From planning to packing list: your vacation with the dog requires good preparation. Ideally, it begins weeks before the start of the trip. Here you will find everything you need to consider when going on vacation with your four-legged friend.

Destination

When thinking about where the vacation could go, especially the journey plays a big role. Do you pack the dog in the car and drive within Germany to a lake or do you dare to fly and spend a vacation at the beach? In general, it is recommended not to travel in the highest summer. A dog overheats much faster than a human and at 40 degrees in the shade even the most beautiful environment is no fun. A longer flight is already exhausting for humans. For dogs with sensitive ears and noses it is still substantially more stressful, if one considers that the quadrupeds fly along in the cargo compartment. Of course, there are always ways and means to simplify the journey for your dog and make it as stress-free as possible.

In Germany, the Baltic and North Seas are particularly popular with dog owners. In addition to numerous dog beaches, the coastal climate is usually perfect for dogs: not too hot like the Mediterranean, no thin air like in the high mountains. Denmark, Holland, France and Poland are also dog-friendly vacation destinations. Note here, however, necessarily the country-specific entry regulations.

Dog Beaches In Germany

Vacation with the dog at the North Sea

The small East Frisian community of Dornum-Neßmersiel offers you a beautiful 5,000sqm dog beach! For the dog entrance fee of 1€ you will receive a homemade delicious dog cookie. Beside the sandy beach, on which there are about 60 comfortable beach chairs, there is also a green area for walking. For the action seekers among you, the Fun Agility Park is adjacent. A playground with training equipment and obstacle course for dogs.
Leashes are required both on the beach and in the North Sea. At the playground there is a fenced free running area. The park is open between 01 April and 30 September.

Norderney and Sylt are also considered dog-friendly vacation destinations within Germany. Norderney offers you three designated dog beaches. Beautiful sandy beaches can be found at the Ostbad “Weiße Düne” and at the Weststrand. Between March 1st and October 31st it is compulsory to keep your dog on a leash. But you get free “Schietbüdeln” to keep the beaches as beautiful as they are at the moment.

Sylt is the largest North Frisian island with 17 dog beaches. Special feature: Here it is allowed everywhere that your dogs can run around without a leash. In addition, you can also walk on all other beaches without a leash, if you travel in the off-season (01 November to 14 March). Sylt is generally a very dog-friendly area with many free-range areas, relaxed leash requirements and free transportation of the animal on the bus.

“Köttelpüüts” are distributed in the area around Norden-Norddeich, so you can collect your dogs’ droppings directly. On the approximately 2 hectare sandy beach you can let the dog off the leash, so that he can romp around in the shallow sea. Leashed dogs can go for long walks along the dikes (only possible if there is no sheep grazing – follow the signs!).

Vacation With The Dog At The Baltic Sea

Rügen in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania offers dogs no less than 20 designated dog beaches. A special tip here is the beach section Schaabe. Not only does it connect the peninsulas of Wittow and Jasmund, but there is also a beautiful pine forest directly behind the beach. Since the area is not in the middle of the tourist stronghold, you can enjoy the sea here quite relaxed.

On the peninsula Schwansen between Kiel and Flensburg lies Damp. With fine sandy beaches and adjacent forests, this area is very suitable for relaxing days. The Ostsee Resort Damp even offers its own dog beach. Although leashes are compulsory here, the beach is still beautiful.

Grömitz is considered very dog-friendly due to its relaxed regulations for restaurants and stores. You can also spend time with your four-legged friend off-leash on the white sandy beach. In the off-season, this is also possible on all other beaches in the area. However, there is a small fee, the visitor’s tax.

Tip: Pack a ball in any case, so that your darling can really exercise on the beach!

Means Of Transport For A Vacation With Dog

By Car

The easiest way to travel with your dog is by car. Here you can always take breaks, where your four-legged friend can have a run. However, in order for the dog to survive the trip safely, preparations should be made. The legislator also has rules that must be observed. Your animal in the car is considered a load in Germany and must be sufficiently secured. If this is not the case, penalties of 35€ can be incurred during inspections. If in addition the endangerment of the road traffic is not excluded, the penalty already increases to 60€ and a point in Flensburg. If the animal is not secured, the road traffic is endangered and a damage to property (this means the dog, animals are considered in law as a thing) can not be excluded, the penalty with points in Flensburg increases to about 75 €.

Of course it is also about the safety of your dog! For small four-legged friends, a special safety belt for the back seat is a good idea. Here it is important that the belt is attached to a chest harness.

For very large dogs, it is advisable to install partition grids or nets to separate the trunk. This way, in case of an accident, the dog cannot become a projectile and can move freely in the trunk while driving. If the dog and luggage are in the trunk together, the luggage must be secured separately. Bags and suitcases falling around can make the dog nervous.

The safe alternative is the transport box. It offers the greatest safety for your dog. Transport boxes come in different sizes and materials. We recommend investing in higher quality, sturdy boxes. They offer the best protection in case of emergency braking and accidents. Make sure there is enough room for your furry friend to lie down, turn and stretch comfortably.

Never leave your dog alone in the car in the summer. Temperatures are often underestimated. Also remember that dogs overheat faster than humans. On the other hand, air conditioning and wide open windows are not the solution either, as dogs’ eyes are often sensitive to drafts. With a slightly open window, many breaks and enough water, the vacation should start stress-free and comfortable. Read also the article, how your dog comes well through the summer.

Preparation: Let the dog get to know the transport box and the car before the vacation. Associate them with positive things like treats and nice places. This way you avoid unnecessary stress and in the best case the transport box provides a retreat for the dog. You can also use this later on vacation and with the familiar object, the dog can be quickly calmed down. Training should begin a few weeks before the vacation.
If your dog is rather nervous by nature, you can let him associate calm and relaxation with soothing scents like lavender oil before the trip. Add a few drops of the oil to his favorite blanket and then place it with him in the crate or trunk. The environment immediately seems less threatening with familiar objects.

Tip: If you’re not sure if your dog suffers from travel sickness, don’t let him eat for at least 4 hours beforehand and plan for small and large breaks. Since dogs overheat quickly, keep them hydrated. Before, during and after the trip you should give the dog walks where he can let off steam.

By Train

Deutsche Bahn allows dogs up to the size of a house cat to travel for free in a transport box. If the dog is larger, half of the ticket price must be paid (except for Länder- and Schönes Wochenende Ticket, where full price counts). The dog must wear a leash and muzzle during the entire trip.tickets for dogs can be purchased at the DB at the counter or machine, online you must order a ticket for children between 6 and 12 years, which will be sent to you by mail.

Tip: Get your dog used to the muzzle before the trip. Train journeys can be practiced particularly well by taking the subway for shorter distances. Take a small cleaning kit with poop bags, household wipes and room spray in case your dog has a mishap. Treats should also not be missing in your hand luggage.

Companion dogs (guide dogs) are excluded from all these rules.

By Airplane

First of all, it should be said that not all airlines transport animals. So first find out if such a service is offered at all. Early booking is also advisable, as there is limited space in the cargo hold.

Your dog will be placed in a special transport box, which will be handed in with the special luggage. Again, get the animal used to the box beforehand. Be aware that during the flight the animal will be alone and in a noisy, unfamiliar environment. Therefore, the transport box should also serve as a place of retreat. If your dog is a constant barker or very anxious, it is advisable to discuss with your veterinarian beforehand whether a light anesthetic or sedative is an option. Important: Do not dose the medication yourself. Otherwise, the dog may be only half sedated and disoriented, which means additional stress.

Almost all airlines require waterproof, escape-proof, stable and air-permeable transport boxes. The focus is also on your dog’s safety. Two sides should be air-permeable and the entire box should be stable enough to eliminate the risk of injury. On long-distance flights, water and food bowl should also be placed inside. The box should provide freedom of movement for the animal to stand, lie down and turn around.

Dogs under 6kg can fly in a travel bag in the cabin. As with travel by car, it is recommended not to feed him beforehand.

Costs vary between 35 and 300 euros depending on the airline and the size of the dog.

Tips: For health reasons, not all breeds should fly (e.g. Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs, Pekingese and Shi Tzus). Get advice from your vet beforehand. Spoil the four-legged friend with favorite dry food and toys that smell like you. Create a familiar, warm environment in the crate. Label the transport box with your name and address and carry a copy of the transport documents, the EU pet passport and import papers.

EU Pet Passport And Papers

Since 2004, the regulations for bringing animals within the European Union have been unified. in 2014, a new regulation for traveling specifically with dogs and cats came into force (VO EU No.576/2013). Therefore, a valid rabies vaccination (vaccination must be at least 21 days old, vaccines are usually valid for three years), the mandatory identification with microchip or tattoo (only permissible if this was done before 2011) and the carrying of the pet passport are mandatory.

Tip: If you want to bring a dog that falls under the category of fighting dog (e.g. pit bull, bull terrier) or similar dogs (e.g. Rottweiler, Doberman), we strongly recommend that you check with the embassy or consulate before entering the country for the current regulations of the country.

What Is The EU Pet Passport?

If you want to travel with your pet to another country, the EU pet passport is mandatory. The passport of the dog serves as identification, just like for humans. Name, species and breed, sex, date of birth and special characteristics of the dog are entered here. In addition, an alphanumeric code is noted, which also shows the implanted chip or tattoo. The contact details of the owner and the doctor are also entered. The ID card was introduced to facilitate the entry and exit with pets and to make illegal trade more difficult. With the ID cards you can take up to 5 animals across the border.

Especially important is the documentation of vaccinations (especially rabies!). Many European countries are already rabies free and want to stay that way! Thus, the rabies vaccination is a prerequisite to travel with the dog.The passport is bilingual and is issued by the veterinarian when all basic examinations and required vaccinations have been performed. The doctor sets the price for the issuance and is usually between 7 and 15€.

Tip: When issuing, make sure that the veterinarian enters the validity period of the (rabies) vaccinations.

Accommodation

Hotels And Vacation Apartments

Since the demand is constantly increasing, there are dog-friendly hotels in almost all destinations. Prerequisite for a stay in the hotel should be that your dog is well behaved, understands commands such as sit, down and heel and does not disturb the other guests by continuous barking. In public areas, the four-legged friend must be kept on a leash. In many hotels only small dogs are allowed, so ask before arrival.per room is usually only one dog allowed. In addition, an additional flat rate may apply, which is included with the cleaning of your room. Remember that the hotel rooms are also rented after you. Therefore, your darling, despite doggy eyes with googly eyes, should not sleep in the hotel bed. Rather pack his usual basket with the cuddly blanket, as well as use your own towels for him.

Tip: If your dog reacts unpredictably in unfamiliar surroundings, a dog liability insurance could not hurt.

In vacation apartments you have much more privacy and your dog also comes into contact with fewer people. Each landlord regulates the pet rules individually. At Airbnb or various vacation rental websites, you can simply set the dog-friendly filter and get the appropriate accommodations recommended.

Accommodation At Home

If you decide to go on vacation without your dog, there are dog boarding facilities, dog hotels or dog sitters. The German Animal Welfare Association (Tierschutzbund) provides information on vacation assistance under the motto “If you take my animal, I’ll take your animal”. An action, with which animal friends care for their animals mutually, while the owner is on vacation. Local animal welfare associations can help with the placement. Often works as well if you are just offering the care center or just looking for a place for your animals.

Checklist For Vacation With Dog:

Preparation

visit the vet, have the vaccination certificate checked

□ Obtain sufficient medication, which the dog must take permanently, from the vet.

□ Carry out a worming treatment.

□ Carry out a tick and flea prophylaxis.

□ Obtain necessary border documents if required.

□ Obtain permission for the animal to stay in the vacation accommodation (hotel, vacation apartment, vacation home or campsite, etc.).

□ Plan animal-friendly travel (stopovers or overnight stays when traveling by car or train, accommodation in kennels/boxes when traveling by air).

□ Purchasing various travel accessories (food, litter, etc.).

Identification Papers For The Dog

□ EU pet passport

□ List of addresses and telephone numbers of doctors and clinics at the destination

□ Chip number of the dog/Tasso transponder number

□ Copy of dog liability insurance policy

Feel-good Items

□ Food and water bowl

□ Food and treats

□ Transport box

□ Collar and leashes

□ Chest harness

□ Muzzle

□ Address plate with owner’s contact information (vacation address, travel period, phone number)

□ Bags for various leftovers, if necessary with grabber or shovel

□ Chew bone

□ Can opener

□ Brush, comb

□ Toy

□ Basket and blanket

Have fun on vacation wishes haustierratgeber.de!

Recommendations:

Depending on the region, you can choose special hiking guides for routes with the dog:

Hiking guide: with the dog on the road at the Baltic Sea

Hiking guide: the most beautiful hiking trails with dogs