Pucci or Poochie?
For many of us, studying at AUP means immersing ourselves in a foreign city, culture, and world. While we may have great friends and travel often, seeing the many Parisians walk around (almost everywhere) with their pooches makes us pose the question: are we missing something sans chien? Sometimes, with all the exhaustion that comes with speaking a new language and living abroad, we just want to sit back with an old pal that doesn’t speak a word but is devoted to us with the utmost loyalty.
Taking care of a dog is a huge commitment; it is not the same as getting the new accessory of the moment. A dog will definitely change your life, but for many including myself, it will change your life for the better.
Image Credit: Petspyjamas.com
1. VETERINARY
Don't let the language barrier get in the way of taking care of your pooch. There is a great veterinary office close to AUP with Dr. Jean-Michel Rabany. Their rates are reasonable; a consultation including tax costs 48€ and complete vaccination costs 66€. I purchase dog food there, as well as everything that I needed to take my pup on an airplane.
Address: 117 Rue St. Dominique, 75007 Paris, France
Contact Information: +33 01 47 05 48 67 24/7 or email by email at cliniquesaintdominique@gmail.com
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2. DOG PASSPORT & TRAVEL REGULATIONS
The first step to traveling with your pet is getting them microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15 digit pet microchip. If purchased you pup from a breeder, this should have been done for you. If you rescued your pup, you should ask about the microchip during your first visit to the vet. You will also need proof of a current rabies vaccination, which should be administered after the microchip was implanted, and at least 21 days before traveling with your pet. In addition, you need a health certificate, which your vet will fill out for you. You can carefully follow the instructions to get a pet passport here, where you can put in the country you are traveling to and coming from. Once you have an EU passport for your pup, it can be used in many countries, including the United States -- just check the requirements of each country before you go! Keep in mind that the UK has very strict rules for which animals they allow into the country.
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3. FLYING
I have made the mistake of taking a 6-month-old puppy to the airport and letting her walk on her leash like all the older dogs. That ended in a yellow puddle, a few gasps, and a very embarrassing TSA encounter. That being said, if your dog is well mannered and knows where to go - flying is fairly easy! You will, of course, need to check with the airline you are flying with, but I have personally flown back and forth from Paris to New York, Milan, and Switzerland on Air France without any trouble. I have never been questioned for a dog passport, although I have one, nor weighed, although the policies generally require that both the dog and carrier should not exceed 17 lbs (8kgs) to fly in the cabin. On Air France, they only allow a certain amount of animals in the cabin so you should reserve a spot for your pup when you purchase your ticket. If it is a long flight, I would recommend not feeding your pup a full meal or a lot of water before the trip, and instead, give your dog some ice - they will be entertained for a while as well as hydrated. You can get a small sleeping pill for instance if traveling back to the US, which I did my first time. As for carriers, BHV La Niche has plenty of stylish options to choose from.
Important flight information: your dog must be over 10 weeks old and have an EU passport, health certificate, certain vaccinations, and rabies shot.
4. HOTELS & SITTERS
Hotels usually don't allow pets, but if you call ahead and ask it usually isn't a big deal. In Milan, the cleaning service accidentally threw out the dog food I brought. To my surprise, they made up for it by putting out a little dog bed, and when I called the front desk to see where I could find a local dog store, they immediately sent up dog food along with a toy. Although exploring a new city can be difficult with a dog, it's best not to leave your dog alone for a long time in the hotel. What would be the point of traveling with one anyway?! If traveling with a dog would be too much of an inconvenient for you (and the dog), there is a website pound called Holidog. All you have to do is put in your address and loads of local, prospective dog-sitters appear, along with ratings and reviews, and a price that is hard to beat.
Image Credit: Natalie Gilhool
