From adventure to relaxation – vacation with dog

Endless expanses, endless walks, just hanging out and switching off: on vacation we can really recharge our batteries. And not just us. Dogs also love running through the sand, splashing in the sea or experiencing adventures in mysterious forests or mountains. We would like to briefly explain to you how to have the perfect vacation with your dog and what you need to bear in mind.

No matter where your dream destination is, the only thing that stands between you, your furry companion and the first clear morning full of promising holiday feelings is the journey. And with a few little tips, it can be comfortable and easy.

It is important that you find out about the entry requirements of your holiday destination well in advance of your holiday: What vaccinations does your dog need? Does it have to be registered with customs? What diseases should you prevent? Does your dog need to be dewormed? Do certain things have to be taken into account due to your dog's breed (read this article, for example) ?
Since these regulations are sometimes linked to certain deadlines, it is absolutely necessary that you find out about them online, ideally a few months before your vacation.

You should also definitely give your four-legged friend a tag on the collar with your contact details on it. Ideally, also a GPS tracker. Your dog is not familiar with your holiday region. And if the unfortunate event occurs that you get lost, these measures will help you find each other again as quickly as possible. Registering with Tasso is also a good idea.

Before you set off, it is best to make a safety visit to your vet. Depending on where you are travelling, your dog may also need to have a proven vaccination record. To prevent infection with leishmaniasis or heartworms, seek advice beforehand. Ideally, you should also get mosquito and tick protection, e.g. a spot-on preparation, spray or collar, at the same time.

Also remember to pack all the important documents – from the EU pet passport to the vaccination certificate and proof of insurance.

Once you have the paperwork together, you can take your time putting together the perfect holiday snacks , the favorite blanket and the travel bowl. What you shouldn't forget: enough food to avoid shortages and possibly even a change of food while on vacation!

Safety first! Make sure your dog is well secured when travelling! Options include a transport box or a seat belt with the appropriate harness. Find out about the options and ask your trusted pet shop for advice on which option is best for your dog.

Maybe you're an experienced dog road tripper anyway. Then you know how important regular breaks are. Snacks , water and a walk not only relax your dog, but you too.

If you are traveling to warm countries, pay close attention to the temperature to avoid overheating.

Are you travelling by train? A completely climate-friendly trend and also possible with a dog.

In Germany, dogs larger than a domestic cat need their own ticket at the price of a child's ticket.

If you don't put your dog in a transport box, he has to stay in front of, on or under you on the train - with a leash and muzzle. Fortunately, many train employees are dog people... and aren't quite so strict.

Flying is not only problematic in terms of carbon footprint, it is anything but a vacation for dogs. They either have to endure being in a small transport box under the seat or are put in the cargo hold (and possibly sedated for this). Just thinking about it makes us want to go on vacation at home...

Do you want zen, blue water or to enjoy your home-away-from-home with the whole family including your dog? There are so many ways how and where you can find that.

If you and your dog fancy sea, sea, sea, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea are hot and cool candidates respectively.

If you're more drawn to the south, you can have your canine travel buddy bury your sunglasses in the sand of Tuscany or at an enchanting spot on Croatia's more than 6,000-kilometer-long coastline.
Pro tip: Visit Monty's Dogs Beach and Bar in Crikvenica on the Croatian Riviera - everyone is allowed to run around freely and even lick dog ice cream.

Or how about... Adho Mukha Shvanasana? If you're not just a dog person but also a yoga person, you might want to practice the famous downward dog with your dog. You can do this, for example, at the Mountainflow Yoga Retreat in Bischofswiesen .

And looking for the perfect pet-friendly holiday home or hotel? You can easily get inspiration from portals such as www.hundeurlaub.de or www.ferien-mit-hund.de . An Airbnb is also a possibility. Have fun browsing!

Mountains, breathtaking nature, hiking and maybe the odd castle ruin make your heart beat faster? We assume you liked Game of Thrones or Into the Wild. And we are quite sure that you will love at least one of these travel inspirations.

Travel by bus through Sweden, Finland or Norway and experience adventures with your dog - in short, are you crazy about the wilderness? Then you can find some good tips here: "Norway by campervan" by Thomas Kliem (Bruckmann Verlag).

Scotland is also a dog paradise: there is virtually no leash requirement or quarantine, but endless expanses for hiking and exploring. If you are driving, you can take the ferry from Dunkirk to Dover in two hours and then look forward to the Highlands. Or you can take a look here: www.schottland-mit-hund.de

But sometimes it doesn't have to go that far. Germany also has exciting spots to offer, for example the Dahn Castle and Rock Country in the Palatinate Mountains. If you want even more inspiration in this direction, we recommend taking a look at the adventures of Husky Ninja .

No matter where you end up, we wish you and your holiday companions, with or without fur, a good rest and many wonderful memories to bring home with you!