Question 1

What documents does my dog need for international travel?

Accepted Answer

The EU pet passport is mandatory for all travels within the EU: a blue passport from the veterinarian with microchip number, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before entry), and identification. For the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, and Norway: additional tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before entry. For non-EU countries: health certificate from the veterinarian (max. 10 days old), often specific vaccination proofs, and sometimes quarantine regulations. Australia, New Zealand, Japan: extremely strict import rules with weeks of quarantine — inform yourself 6+ months in advance. Tip: Have the chip scanned by the veterinarian before EVERY trip to ensure it still works.

Question 2

How do I fly with my dog?

Accepted Answer

Small dogs up to 8 kg including transport box can fly in the cabin — costs range from 50–200 euros per leg depending on the airline. Larger dogs travel in the air-conditioned cargo hold in an IATA-compliant transport box — costs range from 100–400 euros. Airlines with good pet programs: Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Turkish Airlines. DO NOT fly with dogs: Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air do not allow animals (except assistance dogs). Short-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs) are not transported by many airlines due to breathing problems in the cargo hold. Tip: Book your dog IMMEDIATELY after the flight — only 1–2 animals are allowed in the cabin per flight.

Question 3

Which European countries are the most dog-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Denmark: Dog forests (Hundeskov) everywhere, many beaches open to dogs year-round, dogs welcome in cafes. Netherlands: The most tolerant dog culture in Europe — dogs are welcome in most restaurants and shops. France: Dogs are part of the culture — often under the table in restaurants, in many hotels without extra charge. Austria: Hiking in the mountains with dogs, dog-friendly huts and alpine pastures, dog-friendly swimming lakes. Croatia: Designated dog beaches along the entire Adriatic coast, many dog-friendly vacation rentals.

Question 4

How do I find dog-friendly accommodations?

Accepted Answer

The Booking.com filter 'Pets Allowed' shows hotels and vacation rentals that accept dogs — ALWAYS read the fine print regarding extra charges, size restrictions, and regulations. Bringfido.com is the world's largest platform for dog-friendly travel: hotels, restaurants, activities, and beaches. Vacation rentals (FeWo-direkt, Airbnb) are often more dog-friendly than hotels — ask BEFORE booking if the landlord allows dogs and if there is a garden. Extra charge for dogs: 5–20 euros/night in hotels, often free in vacation rentals. Tip: Choose ground-floor accommodations with direct garden access for stress-free walks.

Question 5

What dog beaches are there in Europe?

Accepted Answer

Croatia has the most designated dog beaches along the Adriatic — in Crikvenica, there is even a dog wellness beach. Denmark allows dogs on ALL beaches from October to March, in summer on designated dog beaches. France (Normandy, Brittany) and Spain (Costa Brava, Valencia) have official dog beaches with showers and drinking water. In Italy, dog beaches (Spiaggia per Cani) are rarer but available — especially in Tuscany and Sardinia. The North Sea (St. Peter-Ording, Sylt, Texel) offers huge beach sections for dogs.

Question 6

How do I safely transport my dog in the car?

Accepted Answer

In Germany, the dog must be secured as cargo (StVO § 22) — allowed options include: dog box in the trunk, partition grid, seatbelt harness, or transport bag on the back seat. A dog box is the safest option: In an accident at 50 km/h, a 20-kg dog that is not secured experiences a force of 600 kg. Take a break every 2 hours: water, walks, exercise. NEVER leave the dog in a closed car — even at 20°C outside temperature, the car can heat up to 46°C. Sun protection on the side windows and a cooling mat in the trunk for long trips. Feed 3–4 hours before the trip to prevent the dog from getting sick.

Question 7

What should be in the travel pharmacy for the dog?

Accepted Answer

Tick tweezers and tick collar/spot-on (Seresto, Frontline) — in Southern Europe also against sandflies (leishmaniasis protection!). Diarrhea medication and electrolyte powder for the dog. Wound ointment and bandaging material for paw injuries. Eye drops (saline solution) for sand/dust. Sedatives for nervous dogs (Adaptil, Zylkene — after consulting with a veterinarian). A digital copy of the vaccination passport and EU pet passport in the cloud. Research the phone number of a local veterinarian at the destination in advance.

Question 8

Can I take my dog on the train?

Accepted Answer

Deutsche Bahn: Small dogs in transport boxes travel for free, large dogs need a discounted ticket (half price of adult fare) and a muzzle. ÖBB (Austria): Dogs need a ticket (3.60 euros for short distances), muzzles are mandatory. SBB (Switzerland): Dogs need a half-fare ticket, no muzzle requirement. Eurostar (London-Paris): Dogs are NOT allowed (only assistance dogs). Night trains (ÖBB Nightjet): Dogs can travel in their own compartment — a pet box or muzzle is required. Tip: Reserve a window seat next to the aisle for longer journeys so the dog has space under the seat.

Question 9

What vaccinations does my dog need for international travel?

Accepted Answer

Rabies vaccination is MANDATORY for all international travel — at least 21 days before entry, max. 1 year old (or according to manufacturer specifications). For Southern Europe (Mediterranean region): Leishmaniasis vaccination or spot-on protection against sandflies is strongly recommended. Leptospirosis booster is recommended for travel in rural/water-rich areas. Lyme disease vaccination for travel in tick areas (Scandinavia, Alpine region). Babesiosis (dog malaria): prevalent in Southern France, Spain, and Hungary — no vaccine, but tick protection is MANDATORY. Discuss the travel vaccination plan with your veterinarian at least 8 weeks before departure.

Question 10

What are the average costs of traveling with a dog?

Accepted Answer

Flight: 50–200 euros in the cabin, 100–400 euros in the cargo hold per leg. Hotel extra charge: 5–20 euros/night, vacation rentals often free. EU pet passport: a one-time fee of 15–25 euros at the veterinarian. Rabies vaccination: 30–50 euros. Tapeworm treatment (for UK/Northern Europe): 15–25 euros. Dog sitter as an alternative: 15–30 euros/day. Total costs for a 2-week road trip with a dog (vacation rental): about 200–400 euros extra compared to a trip without a dog. Total costs for a 2-week flight trip with a dog: about 400–800 euros extra.

Traveling with a Dog — Expert Knowledge