Tips for a carefree holiday with your pet
Are you taking your four-legged friend with you on holiday this year? Then make sure your furry friend has a valid EU passport and everything else he needs when abroad.
What do you need to know?

European pet passport
It's also compulsory to have your loyal friend vaccinated against rabies before it can travel. For various countries it’s important that your dog is treated against worms and that your vet records it in the European pet passport. The cost of such a passport is on average between 2,5 and 6 euros.
When traveling with other pets such as:
It’s sufficient to have a health certificate from the veterinarian.

Vaccination
Tips
Car
There is a good chance that your pet has already travelled with you in the car. To the vet or for a walk. If your pet has never been in the car before, or if it's been a long time, you can take your pet for a few short rides so it gets to know the car better.
When travelling by car, you should take the following into account:
- Feed your four-legged friend three hours before departure to prevent your pet from being affected by travel sickness.
- Make sure your car doesn’t get too hot and always provide fresh air.
- Make sure you secure your pet properly in the car. When travelling with a cat or small animal, always put it in a traveling basket and fasten the basket securely with a car seat belt. You have several options for your dog. For example, you can transport your pet pal in a transport cage, with a special harness and with a car safety net or grid. In some countries, this is even compulsory.
- Stop about every two hours so that your pet (especially dogs) can do its business, stretch its legs and drink. The portable drinking bowl is very useful for this!
- If your pet gets a bit stressed out by travelling, be sure to bring along its favourite toy, blanket or snack so it has something to do during the long drive.
Plane
Are you planning to travel by plane this year and would you like to take your furry friend along with you? That's possible, you have three different possibilities to let your dog or cat travel with you on the plane:
As cargo, which means you have no guarantee that your beloved four-legged friend will be on the same plane as you. However, the costs are relatively low and for large dogs (>75 kg) this is almost the only way to take them with you.
As excess baggage in the hold: your dog is always on the same plane as you, except that you can't see him because he travels in the hold in a temperature-controlled environment.
As cabin hand luggage: This way you fly together with your dog, cat or small animal, but your pet must fit into a travel bag or small cage. The maximum weight of the pet depends on the airline you fly with.
- Feed your pet two to three hours before departure to prevent him/her from being affected by travel sickness. Drinking still remains very important!
- Start practising on time: If you are taking your pet with you in a traveling bag or cage, make sure you make this a familiar place for your pet, this will only make the journey more comfortable.
- Limit the travel time: animal welfare organisations recommend limiting the flight to eight to nine hours. If the flight takes longer, try to fit in a connecting flight.
Train/Bus
If you want to take your pet with you on a train or bus, there are some rules you should take into account. If your dog or small animal fits on your lap or in a travelling bag, you can take it on the train or bus for free. If your dog is too big to sit on your lap, you have to buy an adapted ticket and leash him. In some cases it’s also compulsory to muzzle your furry friend. So make sure that you always have a muzzle with you. This is because the conductor or driver may ask you to muzzle your dog and then it’s compulsory.
Stay
If you’re planning to take your pet with you on holiday, it’s important to find a place where pets are allowed. There are many websites that help you find hotels, cottages, flats or chalets where pets are more than welcome.
- https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/best-dog-friendly-destinations-in-europe/
- https://www.bringfido.com/destination/region/europe/
- www.petfriendlyjourneys.com
