The vacation season is known to be the most wonderful time of the year and many people like to travel the wide world. When you leave home and head off to new shores, questions inevitably arise for you as a pet owner about your animals. Can I take my dog with me? How do I prepare to travel with my dog? How do I transport my dog safely? What else do I need to keep in mind?
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| Pexels/Spencer Gurley |
Can I take my dog with me on my vacation at all?
First of all, you should be sure that you can take your dog with you on your vacation. We can't tell you what is the right choice in your case, because it depends on many circumstances. But basically, dogs can go on vacation with you. Dogs are strongly specialized on their master and less on their territory. Therefore, it is not a problem for most dogs to go on vacation with the family. However, there are some cases when the animal should be left at home.
1. travel preparations and travel planning
When bringing your dog on vacation, there are a few important things to keep in mind. In addition to health issues, there are also legal aspects to be considered:
Health
- Vet check (including vaccinations and prophylaxis)
- Discuss and refresh the first-aid kit together with the vet
- If necessary, have an EU pet passport issued
Legal
- According to EU law, a maximum of 5 animals may be taken on vacation at the same time.
- Obligatory identification by microchip (obligatory since 2011) or tattooing
- EU pet passport must be carried along
- Vaccination against rabies is mandatory
- Stricter requirements in certain EU countries
With the legal topics, you should inform yourself in good time before the start of your trip at knowledgeable places such as the German Animal Welfare Association, animal welfare associations, or the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
For dogs that are to remain at home or in another quiet accommodation, animal sitters or boarding kennels must be contacted, assessed, and booked in good time. This should be addressed promptly and time should not be underestimated. In addition, the animal should be checked again by a veterinarian and possible health measures should be taken so that no problems occur during the absence.
2. travel route & journey
For the journey to the vacation there are different transport possibilities:
Travel by car: if possible, you should not drive when it is hot, because the animals suffer greatly from the temperature. Your dog should be kept in boxes appropriate for the species or secured with a special harness. Regular breaks must be taken as a matter of urgency. It is especially important to provide sufficient water during the trip.
Travel by train: In general, animals are allowe to travel by train. The prices depend on the size of the animal. The following applies: If the animal fits into a transport bag, it travels free of charge, otherwise half the fare must be paid.
Travel by airplane: Although smaller animals can sometimes be taken into the cabin and larger animals can be transported with boxes in the cargo hold, we strongly advise against air travel.
3. transport
Dogs should be placed in a sufficiently large transport box with water and food or a special trunk device. Alternatively, they can also be secured with a dog buckle.
The window should be closed during the journey so that the dog does not get conjunctivitis or other eye diseases from the wind.
In addition, when getting in and out of the car, it is important that the passenger can protect the dog from possibly dangerous situations. Accordingly, the passenger should always get out before the dog and give way to the dog when getting in.
When taking a break, the dog should never be left behind in the car. The car can heat up extremely quickly and can be fatal to your dog even in low outside temperatures! Even a shaded area poses a danger. Therefore, always take your dog with you when you leave the car. Because it's not just you who wants to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.
4. the destination
If you have decided to take your dog on vacation, you should also find compromises in the choice of your vacation destination. This is because there are a few things to consider when choosing a vacation spot:
Most smaller dogs don't cope well with large climatic fluctuations, especially when it comes to heat. Extreme temperatures are not comfortable for most people or animals. Unless the animal is originally from these regions. Pinschers, for example, tolerate heat better than huskies. More heat tips for dogs.
Of course, too cold climes are not particularly conducive either, here frostbite and accidents can occur due to black ice or snow. In southern countries, there are also special types of diseases that can be caused by insects, fleas, ticks, contaminated water, or food. Here a consultation with the veterinarian is urgently needed so that the risk can be better assessed.
When it comes to the location of the trip, it is still important that there are enough opportunities for walking and playing such as dog beaches, parks, or nature. Also, animal-loving restaurants, bars, and stores are to be preferred and possibly already searched on the Internet. In addition, a veterinarian or veterinary clinic should be in the vicinity.
5. important travel accessories
For the trip must be well planned, as it may not be possible to buy some products locally or in the appropriate quality. These include:
- Food (both basic food and treats).
- Toys and cuddly toys
- Blanket, basket, and a pad if needed
- Brush, comb, and clean utensils
- First-aid kit with all important products
- Medical equipment (e.g. tweezers and nail scissors)
- Pet passport (mandatory within the EU)
- Other items such as a leash, muzzle, etc.
- Water bottle and towel (for the beach)
It is also important to find out about pet stores nearby, where missing items can be purchased if needed.
If you follow these 5 points, nothing will stand in the way of an unforgettable vacation for you and your dog. If you decide to go on vacation without your dog, you can find loving pet sitters in your area. With them, you can go on vacation without your dog, relaxed and with a clear conscience.