From Shelter to the World: Joan’s Journey as a Global Canine
Joan is the kind of bulldog who seems destined for quiet moments and gentle companionship—but her journey to that peaceful life was anything but simple. Originally rescued in Brooklyn, she was found in poor condition, sick and underfed, just one year old. A neighbor had alerted animal control, and that act of kindness set the stage for a new beginning.
After being adopted, Joan quickly adapted to her new life, becoming more than just a pet—she became a loyal companion, always by her owner’s side. With a calm and affectionate nature, she seamlessly integrated into a lifestyle centered around cafes, leisurely strolls, and boutique shopping. Her presence brought comfort and joy, making her an essential part of daily routines.
The first big adventure came when Joan traveled to California. She took to flying with ease, even catching the attention of a fellow passenger who snapped selfies with her mid-flight. From meeting family members to exploring dog parks and tasting bison jerky at farmers markets, travel became a natural part of her world.
When the New York building where she lived was sold, and her owner needed to work in Paris for several months, leaving Joan behind wasn’t an option. That marked the start of a new chapter: taking a dog to Europe.
Preparing for International Travel with a Dog
Traveling internationally with a dog requires careful planning and attention to detail. First and foremost, a microchip is essential. Rabies vaccinations must be up to date, and within ten days of travel, a vet visit is necessary to confirm the dog’s health. Paperwork needs to be submitted to the USDA for approval, and costs can add up, mainly due to vet appointments and express mail services.
One of the most stressful parts of the process was waiting for the USDA-stamped documents to arrive in time. Fortunately, they did, just before the flight from Newark to Paris.
By then, Joan was no stranger to airports. Still, international travel with a dog brings its own set of challenges—missing forms or overlooked vaccines could easily ruin the plans. However, everything went smoothly. At check-in, she even received her own meal: bavette. Onboard, she made friends with a couple heading to Bordeaux, who invited her to visit. Whether the invitation extended to her human remained unclear.
A Warm Welcome in Paris
Upon arrival in Paris, Joan was greeted with a warm smile from the customs officer, who simply said, “elle est magnifique.” There were no lengthy checks or issues—just a smooth entry into her new home.
Mornings in Paris were spent walking along the Seine, visiting dog parks, and discovering quirky details like France’s rule that purebred dogs must have names starting with a specific letter based on their birth year—2019 was the year of “P.”
Holidays in Paris meant stops at high-end pet stores for organic advent calendars and water bowls at the Chanel boutique. Sundays were for flea markets, and friendships were formed, including with another English bulldog named Edward, whose family owned Comice, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Life abroad suited Joan perfectly.
Returning Home and Beyond
After several months in Paris, it was time to return to New York. Before departing, another vet visit was required to confirm Joan’s health and rabies status. The clinic in the 16th arrondissement issued her a blue EU dog passport, which became a symbol of her travels and simplified future trips within Europe.
Back in New York, Joan transitioned effortlessly into Upper East Side life. But Paris had left an impression. The following year, she returned for a ten-day vacation. With her passport ready, she became a true jet-setter, with potential future destinations like Milan in August or Stockholm in September.
The Rewards of International Pet Travel
Traveling internationally with a dog takes planning, money, and patience, but the rewards are well worth it. While the checklist includes shots, paperwork, and USDA stamps, Joan handled it all like a seasoned diplomat.
Her passport wasn’t just about bureaucracy—it was about brand. Whether she was cooling off in Milan beneath a luxury storefront or snoozing on a velvet couch in Paris, Joan clearly understood what it meant to live the good life. From shelter pup to globetrotter, she never missed a nap.
