Have Dog, Will Travel

Before leaving for Munich, we did a bit of research to make sure that Panda was welcome on both French and German trains. As you've already guessed, it turns out she was - under certain conditions. You're supposed to carry a muzzle with you, in case a neighbor is uncomfortable with your dog's gaping, bloody jaws. Also, a neighbor can ask for you and your dog to be moved. Dogs under 7 kg don't need tickets (it's assumed they can travel in a small bag and/or on your lap) but dogs over 7 kg require reduced rate or children's tickets.

We also read that conductors rarely ask for a dog's ticket, so we decided to play it by ear and only buy a ticket for Panda if someone asked us to on the train. In four ticket-checking situations, only once did a conductor inform us that Panda needed a ticket - and that was probably only because we mistakenly drew attention to her. (She had just chewed off her harness, and we were busy trying not to let her sprint down the aisle in search of the dining car.) Most of the conductors didn't even seem to notice her as she lay quietly at our feet.

All in all, traveling with Panda by train was a pleasant experience. And the single ticket we had to buy was still cheaper than boarding her at the local kennel. Still, I can't help but wonder whether Panda might have gotten to Munich faster on her own four feet . . .