations to help you enjoy safe pet travel and make lifelong memories.
Rabies vaccinations
When travelling to any EU country, you must get your dog vaccinated against rabies. Your vet can administer this vaccine but will need proof that your dog is at least 12 weeks old.
The UK is a rabies-free country, and protecting this status is crucial in keeping all animals, and humans, safe. Rabies is caused by a virus that damages the brain and nerves and it is a fatal disease with no cure – so we cannot stress enough the importance of getting your dog vaccinated before travel.
For safe pet travel, the vaccine must be given at least 21 days before you set off. The vaccine will need to be boosted after 3 years if it was administered in the UK.
You will need to keep a record of your dog’s travel vaccinations in either an animal health certificate or a valid Pet Passport, showing your pet’s date of birth, microchip information, vaccination information, and your vet’s signature and contact details.
Tapeworm treatments
The following countries require your dog to have a tapeworm treatment before travelling:
- Finland
- Ireland & Northern Ireland
- Malta
- Norway
If you are flying with a dog to any of these countries, make sure you have them treated for tapeworms no more than 5 days before you arrive, and no less than 24 hours before. You will need to make sure the treatment used is approved for the country it is given in and contains praziquantel or an equivalent that is effective.
Your vet will need to record the name and manufacturer of the treatment, the date and time it was given, and their stamp and signature on your animal health certificate or pet passport.
General vaccinations
Whilst vaccinations against canine parvovirus, canine infectious hepatitis, distemper, leptospirosis, and kennel cough are not travel-specific, these are vaccines that are designed to keep your dog safe and so you should ensure your pet is fully covered and boosted as required.
If you are not sure what vaccines your dog needs, your vet will be able to guide you on your pet’s individual needs.
We hope this has helped you to understand dog travel vaccinations so you can plan your next trip with ease! If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team who will be happy to help.
