{"id":9840,"date":"2023-06-19T10:09:03","date_gmt":"2023-06-19T00:09:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/?p=9840"},"modified":"2024-04-15T11:14:20","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T01:14:20","slug":"flying-to-europe-with-a-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/flying-to-europe-with-a-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Flying to Europe with a Dog from the USA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Europe is the most dog-friendly part of the world to travel with a dog. It\u2019s no wonder then that if you live in the USA, that you might want to consider taking your dog along with you on a European vacation<\/a>. But how easy is it to fly to Europe with a dog from the USA? And what other considerations do you need to keep in mind when flying<\/a> to Europe with a Dog?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifically travelling to the UK or France? Also check out my tips on <\/b>flying a dog from USA to UK<\/a> and my quick guide to <\/b>flying a dog to France from the USA<\/a><\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Flying<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links.<\/em> See my full disclaimer<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparations Before Flying to Europe with a Dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the first things you need to consider when you decide to take your dog to Europe, is the veterinary and paperwork preparations that are required. For dogs travelling to the European Union (the majority of countries in Europe), I list all the steps in this post<\/a>, plus briefly cover the requirement for other non-EU countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Steps to Travel to Europe with a Dog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re travelling directly from the USA to the EU (and most other European countries), the steps required are quite simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Microchip your dog<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Vaccinate your dog against rabies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Complete an animal health certificate<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Your dog is likely already already vaccinated against rabies, but if it doesn\u2019t have a microchip, then it will need to be microchipped and then re-vaccinated. Note that the microchip needs to be ISO compliant and readable by standard microchip readers (or provide your own). If your dog is being vaccinated against rabies for the first time, the vaccine needs to be done at least 21 days before arriving in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you aren’t travelling to the EU with your dog, carefully check the rules listed for your destination country. A good resource is the APHIS Pet Travel website<\/a> – select your destination country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Getting an EU Animal Health Certificate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The trickiest part is getting an EU animal health certificate (or \u201cEU Annex IV\u201d), or the alternative health certificate for your destination country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This needs to be issued by a accredited veterinarian – double check whether your vet is accredited or search on this website<\/a>. According to the APHIS website, this certificate is then valid for 30 days after it is issued, at least for some countries like France<\/a>, but then needs to be certified within 10 days of your arrival in your destination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Double check whether the longer 30 day (rather than 10 day period) applies for your destination country on the APHIS website, plus whether your vet is okay to issue it in up to 30 days before travel. Also consider that your airline may require a health certificate issued closer to the flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In any case, the certificate must be certified by a USDA APHIS Veterinary Services endorsement office within 10 days of your arrival in Europe. The certificate can usually be sent prior to the 10-day period, then it will be certified within 10 days of the your planned arrival date and returned to you (sometimes just in time!) There is a certification fee<\/a> of $38 USD fee per certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are two options available for sending the paperwork to USDA: it can be submitted using the the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) or else you can ship the paperwork to the USDA Endorsement Office serving your state, using expedited mail including tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Pet
    The animal health certificate will need to be certified at a USDA APHIS office<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Cost of an EU Animal Health Certificate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The amount charged in the United States for an EU animal health certificate varies widely. In recent years, I’ve heard reports ranging from $150 to $600 USD. If you are travelling on to the UK<\/a> with your pet and need two sets of animal health certificates, the price is double this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Generally prices charged are more expensive in larger cities, with veterinarians in smaller to mid-sized cities generally charging less. If you are quoted a high amount, I recommend getting a quote from multiple vets, though it’s always best to use a vet who is familiar with the process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It can be expensive to visit Europe, so consider using a budget calculator<\/a> to double check the human expenses (and add an extra category for your dog!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Is a Worming Treatment Required?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There are also a handful of European countries that require your dog to have a worming treatment done by a veterinarian between 24 hours and 5 days of arriving in them: Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway, plus the UK, which has it’s own animal health certificate (see my separate guide to travelling to the UK with a dog from outside Europe<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The worming treatment is generally done after you have the health certificate certified by USDA. Make an appointment to see your vet once you the certificate is returned, within the four day timeframe. The worming treatment is recorded on the certificate, including both the date and time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Getting an EU Pet Passport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Due to the hassle of getting an animal health certificate endorsed by USDA, many people who travel to Europe multiple times with their pet get an EU pet passport<\/a>. This can then be used in place of getting an EU animal health certificate. The only complication then is that you\u2019ll need to get your pet\u2019s rabies vaccines in Europe from now on, as only vets in the EU can add records to the passport.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Dog
    It might be worthwhile getting an EU Pet Passport if you regularly visit Europe<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Finding a Pet-Friendly Airline to Fly to Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The next important step is finding a pet-friendly airline to fly yourself and your dog to Europe. Unfortunately, some airlines that normally allow pets to fly in cabin, don\u2019t allow this on Transatlantic flights, in particular American airlines<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Flying with a US Airline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you are wanting to fly with your dog in the cabin, not all American airlines permit this on Transatlantic flights. American Airlines clearly states in their pet policy<\/a> that they don’t allow pets in the cabin on Transatlantic flights, due to the flight duration.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"American
    American Airlines doesn’t allow pets in the cabin on Transatlantic flights<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    One American airline that definitely allows pets in the cabin on flights to Europe is Delta<\/strong>. For pets in the cabin, there is no maximum weight, just a maximum kennel size that depends on the flight (check at the time of booking). A charge of $200 USD applies and a maximum of four pets are allowed in the cabin. Read their pet policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Delta
    You can fly with your pet in the cabin to Europe with Delta<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    For awhile, United Airlines<\/strong> also didn’t allow pets in the cabin on Transatlantic flights, but they are once again allowing pets on flights to Europe, except to Ireland, Sweden and the UK. If you fly with your pet in the cabin with United Airlines, a charge of $125 USD applies. There’s no maximum weight, just a maximum kennel size. See their full pet policy for in-cabin pets<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"United
    Check the latest policy of United Airlines<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    If your pet is too large to fly in the cabin, there are currently limited options for pets to fly in the hold on US airlines. Delta Cargo<\/a> has not accepted bookings for pets since 2020, while United Airlines no longer accepts bookings through United PetSafe<\/a>, although are some exceptions for active-duty US military and US State Department Foreign Service personnel travelling on official orders. I believe American Airlines Cargo<\/a> currently accepts pet bookings.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another alternative is to fly with Air Canada<\/strong>. Air Canada permits pets in the cabin on flights to and from Europe, with no maximum weight, just a maximum kennel size. See their pet policy<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additionally, Air Canada is one of the few airlines that accept pets in the cabin and as checked baggage on flights out of the UK, instead of only as cargo, as is the case with Delta. (Although pets still need to fly as cargo on flights to the UK.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Flying with a European Flag-Carrier Airline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In general, the European flag-carrier airlines are most likely to allow your pet to fly in the cabin with you to Europe. Based on discussions with other travellers flying from the USA to Europe with their dog, the most commonly recommended airlines are Air France, KLM and Lufthansa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All three airlines allow dogs to fly both in the cabin and in the hold on their Transatlantic flights. Here are some details about each airline.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"European
    Multiple European airlines will fly dogs in the cabin to Europe<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Air France:<\/strong> Dogs up to a maximum weight of 8kg (17lb), including carrier, are permitted in the cabin, with a fee equivalent to \u20ac200 (about $220 USD) charged. Note that pets are not permitted in business class on intercontinental flights. Dogs up to 75kg (165.3lb) are permitted in the hold, with a fee equivalent to \u20ac400 (about $440 USD) charged. It’s possible to buy travel containers for the cabin and hold directly off Air France for delivery to the USA. Read their full pet policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    KLM:<\/strong> KLM also has a maximum weight of 8kg (17.6lb) for pets in the cabin and 75kg (165.3lb) for pets in the hold, including their carrier or crate. The charge for each pet depends on your departure and destination airport. Once again, pets are not permitted in business class on intercontinental flights, due to the seat design. Read their pet policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lufthansa:<\/strong> Lufthansa also has a weight limited of 8kg (17.6lb) including carrier for pets in the cabin. For transport in the cabin, a fee of \u20ac100 ($110 USD) is charged to\/from the East Coast, \u20ac110 USD ($120 USD) to\/from the West Coast. Prices for pets in the hold depend on the crate size. Read their pet policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For information on the pet policies of more European airlines, check out my extensive guide, which details which European airlines allow pets in the cabin<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Flying with a European Business Class Airline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A recent addition to the list of dog-friendly airlines flying between the the USA and Europe, is business-class only airline, La Compagnie<\/a>. This France-based airline offers up to two flights daily between New York and Paris, plus seasonal flights to Nice – perfect for flying a dog to France from the USA<\/a>. Perks include full-flat seats (although read on…), complimentary high-speed wi-fi and fine cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Inside
    Inside a La Compagnie flight \u00a9 La Compagnie<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    The biggest advantage of booking your pet to fly on La Compagnie is that dogs and cats up to 33lbs (15kg) are allowed to fly with you in the cabin, far higher than the normal limits. They need to fly in an aerated pet carrier, with maximum dimensions of 21 \u2154 in x \/13 \u00be in x \/ 9 \u215a in (55 x 35 x 25 cm). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There’s a limit of one pet per passenger, with a maximum of three pets permitted on each flight. You’ll need to book your pet at least 48 hours in advance (online or via the call centre) and pay a fee equivalent to 10% of your own ticket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The only downside? If flying with a pet, you can’t fully recline your seat. Plus they count as your item of cabin luggage, so you’ll only be able to bring a small personal item in addition into the cabin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Flying with a European Budget Airline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Unfortunately, not many of the budget European airlines permit dogs to fly on Transatlantic flights, even if they permit dogs to fly on their flights within Europe. I found this to be problematic when I was flying one-way from Europe to the USA with my dog, and the flag-carrier airlines were mainly charging astronomical prices for one-way flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The main option I uncovered was XL Airways, a small airline that operated out of Paris, flying to and from New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, XL Airways has now ceased operations, so there’s no budget airline options that I’m aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Take
    Flying with a pet in the cabin on board XL Airways<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Try to Minimise the Flight Duration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Another consideration to keep in mind is the length of a flight. When I last flew from Europe to the USA with my dog, I purposely organised my travels to fly from Paris to New York, to minimise the flight duration. This is especially important if you want to fly with your pet in the cabin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In order to keep your flight duration to a minimum, consider taking a connecting flight on either end. For example, firstly fly from the West Coast to the East Coast, before flying on to Europe. Also consider taking a second flight within Europe to get to your final destination. This is also an option if you don\u2019t find a pet-friendly airline that flies directly to your final destination.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Pet
    There’s not much room for your dog on a long flight…<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Choose the Time of Day Carefully<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If flying with your animal in the hold to Europe during the summer months, keep in mind temperature restrictions may apply. Perhaps consider taking an overnight flight that departs late in the day then arrives early in the morning in Europe. Read more of my tips for flying with a dog in summer<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What About Emotional Support Animals?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There are now limited options to fly in the cabin of a plane with your dog as an emotional support animal. Generally your pet will now need to fly as a pet, either in the cabin if they are less than the weight limit (if applicable) or in the hold, and pay the appropriate fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some European airlines previously allowed emotional support animals to travel in the cabin on flights to and from the USA, but not always on other flights in Europe. However, these policies have generally also disappeared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Prefer to cruise rather than fly? Find out more about the kennels aboard the Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Preparing Your Dog for Their Flight to Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Preparing your pet for a long flight to Europe can be daunting, even if you have previously flown with your pet. Based on my experience flying with my dog multiple times on long flights, these are my tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n