Compact checklist for travelling with a dog
Whether it's a longer holiday trip or a day trip - anyone travelling with their dog will always have a good time. To make travelling safe and stress-free for everyone involved, there are a few things to keep in mind . Here is a compact summary of the most important tips.
Travel preparation with dog...
If you prepare well, you minimize stress for yourself and your dog:
- Check the regulations of the vacation country: It is important to find out the legal entry requirements of the destination country in advance.
- In addition, it is good to know in advance where you can take dogs, whether there is a muzzle requirement and whether so-called "list dogs" are allowed to enter at all.
...is half the battle
- Season: High summer and hot temperatures are a burden for most dogs. The off-season spring or fall are usually very suitable for vacation with the dog.
- Means of transport: The car is the means of first choice for most, as it is the most flexible way of traveling and thus a schedule adapted to the dog is most easily possible.
Dog friendly accommodation
In advance, of course, it is necessary to find out whether dogs are welcome. Many accommodations have already recognized the signs of the times and have practical and dog-friendly equipment. It is worth clarifying in advance whether and what equipment is available. This saves you from having to lug along one or the other item such as bowls, towels, or similar.
Travel checklist for the dog
What your dog needs for travelling! To ensure that nothing is left at home, here is a practical checklist:
- Familiar dog food
- If necessary: Medication
- Treats
- Food bowls
- Water bowl for on the way
- Dog blanket or dog bed
- Toys
- Transport box
- Leash
- Collar or harness
- Excrement bag
- Muzzle if necessary (depending on holiday region)
- Coat care tools (brush, comb, curry comb,...)
- Depending on the holiday destination and planned activities
- Life jacket, towel
- Dog bag
- Dog coat or jumper
Documents for the dog abroad
Certain documents must always be carried.
Here is an overview of the most important documents for a trip.
Document | Details |
EU pet passport |
Dogs need the EU pet passport for all journeys abroad (to EU and non-EU countries)
. This can be obtained from your vet. In order to be allowed to enter the country, the following must be noted in the passport: -valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old) -microchip number In addition, other vaccinations that may be relevant for the holiday country are noted in the "blue passport" |
Rabies Titer determination |
When leaving the EU or entering the EU from certain third countries, a rabies titer test may be necessary
. This requires a little more planning and lead time. This requires a little more planning and lead time. Therefore, inform yourself
in good time before you travel. You can find more information here |
Various vaccinations/deworming | Find out about the vaccination requirements in your holiday country in good time before you start your holiday. For Great Britain, Ireland & Northern Ireland, Malta, Finland and Norway a tapeworm treatment by the vet incl. entry in the pet passport is required. Five days to 24 hours before departure at the latest. |
Forms |
In certain countries or for special circumstances,
certain forms are required in addition to the EU pet passport, e.g. for animals
under 12 weeks or with rabies vaccination not yet valid. More information can be found at the link of the Austrian Ministry of Health |
Insurance | It makes sense to carry the insurance documents with you, as it is possible to react quickly in case of damage . |
Practical tip: Address of the accommodation
It also makes sense to attach an additional dog tag with the address of the accommodation to the dog's collar during the holiday. If the dog gets lost, you can find the owners much faster this way.
First-aid kit for the dog
Even if you hope for the best - it is important to be well prepared for emergencies:
- Disinfectant
- Clinical thermometer (normal temperature dog: 38-39°C)
- Wound ointment or spray
- Tick forceps and tweezers
- Sunscreen
- Diarrhoea remedy e.g. charcoal tablets
- Electrolyte powder
- Mild ear cleaner
- Sterile saline solution for rinsing
- First aid kit (bandages, scissors, bandages, plasters,...)
- Cool packs
- Remedy for travel sickness
- Emergency numbers of the vets at the holiday destination