Animal rights: Travelling with cats and dogs - what you need to know
Are you planning a trip with your pets? Then you'll find helpful tips here on duration, destinations and the most important requirements for the most relaxed journey possible.
Cats whimpering from transport boxes on the bus, dogs peering out of travel bags on the plane or out of the boot of the car: when I see travelling animals and wonder how long they'll be on the road, I get an oppressive feeling. I know how constricting travelling by car or plane can be for me, but for an animal?
To find out what four-legged friends can expect on holiday, I asked Marie-Lou Laissue, legal researcher at the Foundation for Animals in the Law.
Marie-Lou Laissue, should I travel with an animal at all?
Travelling with an animal usually means stress. Whether you should or not depends on the type of animal, its character and its state of health. As a general rule, if you are not prepared to adapt your trip to your pet's needs - for example in terms of holiday destination, accommodation or day planning - you should leave your pet at home.
Assuming I am travelling pet-friendly: What is the maximum length of time I should be travelling in one go?The maximum permitted journey time in one go is six hours. During this time, animals must have enough water and be protected from excessive heat, cold and draughts.
How long should the break last after these six hours?
The journey can be resumed after a break of at least two hours. For dogs, however, it is advisable to take a break every two hours so that they can move and groom themselves.
What should I take with me on the journey?
Your luggage should include sufficient drinking water and food, bowls, a bed and your pet's favourite toy. For dogs, a spare collar, a second lead and, depending on the destination and character of the animal, a muzzle are also recommended.
Are there any health precautions I should take?
Yes, an emergency first-aid kit with disinfectant, bandages, tweezers, tick tweezers, eye drops, ointment, fever gauge and diarrhoea tablets is a must. Before any major trip, you should also have your pet checked by a vet and enquire about special medication or vaccinations for the country you are travelling to.
That sounds like a lot of effort. Let's take a quick look at public transport: when does an animal need a ticket?Animals with a maximum height of 30 centimetres may travel free of charge in Switzerland if they are transported in crates, baskets or other suitable containers. For all other animals, a half-price ticket must be purchased.
What do I need to bear in mind when travelling by public transport? For example with regard to noise
Other passengers must not be disturbed by the animal travelling with you. Dogs must therefore be kept in a safe place. Certain cantonal dog laws also stipulate that dogs must be kept on a lead or wear a muzzle on public transport.
Back to the car: How should I secure an animal? Can it travel in the back seat?
In road traffic law, animals are considered cargo. This means that they must be secured in such a way that they cannot fall off or endanger or inconvenience anyone. An unsecured animal can be thrown through the car with great force during heavy braking. This can be fatal not only for the animal, but also for the other passengers. An animal should therefore be placed in a stable transport box.
What applies when travelling by plane: When can I take a dog with me in the cabin?
This depends on the regulations of the respective airline. With Swiss, for example, smaller animals weighing up to eight kilograms, including transport bag, can be carried in the passenger cabin.
Source: nadisja/Shutterstock
Are there any destinations that I shouldn't fly to with an animal?
If travelling by air is unavoidable, a non-stop flight should be booked to spare the animal the additional burden of reloading. It is essential to consult the regulations of the respective country before travelling - regardless of the means of transport. In France, for example, travelling by car with certain dogs is already prohibited.
Are listed dogs meant?
No, listed dogs with a pedigree are allowed. But mixed-breed dogs with a list dog component without a pedigree are not.
In which cases would you advise against travelling by air altogether?
Animals with heart or circulatory problems in particular should not be transported by aeroplane because the low air pressure can be life-threatening for them. Special care should also be taken with animals that are otherwise ill, injured, pregnant, very young or very old. If you are not sure whether your pet can be expected to travel by air, you should consult a vet.
What happens if an animal suffers harm while travelling?
If pain, suffering, damage or fear is caused to the animal, the owner may be liable to prosecution for cruelty to animals.
Are you travelling with animals? What do you look out for? Tell us in a comment.
Header image: Africa Studio/Shutterstock
7 people like this article
Darina Schweizer
Senior Editor
Darina.Schweizer@digitecgalaxus.chI like anything that has four legs or roots. The books I enjoy let me peer into the abyss of the human psyche. Unlike those wretched mountains that are forever blocking the view – especially of the sea. Lighthouses are a great place for getting some fresh air too, you know?
2 comments
later