Travelling with a Dog: Everything You Need to Know

2. Entry Requirements by Country

Rules vary considerably from country to country. Within the EU, uniform minimum standards apply, but many countries have additional regulations. Outside the EU, things become even more complex.

• Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland): EU Pet Passport plus rabies vaccination is sufficient. Norway additionally requires tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus) 24–120 hours before entry
• United Kingdom: Since Brexit, stricter rules apply – rabies titre test (blood test) at least 30 days after vaccination, result recorded in the passport
• Ireland: Similar to the UK, plus tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before entry
• Croatia, Greece, Spain: EU standard, no special regulations
• Turkey: Rabies vaccination plus health certificate from a vet (max. 10 days old)
• USA/Canada: Valid rabies vaccination certificate, possibly health certificate, no quarantine
• Thailand, Australia, Japan: Extremely strict regulations with lengthy quarantine – only realistic for long-term stays

Warning regarding restricted breeds: Countries such as Denmark, France and the Netherlands have breed bans. Certain breeds are not allowed to enter or are subject to strict requirements (muzzle, lead, insurance certificate). Always check in advance!

3. Dog-Friendly Hotels and Accommodation

Finding suitable accommodation with a dog requires a bit more planning. Not every hotel allows four-legged guests, and surcharges vary widely.

• Holiday rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo): Often the best option because the dog has more space and usually no surcharge applies
• Dog-friendly hotel chains: Best Western, Motel One and many Accor hotels often allow dogs free of charge or for a small fee (EUR 5–20 per night)
• Farm holidays: Ideal for dogs – plenty of space to roam, rural surroundings, usually uncomplicated
• Specialised portals: Websites like bringfido.com and petfriendlyhotels.com list verified dog-friendly accommodation

Clarify before booking: Is there a size restriction? Can the dog be left alone in the room? Are there fenced green areas? Is there a dog beach nearby?

4. Car Travel with a Dog

The car is the most popular means of transport for travelling with a dog – and often the least stressful. By law, dogs must be secured in the car (as 'cargo'). Unsecured transport can result in a fine of EUR 35–75.

• Transport crate: The safest option, especially in the boot. Should be tested by a motoring association
• Dog harness/seatbelt: Attaches to the seatbelt – suitable for small to medium-sized dogs
• Barrier/net: Separates the boot area but gives the dog freedom of movement
• Breaks: Stop every 2–3 hours, offer water and go for a short walk
• Temperature: Never leave your dog in a parked car – even at 20°C outside, the interior can exceed 40°C
• Feeding: Give the last meal at least 2 hours before departure to prevent nausea

Tip: For long drives (6+ hours), set off early in the morning when it is still cool. Your dog will sleep for most of the journey.

5. Flying with a Dog

Flying with a dog is possible, but more stressful than other means of transport. Rules vary considerably between airlines:

• Cabin (up to approx. 8 kg incl. bag): Small dogs may fly in a carrier bag under the seat in front on many airlines. Cost: EUR 25–75 (short-haul) or EUR 75–200 (long-haul)
• Cargo hold (over 8 kg): Larger dogs travel in an IATA-compliant crate in the climate-controlled cargo hold. Cost: EUR 100–300
• Eurowings: Small dogs in the cabin (max. 8 kg), larger dogs in the cargo hold
• Lufthansa: Both options available, early registration required
• Ryanair/EasyJet: No dogs allowed (exception: assistance dogs)
• Condor: Dogs in the cabin and cargo hold possible

Important: Brachycephalic breeds (pug, bulldog, boxer) are not transported by many airlines because they can develop breathing problems in the cargo hold. Consult your vet beforehand to check whether your dog is fit to fly.

6. Train Travel with a Dog

The train is a relaxed alternative to flying and driving – especially within Europe.

• Deutsche Bahn (Germany): Small dogs (in a carrier, max. 70x30x50 cm) travel free. Larger dogs pay half the flex-price for 2nd class and require a muzzle and lead
• ÖBB (Austria): Similar rules; a dog ticket costs approx. EUR 4.40 per journey
• SBB (Switzerland): Day ticket for dogs approx. CHF 25; small dogs in a carrier travel free
• SNCF (France): Dogs under 6 kg travel free in a bag; larger dogs pay EUR 7 (TGV)
• Trenitalia (Italy): Small dogs free, larger dogs pay EUR 5 – very dog-friendly
• Nightjet: Dogs are allowed in compartment carriages but not in sleeping-car berths

Tip: Book a window seat if possible and travel in the off-season. A crowded train with little legroom is no fun for a large dog.

7. Beach and Hiking with a Dog

Two of the most popular holiday activities with a dog – but with a few rules:

Beach

• In many countries, dogs are banned from main beaches from June to September
• There are dedicated dog beaches (spiaggia per cani in Italy, playa canina in Spain)
• The Netherlands and Denmark are particularly dog-friendly – large beach sections open to dogs year-round
• Bring fresh water for drinking – saltwater causes diarrhoea
• Rinse off the sand thoroughly after a beach visit (ears, paws, belly)

Hiking

• Match the distance to your dog's fitness – not every dog can handle an 8-hour hike
• In national parks and nature reserves, lead requirements often apply
• Bring enough water – a medium-sized dog needs 0.5–1 litre per hour of hiking
• Paw protection: On hot tarmac in summer and on ice/road salt in winter
• Consider tick prevention – in southern countries also sandflies (risk of leishmaniasis!)

8. Camping with a Dog

Camping is the most dog-friendly type of holiday there is. Your dog gets fresh air, has room to play and is always by your side. Even so, there are a few things to consider:

• Campsite rules: Not all sites allow dogs – and some have breed restrictions. Call ahead!
• Lead requirement: Most campsites require dogs to be kept on a lead throughout the grounds
• Poo bags: Cleaning up after your dog is a given – your camping neighbours expect it too
• Shady pitch: Make sure your pitch has enough shade, especially in summer
• Wild camping: In Scandinavia (right of public access) wild camping with a dog is particularly appealing – but keep your dog on a lead in the wild (wildlife!)
• Motorhome: Ideal for dog holidays – your dog always has 'home' with them, which reduces stress

Top camping countries for dog owners: The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Croatia have particularly many dog-friendly campsites.

9. The Best Holiday Countries for Dog Owners

Not every country is equally suited for holidays with a dog. Here is the ranking of the most dog-friendly travel destinations:

10. Vet Abroad: Preparation Is Everything

Your dog can fall ill or get injured on holiday too. Good preparation saves valuable time in an emergency:

• Research emergency vets: Before your trip, look up the nearest veterinary clinic at your destination and save the address and phone number
• Travel first-aid kit for dogs: Tick remover, bandaging material, wound ointment, anti-diarrhoea tablets, eye/ear drops and regular medications
• Pet health insurance: Many pet insurance policies also cover treatment in EU countries – check beforehand!
• Poison bait warning: In some regions (especially southern Europe) poison baits are unfortunately laid out. Do not let your dog eat anything from the ground
• Leishmaniasis prevention: In Mediterranean countries, sandflies transmit this dangerous disease. Scalibor collars or spot-on treatments provide protection
• Babesiosis and ehrlichiosis: Transmitted by ticks, especially in southern Europe. Tick protection is essential!

11. Travel Checklist for Dog Holidays

So you do not forget anything, here is the complete packing list for your dog:

12. Top Tips at a Glance

To conclude, the golden rules for a successful holiday with a dog:

• Plan early: Dog-friendly accommodation fills up quickly in high season – book at least 3 months ahead
• Do a test drive: If your dog is not used to car travel, practise with short trips beforehand
• Take heat protection seriously: Rest in the shade at midday, never leave in the car, no exercise above 25°C
• Bring familiar food: Switching food on holiday often leads to stomach problems
• Update the dog tag: Add your name, mobile number and holiday address to the tag
• Schedule rest days: Your dog needs breaks too – not every day has to be a hiking day
• Check insurance: Dog liability insurance applies in many countries but not all – ask in advance
• Be considerate: Not everyone likes dogs. Courtesy and a well-behaved dog open doors

With the right preparation, a holiday with your dog becomes the highlight of the year – for two-legged and four-legged travellers alike. Bon voyage!