Always there for you: 5 useful tips from INFOBUS how to travel with your pets

Traveling is calling, new places and countries beckon, but pet owners face many additional challenges: how to prepare their pet for the trip, ensure its comfort during the trip, and draw up all the necessary documents. After all, every trip with a four-legged friend requires careful planning. Traveling with pets is quite possible if you know how to organize the trip properly.

5 tips for safe pet travel

INFOBUS cares not only about you, but also about all your furry, eared and tailed friends! We offer bus, train and plane tickets within Ukraine and abroad, ensuring a comfortable journey for your whole family, even those members who move on four legs and need special care and attention.

Travelling with a pet is an extra dose of positive emotions and joy. But you need to plan everything carefully so that nothing spoils it. INFOBUS has prepared some tips to help you make your trip with your pet as comfortable and safe as possible.

Preparing for your trip

Make sure you have a standard first aid kit for animals that contains antiseptic, bandages, ointments and other necessary materials. Stock up on any medications your animal takes in its daily routine. Make sure they have a sufficient expiry date. 

Visit the vet to make sure your pet is healthy. Check that all vaccinations are up-to-date. Remember that each country may require a specific vaccination. Check the list of vaccines required for entry, not only for the country you are travelling to, but also for those you will be crossing in transit. 

Don't forget about pet insurance and an international passport. A safe and comfortable trip for your pet begins with an attentive to the details of the preparatory stage.

Comfortable travelling

A pet carrier is not only a means of safe transportation, but also an important attribute that affects the comfort and safety of your pet during a trip. It is a kind of safety island where your friend will feel calm and cosy. It's important to choose a carrier of the right size, where your pet can stand, sit, and turn around freely. Likewise, it should have enough space for your pet, but not be too big.

Make sure the carrier is well ventilated. Ensuring optimal air circulation is key for your pet's comfort and peace of mind.

Identification

Remember, microchipping of cats and dogs is a prerequisite for entering EU countries. This helps to quickly find the owner in case of a pet loss or any other unforeseen situation.

A collar with the owner's contact information is another important element of identification. Put your name, phone number, and any other useful information on it.

Safety at bus stops

When you're travelling with your furry friend, it's important to keep them comfortable and safe during stops. Always keep your pet on a leash. This helps to avoid unforeseen situations and protects him from danger in unknown areas. Don't forget to take waste bags.

For a walk during the stop, choose the calmest and cleanest areas with a minimum of threats to animals. Find shady places in summer and warm, open areas in winter.

During stops, pay attention to your pet's behaviour and condition. Check if he looks happy and shows no signs of stress.

Water and food

Make sure you have an adequate supply of clean water for your pet. It should be potable and fresh. If necessary, bring a drinker or bowl with you.

Do not change your pet's diet while travelling. Provide a supply of its usual food to avoid traumatic changes in nutrition. And don't forget your pet's favourite treats and toys. This will help overcome stress or fear and cheer up your faithful companion.

Important changes in the paperwork for pets

As of September 16, 2024, the European Union has changed the rules for traveling with pets. Now, to travel with a cat, dog, raccoon, or other pet, you need to have:

1. Rabies antibody test - the test must be done no earlier than 30 days after vaccination and no later than 90 days before entry.
2. Accredited laboratories - the test must be done in an EU-approved laboratory. In Ukraine, this can be done in Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa.
3. Microchip or tattoo - to identify the animal.
4. A veterinary passport is a mandatory document that must meet EU standards.

Before traveling with animals to the EU, you should also consider:

• one person is allowed to import up to 5 animals over 15 weeks old;
• may need to be treated 24-120 hours before entry for echinococcus;
• some countries require prior online notification and impose bans on certain breeds;
• each carrier has its own rules for the transportation of animals;
• insurance and translation of documents are required.

These measures are aimed at creating safe conditions for both your pets and other animals. Regular vaccinations and testing help prevent the spread of many diseases.

If your pets are not just family members, but part of a "travelling gang", then INFOBUS is your reliable partner in every adventure. Because it is important to us that your journeys are not only comfortable, but also full of fun adventures and fond memories. 

Have a safe and fun journey with INFOBUS!

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Best regards, INFOBUS!