More and more people are going on holidays with their dogs, because they simply don't want to leave their beloved four-legged friends at home or in a dog boarding facility during the most beautiful time of the year. After all, a dog is part of the family!
No matter whether you want to go on an adventurous road trip to the sea with your dog, plan a peaceful hike in the mountains, or even plan a flight abroad – with the absolutely right preparation, traveling with your four-legged friend can become an unforgettable, stress-free experience for both of you.
In this detailed blog post, we answer the 6 most common and important questions about holidays with dogs. We'll help you with the planning, show you the most dog-friendly countries, and tell you how to avoid nasty surprises at the border.
Table of Contents
Question 1: Which destinations are really dog-friendly?
There are many beautiful cities and regions in Europe that are extremely dog-friendly. More and more hotels, cozy holiday homes, and nature-oriented campsites not only allow dogs but also warmly welcome them and often even offer great basic amenities such as dog beds, bowls, or their own small gardens.
The following destinations are particularly popular and proven to be dog-friendly for a holiday with your dog:
Germany (homecoming holiday)
Germany is known for its pronounced dog-friendliness and is perfect for short trips. Most cities have huge dog exercise areas and parks. Most cafés and restaurants are extremely dog-friendly and will provide a water bowl without being asked. From the endless beaches on the North and Baltic Seas to the picturesque hiking trails in the Black Forest or the Allgäu – Germany is a paradise for dogs.
Netherlands
If you are planning a holiday with your dog by the sea, the Netherlands (Holland) is an absolute dream destination! The country is very dog-friendly. Our dogs are warmly welcome in almost all restaurants and beach pavilions. There are countless wide dog beaches. In summer, some major beaches often have leash requirements, but there are fantastic, huge beach sections where dogs are even allowed to run completely off-leash in the sand and swim in the sea all year round.
Sweden
Sweden is considered one of the most dog-friendly countries in the world by experts. There are endless, breathtaking hiking trails through forests and along lakes where our four-legged friends can explore nature. Numerous dog-friendly accommodations can also be found in major cities such as Stockholm and Gothenburg. Note: There is a very high awareness of nature in Sweden, so a strict leash requirement often applies in the forest during the summer to protect wildlife.
Denmark
Our neighbor Denmark is also considered an extremely dog-friendly country. There are beautiful, often almost empty beaches and specially fenced "Hundeskove" (dog forests) where dogs are allowed to run freely.Important note for Denmark: Be sure to inform yourself about the Danish dog law in advance! Certain dog breeds (so-called list dogs) are absolutely not allowed to enter Denmark.
Question 2: What transport options are available?
Choosing the right mode of transport is essential for a relaxed start to your holiday with your dog. By far the most common, flexible, and usually most relaxed method for the dog is traveling in your own car.
In the car, you can schedule breaks completely flexibly, adjust the air conditioning to your dog's needs, and take his usual bed with you. The most important thing here is absolute safety: The dog must be secured in a sturdy, permanently installed transport box in the trunk or with a special, crash-tested harness on the back seat.Note: Always remember the danger of overheating in summer! Read also: Dogs and heat – a dangerous duo.
Question 3: What is the best way for dogs to travel by train?
A train journey can be very relaxed, but it requires practice. On most trains (such as Deutsche Bahn), there is a strict leash and muzzle requirement for dogs that are not traveling in a closed transport box! You must absolutely get your dog used to this muzzle at home weeks in advance.
Small dogs (up to the size of a domestic cat) can often travel for free in a carrier bag. For larger dogs, you usually have to buy a separate ticket (often at half price). To prevent your dog from being exposed to additional, enormous stress, avoid traveling on fully loaded trains during rush hour (Friday afternoon or during rush hour).
Question 4: How do dogs travel by plane?
Traveling with dogs by plane means enormous stress for the animal and should be planned extremely well or, if possible, avoided. Every airline has its own, very strict rules for holidays with dogs.
Small dogs (usually up to a maximum weight of 6 to 8 kg including the bag) can often fly in a special, soft carrier bag in the passenger cabin. However, they must not leave the bag during the entire flight!
Larger dogs must travel in special, flight-approved transport boxes (IATA standard) in the climate-controlled cargo hold. This can be very frightening for the dog, as it is separated from you and exposed to loud noises. Always register your dog with the airline extremely early, as the places for animals per flight are often strictly limited.
Question 5: Which documents do I need for traveling with a dog?
Unfortunately, bureaucracy is unavoidable. Depending on the destination, the required documents for your four-legged friend can vary greatly. Within the European Union (EU), the regulations are fairly uniform. You absolutely need:
The blue EU pet passport (issued by the veterinarian).
A valid, intact microchip for unique identification.
A valid rabies vaccination (this must have been administered at least 21 days before crossing the border!).
Note when traveling to the south or Great Britain: Some countries (such as Norway, Finland, or the UK) also require a special, veterinarian-documented tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus), which must be carried out exactly 24 to 120 hours before entry. Always inform yourself months in advance on the website of the Federal Foreign Office!
Question 6: How can I minimize stress for my dog?
A holiday with your dog should be relaxing. To avoid stress, the work begins long before departure.
Prevent motion sickness: If your dog has to vomit when driving, get him used to the car over several weeks in small, positive steps. Your veterinarian can also prescribe mild medication against motion sickness in case of emergency.
Take the familiar environment with you: Dogs love their routines. Be sure to take his own, unwashed bed, his favorite blanket, and his favorite toy with you to the holiday home. The familiar smell will immediately give him security in the unfamiliar environment.
Be careful with changing food: The stress of travel often affects the stomach. Don't suddenly buy completely unfamiliar food abroad! This almost always leads to severe diarrhea, which ruins the holiday. Take enough of his usual food with you.
Our HelloBello verdict: Have a great trip!
A holiday with your dog brings you even closer together as a team and creates unforgettable memories! If you choose your destination carefully, help your dog get used to the carrier early on, and follow the entry requirements, there’s nothing standing in the way of a fantastic road trip to the seaside or the mountains.
Don’t forget to pack your highly digestible, freshly prepared food from HelloBello (or have it sent directly to your holiday destination), so your furry friend can enjoy every day of the holiday full of energy and with a happy tummy. We wish you a relaxing, sunny and stress-free break!
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