Dogs Like to Travel, Too

Check if hostels and other types of accommodation welcome pets

Despite the fact that many places accept dogs (at least smaller ones), it’s always best to check in advance whether pets are welcome. You can usually find the information on the website when booking accommodation, but you can also send a kind message to explain your situation. It’s also worth checking if there’s an extra charge for pets – if you want to save up some money, then devote more time looking for accommodation, in order to avoid awkward situations along the way.

Don’t forget your dog’s passport

When you’re travelling abroad with your dog, they’ll also need their own passport. It contains all their information and vaccination certificates, so it’s the first thing you should pack when heading abroad with your dog. Also be sure to check if there are any special rules for dogs entering the country (if it’s not part of the EU).

Adjust your travel plan

No matter how much your dog enjoys sniffing at city corners or watching passers-by at a café, visiting a museum for a whole day is definitely out of the question. Not just because dogs aren’t allowed in many museums, but because there’s no point in your dog spending the whole day stuck in a hostel room. Travelling with a dog is actually very similar to travelling with children – you just need to adapt a bit. Therefore, you should include outdoor activities or treks in your travel itinerary, but don’t let your schedule to become too packed, plus be sure to choose dog-friendly restaurants.

Be prepared for changes

It’s nothing unusual for things not to go as planned during travels, but if you’re accompanied by your dog, then plans frequently change. Information on websites are often not up-to-date and dogs might not be welcome at an attraction any longer (or the owner of the accommodation now forbids pets). Perhaps you’ll need a new plan due to weather, or your dog will suddenly decide the new environment is too stressful, howling sadly all the time they’ll spend alone in the room. The more positively you look at unpredictable situations, the easier and more pleasant it will be – for both you and your dog.

Your pupper should feel like at home

Dogs react differently to unknown situations and places. While some don’t even notice they’re not at home anymore (true dog adventurers), others can find a change of environment quite stressful. So, don’t forget to take your dog’s favourite blanket (or bed) and toys with you. That way they’ll have an easier time relaxing and those couple of hours, when they’ll be waiting for you in the room (while you’ll be exploring your favourite museum) will seem like no time at all.

Don’t go anywhere without water and dog waste bags!

These are the two most important things when travelling with your pet, and you shouldn’t go anywhere without them. You dog can quickly dehydrate (especially in a car in summer), so always carry enough water with you. If you run out of water while walking in a city, stop at the nearest café – the staff will almost always be more than happy to help out. And I suppose I don’t have to explain why you’ll need dog waste bags – even if your pupper is well-behaved, “accidents” can still happen. Many places, including accommodation and museums, don’t welcome dogs simply because of their irresponsible owners. That’s why you should always – and I really do mean always – clean after your pet.

All the tips above are the result of our first-hand, or first-paw to be precise, experience.

We wish you and your furry companion pleasant travels!