All the necessary information and advice for your dog to have a peaceful boat trip.
Traveling with your dog by boat can be a challenge but also a beautiful experience, as long as you are well prepared and follow the necessary procedures. The most important requirement is to declare your pet when booking your tickets. According to Law L. 4830/2021, from 23/09/2022, it is necessary to declare the pet's details in the ferry companies' electronic booking system. This includes the pet's health booklet number or passport number, the pet's identification number (microchip), the animal's category and its size. That is, if it is over or under 10 kg to be considered small or large. In addition, pets must have had all the necessary vaccinations and carry a microchip . In fact, during your trip you must have the pet's health booklet with you , which must also be up to date.
When booking your tickets, you will need to select the number of pets you will be transporting – usually you cannot exceed five – and fill in their required details as well as the mode of transport. Depending on the ferry company, you may need to download the form from its website and present it when boarding or at the port. In any case, most of the time pets are transported free of charge, but this does not mean that they should not be declared and included in the tickets. Different regulations apply to high-speed ferries, which usually only allow small pets and only in a transport cage.
During the trip, you are responsible for the care of your pet. However, each cruise line has its own policy with regulations for dogs on board. Usually, they are allowed on deck and in a special cabin while they are prohibited in public areas or the interior of the ships. In fact, there are also companies that require your dog to wear a muzzle.
How do I keep my dog calm on the ship?
Travel causes a lot of stress for most dogs. The same goes for boat trips, of course. Therefore, it is very logical to want to take the appropriate measures to keep him calm until you disembark. According to experts, proper preparation can get you out of the difficult position of a dog that barks and upsets the other passengers. You should try to familiarize your dog with crowded places and loud noises. A good idea is to start with short car rides that may seem helpful. Of course, familiarization also applies to his transport crate. If he has not been in it before, it is useful for him to spend some time in it before the trip. Take your measures so that he combines it with positive emotions, by hiding some treats or rewarding his calmness. Another tip is to take your dog for a long walk or exercise or play a game right before the ferry trip so that he can release his energy and get tired. The result is that he won't have the mood or strength to cause a disturbance by barking and disturbing your fellow passengers.
During the trip, ensure that your dog feels comfortable and safe. To achieve this, you should probably get away from the crowds or the loud noises of the ship. His favorite toys will make him feel familiar, while under no circumstances should you forget his portable container or water bowl and of course his food . In any case, it is a good idea to speak to him with kind words in order to improve his mood and of course reward his obedience with positive words.
Can my dog get seasick on the boat?
Dogs, like humans, can get seasick during a boat trip. The reason is the feeling of disorientation caused by the waves of the sea. That is why the nausea is more intense, the rougher the sea is. But how will you know if your dog is seasick? The symptoms that will betray his nausea are vomiting, excessive salivation, refusal of food or water and more. It is a good idea to know these symptoms because, as is easily understood, this way you will recognize the problem and be able to help your pet recover and feel better as quickly as possible.
What should you do if you see your dog struggling with seasickness on the boat?
To reduce your dog's nausea during a boat trip, there are several methods to limit it. The first step is to place your dog in a stable place to reduce the vibrations that cause him nausea. The next step is to try to distract him from the discomfort by playing with him or talking to him to remove the stress. In any case, avoid feeding your dog a few hours before and during the trip . If you know that your dog often faces this problem, contact your veterinarian, who can give you some medicine to offer him.
How do I transport my dog's petchef on the boat?
The food should be transported in a suitable insulated transport bag with ice packs to maintain the temperature. You can order our insulated bag with the food at the end of your order or directly from here
For long trips of more than 3 hours, we would recommend an electric refrigerator or, if possible, the ferry company to store your food in the freezer.
For more detailed information on proper transportation and maintenance, read here.
Useful tips for post-travel adjustment
After disembarking and arriving at your hotel room or vacation home, give your dog time to adjust to the new environment by exploring the space at his own pace. It is good to know that many dogs are nervous or moody after the trip but will soon find their calm again. After checking in, place his water and food bowls and take him for a walk as he will most likely have time to act.
Don't forget to take your dog's favorite food to your destination so that his diet doesn't change. In petchef 's recipes you will find healthy and complete meals with all the nutrients he needs.
Create your subscription plan for your four-legged friend here .