Pets on GNV ferries: travel advice

With the new GNV "Pets, Welcome on Board" service ,pets can finally travel on board the ferries together with their owners.

Take your 4-legged friend on holiday with you!

A few practical hints to make your trip together safer and more enjoyable.

THE 4-LEGGED SUITCASE

Remember my luggage!! Here’s what not to forget when packing a “4-legged suitcase”:

MAKE SURE YOU DON’T LOSE ME!

Take a recent photo of me with you: if you lose me during the trip, the photo could help you to find me. Never remove my collar or harness during the journey and insert a tag in it with your name and telephone number.

MEDICAL CHECK-UP

Before the trip, take your pet to the vet to ensure that it is in a good state of health. . A check-up by your vet is also important to obtain the documents necessary for your trip.

The vet will check the following:

1. basic vaccinations (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus)
2. anti-rabies vaccination (where necessary)
3. deworming against intestinal parasitosis
4. anti-parasite treatment against fleas and ticks

PThis is also a chance to evaluate any diseases at the place of destination and how to prevent them.

ON YOUR WAY TO THE FERRY

Fido in the car and on the motorway - Art. 169 of the new Highway Code allows you to take me with you in the car on condition that I do not constitute a hazard or hindrance to the driver (therefore I must sit on the back seat). More than one pet can be transported if kept in the rear compartment of the car separated by a dog net or guard.

I should be transported on an empty stomach and don’t forget to bring my bowl and a plentiful supply of water. When travelling, ensure that the window is open a few inches to ensure ventilation but don’t let me put my head out (danger of otitis). And remember …….. frequent stops!! (At least every two hours) so that I can stretch my legs and have a drink.
Remember never to leave me shut in the car on a hot day because, even if the windows are open, the temperature inside can quickly reach 40 degrees in the shade and 60 degrees in the sun. On the

motorway there are some service areas for us. The Fido Park are zones outside the refreshment areas specially designed for us, equipped with running water and dog’s beds thermally insulated and disinfected by a spray sanitization system.

Here are some of them:

- Frascati, A1 Milan-Naples, Roma Sud (northbound);
- Frascati, A1 Milan-Naples, Roma Sud (southbound);
- S.Ilario Nord, A12 Genoa-Sestri Levante, Genova Nervi (northbound);
- Stura Est, A26 Voltri-Gravellona T., Belforte Monferrato (northbound);
- Stura Ovest, A26 Voltri-Gravellona T., Belforte Monferrato (southbound).

Fido in the - In Italy we can travel by train, observing a few simple rules connected with the type of train used.
For the smallest dogs, transport is free of charge if they are kept in containers with max dimensions of 70x50x30.

In trains with compartments, the smallest dogs can travel alongside their owners, on condition that they are always carefully supervised and as long as the other passengers in the compartment consent to it, only in 2nd class, by purchasing a ticket with 40% reduction     
Larger dogs are permitted only if they do not cause disturbance and are kept on a lead and muzzled, otherwise, in addition to payment of the reduced ticket, the whole compartment must be booked.

In sleeping cars we are allowed by payment of a second class ticket with 40% reduction and a disinfestation fee.

On local trains , dwhere the carriages are open, we can travel only if we use the platforms or lobbies of the carriages.

On the "Pendolini" trains, medium and large-sized dogs are not accepted as there is not sufficient space for the passenger to keep them beside him/her.
Small dogs are allowed, free of charge, if kept in appropriate containers in the spaces provided.

On the Eurostar Italia trains only guide dogs for the blind can travel: all other animals are forbidden. However, as the Italian State railways can alter the conditions for transport of animals by train, you are advised to check that the conditions have not changed prior to commencing your journey.

Guide dogs for the blind
Guide dogs for the blind travel free of charge in any train and class. The only condition is that they may have to be muzzled.

Only on Cruise Ferry.
Equipment and on-board services can vary from ship to ship and from period to period.