Level 3Experienced
Preparing a trip abroad: the journey starts before the suitcases!
The answer
A show abroad is a chance to discover new rings and meet other enthusiasts. But between the entry, the journey and the accommodation, a few details are worth sorting out before you leave.
The aim? To arrive with a rested dog and be able to enjoy the day without hunting for a document at the bottom of the boot.
Here are three tips per level to prepare your trip.
Beginner: laying the foundations
- Check the show before booking
Look at the official programme: exact venue, judging day for your breed, closing date for entries, classes offered and conditions of admission.
Don’t book based on the poster alone! A three-day event doesn’t mean your breed will be judged on the day that suits you.
For an FCI international show, also check the supporting documents needed for your class, particularly for working or champion classes. [1]
- Take stock of the health formalities
As soon as you know the destination, contact your vet with the dates and the route.
For a normal trip from France to another country in the European Union, the requirements include, among other things, a recognised form of identification, a European passport and a valid rabies vaccination. Some destinations require an additional certified treatment. [2]
A first rabies vaccination generally requires at least 21 days before travel is allowed: this needs to be arranged before the week of departure. [2]
- Confirm that your dog is welcome at the accommodation
Ask whether the establishment accepts your dog, how many animals are allowed and what fees, if any, apply.
Also check where you can walk him nearby and the rules about the dog being in the room.
Written confirmation avoids a nasty surprise on arrival. “Pets welcome” sometimes deserves a few clarifications!
Intermediate: organising a comfortable stay
- Plan the journey with a margin
Work out the travel time, adding breaks, any checks and access to the show car park.
By train, plane or ferry, check the carrier’s conditions for each leg of the journey. The French Ministry of Agriculture recommends, among other things, contacting the airline before departure. [3]
For a long journey, arriving the day before can help recovery. This is organisational advice, to be adapted to your dog.
- Prepare a complete budget
Add up the entries, transport, tolls, parking, accommodation, meals and any vet procedures.
Keep a margin for a change of plan: an extra night or a ticket change can quickly weigh on the budget.
The right sum covers the whole trip, not just the price of the entry.
- Pack things according to when you’ll use them
Prepare three sets that are easy to find:
- Journey: water, bowl, lead, poo bags and towel.
- Show: entry confirmation, handling and grooming equipment.
- Stay: usual food, bedding and spare belongings.
Keep the original documents required within easy reach and save a copy of the confirmations on your phone.
You should be able to offer water without unloading half the boot!
Advanced: anticipating the decisive details
- Check the outward trip, transit and return
For a trip outside the European Union, don’t limit yourself to the conditions for entering the country you’re visiting.
Depending on the destination, returning to the European Union may require a rabies antibody titration test or a health certificate. Some procedures need preparing well in advance. [2]
Also check the requirements of the countries you pass through and have the right timetable for your route confirmed.
- Build a schedule that leaves time to rest
Note the main stages: departure, breaks, arrival, settling in, walking the dog and getting to the show.
Avoid filling every slot. Your dog will need to recover and get to know his new surroundings.
During the journey, offer water regularly and plan walks. Never leave him alone in the vehicle, particularly because of the risk from heat. [3]
A successful schedule leaves enough flexibility for his needs.
- Prepare a plan for the unexpected
Save the contact details of the show secretary, the accommodation and a vet clinic near where you are staying. This last habit is recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture. [3]
Also work out an option in case the journey runs late or your dog copes badly with the trip.
If his condition doesn’t allow him to take part calmly, adapt the plan: the FCI regulations put his health and welfare first. [1]
Your preparation calendar
| Timing | Priority |
|---|---|
| As soon as you choose the show | Check admission, health formalities and the return |
| Before the closing date | Confirm the class, send the supporting documents and confirm the entry |
| Once the constraints are validated | Book transport and accommodation |
| A few days before | Re-read the instructions, prepare the documents and check the equipment |
| The day before | Load up, check the timings and protect the dog’s rest |
| On arrival | Settle the dog in, offer him water and plan a quiet walk |
This calendar is a practical guide. Mandatory health deadlines come first: some destinations need several months’ notice.
The habit to remember
Start with the conditions for admission and travel, then organise the bookings around them.
With your papers ready, a realistic journey and time to recover, you can approach the ring with a lighter heart.
This article takes a departure from France as its reference point. The organisational tips are practical recommendations; the obligations depend on the country, the carrier and the show.