We've debated on taking our pets with us, as we have our golden retriever, (Sunshine) and then our two kitties, Starlight and Shadow. I don't think the cats would do as well being confined to the boat. They are outdoor cats and love to roam around outside. They also get motion sickness--so they would not enjoy sailing at all. It's been decided that the kitties will be going to my parents' house for the time we are away. They will have their siblings at the barn to play with as well, so win-win!
Sunshine (Sunny) LOVES to sail. She even knows the words "go sailing" and is often at the car door before we even have our shoes on. Since she will be sailing with us, there are quite a few piles of paperwork for me to go through. I have started researching the process for bringing a dog into foreign countries and so far, as long as we have a few things taken care of, she will be welcomed.
When arriving to a new country by sea, you are still required to check into customs. Sometimes they come out to your boat and other times you have to go ashore. With a dog, that gets a little complicated, especially for countries with pet quarantine regulations.
Some of the things on the list required for Sunny are:
1. Microchip: she already has a North American microchip, but now has to get an International Microchip. The info for all of this can be found here. Select the country you are interested in and go from there.
**update: turns out she actually does have the correct 15-digit microchip**
2. Since we are planning on starting out in the Med, we are following the steps for Sunny's EU Pet Passport.
3. USDA Endorsed Health Certificate
4. Rabies Certificate
5. Rabies Titer Test Certificate
So, after completing those steps, she will still be required to meet other regulations, depending upon the country. Thankfully, we've been able to find that information online (see step 1 above). Some countries require an import permit about a month in advance and notification 24 hours before arrival.
We are starting the process with our vet this week, which gives us plenty of time to get everything accomplished.
**update: As of March, we have completed the titer portion and received the paperwork back. She is all set with the exception of getting the health certificate endorsed by an APHIS vet office and one final check up 10 days before we depart.**
Airline Travel: Updated as of March 2017: We are now in the process of researching the airline requirements. As she is a larger breed, weighing in at about 70 pounds, she will have to ride in the cargo area of the plane. Google around and there are a lot of scary stories out there. Jared called the airline we are flying with (because I was already starting to stress out about this) and we learned that they have pressurized cargo holds, heat cycles down from the cabin, and that the pets are checked on throughout the flight. I looked up reviews online as well, and so far, have not found anything negative. I will still stress out a little though. Wish she could ride in the cabin with us, but unless she was a certified therapy dog, that isn't allowed. Yes, I've already googled how to get this done, but no time with 2 months left until we leave.
Pet Supplies to bring on board (I'll do a more extensive post on this as we get closer to departure, but here is a general overview for now):
1. Medication: Sunny has skin allergies and is on two different types of meds for this. We will also bring other meds in case she contracts something. Canned pumpkin and white rice are other items to have on board in case she has any gastro issues. I've also learned about how to get your dog to vomit with hydrogen peroxide in case she ingests something she shouldn't. Yep, we will have quite an extensive medical kit for her, just like we will have for the rest of the family.
2. Life harness, tether, collar, leash, etc. All labeled appropriately.
3. Flea, tick, and heartworm medication: she takes one pill every 90 days to prevent fleas/ticks and a separate pill for heartworm.
4. Dog food, treats: she eats a brand called 'Taste of the Wild' right now but we know that we will have to just get what is available in the country we are in at the time.
5. Grooming gear: shampoo, brush/comb, toothbrush, nail clippers, etc.
6. Check-ups: she'll go to a vet for check-ups or to update the Passport/paperwork as needed.
I found a lot of other great info on sailing pups here. Many thanks to LahoWind for the info! =)
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