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Having just returned from Italy with Husband, Dad, Daughter and 2 labradors I thought I would tell of our experiences from the dog perspective!

Dogs travelled in an extra large cage in the back of my Galaxy with seats 6 & 7 removed, they had water at all times and cool air from floor cabin air vents. No checks on the dogs leaving the UK. Stopped every 4-5hrs en-route for at least 30 mins for exercise etc. Stopped overnight for 9 hrs at fantastic services in Switzerland-no time limit, no charges (they could teach us a thing or two about services) sorry can't remember where! Several other outfits and campervans thought this was a good indicator we would be safe to stop there. Overall journey time from tunnel to lake como was 29 hrs including all stops.

Took the dogs absolutely everywhere we went, as long as we sat outside at restaurants the dogs were more than welcome, we were never turned away. Obviously we couldn't take them into shops, churches etc but we took turns to sit at a nearby cafe with them. Even though the temps were late 20's, we found plenty of shade opportunities (The towns around the lakes are built with streets traditionally close together to keep cool in Summer). They were even welcome on the lake tourist ferries, of the 3 we travelled on only 1 requested muzzles. At all times we carried water and a bowl in a back pack. Had several walks up mountains, dogs off leads.

We visited a vets in Canzo before leaving, fortunately our friend translated for us. They were very efficient, but make sure you double check that paperwork. On returning to the tunnel we sailed through the dog check procedures but there were two lots of people who were being sent away with incorrect treatment and paperwork.

By the way got back to the tunnel in 26 hrs including all stops and 6hrs sleep. Only paid 1 toll fee on return journey (none going down) as the sat-nav hadn't got one newly opened road in its system in Switzerland. Vignette to travel through Switzerland was 67 euros for car and caravan.

Wouldn't hesitate to take the dogs again, it has been a real learning curve, if you don't try you never know. The dogs are our family too!

Hmm., we've done France a couple of times, but your epic has given us courage to venture on. We always felt they were better with us and your message confirms this. We really enjoy the lack of prejudice shown in mainland Europe!

Adrian

Over the years we have taken our Yorkie(s) everywhere with us including France and Germany (if the dog can't go we don't go) but you have really got us thinking. We have always wanted to visit Italy and it looks as though now it just might happen. Well done and thank you.

Mike

I have read with great interest about taking our canine friends abroad. I havent gone abroad in our motorhome, but the prospects sound quite promising from your comments. What do you need, and what do you have to do to get the 'paperwork'? We are seniors and rather 'green' in such matters.

Thanks in anticipation of replies

Quote: Originally posted by forbern on 20/8/2011

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I have read with great interest about taking our canine friends abroad. I havent gone abroad in our motorhome, but the prospects sound quite promising from your comments. What do you need, and what do you have to do to get the 'paperwork'? We are seniors and rather 'green' in such matters.

Thanks in anticipation of replies

 

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Quote: Originally posted by tazlabret on 20/8/2011                              as long as we sat outside at restaurants . Obviously we couldn't take them into shops, churches etc but we took turns to sit at a nearby cafe with them.

 

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Mmmm... I wouldn't want to have to sit outside at restaurants, take turns at cafes and be barred from shops and churches..... and isn't it swimming pools, museums and concerts as well ? And quite a lot of beaches ? I think there's an awful lot we couldn't do in italy if we took dogs.

You obviously love your dogs, but I love my sort of holidays too. But I'm glad you enjoyed yours.

I usually tour around Germany accompanied by my border collie.  Providing you ask at the restaurant first if the dog is allowed in with you they will, in most cases, say yes.  My dog lies under the table until we have finished the meal.

I have found the european countries are far more friendly towards pets.  Spain, Italy and France all fantastic but beware the months of Feb to Apr with the movement of the "processionary caterpillars" and take the necessary precautions to safeguard your pet.

Ian

Quote: Originally posted by cooljules on 20/8/2011

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i have taken my dog a few times around europe.....its no problem at all. and the dog was popular by evreyone in germany and poland we met.

cant belive how many people would rather put them in kennels or leave em behind.... i mean you go on a family holiday, and the dog is part of the family.....so take him with you, not in a kennel prison cell for a week or 2 wondering what its done wrong so you have left him .lol

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not sure that is fair as for some dogs going would be hell!   We have one lab that I am sure would really love to go this far afield with us  and is a really peaceful traveller though mad once out the car.  The other dog, rottie/lab cross, is very car sick and even short camping trips in this country are a trial for her, and us too of course!  

One previous dog would bark at all passing lorries/vans etc so you can imagine the stress for us and for the dog too.  ( I think she thought the cars were attacking)

Not every one uses kennels either.  At the moment we are lucky to have teenage son or son in early 20s that can babysit dogs at home but have used kennels when needed and the dogs came back without any strange or stressy behaviours!

In addition excess heat can be really bad for some dogs.  Labs cope fine and you can always get then in the nearest sea/lake etc for a cool down but big dogs, hairy dogs and dogs with heart conditions would not cope with the heat as well.

It really is a personal thing depending on the dog and the family needs plus things like the weather/area etc.

Having said that we are thinking of getting our lab vacinated for next year so he can come too but we don't have little kids needing lots of hand on attention anymore

Quote: Originally posted by cooljules on 23/8/2011

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my dog is hairy, and also has a very bad heart but loves to go, is fine in the car for hours. the dog copes better in the heat than my car does.

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as I said above, really it is about the dog and the circumstances and everyone needs to use their own judgement but not feel bad if they choose not to.

  My rottie does not cope with heat  well, but a double coat and thick build, plus black hair lead to this and they are known for not coping in the heat. 

 Other dogs do fine !   And as she is car sick and stressed for the entire time she is in a car then long travel is to be avoided and would actually be quite cruel.   We have attempted to build up her time in the car to get her used to it but not working so far!

I am not aruging that it is wrong to take them, only that you can't really judge that it is best to take in all circumstances.