Could you face life without your pet dog? Travellers, vacation lovers and people looking to move abroad with their furry friends may be shocked to learn that its breed will affect their access to different countries.

 

The insurance experts at International Citizens Insurance have created a rundown of some of the countries which have restrictions in place if people want to enter with their four-legged companions.

 

Dogs being bred for dangerous activities and dog attacks pose significant concern worldwide - meaning some pets must be left behind, which can be heart-breaking.

 

Although many of the dogs included in the list of banned breeds are calm and tender pups, if bred under the wrong circumstances or brought up with the intention to fight and be aggressive they can cause safety concerns. 

 

In an attempt to minimise attacks and safeguard members of the public and other animals, many countries place bans or restrictions on the entry of aggressive dog breeds.

 

Pet travel guidance differs between countries depending on local laws and security regulations.

 

It is important for all pet owners looking to travel to learn the laws and regulations in the specific country and ensure they have the correct insurance and follow all rules for their breed.  

 

International Citizens Insurance President Joe Cronin said: “Pets are amazing companions, whether people are travelling alone or in a group. For some people, bringing their dog with them offers them all of the comfort and security of home. Others want to bring their pet with them to embark on a new life abroad.

 

“Many people may be shocked to find out that if they own a dog which comes from a traditionally aggressive breed or a breed known for fighting, no matter how trained or calm they are, they may not be able to travel with them to certain countries.”

 

International Citizens Insurance has also compiled useful information about all aspects of travelling with pets.

 

Here is a focus on guidance in selected countries:

 

Australia 

 

Australia has a ban on breeds that were specifically bred for fighting, to safeguard members of the public and other dogs. 

 

Prohibited breeds: Pitbull Terrier breeds, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Toso, Presa Canario

 

Australian law also prohibits the entry of domestic or non-domestic hybrid breeds (such as wolf crosses). Travellers, expats or émigrés travelling with a dog must sign a declaration stating that the dog is not an ineligible breed.

 

Canada

 

Unlike many other countries, Canada does not have a blanket ban on dog breeds. Instead, certain provinces prohibit certain dangerous dog breeds. Expats planning to relocate to Canada should first ensure they are up to date with the most recent legislation for their destination. 

 

Travellers should ensure their route through the country does not include certain provinces if they are accompanied by a banned breed.

 

In the province of Manitoba, Winnipeg bans the following dog breeds as well as dogs that have physical attributes of the following: American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

 

In Ontario Province, the following breeds are banned along with any mixes where these breeds are prominent: American Pitbull Terrier, Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

 

France

 

Much like Australia, France also has breed-based regulations in place to prohibit types of dangerous dogs from entering the country. France categorises breeds into either banned or restricted. 

 

Category 1: banned breeds are defined as attack dogs and cannot be imported into France: 

 

Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier (Pitbull Terrier), Japanese Tosa Inu, Boerbull Mastiff.

 

Category 2: It covers restricted breeds in France. From these breeds, only dogs registered with a pedigree recognised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry in France are permitted to enter the country. They can be transported on flights in the cargo hold only.

 

Pedigree Tosa Inu, Pedigree Staffordshire Terrier, Pedigree American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler (Pedigree and Non-pedigree).

 

Mexico

 

Mexico does not have a blanket ban on breeds across the country, however there is a list of regulations that any dog owning travellers, expats and émigrés must oblige by before travelling into the country including microchipping, rabies vaccinations and a parasite treatment. Dog owners must also obtain a health certificate unless travelling to Mexico from the United States.

 

Switzerland

 

Switzerland bans the import of dogs with cropped ears and docked tails. Dogs with these features can travel into the country temporarily for vacations or other short stays, but if you are relocating as an expat or émigré you will not be able to bring your dog with you.

 

Laws in Switzerland restrict travel for breeds perceived as being predisposed to attack. Travellers hoping to bring any of the below dogs into the country must first ensure the dog passes a behavioural test, neuter the pet and obtain pet insurance. These breeds are: American Staffordshire Terrier, Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Dogue Argentin, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, English Mastiff, Matin Espagnol, Matin de Naples, Pitbull, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Thai Ridgeback Dog, Tosa Inu.

 

United Kingdom

 

Expats and travellers coming in or out of the UK will not be able to bring with them any of the dog breeds that have been banned in the country. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 outlaws types of dogs perceived to be too dangerous for ownership. The following breeds are banned from entering the country: Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro.

 

According to UK regulations, if a dog has visual characteristics of any of the above it may be banned even if it does not match the breed. Whether or not the dog is to be banned could be decided in court, and if the dog is already in the country it could be euthanised.

 

The UK government looks set to soon pass legislation that will ban importation of dogs with docked tails, cropped ears and dogs younger than six months. Dog owners looking to travel or relocate should be sure to monitor the situation in case their dog falls into these categories.-TradeArabia News Service