By: Lindsay Walkingshaw
I started to explore the possibility of visiting Scotland last year but was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork that was necessary for my guide dog, Charles, to travel with me.
This year, I decided to take the bull by the horns (or the dog by the leash!) and worked out what was required for him to fly. I needed a Great Britain Pet Health Certificate to be filled out by the vet and then completed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
I had to book my airline ticket to Scotland through the medical desk and inform them that I was travelling with a guide dog. They also asked for more information and forms to be filled out by the flight company (i.e., Air Canada).
Different countries require different forms – some ask for more forms, some for less. I needed to get a few more forms for Scotland. Once all my forms were filled out, I sent them to my destination airport. Forms must be sent at least 24 to 48 hours before flying – and they have the final say.
Charles is a trooper. It was just another day out with Mom, and he did amazing in the airport even though we managed to get ourselves a little bit turned around. We still made it to the gate in plenty of time; when we arrived in Scotland, it was just like he was in Canada. He got on with his work and thoroughly enjoyed himself with all the new friends he had made at my mom’s house, twice a day in the park, running with at least ten other dogs – I think it was his vacation!
Would I travel internationally again with Charles, knowing the amount of preparation that’s involved? Yes, I would. At least the next time, I know that everything must be done in a certain order and has a certain timeframe. It is worth every effort to have my left-hand man walking by my side in another country.