What administrative papers do you need to go to the other side of the world with your dog? What is a trip to Thailand with your dog like? and in South Korea? What is transportation like with a dog abroad? Charlène tells you in this article!

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Musher and I travel a lot but very little outside our borders. Traveling abroad with your dog requires very good preparation for the trip. There are many things to know. In this article, you will find valuable tips for preparing for this type of trip.

Charlène from Animaniacs does not have a dog because she changes country for her job very very regularly. When I interviewed her, she was in South Korea in Busan. She also lived in Thailand, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka… At this stage of the article you are surely wondering why I interviewed a person without a dog?? and what is the connection with this article? Charlène is a dog-lover like you and me. The proof is; she created a great blog dedicated to animals: Animaniacs!

And then, in most of the countries she crossed, she joined an animal protection association and cared for and helped many dogs there. I asked her to share her experience with us and to tell us how dogs live in the different countries she has visited, particularly Korea and Thailand. If in France the dog is part of the family, elsewhere it is not always the case. This is important information to also know to travel serenely with your best friend.

Administrative papers

Just like us, your dog needs a European pet passport to leave and re-enter the country. Your pet must also be microchipped and up-to-date on all vaccinations. You should also check with the French embassy regarding the countries you plan to visit, as each has its own rules for pets. The website http://www.pettravel.com/ can also be a good resource for finding all the necessary information. Some countries may require specific tests or quarantine periods, for example. Therefore, it's important to obtain an international health certificate for your pet before you leave.

Of course, remember to take all your certificates and health records with you for the trip.

How is it in Thailand?

In Thailand, what struck Charlène was the number of stray dogs in the cities. They live in packs in the streets and are therefore left to fend for themselves. This poses serious health and safety problems. Charlène worked for the Phangan Animal Care association . She helped the most injured dogs. While some were lucky enough to be adopted, most of them, too feral, were treated and then released near Buddhist temples where the monks are obligated to feed them. The association conducts numerous sterilization campaigns to try to control the problem. She witnessed many scenes of violence against street dogs. Unfortunately, you will find many accounts of this kind on travel forums. Respect for animals is sometimes a foreign concept in this country, which often makes headlines for its animal abuse scandals. It is a magnificent country with breathtaking landscapes; But it's still not easy being a dog over there… If you plan to travel with your dog, the rabies vaccination is mandatory for both of you. Be aware that encounters with stray dogs are almost inevitable… and you'll need to know how to handle the situation.

photo of Charlène in Thailand with a dog

Transportation

To reach Thailand or any other destination, you will need to choose a mode of transport. Here is some information to make your choice.

  • Air travel : Air travel isn't particularly pleasant for dogs, especially long-haul flights. Be sure to check the airline's travel policy for your pet. Some airlines allow small dogs in the cabin, while larger dogs must travel in suitable carriers in the hold. However, for breeds like pugs or bulldogs, flying is strongly discouraged due to their recurring respiratory problems. Some airlines do not accept them.

  • Boat : Traveling by boat is easier. Companies are gradually starting to offer more suitable options for traveling with pets. I'm thinking in particular of Brittany Ferries, which recently changed its regulations to better accommodate animals so they can travel in improved conditions.

  • By train or bus: Animals are rarely allowed on buses, except in exceptional cases such as assistance dogs or, in some instances, small animals. They are more readily accepted on trains (for example, in France, SNCF allows certain dogs). It remains quite difficult to travel with a pet, even though these modes of transport are frequently used because they are more economical.

The best option is to travel by car or campervan . This mode of transport offers considerable freedom and ultimately saves a lot of money.

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How is it in South Korea?

Charlène currently lives in Busan, South Korea. She works for the BAPS (Busan Abandoned Pet Sanctuary) association . Tiny dogs are king in Korea. On the small street where she lives, there are three pet shops overflowing with dog accessories. Coats, hair clips, shoes, perfume… everything is there to dress up (or clown?) your dog. According to Charlène, you can even paint their ears or the tip of their tail blue or pink there… I'll let you be the judge of these practices. Personally: 😡😡!! It's important to know that Koreans only adopt puppies. Adult dogs up for adoption have virtually no chance of being adopted, so the association Charlène works for sends them to Europe to give them a chance to find a new, loving family. Many cocker spaniels arrive at the association. A cocker spaniel puppy is so cute, but of course, they grow up! And since it is an overpopulated country where every square meter counts, a dog that is too big is quickly abandoned… Society’s awareness is changing and so is the place of the dog, but there is still a long way to go for respect for animals… and Charlene’s daily work is proof of that.

photo of Charlène in South Korea in Busan with dogs

Animal welfare while traveling

After this little Korean bubble, here are some tips to ensure that your companion's trip goes well in Korea or elsewhere. It's great to travel with your pet, but you should never forget its well-being:

  • A first aid kit dedicated: as for us, your dog must have its own first aid kit. It is not uncommon for animals to have small digestive problems, especially after a long journey. Stress can also strongly affect our doggies. To avoid a few panic attacks, there are essential oils or small tablets that you can take and give to him before departure.
  • His personal effects: like a child, the dog needs to be entertained but also to have some bearings. So remember to take along some of his favorite toys and his blanket/basket, for example, in order to keep a familiar smell.
  • Maintain your eating habits: it is best not to change your eating habits overnight. You can bring his favorite croquettes with you and change his diet little by little during the trip.
  • Choose your favorite a dog carrier adapted in which he feels good: the transport cage is a very important or even the most important element of the trip. She will follow you almost everywhere. It is therefore important to opt for a cage that is perfectly adapted to its size and which complies with the rules given by the transport companies with which you will be traveling. It is advisable to get your pet used to going there or even sleeping there before the start of the trip so that on the big day, transport can be done more easily with less stress.

Thanks to the advice in this article and Charlène's experience, which shows us that dogs have a different status in each country, I'll conclude this article by briefly introducing her blog, Animaniacs.fr . On her blog, you'll find tips for taking good care of your dog and other animals, articles to help you understand and learn about animals, and information about animals available for adoption! Go check it out; you should like it 🙂 or visit her Facebook page.