Travelling on a barge without a licence with a dog: what do you need to know?
Would you like to book a river cruise for your next holiday and let your dog enjoy it? It's possible! You can perfectly take him with you, so you don't have to entrust him to relatives during your absence or have to find a care solution. Nevertheless, sailing on a boat or barge without a licence with your pet requires a little preparation. Above all, it is essential that you think about your pet's comfort and safety. To help you in your preparations, our team gives you advice to ensure that your cruise with your dog takes place in excellent conditions.
Choose your boat and your cruise destination
Before you think about a run-of-the-water vacation and your visits, you need to rent a boat or barge without a license and find the perfect destination for you ... and your dog. If your dog is small, don't worry, he'll be comfortable on all our boats. On the other hand, if it is a medium or large size, you must take this into account when you make your reservation so that it has enough room to stretch its legs and feel comfortable during your river cruise. He must be able to get in and out, walk around on the terrace and find a place to sleep peacefully. Ideally, it's best to choose a single-storey boat because stairs can make it difficult for him to move around, especially when you're sailing. As for the destination, find out about the entry requirements for doggies. In Europe, a passport is essential. However, outside Europe, be vigilant as conditions may be more restrictive.
The safety of your pet and its well-being, two important elements.
After choosing your unlicensed barge and your destination, it's time to take an interest in the safety of your companion. When passing through locks, tie him up to prevent him from falling into the water or lock him in a cabin. Or walk him or her on land while one of the passengers takes care of the locks. As a general rule, do not leave the boat unattended, as it may see other animals and be tempted to join them or hunt them (birds and ducks, for example). Also think about life jackets, there are life jackets for dogs. And don't forget to take his food and some toys to make him feel at home. If he's used to sleeping in a basket, you can take it with you to help him find his bearings quickly. Finally, before you leave, note the contact information of the veterinarians who are near the places where you will be making stopovers. You never know, he could be sick or injured.
And if you have any questions about sailing with your doggie, don't hesitate to contact us!