- Mandatory in the EU: EU pet passport, microchip, rabies vaccination
- Some countries ban certain breeds or require special permits
- Car: secure your dog with a harness, travel crate or barrier grille (mandatory!)
- Train (DB): muzzle + leash, half-price ticket, small dogs in a crate travel free
- Plane: small dogs in the cabin (travel crate), large dogs in the cargo hold
- Packing list: EU pet passport, travel first-aid kit, food, bowls, leash, blanket
Choosing a Destination
Book dog-friendly accommodation. "Dogs allowed" doesn't automatically mean "dogs welcome." Ask specific questions before booking: Are there restrictions on size or breed? Is there a fenced area for running around? Are there dog-friendly beaches or lakes nearby?
Think about the climate. Flat-faced breeds (pug, bulldog) handle heat poorly. Nordic breeds (husky, Samoyed) suffer in a Mediterranean summer. In the height of summer, cooler regions (the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, the mountains) are the better choice.
Entry Rules Across Europe
Within the EU, the rule is: EU pet passport + microchip + valid rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccination must have been given at least 21 days before entry.
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| Austria | Muzzle required on public transport |
| Switzerland | Special permit for some breeds |
| France | Certain breeds classified as dangerous, special permit required |
| Denmark | Certain breeds banned (including pit bull, Tosa Inu) |
| Spain | Regional restrictions for certain breeds |
| Italy | Regional rules, leash required in many places |
| Netherlands | Restrictions for some breeds |
For non-EU countries (e.g. the USA, the UK), stricter rules apply: additional health certificates, quarantine requirements, breed-specific bans. Get informed at least 3 months before the trip through the embassy of your destination country.
Transport
Car
The easiest option. Your dog is usually used to the car. Restraint is required under the road-traffic rules: a harness with a seat belt (small dogs), a travel crate or a barrier grille in the trunk (large dogs). Without a restraint: a fine of up to 75 euros and one penalty point in Flensburg.
Rules for car trips: Take a break every 2-3 hours for exercise and water. Never leave your dog alone in the car (in summer, a closed car can heat up to 60°C in minutes). Bring a blanket or your dog's usual bed for a familiar smell.
More on this: Transporting your dog in the car
Train
With Deutsche Bahn: muzzle and leash are required. Tickets are half price. Small dogs (up to the size of a cat) travel free in a crate. Pack treats, poop bags and wipes for emergencies. For trips abroad: check the rules of the relevant railway company in advance.
Plane
Small dogs (depending on the airline, up to 8 kg including the travel crate) may fly in the cabin. Large dogs travel in the heated cargo hold in an IATA-compliant travel crate. Cost: 35-350 euros depending on airline, size and route.
Not every breed is allowed to fly (flat-faced breeds are excluded by many airlines). Notify the airline as early as possible, since the spots for animals in the cabin are limited.
Packing List
| Category | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Documents | EU pet passport, vaccination record, health certificate if needed |
| Health | Travel first-aid kit, tick tweezers, insect repellent, medication |
| Food | Familiar food (avoid switching), treats, food and water bowl |
| Gear | Leash, harness, muzzle if needed, poop bags |
| Comfort | Blanket or dog bed, toys |
| Grooming | Brush, dog shampoo, towel |
| Transport | Travel crate or safety harness for the car |
An EU pet passport is available from your vet for about 10-15 euros. It contains the chip number, vaccinations and owner details. Without this passport, entry into EU countries is not possible.
Travel first-aid kit: Get advice from your vet before the trip, especially for trips to the Mediterranean region (leishmaniasis, heartworms). Basic supplies: bandage material, wound ointment, tick tweezers, an anti-diarrhea remedy, something for motion sickness.
When Your Dog Can't Come Along
| Option | Cost per day | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family / friends | Free | A familiar person | Not always available |
| Dog sitter (mobile) | 10-15 euros | Dog stays in its usual surroundings | Quality hard to judge |
| Dog sitter (at their place) | 15-25 euros | Around-the-clock care | Unfamiliar surroundings |
| Boarding kennel | 15-25 euros | Professional care, group exercise | Kennel housing, little individual attention |
| Dog hotel | from 60 euros | Small groups, more attention, often extras | Expensive |
Book early. Good boarding kennels and dog hotels fill up fast during the holiday season. Arrange a trial day beforehand so you can see how your dog reacts to the unfamiliar surroundings.
Related Topics
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