Holidays with dogs and cats: A comprehensive guide to stress-free travel
Holidays with dogs and cats: The guide to relaxed travel with pets
The most important thing first – what you should know about travelling with pets
Before you start planning your holiday with your pet, it is important to be honest with yourself. Not every animal is suited to travelling. It depends very much on the character and habits of your four-legged friend.
Is your dog suited to travelling?
Most dogs are excellent travel companions. They like to follow their humans everywhere and usually get used to new environments quite quickly. Travelling with dogs works particularly well for:
- Social, relaxed dogs without pronounced anxiety
- Four-legged friends who have already had positive experiences travelling by car
- Dogs who generally adapt well to change
- Healthy animals without chronic complaints
When does it make sense to take your cat on holiday?
Travelling with a cat, on the other hand, requires much more consideration. Cats are territorial animals that often find change stressful. You should only plan a holiday with your cat if:
- Your cat has an exceptionally strong bond with you.
- The animal has had positive travel experiences from an early age.
- Your cat is generally relaxed and adaptable.
- It is a relatively short trip
What do you need to consider when going on holiday with your dog and cat? Our complete checklist for short trips
A well-thought-out packing list is essential for pet-friendly travel. This checklist will help you prepare for short trips and weekend getaways:
Food and water – the basics
✔ Bring familiar food: Pack enough of your pet's favourite food. Don't forget to bring some small treats for in between meals.
✔ Familiar bowls: familiar food and water bowls create a reassuringly familiar atmosphere. A waterproof mat protects the floors in your accommodation.
✔ Water for the journey: empty PET bottles are ideal as practical water dispensers during the trip. An adequate supply of water is particularly important!
Safety and transport – essential items
✔ Safety equipment: Collars, harnesses, and leashes are indispensable. If you are planning any special activities, remember to bring special equipment.
✔ Car safety: Safe transport bags or seat belts are not only required by law, but also protect your pet in the event of an accident.
Important tip: If possible, do not feed your pet during the journey – this is easier on the stomach and prevents travel sickness.
Comfort and well-being on the road
✔ Familiar items: A familiar blanket or a familiar place to retreat to makes it much easier for your pet to settle in.
✔ Protection for your accommodation: Duvet covers or old sheets protect furniture and keep everything clean for subsequent guests.
✔ Entertainment: Your pet's favorite toy provides entertainment and helps reduce stress. Health and hygiene – prepared for all eventualities.
✔ First aid kit: Any necessary medication, tick tweezers, and a small first aid kit are part of the basic equipment.
✔ Practical helpers: Old towels for dirty paws and sufficient poop bags – even on vacation, waste must be disposed of properly.
Extended checklist for longer trips and stays abroad
If you are planning a pet-friendly vacation abroad, there are some important additional points to consider:
Official documents and regulations
✔ EU pet passport: Dogs, cats, and ferrets require this special passport for travel within the EU. It must provide proof of rabies vaccinations and, for certain destinations, tapeworm treatment.
✔ Microchip identification: Since 2011, microchips have been mandatory for all new identifications. Older, clearly legible tattoos are still accepted.
✔ Check entry requirements: Contact the relevant embassies or consulates in good time to find out about country-specific regulations.
Insurance and emergency preparedness
✔ Liability insurance: Be sure to carry a copy of your insurance documents with you.
✔ International coverage: Many pet health insurance policies are also valid abroad—check the exact scope and period of validity in advance.
✔ Emergency contact details: A special vacation tag with your temporary address and phone number can be lifesaving in an emergency.
Special travel equipment
✔ Muzzle: Muzzles are mandatory in some countries – find out about the relevant regulations in advance.
✔ Paw protection: Special dog shoes are important protection against injuries when hiking and mountain climbing.
Which destinations are pet-friendly? The best vacation spots for dogs and cats
Choosing the right destination is crucial to the success of your vacation with pets.
Ideal destinations for vacations with dogs
North Sea and Baltic Sea: Numerous dog beaches and a wide selection of pet-friendly accommodations make this region the first choice.
Austria and Switzerland: Perfect for hiking vacations with spectacular mountain panoramas and many dog-friendly hotels.
Denmark: Very liberal attitude towards dogs. Netherlands: Countless campsites and vacation homes welcome pets.
Why long-distance travel can be problematic
While a relaxed hiking vacation with your dog usually works out fine, you should think twice about long-distance travel.
Veterinarian Mißler warns urgently: “Every year, around 5,000 animals die, are injured, or go missing in the cargo hold of airplanes.”
How do I get my pet used to traveling? Step-by-step instructions
Careful acclimatization is the key to stress-free travel with your four-legged friend.
Preparation at home
Short test drives: Start with short, positive car rides—for example, to a nearby park or a nice walk.
Transport box training: Let your pet explore the transport box at home in peace and have positive experiences with it.
Develop a routine: Get your pet used to fixed rituals for getting in and out of the car, which will also ensure safety later on when you are on the road.
Can I go on vacation with my cat in the car?
Basically yes, but only with the right preparation:
- Gradually and patiently get your cat used to the transport box.
- Start with very short trips around the block.
- Talk to your vet about calming pheromones or other aids.
- Plan enough breaks to give your cat water and pack a portable litter box.
Which accommodations allow dogs and cats? How to find pet-friendly accommodations
Finding the right accommodation requires a little patience, but with the right strategy, you are guaranteed to find the right one:
Successful booking strategies
Direct contact: Call hotels and guesthouses directly and ask for written confirmation of pet accommodation by email.
Use specialized portals: Use booking platforms that specialize in pet-friendly accommodations.
Factor in additional costs: Most accommodations charge extra for pets—expect to pay 10-30 euros per night.
An overview of the different types of accommodations
Vacation homes and apartments: These usually offer the greatest flexibility and are particularly suitable for longer stays.
Pet-friendly hotels: Many now offer special services such as dog beds, bowls, or even menus for four-legged friends.
Campsites: Often the cheapest and most straightforward option with plenty of freedom of movement.
Guesthouses and B&Bs: Personal service, but prior arrangement is essential.
What should be included in a first aid kit for dogs and cats? The complete kit
The complete kit A well-stocked first-aid kit can make all the difference in an emergency:
Basic equipment for every trip
- Tick tweezers and fine tweezers for minor injuries
- Sterile bandages and wound disinfectant
- Digital thermometer (for rectal measurement)
- Disposable gloves for hygienic work
- Small flashlight for examinations
Medication (only after consulting a veterinarian)
- Remedies for diarrhea and vomiting
- Sedatives for particularly nervous or anxious animals
- Painkillers (never use human preparations!)
- Sufficient quantities of your pet's usual medication
- Eye drops for irritated eyes
Special equipment depending on the destination
- Special equipment depending on the destination Sunscreen for animals with light skin or thin fur
- Paw balm and protection for hot asphalt or rough surfaces
- Enhanced parasite protection for southern countries with higher risk
Legal provisions: What you absolutely need to know
EU travel: An overview of the most important rules
Rabies vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least three weeks before the first trip. 'Puppies can therefore travel at the earliest at 15 weeks of age.
Tapeworm treatment: For entry into Finland, Great Britain, Ireland and Malta, a special treatment is required between 5 days and 24 hours before arrival.
Quantity restrictions: A maximum of five dogs, cats or ferrets may be carried per person.
Travel outside the EU
When travelling to third countries, significantly stricter regulations often apply:
Listed countries (USA, Canada, Switzerland): Similar regulations to those within the EU, but additional health certificates are required.
Non-listed countries (Turkey, Egypt): Additional rabies titre testing and longer waiting periods are required.
Important note: For the return journey from non-listed countries, you should allow at least six months' lead time – the bureaucratic hurdles are considerable!
How to avoid common mistakes when holidaying with your pet
Even if you have your pet's best interests at heart, certain mistakes can make holidaying with your pet considerably more difficult:
Typical planning mistakes
Booking too late: Pet-friendly accommodation is quickly booked up, especially in high season – plan at least 3-6 months in advance.
Incomplete information: Check entry requirements and necessary vaccinations when you first start planning your trip.
Overestimating resilience: Older, sick or very anxious animals in particular often cope with travel less well than expected.
Mistakes during the trip
Overfeeding on the road: Can lead to painful digestive problems and discomfort.
Neglecting safety: The seat belt requirement also applies to animals – an unsecured animal can be seriously injured in an accident.
Ignoring stress signals: Panting, restlessness or refusal to eat can be signs of stress.
When is it better to leave your pet at home?
Sometimes, the most loving decision is to leave your four-legged friend in familiar surroundings:
Good care alternatives
Family and friends:
The most familiar solution, especially if the caregivers are already known.
Professional pet sitters: Provide care in the familiar home environment with individual attention.
Reputable boarding kennels: Offer professional care with social contact with other animals.
Veterinary practices: Many offer boarding services with round-the-clock medical care.
When is staying at home the better choice?
- For very anxious, sick or very old animals
- If the planned trip is particularly long or strenuous
- In case of extreme weather conditions at the destination
- If no truly suitable accommodation is available
Conclusion: With thorough preparation, your holiday with your pet will be a success.
A holiday with your dog or travelling with your cat can be one of the most wonderful shared experiences – if you take enough time to prepare. The most important factors for success are:
- A realistic and honest assessment of your pet's ability to travel
- Early and thorough planning of all details
- Complete documentation and strict compliance with all legal requirements
- A stress-free journey with sufficient breaks and consideration
- A well-equipped first-aid kit for all eventualities
Our recommendations for relaxed travel with pets:
🐾 For safe transport: High-quality transport bags – offer optimum safety and comfort during the journey.
🐾 For familiar routines: Mobile bowls and drinking fountains – ensure familiar eating and drinking habits even when on the move.
🐾 For active holidays: Outdoor clothing and paw protection – essential for hikes and mountain tours.
🐾 For relaxed breaks: Intelligent travel toys – keep your pet occupied during waiting times and rest breaks.
With the right equipment and careful planning, nothing stands in the way of your next pet-friendly holiday!
