Guide dogs have a special status within the pet world. They ensure that their owners have additional confidence when going out, but they also offer up the opportunity to travel further afield. There are many organisations that offer guidance on travelling abroad with pets and protecting them with appropriate pet insurance is key.
Prepare for departure
It’s essential that if you are planning to travel with a Guide or assistance dog, plan ahead and discuss travel plans with your chosen airport, airline, and booking agent as well as the local Guide Dog Mobility Team or relevant assistance dog organisation. Making sure that all personnel are aware of your dogs prescence, will reduce the possibility of complications on the day of travel.
A dogs “Mum or Dad” should ensure that they have appropriate identification for themselves and their dog, so a Pet Passport for international travel, and copies of any documentation provided by the airline. A working safety harness will be required too, which will secure the animal case, during the take off and landing. Make sure they have something familiar and comforting – such as an old woolen jumper and well used toy. Reducing their food intake for a few days prior to travelling will reduce the possibility of gastric problems on the flight.
Staff at the airport who deal specifically with Pets Passport documentation should have forwarded details of your situation onto the Animal Reception Centre. Once clearance has been obtained ? your dog is free to enjoy a fresh experience abroad.
Homeward Bound
A return trip will require a blood test which may result in treatment for tape worms ? so allow up to 120 hours before you have to board a plane. If your pet has picked up some unwanted guests, treatment can take anything from 24 ? 120 hours. There are essential pre booking arrangements required when travelling with a dog ? so ensure that you have completed all necessary tests in good time before your flight.
For a return journey to the UK an Animal Clearance Officer will meet the dog and owner on the plane or at the arrival gate. Paperwork is checked and then dog and owner are directed onto Customs and Immigration and baggage reclaim.
The PET Travel Scheme, is also now available for international and long haul flights. EC regulation 1107/2006 states that most UK airports must have facilities to enable Guide Dogs and their owners to travel safely ? and the UK is working towards that directive.
If you want to check out which airports and airlines are already accommodate guide and assistance dogs through the PET Travel Scheme, take a look at DEFRAs website www.defra.gov.uk .