The Perfect Vacation with a Dog
Vacation days are some of the most beautiful times of the year - so why not share them with the one who is also faithfully by your side for the rest of the year? More and more people wish to have their own dog by their side on vacation, spend hours on the beach together, or take their four-legged friend on a sightseeing tour.
And we think: rightly so! But where exactly do you start planning such a vacation? Exactly, with the right destination and a suitable, dog-friendly hotel.
That's why we have prepared some tips & tricks for you, with which you can enjoy your time with your furry friend carefree in your next vacation.
...needs to be well planned
The suitcases are packed, the dog is in the car, and off you go - unfortunately, it's not that easy, and for the sake of your four-legged friend, you should plan such a vacation carefully. This includes, among other things, informing yourself about the possible conditions on site. Many tourist spots are often overrun with crowds, and you should weigh how much hustle and bustle is bearable for your furry friend.
The situation with beaches varies depending on the country and location: If you are planning a relaxing beach vacation, choosing a place with a dog beach is important so that your four-legged friend can also enjoy the sea air. The same goes for a suitable accommodation: It should definitely be pet-friendly and offer enough space. Also, keep in mind that there are usually fees for bringing dogs.
Depending on how much your furry friend enjoys car rides, the distance to the vacation spot should not be too long and should offer sufficient rest stops.
Traveling Abroad - Only with EU Pet Passport
If you plan to take your four-legged friend on a trip abroad, he needs an EU pet passport that documents all his vaccinations. Because for traveling abroad, the rule is: No vaccination, no entry.
For travel to certain countries, certain requirements and tests are necessary, which you need to inform yourself about in advance. Additionally, each country has specific regulations for different dog breeds.
Regarding restaurant visits and walks in public places with dogs, not every country is as relaxed as Germany. In some countries, you cannot take your furry friend on public transport or to dinner in a restaurant. These factors may also be important when planning.
Flying with a Dog - What to Consider
If you want to offer your four-legged friend more than the Baltic Sea on the island of Rügen or a walk in the Alps, you can also take him by plane to faraway places. It is important to know that not all airlines welcome dogs on board. Dog-friendly airlines allow small dogs to be taken in the cabin if they weigh a maximum of 8 kg and are transported in a suitable bag.
Large dogs, on the other hand, are transported in a transport box in the cargo hold, and here comes the catch: Traveling by plane means a lot of stress for dogs - especially if they have to manage for several hours in the dark without their owners. Therefore, you should consider how well your dog can handle new situations and process the stress on site.
The Travel Checklist: Must-Haves for Vacation
To make your vacation as relaxing as possible, we have put together a small checklist with important things for on the go and on site:
- sufficient food and snacks as well as bowls
- a familiar blanket or a bed for sleeping
- toys for the beach, forest, and meadows
- a to-go water bottle for long walks
- a towel if you are planning a beach vacation
- a brush for grooming
- possibly a muzzle (depending on the regulations of certain countries)
A small travel first-aid kit consisting of:
- charcoal tablets
- a tick remover
- wound ointment
- medication for travel sickness
- bandaging materials
In case of emergencies, it is also advisable to look up the addresses and phone numbers of veterinarians in the area so that you can act quickly in case of an emergency and be on the safe side.
We wish you lots of fun on vacation with your furry friend and a cozy time together!
