The dog is part of the family – and that’s why for many people it’s also part of the holiday. We have put together a checklist and packing list for you so that the journey together runs smoothly. Here we go.
The dog is considered to be man’s best friend. So it’s understandable that many would like to have their faithful companion by their side on vacation.
However, a trip with a dog requires a little more preparation than usual. If you think about a few important points, you can set off carefree and relaxed.
One thing in advance: Why vacation with your dog at all and not just leave the animal at home? Because that doesn’t work for many people.
“The relationship between humans and dogs has changed. The dog has become a full member of the family,” says Martina Züngel-Hein, who runs the blog www.hunde-reisen-mehr.com.
The blogger loves to travel with her two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Raban and Charly. She has observed: “Previously, the dog was more likely to be left at home with supervision when on vacation – today it is better to take it with you.”
With this checklist for the holiday you are on the safe side:
First, a rule of thumb: the shorter the journey, the less stressful it is for the animal.
The good news: Germany is a very dog-friendly country – and has a lot of nature and beautiful areas to offer from the coast to the Alps. Examples:
Our neighboring countries are also ideal for holidays with dogs. One country is particularly praised by dog owners:
First of all, a fundamental consideration: Do you really want to go on holiday with your dog? Or do you prefer a travel destination that can be reached by car or train? These means of transport bring more rest and relief for the animal.
Reason: On the plane, only small dogs are allowed in the cabin with mum or dad. Larger dogs fly in the cargo hold (more on that below). That’s not exactly relaxing for the animal, confirms veterinarian Sonja Krämer. For shorter vacation trips, she therefore advises against flying as a means of transport.
Martina Züngel-Hein would not entrust her animals to the belly of a pilot. “My means of transport of choice is the car.” However, she also thinks that the length of the holiday is important when it comes to this question. “I wouldn’t choose the plane for a week in Mallorca. But there are people who have trained their dog to do this from an early age.”
Tips for arriving by car
Anyone who decides to travel by car should consider the following things in order to arrive at their destination relaxed:
These points are important for a comfortable journey by train:
Tips for arriving by plane
Anyone who decides to travel by plane should be familiar with the rules for transporting dogs by air:
If you think of everything, you won’t have any stress later. Dog owners should have the following things in mind when preparing for their holiday:
An alternative to the chip is a legible tattoo applied before July 3, 2011. But that has become rare.
If you want to spend a few fulfilling days with your dog on holiday, you should know what is possible and what is not.
Hospitality is important – also for the animal. Dogs should not just be tolerated on holiday, they should be welcome. This is especially true in the holiday accommodation, regardless of whether it is a hotel or a holiday apartment.
Are there special hotels for dogs?
And whether! The animal is part of the holiday: “This is a trend that dog hotels have jumped on,” says Züngel-Hein. “They offer everything from dog biscuits to dog menus to dog sports fields – and are happy to pay for everything,” says the blogger.
Who is this for?
“If the owner is young and dynamic and the animal gets along with everyone else, that’s a great idea,” says the dog blogger. “If you have a dog that doesn’t like everyone, it might not be as fun.”
How else do I find a dog friendly hostel?
Martina Züngel-Hein has an uncomplicated tip here: just call and ask. “I can see immediately how the reaction is.”
It sounds simple, but it makes you look forward to a successful holiday: “Travellers have the good feeling early on that their four-legged friend is welcome. It’s about getting a sense of whether the hotel is dog-friendly.”
It is often clear without calling that dogs are welcome. Placement platforms such as www.hundeurlaub.de and the websites of the holiday regions themselves can often be searched for pet-friendly accommodation. And there are hotels that actively advertise “holidays with dogs” on their website.
What does the hotelier charge my dog?
According to Züngel-Hein, the prices are very different. The dog can be free of charge or cost five euros per night – in upscale hotels it can also be 25 or 30 euros per night.
Quick reminder: Don’t forget your EU pet passport when traveling abroad. In addition, there are a few other things that should not be missing on any trip with a dog.
First there is a small first-aid kit:
Then you should pack the following items with you:
Apart from the practical things, something fundamental:
Martina Züngel-Hein knows from her own experience what is important when holidaying with a dog or several dogs: “The most important things are consideration and serenity.”
An example: “If I let the dog run free and there comes a cyclist or a family with children, I call the dog back. You just do it out of politeness.”
On the other hand, you can demand consideration from others. A classic: “Children shouldn’t just touch the dog without being asked.”
However, you don’t have to make it more complicated than necessary. “It doesn’t really matter where you go on holiday if the dog is well behaved,” says Züngel-Hein and adds: “It’s best to behave the way I would like others to behave towards me.”
That is indeed always good advice.
