The journey from Vienna, Austria, to Sydney (YQY), Canada, on Cape Breton Island is a real adventure. Here are the best options and steps to help you plan, especially if you’re traveling with pets.
Our Travel Group
Since we are traveling with three beloved pets, it’s essential for us to find the most gentle travel method. Our dog, Diana, has a history of anxiety, and we want to avoid triggering any new trauma. Our two cats, Anubis and Isis, are 10 years old, with Anubis having battled kidney issues and a heart condition since he was two. Special care is needed for him, and we’ve consulted our vet about whether he can make the journey safely. Our priority is to ensure a calm and comfortable experience for all our pets.
Some people have accused us of cruelty for taking our pets on this journey, suggesting we should leave them behind. These comments have deeply affected us because we believe our pets would suffer more if separated from us. Anubis, Isis, and Diana have formed strong bonds with us, and the idea of them having to adjust to new caregivers is unthinkable. We are determined to bring them along and ensure they remain part of our family wherever life takes us.
Our Research Results
Essentially, there are two main travel options: flying or taking a ship.
Travel by Sea
Transatlantic Cruise
For those seeking a unique travel experience, a transatlantic cruise might be an option. Ships from European ports like Hamburg or Southampton regularly sail to North America. The journey typically takes 7-10 days, and after arriving in a Canadian port like Halifax, the trip can continue by air, car, or bus to Sydney.
When traveling with pets, I’ve learned from numerous calls to travel agencies and directly to cruise lines that pets are ONLY allowed on the Queen Mary 2 operated by Cunard (as of 2023). However, the pet accommodations on this ship are booked three years in advance, including waiting lists. We tried to book about eight months before departure and found we were almost two years too late. You can find more details in this link:
https://www.dreamlines.de/blog/service-tips/mit-dem-hund-aufs-schiff/
Freighter Travel
Another, often overlooked, option is freighter travel. Some cargo ships offer passenger cabins, but we found that pets are generally not allowed on transatlantic voyages. However, within Europe, there are some routes where pets are permitted. While slower, this method is much more relaxed and less stressful for the animals. If you’re traveling within Europe, it’s worth checking with the shipping companies to confirm whether pets are allowed and to clarify specific requirements. For crossing the Atlantic, however, other options must be explored.
Flights to Canada
Our destination is Sydney (YQY), Canada. We didn’t research other parts of Canada.
- Vienna to Toronto: Austrian Airlines and Air Canada offer direct flights from Vienna to Toronto, followed by a connecting flight to Sydney.
- Vienna to Montreal: Another good option, as Montreal is closer to Cape Breton.
- Vienna to Halifax via Frankfurt or Munich: Lufthansa and Air Canada offer flights with a stopover in Frankfurt or Munich, arriving in Halifax. Halifax is the nearest international airport to Cape Breton, about a four-hour drive from our final destination.
- From Toronto or Montreal, there are domestic flights to Sydney.
Travel Within Canada
Driving from the Arrival Airport to Sydney
If you enjoy flexibility and scenic views, renting a car and driving to Sydney is an option. Depending on your starting point, the route takes you through the Trans-Canada Highway into Nova Scotia, along the breathtaking coast of Cape Breton, offering many opportunities for stops and sightseeing.
Train and Bus
VIA Rail offers train services to Halifax (for example, from Toronto). From there, you can continue to Sydney by bus or car. Maritime Bus offers daily connections between Halifax and Sydney.
https://maritimebus.com/index.php/en/plan-your-trip/stations-and-locations
Booking Flights
Book in Advance: Reserve your pets’ spots as early as possible, as flights have a limited number of pet slots. Inform the airline about your pets’ size and weight. Since I couldn’t book our pets online, we decided to plan our trip through a travel agency.
We ended up filling the maximum number of pets allowed on the flight: two in the cabin and one in the cargo hold.
At the Airport
Check-in: Arrive early at the airport to allow time for check-in and security checks. Some airlines have special procedures for pets. In our case, we had to be there 3 hours before the flight. Diana, who couldn’t fly in the cabin, had a separate check-in process. We had to drop her off at the special baggage area, where she went through a full security scan without her collar or harness before being placed in her travel crate. This process had to be completed one hour before departure.
Fees: Pet travel fees must be paid at the airport. The check-in staff can assist with where to go for payment.
Rest Areas: Use pet relief areas at large airports to give your pets some exercise before the flight. We didn’t have time for this because we arrived just in time and needed to focus on the check-in process.
Cabin Travel: Small pets (under 8kg, including the travel carrier) can usually travel in the cabin. Our cats went through the standard hand luggage check with us.
Important: The airline didn’t initially understand that we were traveling as a couple with cats, so they seated us separately. This could be a good measure for strangers with pets, but in our case, they kindly adjusted our seating.
After Arrival
Customs Check: After landing, your pets must go through customs. Ensure all documents are readily available. We had their vaccination records and proof that they were over six months old, along with „ownership proof.“ For the cats, this was their breeder contract, and for Diana, it was her adoption papers from the rescue organization.
Further Travel: Plan for sufficient breaks during the onward journey, especially if driving. Look for pet-friendly accommodations and rest stops.
Conclusion
The journey from Vienna to Sydney, Canada, on Cape Breton Island can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially with good preparation. By carefully planning and considering the needs of your pets, you can ensure everyone arrives safely and comfortably. Whether you opt for multiple flights, a relaxing cruise, or a scenic drive, it depends on your personal preferences. Plan ahead and consider the various options to make your trip as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
In the next post, I’ll share the details of how our journey went.
Your Thoughts?
We hope this post has been helpful. If you need specific details or additional information, let us know! Have you ever planned a trip with pets? What did you consider, and what were your experiences?
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