Alternative ways to move a dog, human, and some baggage overseas?

Should we assume that the boat is not large enough to fit them all, and that the dog will eat the suitcase if the human is not present?

(Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

> I can spend a fair amount of money on this.

A charter flight would be your best bet. NYC to Paris will run you about $60-70k, that can accomodate about a dozen passengers so the cost goes down dramatically if you can find some people to share the flight (and the cost). Take a train to your final destination. If you bring friends or family with you, they can help with the luggage at this point. Bring as many pets or suitcases as you like - just inform the airline in advance. It'll be a very memorable experience too!

Many airlines allow small-medium pets on board, but unfortunately at 23kg (= 50 lbs) your dog is likely too big for that.

When I looked into a similar move (a dog who would need to be with me entire time) to Germany from the US, I found a cruise that went to Europe and then from there could rent a car or take trains.

You could try searching for how people afraid of flying travel. May have some creative solutions.

I don’t know if this thread is still alive but I have been thinking about diff ways to get reliable information and support. Two thoughts:

1. Pet breeders know how to transport animals via air. And will have all the details at hand. Sometimes they also act as pet moving agents. Animals are precious cargo to them.

2. Rescue groups. I am familiar with a local hound rescue group and they often get rescued race hounds from all over the world that travel alone. My friend was mostly into Saluki hound rescue and they are often 50ish pounds. So approach rescue groups and ask them for guidance.

Best of luck.

The simplest way would be to find a couple of friends or family willing to travel with you, take a plane and check in your 8 suitcases (plus whatever your companions need) and hopefully that size dog can come in the passenger cabin with you.

If money is no object, private jet charter.

If flying is the problem, I think the cruise to Europe is probably the best. Designed for comfort, impervious to icebergs, probably not as slow as passage on a cargo ship.

Read the rules about international movement of dogs though.

I recently went through this from Middle East -> Layover in Europe -> USA.

I went with airlines and I can recommend Lufthansa myself fwiw.

I also recommend calling when booking the flight, since not all planes will take pets. You’ll need to pay extra for that.

Moved to europe from states with 2 dogs (1 chihuahua and 1 60lb dog). We just checked all of the bags. Big dog was checked like a bag and put in cargo in his sky kennel. Tape food to the outside of the pen and put one of those hampster water things on the cage for him. Dont give the dog anything to put em out (slepping stuff, allergy things, etc.) just let them be as normal. Our's peed in his pen on the way there (was a 10 hour flight). Chihuahua went in the cabin with us. Europe (we were in Germany) was so much easier with dogs. Dogs get an EU pet passport (go to vet when you are there and show them all your vaccines and such and they will issue one). Vet's are soooo much cheaper in Europe, a trip to the vet for both was 50 euro total, no joke.

Can't speak for southern europe but it was also nice cause we took our dogs everywhere, on the train, on the bus, etc. Hope that helps

Lufthansa, Air France have the best pet policies for pet air travel. KLM too iirc. (I did this with three cats from India to USA)

I picked Air France because there was no layover and we’d all arrive and land at the same time. I wanted to be in the same flight with them at all times. They let me spend some time with them at CDG during the few hours stop.

I chose not to sedate my pets. I do not recommend it. But I speak for cats. Check with your vet. The pet cabin in the cargo belly is set up in terms of temperature and pressure for the pets comfort. You need to get airlines approved crates. Ours were comfortable enough for them to walk around and sleep. I did not feed them either. Because I did not want them to pee or throw up in the crate. But I left water. And I checked on them at CDG.

One thing tho’..and maybe this has changed now… I was asked to microchip them twice. Because the American format is different from the European standard. I also had to vaccinate them again closer to the date of departure.

You likely won’t have to jump as many hurdles as I had to because moving them from India required a lot more hoops. Between two western courtries should be fine as they’d likely accept each other’s pet passports.

If there were no other pets being flown, I could have possibly had them with me in the cabin. But my pets are vocal and everyone would have had a miserable time. Depending on your dog’s personality you could possibly book a seat or four for yourself but it won’t be pleasant for the dog. You’d probably be asked to muzzle your dog.

Having said that..chartered flight and possibly splitting costs with friends/family seems to be the better option. Good luck. Best wishes for a safe journey.

Talk to airlines, not international shipping.

Cruise ship? Private yacht?