Me and My Dog in Europe
Mar 28th, 2005, 08:47 AM
#41
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The essentially wonderful thing about traveling with your pet, particularly in Europe, is not having to leave one of your family members behind -- not having to abandon your furry friend.
We all love our dogs (and cats), and life is sweeter with them than without. Writing "Ella in Europe" reminded me that the loving companionship of a well-behaved mutt is so much fun most Americans wrapped up in rules and regulations just can't stand it.
That's why we have Europe!
We all love our dogs (and cats), and life is sweeter with them than without. Writing "Ella in Europe" reminded me that the loving companionship of a well-behaved mutt is so much fun most Americans wrapped up in rules and regulations just can't stand it.
That's why we have Europe!
Mar 28th, 2005, 09:39 PM
#43
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How do you get your dog certified as a "service dog". We have a Norfolk/Newfoundland type terrier that just tears out heart out when we have to leave for job related travels. WE smuggle him to different trade shows when we can but NY is out as he is not used to going to the bathroom on concrete. We would never consider putting him in cargo - it seems too stressful with the noise and being alone in the cargo hold - I would rather suffer the loneliness than put my pet through it but with other dogs that are used to it I am sure it is fine. However, I would like to know about taking your US pet into Europe and back. Don't they need to be quarantined or something like that in US? We are not terribly dog friendly here and it sucks.
Mar 29th, 2005, 08:29 AM
#44
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Getting your dog certified is a long and trying process that requires much specialized training. It's not something to do merely so you may travel with your pet. For the dogs it's a job.
There's no longer a quarantine in Europe. (Nor are there any formal borders that require paperwork.) Your dog may be with you from the moment you arrive.
There's no longer a quarantine in Europe. (Nor are there any formal borders that require paperwork.) Your dog may be with you from the moment you arrive.
Mar 29th, 2005, 08:38 AM
#45
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Mike - I read an excerpt from your book and find it to be heartwarming and so charming. Ella is a gem. All of my pets have been rescues - abandoned or abused. On some level they know we have rescued them.
A friend of mine takes her pets to the park you mentioned. I wouldn't be surprised if you knew her. Jeanne Marie. Tall, thin and blond hair way past her waist. One of her dogs is Jesse a big black pitbull who is so gentle.
A friend of mine takes her pets to the park you mentioned. I wouldn't be surprised if you knew her. Jeanne Marie. Tall, thin and blond hair way past her waist. One of her dogs is Jesse a big black pitbull who is so gentle.
Mar 29th, 2005, 08:53 AM
#46
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Re: quarantine and paperwork
We are about to embark on our third trip to Europe with our 14-year-old Westie. This trip we'll actually be going through the process to receive a European Pet Passport, which wil allow passage through the UK. In the past, the UK has been the big bugaboo for travelers with dogs. Just recently, they've changed their regs to allow you to essentially do the mandatory six-month quarantine BEFORE you travel there.
Please be advised that, although there are no country-to-country border inspections within the EU now (other than England), when you arrive in Europe you may be required to show, at the very least, proof of current rabies vaccination and a vet's exam made within the last ten days before you traveled.
Your airline will advise you of necessary paperwork to meet their rigid standards, and it's also a good idea to check with your local consulate for the country you'll be flying into.
And, by the way, I reiterate that the cargo sections for animal transport are now temperature-controlled and pressurized. It's only out on the tarmac and in the baggage area that your dog may be exposed to temperature extremes, and there are also rules in place to protect your dog from that.
I could go on and on, having done this recently, but I've got to go pack now!
We would never leave her at home, because we go for six months. She loves France!
We are about to embark on our third trip to Europe with our 14-year-old Westie. This trip we'll actually be going through the process to receive a European Pet Passport, which wil allow passage through the UK. In the past, the UK has been the big bugaboo for travelers with dogs. Just recently, they've changed their regs to allow you to essentially do the mandatory six-month quarantine BEFORE you travel there.
Please be advised that, although there are no country-to-country border inspections within the EU now (other than England), when you arrive in Europe you may be required to show, at the very least, proof of current rabies vaccination and a vet's exam made within the last ten days before you traveled.
Your airline will advise you of necessary paperwork to meet their rigid standards, and it's also a good idea to check with your local consulate for the country you'll be flying into.
And, by the way, I reiterate that the cargo sections for animal transport are now temperature-controlled and pressurized. It's only out on the tarmac and in the baggage area that your dog may be exposed to temperature extremes, and there are also rules in place to protect your dog from that.
I could go on and on, having done this recently, but I've got to go pack now!
We would never leave her at home, because we go for six months. She loves France!
Mar 29th, 2005, 07:43 PM
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Mike, Ella is part greyhound?? How cool is that ? 
My daughter has 2 greyhounds and I have a standard poodle ( called a greyhound with an Afro recently) .. so we are all interested in the book and the television show.
I have told friends in NY about it too, you know how we Dog lovers are, news passes around quickly ((&
)
Question: are the dogs in the Delta Organisation considered Companion dogs?
Thanks~
My daughter has 2 greyhounds and I have a standard poodle ( called a greyhound with an Afro recently) .. so we are all interested in the book and the television show.
I have told friends in NY about it too, you know how we Dog lovers are, news passes around quickly ((&
)Question: are the dogs in the Delta Organisation considered Companion dogs?
Thanks~
Mar 30th, 2005, 08:42 AM
#48
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Ella is a registered Therapy Dog, which is indeed overseen by the Delta Society. I'm not sure exactly what a Companion Dog is, but it sounds similar.
Regarding her "part greyhound" lineage: Any time she fails to keep up I remind her that she's not a purebred greyhound -- because then she wouldn't be so slow. On the other hand, because she's only part Lab, she retains her slender figure.
Regarding her "part greyhound" lineage: Any time she fails to keep up I remind her that she's not a purebred greyhound -- because then she wouldn't be so slow. On the other hand, because she's only part Lab, she retains her slender figure.
Apr 10th, 2005, 04:25 AM
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For those of you looking for the book at Barnes & Noble - I've been scanning the travel essay section since reading the first post without luck. Last night I asked for help at Customer Service and Mike's book is in the pet section (not travel).
Mike, I've just started reading the book but am already enchanted.
Mike, I've just started reading the book but am already enchanted.
Apr 10th, 2005, 01:12 PM
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Mike, my copy of your book arrived from Amazon a couple of days ago, and I'm in the midst of reading it. It's absolutely delightful - and I'm already in love with Ella! In fact, I fell in love with her right at the "puppy" beginning, when you did (when she was copying everything the "big" dog did).
Honestly, this book is so touching for anyone who has ever loved a dog(s) - I really think it's a must-read. And a great travel journal, too! I absolutely understand why Fodor's invited Mike to post on here.
Honestly, this book is so touching for anyone who has ever loved a dog(s) - I really think it's a must-read. And a great travel journal, too! I absolutely understand why Fodor's invited Mike to post on here.
Apr 11th, 2005, 04:40 AM
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What a great read! I got "Ella in Europe" on Saturday morning & finished it Sunday night. As the owner of my very own lab-greyhound mix (Eve) who was rescued from the pound 2 yrs ago, it was especially heart-warming.
I remarked on a recent trip to Cinque Terre in Italy, how much more fun the hikes between the towns would've been had Eve been along!
I remarked on a recent trip to Cinque Terre in Italy, how much more fun the hikes between the towns would've been had Eve been along!
Oct 15th, 2005, 05:32 PM
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Thanks for the info and encouragement. I am now thinking I may take the plunge and bring our well behaved, hates to be parted from us, terrier mix with us this november. He weighs 5 lbs. Would he be considered my carry-on?
Yolanda
Yolanda
Oct 15th, 2005, 05:59 PM
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Do all your homework with the specific airline you'll fly and with the laws of your destination, and with your vet. Not many airlines will take pets overseas anymore, and the number of pets in the cabin per flight is limited and must be reserved.
Think about where you will stay, what you will do, whether dogs will be allowed at any of those places, and what you'll do with the dog if you can't bring it in with you somewhere.
Is it a nervous nellie kind of dog, a very sociable dog, a yappy dog...? Think about your 'neighbors' and whether your dog's behavior will affect tham. (not just the plane, in the hotel, everywhere).
Think about where you will stay, what you will do, whether dogs will be allowed at any of those places, and what you'll do with the dog if you can't bring it in with you somewhere.
Is it a nervous nellie kind of dog, a very sociable dog, a yappy dog...? Think about your 'neighbors' and whether your dog's behavior will affect tham. (not just the plane, in the hotel, everywhere).
Oct 16th, 2005, 08:43 AM
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Yes I am thinking of all the spots we are considering. Our dog is very well behaved and although he is nervous about meeting new folks he is quite socialable and not yappy. Thanks for the thoughts re:airlines and I will check with Delta tomorrow about their regs. He is up to date with shots and when I checked about Italy Switzerland and France they all said pretty much the same thing about the certificate from the vet and a good health exam 10 days prior to lift off...we are leasing a car and he travels well (takes up hardly any room!) and I figured he could wait in the car if need be if we go to a museum or such. It wouldn't be hot in Nov and he will be ok as long as he has water.I think he would fare better and he was no trouble went we visited the South (from DC to Savannah) for two weeks last year. In fact he is very sweet and lots of folks want to meet him so I think it would actually make meeting some locals easier...esp in dog friendly Europe!
Oct 17th, 2005, 10:06 AM
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Mike,
Shortly after your original post, we read your book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Our German shepherd is a retired animal assisted therapy dog. Years ago, we took her to the same training (at the same location!) as Ella. So we knew some of the people you described -- that was too funny.
Woody
Shortly after your original post, we read your book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Our German shepherd is a retired animal assisted therapy dog. Years ago, we took her to the same training (at the same location!) as Ella. So we knew some of the people you described -- that was too funny.
Woody
Nov 10th, 2005, 10:17 AM
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It is wild that I found this message board. I am in the process of getting my dog to move with me to Europe soon, Amsterdam I think, and I had a lot of questions that were answered by this post. My dog is a registered service dog and I have brought him with me to the east coast from San Francisco with no problem, everyone on the plane loved him! But going all the way to Amsterdam is going to be a different storry. We will probably stop on the East coast for a break. I do love Amsterdam and they love dogs there so I know he will be happy dispite all the rain there. I don't know however if his service dog status in the States mean squat over there? I don't know how easy it will be traveling on trains over there? I'm sure there will be some things to get used to but does anyone have any more insight to this? Has anyone brought their dog to another country? You can see him as soon as you go to my website, he's pretty big www.melchiano.com.
