Traveling with your dog is one of those unique experiences you must try at least once in your lifetime. Excursions feel more enjoyable by their side, and adventures become richer and more anecdote-filled with every step forward. You'd like to experience this sensation and test out a getaway to Mongolia with your faithful companion? Don't wait any longer!

But before you leave, don't forget to prepare properly, as traveling with your pet requires planning. There are essential accessories to pack and mandatory procedures to complete so your journey goes smoothly, both on the way there and back. In this article, we've prepared a handy guide for a successful trip to Mongolia with your dog.

Formalities to Complete Before Departure

Mongolia is among the destinations that welcome tourists' pets. However, there are numerous rules to respect and formalities to complete so they can enter Mongolian territory without issue.

Create an Identification for Your Dog

Without identification, your companion won't be accepted in Mongolia. Electronic identification or a clearly legible tattoo done before July 3, 2011 are both approved during inspection.

Obtain an International Passport for Your Dog

Dogs also need an international passport to travel around the world. Without one, your animal won't be accepted for your flight to your destination.

Get Your Dog Vaccinated Against Rabies

Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies before being admitted to Mongolia. The rabies vaccination must be current (after identification, valid 21 days after the primary injection) and administered by a specialist.

Obtain an Updated Health Certificate From a Professional

Like identification and rabies vaccination, the health certificate is your dog's entry pass to Mongolia. This important document must be an original issued by an official veterinarian (DDPP) within 10 days before your departure.

Perform a Rabies Titer Test

For your information, this is not required for your outbound journey. However, it's required when you return.

NB: Completing all these formalities can take considerable time. It's therefore strongly recommended to handle them well before your departure—at least 6 months before the day itself. To avoid forgetting anything, don't hesitate to contact the Mongolian embassy and request as much information as possible.

Practical Flight Information

It's important to know that many airlines don't accept animals aboard their planes. You'll need to do considerable research to find which ones can accommodate your dog. Once you've found them, gather all useful information about "animal transportation" policies from these airlines before making your final choice. This process will help you organize your trip with your companion: luggage to pack, materials to purchase, etc.

A Few Airlines That Accept Pets

If you'd like to travel to Mongolia with your dog, here are 4 airlines that will transport your pet:

• MIAT
• Aeroflot
• Air China
• Korean Air

MIAT's Requirements for Your Dog

MIAT Mongolian Airlines is Mongolia's national airline. It's the most popular choice for flights to Mongolia. Animals, including dogs, are accepted on their planes. However, certain conditions must be met.

Dog in Cabin

• The dog must remain in its carrying crate and be able to move freely once inside
• The weight of the dog and crate must not exceed 5 kg
• The crate dimensions (length/width/height) must not exceed 115 cm
• The crate must be made of sturdy material: metal, wood, or plastic

Dog in Hold

• The weight of the dog and crate must not exceed 32 kg
• The crate dimensions (length/width/height) must not exceed 158 cm
• The crate must be made of sturdy material: metal, wood, or plastic

The three other airlines mentioned above offer roughly the same conditions for transporting animals. Visit their websites or call their customer service directly for more detailed information. Ask any questions that concern you, no matter how trivial, to avoid unpleasant surprises. Indeed, it's often the small details that can ruin the trip in most cases.

Practical Accommodation Information

In Mongolia, as elsewhere, the majority of hotels don't accept animals. You'll need to do extensive research before finding a suitable establishment. To speed up your search, don't hesitate to perform targeted searches on hotel search engines. Again, you should do this well before your departure. This will allow you to take advantage of more affordable rates at the same time.

Other Alternatives

Most tourists who travel with their dogs don't particularly enjoy booking hotel rooms. That's because very few accept animals, and searches take time. Thus, they opt for easy solutions like:

• Renting an apartment: many owners offer spaces for pets. They're even willing to look after them for a few hours if you decide to go out.
• Bringing a tent and camping in nature.

You can also sleep in ger camps or with local families. In this case, let us know about your desire to travel with your dog so we can ensure there won't be any issues with our hosts.

Essential Materials to Bring

To ensure a successful trip with a dog to Mongolia, you need to prepare your luggage carefully. A getaway with a pet requires certain essential materials to have with you for your animal's comfort and for practical reasons. So, don't forget to pack in addition to your regular luggage:

• A spacious backpack to carry your necessities and your dog's: leash, toys, kibble, water bottle, etc.
• A small kit for your dog: a bed (and blanket), waste bags, toiletries, one or two bowls (for food and water), a muzzle if necessary, etc.
• A first-aid kit in case your dog needs particular medications or medical care (tick remover, bandages, gloves, antiseptic...).
• A separate bag to safely transport your dog's important documents (and yours if needed)
• A transport crate approved by airlines for carrying your dog on the plane and other transport methods

This list is not exhaustive. Feel free to add or remove materials based on your needs and habits.

Watch Out for Mongolian Dogs

Mongolia is no exception when it comes to stray dogs. While they're not everywhere, you're still likely to encounter some. Stray dogs can be unpredictable in their reactions when meeting another dog, particularly yours. In the steppes, many nomads also have dogs. Often very friendly, it's best to be cautious about their reaction to a foreign dog.

It's therefore very important for you and your animal to keep them on a leash in town and when approaching villages, ger camps, and dwellings to avoid any accidents. You can let the dogs get acquainted peacefully while staying close enough to intervene quickly if needed. Don't hesitate to ask your host about their dog's behavior and temperament. Keep in mind that Mongolian dogs are often free-roaming dogs and above all guard dogs, frequently used to keep wolves and other predators away from herds.