India in Vietnam: The Unvarnished Truth of Solo Travel

Pet-Friendly Travel Tips: Italy Adventure with Ryu

Greetings, travelers! I’m Gavin Dsouza, and I’ve recently returned from a profound 20-day journey through Italy with Ryu, my one-year-old Golden Retriever. Traveling internationally with a pet adds layers of complexity but also immense joy to the experience. Here, I share our journey and essential tips for fellow pet owners venturing abroad.

Preparation and Departure Our journey began on the 1st of March, 2024. Before embarking on our Italian adventure, Ryu needed thorough preparation:

1. Microchipping and Vaccinations: Ryu was microchipped and vaccinated at The Mumbai Veterinary College, which provided a comprehensive health check and necessary vaccinations, including rabies.
2. Health Certificate: We obtained an EU health certificate from a Pet Travel Scheme compliant veterinarian, issued within 10 days before travel, ensuring all health checks aligned with EU entry requirements.

Choosing the Right Airline We chose Emirates for their excellent pet handling protocols. Emirates ensures pets travel in temperature-controlled environments, with prioritized boarding and deplaning to minimize stress and exposure to extreme temperatures.

Our Italian Itinerary We landed in Rome and stayed at the Harry’s Bar Trevi Hotel & Restaurant, a splendid venue known for its pet-friendly amenities and proximity to iconic sites. Our time in Rome included visits to the Vatican and the Colosseum, with Ryu enjoying every bit of the historical aura as much as I did.

From Rome, we traveled to Florence on the 6th of March and stayed at the 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino. Florence charmed us with its Renaissance art and bustling squares, all welcoming to a traveler with a furry companion.

Venice was next on our itinerary from the 11th of March, where we checked into Hotel Al Codega, just a stone’s throw away from St. Mark’s Square. Venice’s narrow alleys and serene canals were perfect for leisurely walks with Ryu, making every moment picturesque.

Our final destination was Sicily, where we relaxed at the Villa Belvedere, enjoying the coastal views and pet-friendly beaches. Sicily’s laid-back lifestyle was the perfect end to our bustling tour, giving Ryu plenty of space to play and me, to unwind.

Navigating Public Spaces and Transportation Traveling with Ryu meant adhering to public space regulations, including leash and muzzle requirements in certain areas. Public transportation systems in Italy, such as Trenitalia, are quite accommodating to pets, but it’s important to follow each city’s specific rules regarding pet travel.

Precautions and Health Care Abroad Ensuring Ryu’s health and safety was paramount:

• Preventative Measures: Before traveling, Ryu was treated for parasites and protected against local diseases as recommended by our vet in Mumbai. For pet care in Italy, we visited MyVet, a network of veterinary clinics across the country.
• Local Veterinary Services: Identifying local veterinary clinics and emergency services in each destination was crucial. This preparation helped ensure that we had access to care if Ryu needed it.
• Insurance: Securing comprehensive pet travel insurance provided peace of mind, covering potential health emergencies and routine care if needed.

Cultural Considerations and Local Interactions Italy is renowned for being pet-friendly, but it’s important to respect local customs and practices. Always ask before entering shops or restaurants with your pet, as courtesy goes a long way.

Dos and Don’ts for International Pet Travel

• Do:
• Research pet importation laws and quarantine requirements for your destination well in advance.
• Carry a portable water bowl and hydration for your pet, especially during tours or long walks.
• Use a sturdy, comfortable harness or carrier that meets airline specifications.
• Don’t:
• Overlook the need for frequent breaks and relaxation, essential for keeping your pet happy and healthy.
• Assume all destinations will have pet-friendly amenities; always plan ahead.
• Neglect to update your pet’s microchip and tags with current contact information.

Concluding Thoughts Traveling with Ryu transformed a simple vacation into an enriching exploration of Italy’s culture and landscapes, seen through the lens of pet companionship. It was not just a holiday; it was a journey that deepened our bond and broadened our understanding of responsible pet travel.

Travel Smart As we journeyed together, keeping Ryu’s travel documents safe and accessible was crucial. For fellow pet travelers, I recommend securing your pet’s travel documents in a stylish and durable passport cover, ensuring everything is organized and at your fingertips.