April 25, 2023, 11:56 am | Read time: 8 minutes

But what should you generally consider when taking your dog on vacation? We at PETBOOK have compiled the most important information for a well-prepared and relaxed vacation with your dog.

Vacation with Your Dog: What Are the Legal Requirements? 

Vacationing in Germany is probably the simplest way to travel. Your dog should always wear contact information with the owner’s phone number and address on its collar, just like at home. Since many dogs are bothered by the jingling of a tax tag and other attachments, you can now have the name and number embroidered or printed on the collar, which also looks chic. 

Also interesting: TV star Jana Schölermann: “My dog knew about my pregnancy before I did!” 

Do I Need to Have the Tax Tag and Should the Dog Be Microchipped? Do I Need a Vaccination Certificate? 

For vacation time, it’s advisable to have the vaccination certificate/pet passport with you (some campsites require it for the safety of other guests). Since 2014, there has been a standardized EU pet passport for dogs, which can only be issued by a veterinarian and should be readily available like a passport when traveling. Outside of Germany, this passport is mandatory. Discuss all necessary vaccinations with your veterinarian before planning your vacation. 

When traveling abroad in Europe, marking is also required. This means the dog must be either tattooed or microchipped. Owners of dogs born after July 2011 are required to have their dogs microchipped. The chip number, along with all required vaccinations, must be entered in the pet passport and always carried with you. The chip, with a 15-digit number, stores the most important information about the animal, including the dog’s country of origin, personalized identification number, and the microchip manufacturer. In emergencies, this chip can be read by veterinarians, animal organizations, shelters, customs, or police using a special reader. 

Additionally, your dog should definitely be registered online with a pet registry using its microchip number, making it easier to search for and find in case of loss. 

Do I Need a Muzzle in Transport? 

A muzzle should generally not be missing from any travel luggage. Muzzle and leash requirements apply in some countries, such as Austria, Italy, or France, especially in public transport or public places. These regulations are so specific to individual regions or cities that you should check with the respective municipality or city for the exact requirements for your travel destination. 

The maximum number of dogs allowed to enter an EU country is five. Puppies must be at least 16 weeks old to enter other EU countries. For breeds classified as potentially dangerous and fighting dogs, specific regulations and entry conditions apply to each travel country. Inform yourself in advance about the rules for the respective entry country. If you have pet liability or health insurance, take a copy of the documents with you on vacation. You never know what might happen! 

What Else Does the Dog Need on the Trip? 

If you’re traveling by car, the dog must be safely accommodated during the long drive. The safest option is a sturdy transport box in the trunk, so it doesn’t become a danger to itself or the passengers when braking or in curves. The box should be large enough for the dog to move, stand, and lie down comfortably. Place a blanket inside so it can lie down and sleep comfortably. If you don’t usually use the transport box, practice going in and out with treats and take test drives to help it get used to it. 

If you want to fly with your dog, you can buy your own transport box or use one provided by the airline. You can find out the conditions for flying dogs from the airline. If you’re flying for the first time, consider whether you can and want to subject your dog to possibly being alone in a cold cargo hold for hours. 

To help your dog feel comfortable in its vacation home as quickly as possible, you should bring a few items that are important to it at home. First and foremost, its favorite bed, basket, blanket, or cuddle pillow should be included, so it can retreat to a safe place in the house or vacation apartment with familiar smells and feel secure. 

You Should Also Pack: 

• Favorite toys for indoors and outdoors
• Own water and food bowl 
• A harness and suitable leashes for every occasion 
• Muzzle
• Waste bags
• Towels, dog bathrobe 
• Grooming tools (brush and shampoo), nail clippers, paw protection, dental care 
• Paw and coat care wipes, kitchen towels 
• First aid kit (tick remover, etc.) 
• Travel pharmacy
• Travel pharmacy 
• Rain or winter coat 
• For a beach vacation, sunscreen and possibly a dog life jacket 
• Sufficient medication if your dog regularly takes and needs them 

For car travel and on the go (such as on hikes), it’s a good idea to have a backpack with the essential items for the dog. Please also think of a travel food bowl, a water bowl (available in space-saving foldable versions), and enough water from home! Not everywhere will you have access to drinking water, especially abroad where water is often chlorinated and at rest stops, gas stations, or campsites, it may not be of drinking quality.   

First and foremost is the supply of your dog’s own, familiar food in sufficient quantity and bringing enough treats and chew items, as it’s uncertain what selection of food will be available at the vacation spot. 

If you need fresh meat or BARF components, research online in advance to see if and where you can purchase these items. In a remote vacation home in the vastness of Sweden or Norway, you will have trouble buying such special food items. For these cases, there are now ready-made BARF meals that you can easily take with you. 

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More on the topic

Rules and Tips Flying With Dogs or Cats: What Owners Need to Know

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For Emergencies What a First Aid Kit for Cats Should Include

Vacation with Your Dog: What Should Be in the Travel Pharmacy? 

Even dogs can get sick or injured on vacation. To be prepared to care for your dog yourself in an emergency, you should also put together a travel pharmacy specifically for your dog. 

It Should Include: 

• Disinfectant (spray) for scratches and small wounds 
• Wound and healing ointment
• Eye and ear drops (wind, water, drafts) 
• Thermometer
• First aid kit (bandages, etc.) 
• Tick and parasite protection 

After Consulting with the Veterinarian and/or as Needed: 

• Medications the dog regularly needs 
• Remedies for travel sickness and/or calming 
• Remedies for diarrhea or poisoning (charcoal tablets) 

Find out where the nearest veterinarian or animal clinic is near your vacation spot. This will make you feel more secure and well-prepared for emergencies. 

Regardless of vacation or travel, a first aid course for dogs is generally a sensible addition to responsible living with your pet. These courses are offered by dog schools, veterinarians, or adult education centers. In just a few hours, dog owners are specifically shown what they can do in the event of an accident, injury, or poisoning. This can be life-saving in an emergency. 

The First Aid Kit for the Dog? Important in Emergencies and for All Activities! 

First aid kits for travel and outings are available for purchase. However, you can easily put together a pouch with the items that are relevant and that you prefer to use. This kit should always be with you and fits in any backpack. 

Remember to Include: 

• Bandage pack, gauze bandage, and fixation bandage (for pressure bandages and muzzle loop) 
• Wound compresses 
• Gauze, bandage cotton, and adhesive bandage for a paw bandage 
• Adhesive plaster 
• Scissors 
• Disinfectant spray or alcohol wipes 
• Sterile electrolyte solution (for rinsing eyes and wound cleaning) 
• Disposable gloves 
• Emergency blanket 
• Tweezers 
• Tick remover or tick hook 

To prepare for your vacation, simply write your own packing list just for your dog. Tailor it to its individual needs, as you know best what it likes, needs, and what absolutely must not be missing for it to feel completely comfortable. Check off the list together with your dog and let it participate in assembling and packing. It’s fun and builds anticipation for everything that’s coming! 

We wish you a great trip!