Shuffling with Pets
We’ll be bringing our dog with us on our Schengen Shuffle journey. It’s a complex string of logistics to coordinate. But she’s part of our family and she’s definitely coming with us, whatever it takes.
Nicky is the epitome of a road dog. If we even walk by our car, she struts right up to the side to be let in for the next adventure with us. Whether for a trip, a day out, or a short errand run; she settles in immediately and falls asleep.
The car seemed to be where she felt most at home for years. To the point where we thought perhaps she lived in a vehicle with her previous owner. And truly, who’s to say since she’s a rescue?
All we know for certain is she was found on the streets of Los Angeles after the 4th of July back in 2020. She wasn’t microchipped, she was overweight, and her bum back leg likely would require surgery. We’re not sure if she gained weight in the rescue organization’s care or prior to being snatched up as a stray. Either way, she’s a lean mean fighting machine now.
Well, not actually mean thankfully. And more of a loving machine than a fighting one. But definitely a healthy little chihuahua on the outside who is large and in charge on the inside. Turns out getting exercise, eating a healthy diet, and naturally losing a few pounds over time did the trick - a pleasant surprise! And good reminder for us all.
Even her leg rapidly improved, never requiring surgery after all. She has hiked mountains, kayaked on lakes, and walked miles with us more days than not. Quite the transformation!
Now, back to our international travel plans with our little adventurer in tow… Here’s what we’ve found thus far in our research.
Select a USDA certified vet to go to in your area.
Talk to them about your plans - where are you flying to and when?
Every country’s requirements are different so you’ll need to plan accordingly for each border crossing.
The proper paperwork, exams, and shots are key.
So is timing - be sure to give yourself ample time to get all the ducks in a row in the timeframe required.
Since Nicky is small enough, we can fly with her under the seat in a soft carrier that meets airline standards. That varies airline by airline so check with yours. We always call to confirm that pets are allowed on the flight, that there is room for Nicky (sometimes there’s a limit to how many pets are allowed in cabin), and what that particular aircraft’s pet carrier requirements are (since planes vary in size).
As per Delta.
“In-Cabin Kennel Requirements
Be sure to check the aircraft dimensions of your flight to ensure your pet’s kennel will fit underneath the seat directly in front of you. In addition to the kennel, you are permitted to bring 1 personal item or 1 carry-on item on board the aircraft.
Your pet and kennel must also adhere to the following requirements:
You are allowed to carry 1 pet kennel on the aircraft.
Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel with the ability to move around without touching or sticking out from the sides.
The kennel must fit fully underneath the seat directly in front of you.
The soft-sided kennel must be leak-proof and have ventilation openings on 3 sides for domestic travel and 4 sides for international travel.
The maximum in-cabin kennel dimensions are determined by the aircraft dimensions of your flight, as the under-seat space varies by aircraft. Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” since this fits most aircraft types.
Keep your pet calm and secured inside the kennel at all times in the airport, including during check-in, boarding, and deplaning, while in a Delta Sky Club® and while on board the aircraft.”
There’s typically an additional charge for the in cabin pet onboard. That has varied flight to flight for us but it has yet to be more than $200. This will be the longest distance we’ve flown with Nicky, so we’re breaking up the international trip with layovers to allow her to walk around, stretch, potty, etc. I also purchased ear covers for her to reduce the sound on the flight and help her relax.
We have one last required vet visit remaining before we leave in December and the paperwork that has to then be finalized. After that, we head to the airport and hope for the best! Assuming everything goes swimmingly, we’ll check into our dog friendly accommodations and settle in for a bit before preparing for the next leg of the shuffle. When the time comes, the plan is to get a pet passport in Italy or France, get the required tapeworm shot, and then head to the UK. I’ll keep you abreast of the process.
In the meantime, have you shuffled with your pet(s)? If so, how did it go? And if not, do you plan to? Why or why not?
Questions, comments, and answers welcome below!
-Charise Sowells, Creator of The Schengen Shuffle