Essential information to keep in mind when taking your canine companion on a journey.

Travelling with pets can be an exciting adventure, but it's crucial to ensure the safety and comfort of our furry friends. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when planning a journey with your pet.

Firstly, it's important to note that loose animals inside a vehicle during car trips pose a significant risk for both the animal and the human. To avoid this, always secure your pet properly to prevent any potential accidents.

In hot weather, shaded routes and early morning or late evening walks are recommended to protect your pet from heat-related issues. Unfortunately, dogs can suffer from heat stress and circulatory collapse in high temperatures. It's essential to be aware of the dangers and take necessary precautions.

Dark asphalt can heat up strongly in the sun, reaching temperatures over 60 degrees Celsius at 30 to 35 degrees air temperature. This can cause burns on a dog's paw pads in seconds, so always check the ground before setting off on a walk. If the ground is uncomfortably hot for your hand, it's too hot for your pet's paws.

If you find an animal in an overheated vehicle with signs of respiratory distress or apathy, it may be legally permissible to break a window in exceptional cases. However, it's always best to contact local animal welfare services or the police for guidance.

When it comes to air travel, the transport crate for flying dogs must comply with IATA guidelines regarding size, ventilation, and escape protection. Small pets can travel for free on trains if they are accommodated in a suitable crate.

Some airlines exclude animals altogether, while others allow small dogs in the cabin if they weigh no more than eight kilograms including their carrier. Larger dogs must be transported in the cargo hold, with certain breeds often being excluded from transport. Every airline transport must be registered in advance and confirmed in writing.

National entry regulations apply for travel to third countries, which can include waiting periods after vaccination or quarantine requirements. The pet passport, which includes the owner's data, microchip number, current rabies vaccinations, and any required parasite treatments, is mandatory for cross-border travel within the European Union, Norway, and Northern Ireland.

Dogs that do not fit into a transport crate require a separate ticket at a reduced fare and must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle throughout the entire journey. Guide dogs and other recognized assistance dogs can travel for free and are exempt from muzzle and leash requirements on trains.

In road traffic, dogs must be secured to prevent endangerment in the event of a braking maneuver, with options including stable transport crates, partition grids in the trunk, or special dog safety harnesses.

If your pet shows signs of overheating, such as restlessness, heavy panting, occasional vomiting, coordination disorders, loss of consciousness, or circulatory failure, seek immediate veterinary attention. First aid involves moving the animal to a cool place, covering it with wet towels, and offering it small amounts of lukewarm water. Cold water should not be used.

For peace of mind during your travels, consider travel insurance that includes coverage related to laws and rules in Germany and other EU countries, particularly concerning cancellations due to illness or accidents involving the travelling dog. The pet-friendly insurance provider "CampingAssec" offers such coverage.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for you and your pet. Happy travels!

Essential information to keep in mind when taking your canine companion on a journey.