The Best Way to Travel to Europe With Your Dogs On a Charter Plane

Charter planes can offer a better way to fly with dogs than commercial airlines. They treat dogs as passengers, just as they do people. Choose a charter plane such as Air Berlin or Atlasjet that allows your dog to fly with you in the cabin. When flying in Europe, it's very important to have documents showing that your dog is healthy. Be aware that countries require a six-month quarantine period to rule out diseases coming from other countries. With proper documentation, countries waive this rule and dogs move freely between the countries with their owners.

Things You'll Need

Airline tickets
Trip itinerary
Veterinary certificate of health

Instructions

- 1
  Decide which charter airline to use. Keep in mind that flying in and out of Ireland, Sweden or the United Kingdom might prevent you from moving freely from country to country. Ireland, Sweden and the UK have stricter rules so a visit to your vet a short time before would prove beneficial. Always carry these vet documents with you. In effect, there is a common travel zone between Ireland and the U.K. Dogs move freely within that zone as long as they do not travel to another country.
- 2
  Visit your veterinarian. Get required vaccinations and records. Tell your vet that you are going to Europe and need the necessary shots. She should know which vaccines are needed. Get a microchip for each dog. The vet will implant it in the dog's ear. Also have your vet prepare a veterinary certificate for you. This certificate contains supporting documentation, originals or certified copies, of vaccination records.
- 3
  Get a blood test for each of your dogs. If you plan to travel to Ireland, Sweden or the United Kingdom, obtain a blood test called an antibody titration to certify the rabies vaccination worked.
- 4
  Put the vaccination certificate in a safe place and be sure to carry it with you always while in Europe.
- 5
  Get your tickets and enjoy your European trip.