Do you have an adventurous spirit and love to go by land, sea and air? If this is your case, do not put the dog as an excuse, because today you can take it with you by car & boat to the end of the world, or almost.
But, before, do not forget to consult the different regulations of each of the means and transport companies; Also write down the advice we give you below, so that the only odyssey is that of your own trip.
Traveling by car
It is the medium chosen by most people when they decide to travel with their dog, for the comfort and freedom it offers. However, we must remember some essential rules and recommendations to make the journey as bearable and happy for everyone.
1. Attachment:
The number one rule is that the dog can never go loose inside the car, it must always travel well secured; To achieve this, we will opt for reliable systems, which have proven their effectiveness with crash and impact tests and are approved, by European regulations, such as ECE R17 (seat resistance) or DIN 75410-2 (load securing in vehicles); We will choose the retention system, according to the size or weight of our dog.
2. Carrier:
For security, you have to put it on the floor, behind the passenger seat ; never place it in the back seat attached with the seat belt since, in case of impact, the support and the upper part of the cabin would be broken, causing serious injury to the dog and the occupants.
3. Harness with two hooks:
Remember, with two, not one, the DGT emphasizes that; the second option is disastrous, according to their criteria; on the contrary, the harness with two hooks holds the dog doubly, by gripping the seat belt or Isofix devices (restraint anchors) effectively and preventing the dog from projecting forward; It is recommended that the joint system be short, to prevent the animal from bumping into the seats, which would result in significant injuries to both the animal and people.
4. Networks or dividing bar:
They are designed to carry the dog in the trunk and prevent it from entering the occupant area; they are usually used in family vehicles or with a tailgate and for large dogs; the barrier fits the floor and ceiling and can be easily removed; We must ensure that there are no gaps. The separating bars have a similar function to the networks and are more resistant; there are made to fit the car.
5. Rest:
It is essential to make a stop, at least every two hours of travel; you will not be able to do it in a dog rest area, because they hardly exist in Spain; but you will find a pioneer in the Tudanca Area, at km 152 of the Burgos highway (A1); It is a limited area, specifically designed for dogs to run, drink or make their needs, without disturbing anyone and without the danger of escaping to the road.
6. Water and hydration:
Indispensable to bring water and a drinking fountain; It is also important for your dog to cool down and withstand high temperatures.
7. Car and heat:
Do not leave your dog alone in the car, especially in hot weather; a heat stroke can be fatal; so, to the faithful friend, always take it with you and controlled.
Sailing
In USA, when we want to travel with our dog by boat, we must know that there is no specific regulation in this regard. With this legal vacuum, each company sets its specific conditions. Although, logically, they all emphasize the safety and welfare of passengers and animals.
Next, we offer you a brushstroke on the general conditions for the transport of domestic animals in two of the main operating companies in our country.
1. Trans-Mediterranean:
The Company makes it clear on its website: only on its fast boats, dogs and cats can travel on board with their owners; the other requirement is that animals must be small in size and go inside a carrier:
The cabin must measure a maximum of 50 X 40 X 25 cm, and the weight of the animal plus that of the transport must not exceed 6 kg.
For the rest of the animals, the transport will be carried out only in the spaces enabled for this purpose. Each ship has approved cages, located in the ship’s hold, in specific places to ensure proper ventilation.
Trasmediterranea gives you the possibility to visit your dog when you request it and for this you must communicate it to the crew.
In some cases and, depending on the path and circumstances of your dog, they will allow you to take a walk through authorized areas.
This Company has a veterinary service open 24 hours a day, in order to attend at any time any doubt or indisposition of the animals that are on board.
2. Balearia:
The one who warns is not a traitor, Balearia makes it very clear on his website: “If you want to travel with your pet, you must make a reservation and obtain the corresponding boarding pass, so that your pet can access the ship. Pets may be denied boarding without reservation in case there is no availability of carriers”. What else should we consider? We will explain it to you right away.
They have 3 types of rooms for pets and you must choose the right one for your animal at the time of booking:
Small cage: For pets less than 30 kg in weight; the maximum height of these rooms ranges between 50-75 cm.
Large cage: For pets weighing more than 30 kg; maximum height: 70-91 cm.
Transporting own: you take your transporting, if you opt for this option.
Before starting the trip, ask the veterinarian to advise you about the food, drink and medications you should take along the way; remember also that your dog must be aware of vaccines, wormed and carry the identification chip; don’t forget to have the canine passport at hand.
During the trip: The animals must go in the cages equipped by Balearia or in their own carriers, located where the crew indicates; under no circumstances may they leave the cage or walk on the deck.
Attachment with a leash and muzzle: Our dog must be attached with a leash and wear a protective muzzle, both on boarding and landing, is a mandatory regulation even if the dog is harmless.