Travelling with our dog

 

Those of us who share our lives with an animal know that travelling can sometimes become more complicated and require extra planning. But that does not mean we have to give up spending our holidays together, even if our destination lies on the other side of the Mediterranean.

 

As members of the family, our dogs do not have to be left behind, and sea travel is a great ally in making this possible. Flying is certainly much faster, but the restrictions on travelling with pets are also greater, particularly for medium-sized and large dogs, which have to travel in the hold.

 

Travelling by ferry has become the preferred option for many people thanks to the convenience of taking our own car, an advantage that becomes even more important when a pet is coming with us. Sadly, Spain is still a long way from being considered a pet-friendly country, and travelling with a dog on public transport is currently impossible in most cities. However, this will not be a problem if we take our vehicle on the ferry, which will also help the animal feel more secure in unfamiliar surroundings.

 

 

Planning the journey

Pet admission policies may vary depending on the company we travel with, so it is important to check the conditions before buying the ticket. In general, a separate booking must be made for the dog, with a fee based on the route, and the animal must travel with an up-to-date vaccination record.

 

Today, all vessels have designated pet areas with ventilated cages or carriers protected from bad weather. Pets cannot travel in passenger areas, but their owners may visit them during the crossing, subject to each vessel’s rules. Depending on our dog’s temperament and whether it is used to sailing, we should discuss with our vet whether a mild sedative might help it remain calm during the journey. Of course, we should never give our dog medication without a veterinary prescription.

 

 

Time to set sail

On the day of travel, it is a good idea to take the dog for a long walk beforehand so that it arrives at the ferry relaxed and has had a chance to relieve itself. Feeding it just before the journey is not advisable, as it may become seasick and vomit.

 

When boarding, we must keep the dog on a lead and make sure it is wearing a muzzle, have its vaccination record to hand and speak to the company’s staff, who will help us settle the animal in the designated area. We can leave it a bowl of water, its blanket or a toy that will reassure it. Wet wipes are also useful in case it relieves itself in the cage, vomits or spills the water. It probably will not happen, but it is best to be prepared! All that remains is to check the visiting times and enjoy the crossing!