There's nothing better than spending holidays together with your pet. But travelling should not only be fun for you as a pet owner, it's also important that your dog feels comfortable and enjoys himself. That is why Pawshake gives you the most important tips for a pet-friendly trip with your dog.
Choose your destination
Do you want to go on holiday with your pet this year? Then your adventure begins with finding a pet-friendly destination. A city trip may not be the best idea with a dog, a dog-friendly campsite in a rural or woody environment could be a true paradise for your dog! Although some dogs don't mind travelling at all, a long journey can be very tiring and confusing for your dog. A destination close to home is therefore recommended. For example, choose a nice campsite where dogs are welcome or a cottage or hotel where you can bring your pet.
Preparing your trip
- Chipping: make sure your dog is chipped. This is required in many countries. Also, make sure the chip registration is up-to-date, and that your dog carries a penny. You can read the article about preventing your pet from going missing
- Passport: Your dog needs a European animal passport in many countries. In most cases, that is the passport that you use for your vet visits.
- Vaccinations: For most destinations, your dog needs additional vaccinations against rabies and in some countries also for other diseases.
Import requirements can vary considerably from country to country. Some countries require extra document and vaccinations or your dog has to stay in quarantine for a certain period of time. View here: import requirements for countries within Europe and here: import requirements for the UK.
Travelling by plane
Flying with a dog is quite a challenge, but it's not impossible. Make sure you register your pet with the airline company on time. In general, small dogs can join you in the cabin, larger dogs travel in a special compartment in the hold.
You need a suitable travel carrier for both options. The airline sets certain requirements on the dimensions of the crate, so check out what kind of carrier you need. Tip: it's easiest to choose one on wheels, considering all the lengthy walks at the airport for example. Let your dog get used to the travel carrier from early on. Make sure it's a nice place. Just leave the crate in the house for a while, give your dog a treat once in a while and make a 'test drive' so that your dog will feel comfortable in the carrier during the trip.
Travelling by car
Are you planning on traveling by car? Then buy a safety harness in which you can secure your pet comfortably. Is your dog not used to riding long distances? Then start practicing short car rides long before your trip begins.
Some dogs can become sick in a car. Veterinary medicines for travel sickness are available at the vet. Also, make sure to ventilate the car during the trip, drive carefully and calmly and stop every now and then for a break and a walk. During the ride, make sure your dog can look through the window, which prevents him from feeling nauseous.
During travelling
Make sure to have a proper walk with your dog shortly before departure and ensure that he can get rid of any excess energy so he can be calm during travelling. Make sure there is enough drinking water available, even during the trip, but don't give him any food a few hours before departure to prevent nausea.
Do you travel by car? Keep the dog cool during the ride at all times. Let your dog sit in the shade and make sure there is water available. Does your dog not drink enough water? Ice cubes in a cool box might do the trick. They are fun to play with and provide some extra hydration. And it's so important to keep stressing this: never leave your dog alone in a car. The temperature can rise very quickly and this can be fatal.
Hiring a pet sitter on your trip
During your stay, you might want to do something without your dog. For example; if you visit a city and want to go into museums, or go to a nature park where dogs are not allowed. Fortunately, Pawshake is active in many countries such as Germany, France, Italy and England. This means you can also book your pet sitter during your holiday! Then you can enjoy your vacation without worrying if your pooch gets bored or agitated.
So book your international pet sitter! How do you do that? With the free Pawshake App for Android or iOS: set your search location to your holiday destination. Do you prefer to use the Pawshake website: scroll all the way down and pick the country of your choice on the right. You can now search for a pet sitter in your holiday destination.
Convenient! The packing list for your dog
It's better to take too much stuff for your dog than too little. Don't forget to bring:
- Animal Passport
- Collar, leash including tag
- Pet picture and description
- Travel carrier
- Dry food, chewing snacks
- Favorite pillow / bed
- Favorite toys
- Poop bags
- Brush / comb
- Drinking bowl and water bottles
- A spiral and a long line to fix the dog (on the campsite)
- A Sqeegee to remove hair from furniture and carpet (in hotels or cottages)
- Paw booties (for hiking)
- Safety vest (for boat trips)
- Coat (for colder, rainy areas)
- Medications, first aid box
- Tick twister
- Peper towels and cleaning material
Would your dog rather stay at home?
Is your dog sick, old, pregnant or just a bit tense or anxious? Or do you find it difficult to take your dog on a trip? Then don't force your pet to go on vacation. Hundreds of loving pet sitters are waiting to take care of your dog while you're travelling so that you can go on a trip with peace of mind knowing that your dog will be having a holiday too. Book a pet sitter now
