Getting Ready to Travel with Your Dog
12 Months to Go: The Big Prep
A year before takeoff, we kicked off the planning process for Yoki's big adventure. From travel training to securing her pet passport and booking flights, we made sure to cover every base. Pro tip: Check your countryâs specific flight requirements earlyârules vary wildly!
8 Months to Go: Vet Visits
At the 8-month mark, Yoki had her first travel consult. This included a general health check and the all-important rabies vaccine. If you're heading to the EU, this step is crucial. A rabies antibody titration test is mandatory, and hereâs the timeline:
The test must be performed at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine.
If the test is successful, youâll need to wait an additional 3 months before your furry friend can travel.
Make sure an authorised vet handles this process to meet all legal requirements.
Travel Training: Prepping for the Journey
Every dogâs training needs are different. Boston Terriers like Yoki are clever yet a little stubborn (if you know, you know). Luckily, sheâs calm and patient, so we focused on three key areas:
Staying at our feet: This is essential for public transport like trains and ferries. We made Yoki two identical cotton mats with durable, insulated backing and trained her to sit on them everywhere we went. Now, whether sheâs on a ferry or in a cafĂ©, she knows her designated spot. Sheâs always on a leash and harness when outside for added security.
Carrying her own luggage: Yep, Yoki pulls her weight! Since she loves wearing harnesses, adding a saddlebag wasnât a big adjustment. On hiking days, she carries essentials like her mat, puppy pads, a toy, treats, and a waste bag. Meanwhile, we handle her snow parka, raincoat, collapsible bowl, towel, and pet passport.
Gear and Safety Tips
Nearly everything we needed was a quick Amazon or You tube find. Her saddlebag includes a tag with our contact details, and her microchip ensures added peace of mind.
We also did our research and purchased a Tractive tracking device that attaches to Yoki's harness. It is a simple to use device that runs from our phone app. You never know what might happen, so itâs always better to be prepared.