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Beach, mountains or culture? When your long-awaited holiday is finally around the corner, as a dog owner you not only have to decide on the destination, but also think about what will happen to your beloved pet during that time. Should you travel with your dog, or would it be better for them to stay at home in a boarding kennel or with a dog sitter? We’ll introduce the different options and show you what to consider when planning.
Travelling with Your Dog: Finding Suitable Holiday Destinations
The key to a holiday that both you and your dog will enjoy is choosing a destination that meets both your needs and your dog’s. That’s not always easy.
You might be dreaming of a comfy sun lounger by the pool and delicious cocktails, while your dog is more likely to be excited about shady woods, refreshing lakes, and plenty of space to run free.
A hiking holiday in the mountains is ideal for active dogs that need lots of exercise. Dogs that love water will be in their element on a dog-friendly beach holiday. What’s more, dogs aren’t equally welcome in every country. Travel guides and the internet offer plenty of tips for trips and excursions with dogs.
A holiday with your dog starts with a safe journey.
How Do I Find Dog-Friendly Accommodation for My Holiday?
Have you found a destination that suits you, your dog and your fellow travellers? Congratulations! That’s the first step done. Now it’s time to look for suitable accommodation at your destination.
Dogs in Hotels
Whether it’s a hotel or a holiday flat, dogs must be explicitly allowed. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it’s best to double-check in advance that you can definitely bring your dog.
Many providers also decide based on the breed or size of the dog, so it’s better to let them know beforehand what kind of dog you’ll be bringing.
If dogs are allowed, the next step is to check whether there are enough exercise areas nearby. A hotel room on the sixth floor without a balcony is rather unsuitable. A holiday cottage with its own garden, or at least a ground-floor flat with some green space outside, is certainly a better choice.
Dogs on Campsites
A camping holiday with a tent, caravan or motorhome, where your dog can spend lots of time in the fresh air, is another great option. As always, dogs must be allowed on the campsite.
There should also be designated pitches that are separated and, above all, shaded. In the surrounding area, you should be able to find parks, meadows, woods or beaches where your dog can exercise freely.
Formalities: What Do I Need to Travel with My Dog?
Once you’ve found suitable accommodation for you and your dog, you’ve overcome the biggest hurdle. Before you book, however, you should clarify the following questions:
What entry requirements for dogs apply in your holiday destination? It’s best to check with the embassy of the relevant country.
Does my dog need any additional vaccinations or similar? Arrange an appointment with your vet in good time. They will inform you about any necessary vaccinations or other preventative measures (e.g. special parasite prevention).
Is your dog insured abroad? Read your insurance policy carefully and, if in doubt, check with your insurer.
If you’re travelling by train, ferry or plane: what specific transport regulations for dogs apply with the relevant provider?
Travelling with Your Dog: The Right Preparation
Depending on how flexible you are, it’s advisable to choose a travel period when temperatures at your destination aren’t too high. Female dogs shouldn’t be in season, and it’s best to avoid times when your dog is moulting heavily and needs extra grooming.
Once your holiday is approaching, start packing in good time. Don’t just think about sun cream, walking boots and your camera – remember your dog’s travel essentials too.
Checklist for the Right Travel Kit: What Does My Dog Need on Holiday?
With careful planning, a holiday with your dog will be unforgettable.
What Are the Reasons for Going on Holiday without Your Dog?
A holiday without your dog? For some dog lovers, that’s unthinkable. But sometimes it really is better for your four-legged friend to stay at home.
A long, exhausting journey, strict entry requirements, risk of infection, extreme climate conditions or bans on dogs in hotels and on beaches can make travelling with your dog difficult.
Your idea of the perfect holiday may not always match your dog’s needs either. Two weeks by the hotel pool, a week on the ski slopes or a city break full of churches and museums are certainly not ideal for your dog.
You should also only subject ill or very elderly dogs to the strain of a long journey in an emergency.
Travelling without Your Dog: Where Should Your Four-Legged Friend Stay?
Don’t worry – you’re not a “bad dog parent” if you want to go on holiday without your dog. On the contrary, it’s often the more sensible decision. In the situations mentioned above, leaving your dog with friends, a dog sitter or in a boarding kennel may be the far better choice.
However, it’s important to arrange your pet’s care in good time. Be sure to explore the various dog care options available. After all, you’ll only be able to relax and enjoy your holiday if you know your dog is in safe hands.
Friends, Dog Sitter or Boarding Kennel?
Ideally, your dog will be looked after by familiar family members or friends during your absence – people who know your dog well and will spoil them with cuddles and long walks.
If you can’t rely on friends or relatives, make sure you arrange care with a dog sitter or boarding kennel well before your trip. You can find addresses online, as well as through some vets, dog training schools or clubs.
Reviews and recommendations from other dog owners are extremely helpful. However, you should always visit the dog sitter or boarding kennel yourself. Every dog is different: while one may feel very comfortable in a large group of other dogs, another might find this pure stress.
As a dog owner, you need to plan your holiday early and prepare thoroughly. After all, you want to enjoy your break to the full.
That’s only possible if your dog is well looked after – whether you take them on holiday with you or leave them at home with friends, a dog sitter or in a boarding kennel. Especially if you’re travelling with or without your dog for the first time, make sure you allow plenty of time for planning.
Also bear in mind that dog sitters and boarding kennels, as well as hotels and holiday flats that allow dogs, are often fully booked during peak holiday season.
As a general rule: the better prepared you are, the more carefree your trip will be. With that in mind, we wish you a relaxing holiday – whether with or without your dog!
zooplus Editorial Team
The zooplus editorial team consists of a dedicated team of experts with many years of experience in the field of animal husbandry: Luisa with her White Swiss Shepherd Elyos, Laura, Julio, and Florian. Together with a large network of animal experts, we work to make the zooplus magazine a trusted source of information for all animal owners and lovers. Our goal is to provide exciting animal knowledge and relevant information on the proper care of pets.
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