Traveling with your dog is often a necessity for the hunter. Depending on whether you are traveling to Italy, Europe, USA or Canada, the documentation must be different. Good information will make your trip more enjoyable.
The movements of the hunter are often made more cumbersome than imagined given the particular loads that accompany him. Let's talk about the weapons and the inseparable hunting dogs from which, when possible, we prefer not to part. In fact, the feeling existing between the hunter and his faithful companion cannot be repeated with any other occasional hunting companion, which is why even when the movements are of considerable importance, the hunter really does everything to bring the hound with him.
In fact, the difficulties seem insurmountable during the first experiences, after which traveling in the company of your dog, whether it is a pleasure trip or a hunting experience, becomes really simple, the routine.
There are, of course, some precautions to keep in mind during the first travel experiences, which will make the hunting holiday pleasant for both the hunter and the dog.
- First of all it is good to contact the hunting company that will host you, asking about the actual availability of the structure to welcome owned dogs. Never trust what you have been told, because once you are there you will hardly be able to find a cheap alternative solution.
- Also inquire about where the animals will stay, asking about the size of the kennels, cleaning, sharing with other animals etc.
- If you are asked for some information on the character and size of your four-legged friend, it is better to be extremely sincere, in order to avoid subsequent problems, whose resolution could prove particularly difficult.
- If you personally take care of your dog's nutrition, and you think it is important that it does not get used to incorrect and in your opinion poorly balanced meals, bring food supplies with you, otherwise inquire about the meals that will be distributed daily.
Particularly important is also the speech relating to vaccinations. Whenever you travel with your dog, along with the other various documents, the owner of the animal must also remember to bring the health booklet, which was issued by the trusted veterinarian. This will list all vaccinations the hound has been subjected to. For travel within the Italian territory the health card will be sufficient, but if you have organized a trip to European territory, it will be good to equip yourself with the pet passport, a document introduced in 2004 which basically aims to make travel easier for those who he travels in the company of his pet. The passport will certify that the dog traveling within the European Union has received the necessary anti-rabies vaccination, which must be associated with a test that ascertains that this has taken place effectively if you move to Ireland, Malta, Sweden or the United Kingdom. United. For Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom the test must be done at least 6 months before, 120 days before if you go to Sweden.
If, on the other hand, you have organized your trip to the United States or Canada, you will need to obtain an International Certificate of Origin and Health. This will be issued by the ASL or any officially authorized veterinarian. The purpose of the certificate is to confirm the anti-rabies vaccination carried out for less than eleven months and more than 20 days, and that during the veterinary visit the dog was defined clinically healthy.
The document in question will be valid for 30 days from the date of issue, but if you wish to obtain more specific and detailed information, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
When traveling with your dog it is always advisable to have a good knowledge of the country you intend to visit. If you go to Sardinia, for example, remember that echinococcus is very common. The dog can be protected by avoiding raw meats. However, when you return, bring your dog for a check-up. Furthermore, throughout the Mediterranean the danger is that of the pappatacio, an insect capable of transmitting leishmaniasis. Do not let your dog sleep outdoors and use pesticides for his coat. Heartworm disease, particularly dangerous, is very common in northern Italy and in the wetlands of the Po Valley. The danger can be circumvented by administering some tablets to your dog that the veterinarian will advise.
Having said this, have a good trip!