Travelling to Europe with your dog in a motorhome can be a wonderful experience for both you and your furry friend. You can explore different countries, cultures, and landscapes, and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of having your own home on wheels. However, there are some things you need to know and do before you hit the road with your pooch. Here are some tips and advice on how to travel to Europe with your dog in a motorhome.

Check the rules and requirements of the countries you want to visit

Different countries in Europe have different rules and requirements for bringing pets across their borders. Some of the things you need to check are:

  • The microchip type and number of your dog
  • The rabies vaccination and booster dates of your dog
  • The tapeworm treatment of your dog (if required by the destination country)
  • The animal health certificate or pet passport of your dog
  • The entry points and routes for travelling with pets
  • The additional restrictions or conditions for certain breeds or types of dogs

You can find the latest information on the official websites of the countries you want to visit, or on the European Commission website. You can also consult your vet or a pet travel specialist for advice.

Get an animal health certificate or a valid pet passport for your dog

From 1 January 2021, the UK is no longer part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme, which means that you cannot use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to travel to the EU or Northern Ireland with your dog. You can only use a pet passport if it was issued in one of the following places:

  • an EU country
  • Andorra
  • Faroe Islands
  • Gibraltar
  • Greenland
  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Monaco
  • Northern Ireland
  • Norway
  • San Marino
  • Switzerland
  • Vatican City State

If you have a pet passport issued in one of these places, you should check if it is accepted by the country you are travelling to, and if you need any other supporting documents. If it is not accepted, or if you do not have a pet passport, you will need to get an animal health certificate (AHC) instead.

An AHC is a document that proves that your dog meets the health requirements of the country you are travelling to. You need to get an AHC from an official vet no more than 10 days before you travel. The AHC will be valid for:

  • 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
  • onward travel within the EU or Northern Ireland for 4 months after the date of issue
  • re-entry to Great Britain for 4 months after the date of issue

To get an AHC, you need to provide proof that your dog has:

  • a microchip that meets ISO standard 11784 or 11785, or is readable by a device compatible with these standards
  • a valid rabies vaccination that was given at least 21 days before travel (or a valid booster)
  • a tapeworm treatment (if required by the destination country) that was given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before arrival

You also need to fill in some details about yourself, your dog, and your travel plans on the AHC. You need to take the original AHC with you when you travel, along with your dog’s vaccination record and microchip number.

Prepare your motorhome for travelling with your dog

Travelling with your dog in a motorhome requires some preparation and planning to ensure that both you and your dog are comfortable and safe on the road. Some of the things you need to do are:

  • Make sure your motorhome is suitable for travelling with pets. Check the size, weight, ventilation, heating, cooling, and security of your motorhome. You may need to make some adjustments or modifications to accommodate your dog.
  • Pack enough food, water, bowls, toys, bedding, grooming supplies, waste bags, and medication for your dog. You may also want to bring some treats, chews, and calming products to help your dog cope with stress or boredom.
  • Check the insurance and breakdown cover of your motorhome. Make sure they cover travelling with pets and include roadside assistance and recovery services in case of an emergency.
  • Plan your route and stops carefully. Avoid toll roads, busy roads, narrow roads, low bridges, or restricted areas that may cause problems for driving or parking your motorhome. Choose pet-friendly campsites, aires, or wild camping spots that have enough space, facilities, and amenities for you and your dog. You can use online resources like ACSI Camping Card, Park4night, Campercontact, or Searchforsites to find suitable places to stay.
  • Follow the rules and etiquette of travelling with pets. Respect the local laws, customs, and regulations of the countries you visit. Keep your dog on a leash, under control, and well-behaved at all times. Clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste properly. Do not leave your dog alone or unattended in your motorhome, especially in hot or cold weather. Be considerate of other people, animals, and the environment.

Enjoy your trip with your dog

Travelling to Europe with your dog in a motorhome can be a lot of fun and rewarding for both of you. You can share some amazing experiences, discover new places, meet new people, and create some lasting memories. However, you also need to be prepared for some challenges, risks, and uncertainties that may arise along the way. You need to be flexible, adaptable, and responsible for your dog’s health, safety, and well-being. You also need to be aware of the potential impact of Brexit, Covid-19, or other factors that may affect your travel plans.

The key to a successful trip is to do your research, plan ahead, and follow the rules and requirements of the countries you visit. By doing so, you can ensure that you and your dog have a smooth, hassle-free, and enjoyable journey across Europe in your motorhome.

This article does show Affiliate products from which we will get paid. Thank You.

 

Auto Amazon Links: No products found.