On a vacation with a dog, everything revolves around his needs. Destination, journey, local activities - you adapt everything to your four-legged friend. But first of all, you should ask yourself the question: Is my dog even suitable for traveling? On the plus side, it's clear that your four-legged friend prefers to spend time with a familiar pack. In other words, with you or the people you know. There are also a few questions that you should answer honestly.
- Can your dog drive without stress? Even over longer distances?
- Does he feel comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings?
- Is he not too young (keyword: basic training) - or too old to cope with a journey?
- Is he healthy? If not, it's better to take short, not too long trips.
The journey is the reward - especially with a dog.
The best way to travel relaxed with your dog is with your own car. That way you remain flexible and can take breaks as required. Air travel? Usually stressful for dogs. What's more, dogs over a certain weight have to travel in the cargo hold. Traveling by train is much more pleasant. However, you should get your dog used to a muzzle in advance. And it's best not to choose journeys that are too long or at times when the trains are not so full. So the car is clearly the first choice. And if you're going on the ferry with your vehicle and dog in your "luggage", it's best to check the conditions in advance. You might even take him on a short boat trip beforehand to find out whether your dog is seaworthy.
The destination: where to travel with your dog?
If you're on vacation in your own country, you're on the safe side. If you are traveling abroad, there are a few things to consider. What entry requirements apply to a dog? What vaccinations are required? Does dog liability insurance apply? To cross the border, your dog must be chipped in any case and please do not forget your pet passport. A valid rabies vaccination, given at least 21 days before the start of the journey, is also a must. Some EU countries (e.g. Malta or Finland) also have stricter rules for antiparasitic treatments. In some countries, there are special regulations for transporting dogs in the car. You should check all of this in advance if you are planning a trip abroad. Apart from the regulations, the duration of the journey is also important. Are you heading south with high temperatures? Then you definitely need to take precautions or ensure that your dog is not exposed to the full heat. More on this later.