Traveling with your dog: a good idea?

Traveling with your dog can be wonderful, but also a little adventure. There is a lot to think about and plan carefully. In this article you will find many useful tips so that you and your four-legged friend can travel relaxed and safe by car, train or even plane.

Why it’s so nice to travel with your dog

Going on holiday with your dog has many advantages. Here you will find the most important ones:

Time together

There is often little time left in everyday life. On holiday you are together all day, you can discover new places and make your bond even closer. Your dog is part of the family – of course he comes with you.

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socialization

New places, new smells, new people – all of this helps your dog gain more confidence and adapt better to different situations.

The dog’s stay is not necessary

If your dog comes with you, there is no need to arrange care. This not only saves stress, but also money. Dog-friendly hotels are often expensive and book up quickly, especially during the holiday season.

Unforgettable experiences

Vacations together create lifelong memories for you and your faithful companion.

What you should consider

Of course there are also some challenges. Here you will find out what you should pay attention to so that the holiday is enjoyable for both of you.

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Find accommodation

Not all accommodations accept dogs. It’s best to look early for hotels or vacation rentals that allow dogs.

Transport

Traveling by car is usually the easiest way. Flying is more stressful for many dogs and different rules apply depending on the airline. With the right preparation, even flying can work well.

Plan activities

Your dog is always by your side on holiday. So think ahead about what you can do together, like walks on the beach or hikes. If possible, it is advisable to avoid staying alone in the hotel for a long time.

New environment

Dogs are creatures of habit. New places can be stressful at first. Give your dog time to adjust. Soon he will appreciate new impressions as much as you do.

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Important things before the trip

Before starting you should clarify a few things:

Health

Traveling often means stress for the dog. Is he healthy enough for this? Especially older dogs should not travel too long distances. Sometimes a vacation closer to home is a better choice.

Temperament

Not all dogs love to travel the same way. Observe your pet carefully and think about whether he will enjoy the journey.

Socialization and education

A well-socialized dog feels more confident in new places. Basic commands like “sit” and “stay” should work well, providing safety for both of you.

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The different transport options

By train

Find out in advance from the railway which rules apply. Most dogs must travel on a leash or in a carrier. The box should be large enough for your dog to sit and relax comfortably.

In the car

Many dogs know how to drive and are comfortable with it. If your dog still has doubts, get him used to it slowly with short walks. Important: the dog must always be secured in the car.

By plane

Flying with a dog requires good preparation. Each airline has its own rules. Find out early and coordinate with the airline.

Important rules for traveling with dogs

To ensure safety on the road, some legal requirements must be respected:

• Microchip: Your dog must be chipped. This is mandatory.
  
• Rabies vaccination: Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. Possible from 12 weeks, update every 3 years.
  
• EU pet passport: Available from the vet. Contains vaccinations and chip numbers.
  
• Civil liability insurance: In many countries – e.g. B. Spain or France – mandatory. Without insurance you risk heavy fines, sometimes up to 10,000 euros.
  

Useful sites for planning holidays with dogs

• caniinclusi.de: Large selection of dog-friendly accommodation and information on entry requirements.
  
• Urlaubmitdemhund.de: Here you will find suitable holiday homes based on location, fenced property or extras such as swimming pool and sauna.
  
• hunde-auf-reisen.de: Many last minute offers with big discounts for small budgets.
  
• camping-mit-hund.de: Campsites in Spain, Italy, France and other countries where dogs are welcome.