Hello all:

I'm going to Germany next spring, and I'm thinking about taking my small poodle, as Europe is much more dog-friendly than the U.S. I'll only be gone about a week. Has anyone else done this, and how was your experience?

For a short trip, my advice is don't do it.
While there is a pet passport scheme (PETS) for taking domestic pets from US to EU countries, there is a lot of red tape involved, such as prior vaccination, imbedded chip, and vetenerary checks just prior to travel; restriction on airlines and routes.

You baby will be much happier for one week w/ a pet sitter or even in a boarding kennel than w/ two long haul flights (or more likely 4, counting connections

For a week - or even a month - I would not even consider it.

For 6 months, or a year - it might be reasonable. But for <u>one week</u> no way no how.

Too much hassle, and stress on the animal. How many animals like to fly?? (besides birds) Animals thrive on routine and familiarity.

Thanks all! Good points.

For just a week there is no question that your dog would be better off NOT going.
The cargo holds on the plane are close to freezing...she'll need to be in a crate....sedated etc. Very hard on the dog.
We took our small poodle mix when we moved to West.Africa for 3 years...and on to Portugal for 2 years. (she came back one summer with us to see a vet about small eye surgery). In those days some of the overseas carriers would allow ONE dog per cabin..(under 12 lbs.), in a tiny box under the seat. (I would get her out and put her on my lap under my coat,,, for the flight. She was sedated!
That dog lived to be 17 yrs of age!!!
I'd never , nowdays, take a dog for a week, or even a month,,as someone else said.

GermanyGirl,

While it is true that Europe is more dog-friendly than the U.S., Germany is not very friendly to poodles. When I was in Germany this summer, I saw a poodle being hissed at, and another poodle had mustard flung on it. Very traumatic.