Your guide to traveling with pets: Addressing inquiries about vaccination records, EU pet passports, and locating dog-friendly eateries

As most people adore dogs, this week's column is dedicated to answering more questions about what you should know when traveling with your furry friends.

This insight comes from Becca Blond, a freelance writer for TPG who has journeyed extensively with her 12-pound Chiweenie named Poppy, which you can read more about here.

Do I need veterinary records for domestic travel?

"In most areas of the U.S., you don’t require veterinary records for domestic air travel as long as your dog is flying with you in the cabin," Blond explained to me.

However, if you read my recent article on what to know about flying with dogs, you'll remember that most U.S. airlines permit pets to travel in the cabin as luggage or in the cargo hold as excess baggage, provided you and your pet are traveling together and your animal adheres to specific size and weight limits. Some airlines, however, mandate that all pets fly as cargo.

"When you check your pet as cargo, many airlines request a health certificate. But if you're heading to Hawaii, the regulations are significantly stricter," she noted. "To bring your dog to Puerto Rico, you must present proof of a rabies vaccination as well."

What is the weight limit for pets on a flight and how should they be contained?

"This varies by airline, but typically pets must weigh under 25 pounds. It largely depends on the size of the carrier your dog travels in. Airlines specify certain types of carriers with maximum dimensions that must fit under the seat in front of you," Blond says. "Your dog or cat should comfortably fit into the kennel. It's advisable to contact the airline before buying a ticket to confirm their pet policies and the exact carrier measurements required."

For instance, you can check out Alaska Airlines' pet policies on their official site. Alaska permits dogs as long as they are in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, but some airlines, like American Airlines, enforce a 20-pound weight limit for dogs, so it's wise to do your research.

Which airlines are best for flying with my dog?

While most airlines have comparable policies regarding weight, cabin limits, and fees, you might find yourself leaning towards one airline over another when it comes to traveling with your dog, much like your preferences for specific airlines.

From her extensive travel experience with her dog and previous ones, Blond mentioned: "I’ve heard that Alaska Airlines is often favored for its lower fees. Delta can be challenging due to the limited number of seats that accommodate dog carriers. We flew Southwest and had a great experience. Just keep in mind that whichever airline you pick, expect to pay between $100 and $175 each way for your dog to travel."

What is an EU pet passport and how can I obtain one?

"An EU pet passport is a document that adheres to an EU standard format and is crucial for travel among EU nations," according to the European Union. "It includes a description and details about your pet, such as its microchip or tattoo code, rabies vaccination history, and contact information for both the owner and the veterinarian who issued the passport."

Dogs, cats, and ferrets qualify for a European pet passport, which remains valid for the pet's lifetime as long as its rabies vaccination is current.

However, if you're traveling from the U.S. to Europe, you'll need a different document called an EU animal health certificate, which includes similar details about your pet.

"If you're coming from a non-EU country or territory, your pet will need an EU animal health certificate issued by an official state veterinarian in the departure country, dated no more than 10 days prior to your pet's arrival in the EU," states the European Union. "This certificate is valid for travel between EU nations for 4 months from the issue date or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first."

Please note that pet owners can only apply for and obtain the aforementioned pet passport while in Europe.

"To enter the country and obtain the EU pet passport, you will still need an International Health Certificate from a USDA vet in the States," Blond remembers, recalling her challenging experience getting one in Italy here. "Unless you plan to frequently travel back and forth to Europe with your dog, it may not be worth the effort to secure a pet passport. Additionally, the process can be quite difficult in some countries."

What’s the best way to find restaurants that welcome dogs?

"BringFido is an excellent tool that tends to be quite reliable. A simple Google search can often reveal whether a restaurant allows dogs, and I always make a follow-up call to verify. In my experience, there are only a few places in the U.S. where dogs are allowed inside (craft breweries that don’t serve food are often an exception)," says Blond. "Most restaurants that are dog-friendly actually refer to their outdoor seating areas, which is perfect for warmer climates or summer days."

Got a question for next week? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or [email protected].