First Overseas trip

[doxiemommy3]

I am planning a trip to South Africa to visit a friend...I want to take Speed Racer with me. But I have never traveled by air with a dog ever....it is a 17-30 hour trip depending on if I chose a direct flight or to stop in Paris or London. I am planing to leave from New York in stead of Cleveland Ohio since it cost a bit less. Ughhh I do not even know what to expect....besides being scared a bit myself ( I have not been on a plane since 99) I do not know what to expect. ANy Tips would help!!!!

[Dackel-Mom]

My honest opinion ? :blush2: I would leave the dog at home. A trip that long can meaning nothing but stress for your pup. ;) I don't even take mine to Germany with me and that's just an eight hour flight. I think you dog would be better off with someone back home he knows. (That's how I do it when I travel. )

I know - I haven't been much help in terms of helping you with your travel plans, but that's just what I think. :D;)

[Irminsul]

I agree with Sabine. That is too long to do 'just for fun'. Leave him with people you trust.

[abiose]

It is important to look if the countries you want to visit have strict pet regulations.

I know for sure that France are VERY PET FRIENDLY... we had all our paper in order to travel with Lucie and none ever ask to see them and she was welcome EVERYWHERE minus certain museums.

BUT... UK has a very strict quarantine pet policy specially when the animal are from America *sigh* (they don't have rabies and won't take any chance).

So you must check on that and also to have Speed microchiped with an international chip.

[Irminsul]

It is important to look if the countries you want to visit have strict pet regulations.

I know for sure that France are VERY PET FRIENDLY... we had all our paper in order to travel with Lucie and none ever ask to see them and she was welcome EVERYWHERE minus certain museums.

BUT... UK has a very strict quarantine pet policy specially when the animal are from America *sigh* (they don't have rabies and won't take any chance).

So you must check on that and also to have Speed microchiped with an international chip.

Actually, the quarantine in the UK is way relaxed now that the 'Chunnel' Train tunnel is open to France.

I think especially because Speed Racer is a special needs dog, I would not take him.

[DoxieMommyKYM73]

We moved a lot because my dad was in the Army and our dog Heidi would go by plane when we had to fly. It was stressful for all of us, but especially her. Dogs need consistencey and routine. A vacation is fun for us humans, but whenever a dog is taken out of their own environment, especially air travel, it can be extremely stressful for them. Heidi would have anxiety for the first 2 weeks whenever we went somewhere new. She'd eventually adjust, but it takes them some time. In my opinion, your dog would definitely be happier staying in a familiar environment. Even a kennel would probably not be AS stressful as going on your vacation. :goodluck:

[doxiemommy3]

I am not really wanting to take Speedy with me...but I honestly do not trust many people any more....and I don't think he would do well in a boarding area (if they would even take him at all). I have the person who watches my other doxies all the time but she is a very very busy woman...who I don't think could keep up with Speedy and his way...she does have children but they can not be trusted all the time. And she is about the only one I let watch my doxies...all others think my doxies are trouble and I would be afraid of supervision issues. I am very very overly protective of Speedy since he really does not get that he is "special needs" and thinks the world is his and refuses think otherwise.

Even Girrty who has seizures will be in special care which will be with a friend of mine who knows about seizures since her dogs have them...but she can not take Speedy on with 2 big dogs in the house, she is way to afraid of what her dogs will do to him...they love Girtty so she will be fine.

I can not cancel my trip...even though I have thought about it...but it is an important trip not a just for fun trip...even though there will be fun as well...it is a week long.

I have done my reading on bringing dogs into South Africa...and there really does not seem to be any issues regaurding dogs ( except the normal health papers and such).

Maybe I can find a person in between time to watch Speedy for the week I will be gone...but it is going to be tough since I really do not know many doxie lovers near me...who could care for him and make sure he is expressed and gets the other care he needs (which is not a lot at all). I just want to make sure he is safe and I do not leave him with someone who will not care for him properly...I adopted him and promised him he would have the best life ever and I would take care of him always...but if I can not find a "responsible" person...I will have to take him with me.

[Lambygyrl]

I agree with Sabine. That is too long to do 'just for fun'. Leave him with people you trust.

Long plane ride for a special needs pupper... plus, you will be on vacation and he will be demanding your time...won't be fun for him or you.

Suggest looking for a pet sitter. Call an agency - they should be able to find a pet sitter you can trust who has worked with dogs like Speedy. Also sometimes the petsitter will take the dog to his/her house for the time, so he would have company all the time you are away. Might cost you some $$, but peace of mind and having your pup comfortable is worth it, IMHO.

Have you asked at your Vet for any suggestions? Maybe they can recommend someone.. or maybe one of the Vet techs... My stepdaughter used to work at a Vet and she was always bringing home dogs (when she lived with us when DH & I were first married) for the weekend, at night...etc. and then she would take the dog to work with her on Monday.

:goodluck:

[doxiemommy3]

Long plane ride for a special needs pupper... plus, you will be on vacation and he will be demanding your time...won't be fun for him or you.

Suggest looking for a pet sitter. Call an agency - they should be able to find a pet sitter you can trust who has worked with dogs like Speedy. Also sometimes the petsitter will take the dog to his/her house for the time, so he would have company all the time you are away. Might cost you some $$, but peace of mind and having your pup comfortable is worth it, IMHO.

Have you asked at your Vet for any suggestions? Maybe they can recommend someone.. or maybe one of the Vet techs... My stepdaughter used to work at a Vet and she was always bringing home dogs (when she lived with us when DH & I were first married) for the weekend, at night...etc. and then she would take the dog to work with her on Monday.

:goodluck:


Thanks for the ideas I never thought about asking a vet--- I am not to keen on the pet sitter idea I had a bad experience with one so I will not ever call one again...the the vet idea is wonderful..THANKS SOOOO MUCH...I will call my back up vet next week to see what he has to say...My regular vet will never see Speedy again after her comments...my back up vet is wonderful the only reason I do not use him regularly, is he is hours away. I think Speedy would be in wonderful hand with a vet tech...they know what to do and I would feel more comfortable with that.

[yolanda]

Ask Lori Lawrence if she would watch while you are gone. She does special needs and has foster cart dogs before and she is close to you.

When are you going?

[catstamm]

My honest opinion ? :blush2: I would leave the dog at home. A trip that long can meaning nothing but stress for your pup. ;) I don't even take mine to Germany with me and that's just an eight hour flight. I think you dog would be better off with someone back home he knows. (That's how I do it when I travel. )

I know - I haven't been much help in terms of helping you with your travel plans, but that's just what I think. :D;)

BIG :ditto:

[doxiemommy3]

Ask Lori Lawrence if she would watch while you are gone. She does special needs and has foster cart dogs before and she is close to you.

When are you going?


I am going in August (23-30) thats if the date does not get pushed back for unknown reasons....the date is still awhile away but I do not like being unprepared for anything. I have 6 doxies to worry about as well as my 3 girls...I am trying to make sure everything goes smoothly..it will already take all I have to get on a plane I don't want to worry about safety of doxies and kids in other peoples care...so thats why I am planning everything now. But at least I will not be going through doxie withdraw since I will be staying in a doxie home :) BUT Speedy is my main concern now....I need to make sure he is in the best hands...IT WILL BE HARD TO LEAVE HIM.:( we are very very bonded.