Holiday With Your Dog: Documents, Planning and Safe Travel

What do I need to keep in mind when travelling with my dog?

Four things matter most for a relaxed holiday with your dog: valid travel documents, a dog friendly destination, a safe journey and familiar routines for the road. Start weeks before you leave and tick off vaccinations, accommodation and gear one by one. Planning early avoids stress on departure day and surprises at the border.

Choose your travel season carefully. Spring and autumn are more comfortable for many dogs than the summer heat, especially on long drives and for flat nosed breeds. Consider too whether your dog copes well with the planned distance. Young, old or anxious dogs need more breaks and calmer planning.

Which documents and vaccinations does my dog need?

At least 21 days must have passed since the rabies vaccination before your dog may enter an EU country. The EU pet passport is mandatory, holding the microchip number and proof of vaccination, issued by your vet. That is why the simple rule is to book the vet several weeks before departure, so the deadline is safely met on travel day.

Some countries have special rules. Anyone travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland must have the dog treated against the fox tapeworm between 24 and 120 hours before entry. Check the entry requirements for your destination in good time, because they can change and sometimes differ a lot. It helps to note the rules for your specific country before you leave.

Where should I go on holiday with my dog?

Short distances are ideal for the destination, because your dog then spends less time in the vehicle. Popular choices are coastal regions with dog beaches, lakes for swimming and hiking regions for active dogs. What matters is that the destination suits your dog: an active dog needs trails and water, a calm one a cosy place without long walks.

If you plan routes off the beaten track, our guide to hiking with your dog helps with gear and stage length. When choosing accommodation, look for a fenced property if possible and for walking areas nearby. Before booking, confirm that the dog is really allowed and that he may stay alone in the flat for a while if needed.

How does my dog travel most safely?

The safest way for your dog to travel is in a sturdy, crash tested crate that stands firmly in the boot. An unsecured dog becomes a danger to himself and everyone else in a crash or hard braking. For larger dogs an aluminium crate in the boot works well, for small dogs and cats a single crate on the seat.

Look for a TÜV certified solution such as the 4pets PRO NOIR, which is crash tested at 50 km/h. To find the crate that fits your dog and car, use the Box Finder in a few clicks. If you use a seat belt instead, never secure the dog by the collar, always by a well fitting chest harness.

For the drive itself, our guide to a road trip with a dog covers how to prep the car, plan breaks and keep your dog calm. Train, ferry and plane are possible too, but they need more preparation. For flights the rules depend on the airline and the size of the dog, and larger dogs usually travel in the hold in a special flight crate.

What belongs on the packing list?

Seven things belong on every dog packing list: the usual food, bowls for food and water, his own bed or blanket, lead and harness, poop bags, a small first aid kit and a favourite toy. Familiar things from home help your dog settle in quickly at the destination. Also think of tick protection and enough water for the road.

Bring the usual food in sufficient amounts to avoid a sudden change of diet, which can upset some dogs. On hiking trips it is worth checking your dog for ticks every evening. Keep important papers such as the EU pet passport within reach, ideally together with the contact details of a vet at your holiday location.

How does my dog stay relaxed on the way?

At least every two to three hours a long drive needs a break, so your dog can drink, relieve himself and stretch his legs. Get him used to the car step by step before the holiday, and give only a small portion of food before setting off, which helps prevent nausea. Keep him on the lead at every stop.

If your dog is prone to travel sickness, our guide to car sickness in dogs shows how to prevent it and what helps. Most important of all: never leave your dog alone in a parked car. Even in moderate sun the interior heats up to dangerous levels within a short time, as our guide to dogs in hot cars shows with clear numbers.

Once you arrive, a first calm walk helps your dog settle. Keep the familiar rituals, because fixed routines quickly give even anxious dogs a sense of security on holiday.

Sources: European Commission (pet travel), American Kennel Club (AKC), AVMA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my dog need for a holiday in the EU?

An EU pet passport with the microchip number and a valid rabies vaccination, issued by your vet. On travel day the vaccination must be at least 21 days old, otherwise entry is refused. Some countries add a tapeworm treatment. See your vet several weeks before departure and check every entry.

How often should I take a break on the drive?

At least every two to three hours. During the break your dog should be able to drink, relieve himself and move, always on the lead, even with a reliable recall. A strange place and sudden noises can startle him. Plan the stops deliberately and never let the dog wait in a warm car.

How do I secure my dog in the car correctly?

Most safely in a sturdy, crash tested crate that stands firmly in the boot. Larger dogs travel in an aluminium crate, small dogs and cats in a single crate on the seat. If you use a seat belt, never secure the dog by the collar, always by a well fitting chest harness.

Can I leave my dog alone in the car for a moment?

No. Even in moderate sun the interior heats up to dangerous levels within minutes, and a cracked window barely helps. Always take your dog with you, even for short errands. Our guide to dogs in hot cars shows just how fast the temperature becomes life-threatening.

Which countries have special rules?

Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland require a tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before entry, recorded by a vet. Other countries outside the EU have their own rules. Check the entry requirements for your destination in good time, because they change and sometimes differ a lot.