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“These things can migrate,” the veterinarian assistant told us.
“Well, he has certainly migrated,” I responded with laughter. “This little guy has lived with us on three different continents!”
The assistant at our veterinary clinic wasn’t referring to our dog, she was referring to his microchip that she was trying to scan. It didn’t seem to be in the same place indicated on his European passport.
Migrating Microchips
“I guess his microchip migrated with him,” Vincent said chuckling.
We were in the process of filling out Bernie’s paperwork so that we could take him—once again—with us on an airplane across the Atlantic Ocean.
Reading his microchip transponder was the easy part of the process—even if it had migrated to another part of his body with all of our international moves.
The rest of the process of traveling with our dog to the other side of the world was a nightmare!
“Dog Paper Day”
“The next time we have to do this, it will be easy. We will know exactly WHAT to do and WHAT NOT to do,” I told Vincent while sitting frustrated in front of my computer.
It had been an entire day of working on my favorite canine’s travel papers. I had a million other things to do that day, but I never got around to doing them. Bernie was priority, and we only had a small 10-day window to get everything filled out, approved, and back in our hands for the big day of travel.
Today was “dog paper day”!
Honestly, traveling with a dog didn’t used to be this complicated.
In any case, we were not leaving America without Bernie! Everytime I pulled out a suitcase to begin packing, Bernie would crawl right in. It was as if he was saying, “Don’t you dare leave me! Take me with you, please!”
Moroccan Market Mutt
Bernie is our small “Moroccan Market Mutt,” a beautiful white mix of poodle, terrier, bichon, and every other mysterious dog breed. He is 12-years-old and has been a part of our family since our early days in Morocco. He was a Christmas gift for Timothee, Robert, and David when they were 8, 6, and 1. If we travel to the other side of the world, Bernie comes with us. He is like one of our “kids.”
Our recent trip with Bernie from America to Europe wasn’t his only traveling adventure. There have been many others.
When we first traveled with Bernie from Africa to Europe nine years ago, we discovered that we didn’t have the required paperwork and blood tests. He had to be hidden in the car and smuggled across the border. That is for another story!
Crazy Dog Adventures!
Other than that crazy adventure, traveling from continent to continent with our little white furry friend has been quite simple.
Depending on the airline, we either had to check Bernie in his large plastic kennel, along with our luggage—in cargo—(approximately $200) or we would carry him on board with us in his small soft kennel (approximately $150).
Bernie only weighs 11 pounds (5 kilos), so he is under the weight limit of most airlines to carry on board. He also travels well and doesn’t make a peep, so no one on the plane even knows he is there.
When we traveled from France to the U.S. 18 months ago, we flew on Lufthansa—a wonderful German airline—and Bernie flew in the cabin with us in his small kennel that fit perfectly under the seat in front of us. We loved having him with us . . . other than when he peed on the airport walls during our layover. Where else could he have relieved himself?! We didn’t exactly have time to leave the airport and go back through security, so no green pastures for Bernie! I wish all airports had a “pet area” inside the terminals.
Other than checking kennel size restrictions, having food and water dispensers, getting a medical certificate within 10 days of travel, calling the airline to put the pet in the travel reservation (with all information on the dog), and paying the travel fees at the airport on the day of departure, the process of traveling with our pet had not been too complicated.
Until this time . . .
For information about international pet travel around the world and APHIS regulations, click here.
—The Cultural Story-Weaver
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Let’s Weave Cultures!
Have you ever traveled with your furry friend to the other side of the world? Was it a smooth process or a chaotic nightmare?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
My first question to your driver last Sunday was, “Did Bernie get to go on the plane? When I heard the word ‘yes’ I almost cried with happiness!” Love your story! So happy he got to go with you all and be in the cabin. Miss you all. XXOO
Yes, Bernie made it! So thankful. I know that many were praying Bernie through the airport check-in and the flight. It was a close call, but he is now safe and sound with us on our family’s European adventure! We miss all of you there in Pennsylvania! 🙂