My husband and I will be moving in August from the US to Afyon, Turkey. We plan on bringing our 4 month old male dobie (5 months at time of travel). Anyone have any advice on traveling with a 5 month old dog overseas?
He is a service dog and we have purchased an additional seat for him on the plane. We found out that we have one stop - LAX to Munich. Munich to Istanbul. Fortunately, he will be on the plane with us for the long flight. Unfortunately, we will have to check him during the short flight from Munich to Istanbul.
I'm am really hesitant and sceptical of this whole situation. I would love some feedback/advice.
Double-check every detail with both airlines, especially since the rules can vary a lot between countries and even airlines. Germany doesn’t require quarantine, so that’s one less worry, but Turkey might have specific regulations you’ll need to handle, like vaccination timelines or additional health certifications.
The layover in Munich could be a challenge, especially with checking him for the second flight. Airlines often have strict rules about crate size, construction, and how the dog travels in cargo. But if you’re already investing in the trip, looking into business class flights could make things more comfortable for you and help manage the stress of such a big move.
-- Edited by josaphsamuel on Thursday 9th of January 2025 01:20:26 PM
It’s exciting that you’re making such a big move, and it’s great that you’re planning ahead for your pup’s travel needs! Traveling with a 5-month-old dog, especially a service dog, comes with challenges, but it sounds like you’ve taken important steps, like purchasing an extra seat for the long-haul flight. Having him with you in the cabin for the LAX to Munich leg will make a huge difference in keeping him comfortable and reducing stress.
For the Munich to Istanbul flight, checking him might feel nerve-wracking, but making sure his crate is IATA-compliant and has proper labeling (like "Live Animal" and your contact info) is crucial. Add a familiar blanket or toy in the crate to keep him calm. You might also want to confirm with the airline in advance about their pet-handling policies to ensure they’re prepared.
Booking business class flights can help minimize stress for you and your husband, giving you more room and priority boarding to settle in with your dog. As for layovers, look into pet relief areas at Munich Airport so he can stretch and relieve himself before the next leg. It’s great that you’re being so proactive—safe travels and good luck with your move
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-- Edited by BusinessFlyDeals on Saturday 3rd of May 2025 08:34:01 AM