{"id":12835,"date":"2022-05-13T15:20:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-13T05:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/?p=12835"},"modified":"2023-11-29T10:54:44","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T00:54:44","slug":"how-to-travel-with-a-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/how-to-travel-with-a-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Travel with Your Dog for the First Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve never travelled with your dog before, travelling with your dog for the first time can be intimidating. I know what it\u2019s like, because for years I put off travelling with my dog, as I thought it would be too difficult. But travelling with your dog can be a lot of fun, so I\u2019m going to share you with everything you need to know about how to travel with a dog. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Choosing a Dog-Friendly Holiday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, I\u2019ll be upfront that it\u2019s not ideal to take your dog along on every type of holiday. You need to choose a holiday option that\u2019s dog-friendly.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heading to the city for a weekend to museum hop? Usually not a good idea. Taking a cruise? Unless you have a service dog, dogs are usually not allowed on cruises<\/a>. Flying overseas<\/a>? If there\u2019s quarantine involved or your dog needs to travel in the hold, it\u2019s generally best to leave them behind.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(I live in Australia and advise people not to take their dogs out of the country unless it\u2019s for a long period, due to both of these requirements.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Holiday Ideas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

However, there\u2019s plenty of great dog-friendly holiday ideas. What about a road trip with your pup, or a week by the seaside, near dog-friendly beaches, or even a city break, but spending more time in parks and exploring the streets outside, rather than cooped up inside?  There’s plenty of reasons why you should travel with your dog<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Destinations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should also consider heading to somewhere that\u2019s renown for being dog-friendly. If you\u2019re in Europe, check out my list of the most dog-friendly European countries<\/a>. In California, consider dog-friendly Carmel by the Sea<\/a>. If you\u2019re in Sydney, there\u2019s far more dog beaches if you head north and south, such as to Batemans Bay<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Batemans Bay is home to plenty of dog-friendly beaches<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Finding Dog-Friendly Accommodation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you choose the destination to head to with your pup, the most important thing to select is your accommodation. The amount of pet-friendly accommodation varies from place to place. In destinations with limited pet-friendly accommodation, it\u2019s often best to build your holiday around a great pet-friendly place to stay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pet-Friendly Hotels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wanting to stay in a hotel, following my instructions for finding pet-friendly hotels on Booking.com<\/a> and pet-friendly hotels on Hotels.com<\/a>. Luckily pet-friendly hotels are becoming more common in many destinations. I\u2019ve also put together some tips on staying in a hotel with your dog<\/a> for the first time. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Staying in a pet-friendly hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Pet-Friendly Airbnbs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, consider a holiday home or Airbnb. If travelling with a pet is a new experience, both yourself and your dog will likely find it less stressful to stay in self-contained accommodation that\u2019s more home-like, with the option to dine in. Check out my guide to finding and staying in pet-friendly Airbnbs<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RVing and Camping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another great dog-friendly option is RVing. With both your transport and accommodation sorted, many pet owners prefer to travel in an RV. Check out these tips for RVing with your dog<\/a>. In particular, if you\u2019re in Australia, read about hiring a pet-friendly campervan in Australia<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re driving in a campervan or bringing along a tent, camping is another great pet-friendly holiday option. There tend to be more pet-friendly caravan parks<\/a> and campgrounds than other forms of accommodation. If you\u2019re in Australia, find out more about camping with a dog<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Hiring a pet-friendly RV or campervan is a great option<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Organising Dog-Friendly Transport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Next most important is organising your transport. How will you travel with your dog to your destination or destinations? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving a Car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The easiest option is if you\u2019re simply heading off in your own car. Driving your own car should always be your first consideration, whether you\u2019re heading to a single destination or away on a road trip<\/a>. Your pet is already familiar with this mode of transport and your specific car.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t own a car, you may instead consider hiring a car<\/a>. Keep in mind that depending on your location, not all hire cars are pet-friendly. For instance, if you live in Australia, check out my guide to the pet policies of major rental car companies<\/a>. In any case, always carefully look after the car and return it clean of dog fur. <\/p>\n\n\n

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One of the easiest ways to travel with a dog is by car<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Flying with a Dog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For destinations further away, flying may be the best or only option. This is easiest if you have a small dog and they are allowed to fly in the cabin. Flying with a dog in the cabin<\/a> is fairly simple and not that expensive. You generally need to call up the call centre, although some airlines let you book online, and you\u2019ll require a suitable pet carrier bag for the cabin<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Flying with our dog in the cabin at our feet<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Unfortunately, larger dogs are required to fly in the hold, except in the case of guide and service dogs. It\u2019s best to avoid flying your dog in the hold unless you are away for a considerable period of time, plus many airlines restrict the flying of brachycephalic dog breeds. Check out my extensive guide to flying with a dog<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trains, Ferries and Buses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A more relaxing alternative to flying with your dog, especially for shorter distances, is to take a train. The majority of trains in Europe allow dogs<\/a>. Even the Amtrak trains in the USA<\/a> allow small dogs and there are also some dog-friendly trains in Asia<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the train company, smaller pets usually should be in a carrier bag (and sometimes ride for free), while larger pets when permitted are usually fine on a leash, although they might need a muzzle<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another transport option to consider are ferries. Catching a ferry is often the best option, such as if you\u2019re travelling to Northern Ireland<\/a> or travelling to the Republic of Ireland<\/a> from Great Britain, crossing the Channel to Europe<\/a>, or heading to the Greek Islands<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rules for dogs on ferries vary. Sometimes there are pet-friendly cabins, or otherwise there is a kennel area or on short trips dogs might need to stay in your car.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Taking a ferry across the Channel from England to the Netherlands<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

On the other hand, unfortunately long-distance buses are rarely a transport option if you are travelling with a dog. The majority of long-distance buses (as distinct from local buses) do not allow dogs onboard, although there are some exceptions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparing for Your Trip with Your Dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Plenty of preparation is one of the most important steps to ensuring you have a great time travelling with your dog. In my experience, even if you normally don\u2019t organise much when you travel, your travels with your dog will be more enjoyable if you prepare ahead of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Train Your Dog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your travel plans are still off in the future, or you\u2019ve just adopted a puppy, make it a priority to train your dog<\/a>. Whether your dog will simply be exposed to strange environments or if you plan to fly them in the cabin or take them on trains, it\u2019s a lot less stressful if you have a calm, obedient dog, not one who is anxious or barks non-stop.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Packing for Your Dog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You will also need to pack specific items for your dog. Your exact packing list will vary depending on your type of trip and what is being provided by your accommodation, but at a minimum consider a bed, bowls, food, collar, leash and vaccination records. Check out my recommended packing list<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Plan ahead what you need to pack for your dog<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

With food, consider whether you will be able to buy more food while travelling, or else pack enough for the entire trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel Insurance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consider whether you need insurance for your trip. This is especially the case if you are paying in advance for non-refundable accommodation or transport, or you are heading overseas where you need medical coverage. But what about your dog? While travel insurance doesn\u2019t extend to your pup, you may have coverage off your existing policy, check the details.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, don\u2019t forget to plan for plenty of dog-friendly activities on your trip\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoying Your Trip with Your Dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s possible on some holidays to simply bring your dog along on your planned activities, as long as your dog is allowed, it\u2019s best if you can plan for some activities that your dog will enjoy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you head off, locate the best and closest dog-friendly parks and beaches. But dog-friendly sightseeing options aren\u2019t only limited to dog parks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some great dog-friendly ideas no matter what your destination, check out my list of dog-friendly fun things to do<\/a>. Many national parks and walking trails are dog-friendly, not to mention dog-friendly wineries, dog-friendly historic sites and even dog-friendly palaces<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Some palaces in Europe are dog-friendly<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Dining Out with a Dog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depending on where you are located in the world, dining out with your dog can be tricky. While some countries allow dogs inside restaurants, in other parts of the world you may be restricted to outdoor dining areas or be completely banned from restaurants. Alternatives to dining out include getting takeaway, enjoying a picnic or renting an apartment with a kitchen. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Yes, this restaurant certainly was dog-friendly!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Staying Safe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, don\u2019t forget to keep your dog safe<\/a> on your holiday. Always be careful with the food and water your dog consumes, and take preventative action depending on your location. In southern Europe over summer, make sure you prevent your dog getting leishmaniasis<\/a>. Tick and flea prevention is also essential in many parts of the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Shandos Cleaver<\/a> is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Inspired? Pin this to your Pinterest board!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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If you\u2019ve never travelled with your dog before, travelling with your dog for the first time can be intimidating. I know what it\u2019s like, because for years I put off travelling with my dog, as I thought it would be too difficult. But travelling with your dog can be a lot of fun, so I\u2019m … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12839,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12835"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12835"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12835\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26796,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12835\/revisions\/26796"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12839"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}