How to travel with your dog: a practical guide for a safe and stress-free vacation 🐾✈️

If you're planning a holiday with your dog or a quick getaway, this guide is for you. Here you'll find everything you need to travel safely and comfortably with your dog : from the required documents (microchip, European passport, health record, etc.) to practical tips for traveling by car, train, and plane, and a selection of car accessories for transporting dogs that actually work. From the very beginning, you'll have a checklist at your fingertips to know exactly what to buy at your favorite pet store.

Tips and essential documents you should bring when traveling with your dog

Before booking any trip, check your dog's documentation and health. To travel, you'll generally need a legible microchip , a veterinary certificate or pet passport , and a vaccination record with up-to-date vaccinations— especially the rabies vaccination . Also, make sure your dog is at least 3 months old , as this is the minimum age required by many airlines. We also advise you to:

• Deworming: Recommended before traveling.
• Medications and a basic first aid kit for dogs: In case you need them during your trip/stay.
• Digital and physical copies: It is recommended to keep copies of the relevant documentation in these formats.

⚠️ Important: The rabies vaccination must be up-to-date according to the regulations of your destination. Don't take chances: check with your veterinarian and the transport company.

👉 Once you arrive at your destination: Whether on the beach or in the countryside, keep them under control with antiparasitic treatments (collar or pipette) and check their paws and skin after each outing.

Transportation — how to travel with your dog

Each medium has its own rules. Here's what's essential and practical.

By car

The car is the most flexible option for traveling with dogs , but it requires safety measures: your dog must be restrained with an approved harness or inside a carrier. A divider or trunk liner reduces distractions and provides protection in case of sudden braking.

💬 Practical tips:

• For long journeys: stops every 2–3 hours .
• Ventilation : maintain a comfortable temperature and avoid direct drafts.
• Never leave alone : ​​never leave your dog alone in a closed car , you could leave it exposed to a variety of risks, such as heatstroke.
• Useful accessories : protective seat cover, divider grille or specific belts.
• Always carry water and a portable water bowl with you.

In our store, you can find some related items that can meet these requirements and be useful to you and your partner:

By train (Renfe)

Rules vary by company and service. On many smaller trains, dogs (up to 10 kg ) travel in approved carriers ; others allow larger dogs with a ticket and designated spaces. To travel with a dog on Renfe , check the policy of the specific service and book in advance when necessary.

By air

Traveling with dogs by plane requires extra planning: some airlines allow dogs in the cabin if they fit in a carrier that meets the size requirements; large dogs usually travel in the hold (check risks and regulations). Book a seat for your furry friend in advance and bring their health documentation (required by some airlines).

⚠️ Warning: Avoid sedating the dog without veterinary authorization ; it can be dangerous in the cabin or hold.

💬  Tip: Choose direct flights and times with mild weather to minimize risks.

Tips for a more comfortable trip

Small details enhance the quality of the trip:

• Put the dog in the car already relaxed: walk him before starting the journey.
• Maintain a meal routine similar to that at home to avoid digestive problems.
• Label the carrier with name and contact information.
• In warm climates, avoid the hottest hours and use cooling vests if appropriate.

Emotional preparation and adaptation to the pet carrier

The emotional aspect is just as important as the logistics, especially on long journeys . If the dog associates the carrier with stress, the trip will be difficult. That's why:

• 👉 Place the carrier in your home a few days beforehand with its blanket and a toy; leave the door open so it can use it freely.
• 👉 Use one of your own items in the carrier: the familiar smell is calming .
• 👉 Take short test drives to get it used to the movement.

These steps reduce anxiety and prevent behaviors that can turn a getaway into a problem.

Planning and prevention reduces the likelihood of incidents and makes holidays with your dog relaxing for everyone.

What to pack in your dog's suitcase? Accessories for transporting dogs by car, train, etc.

Here's a packing list that always works for short or long trips . You don't need an endless list: prioritize the essentials.

Essential elements:

• ✅ Documentation (passport, vaccination record, microchip)
• ✅ Food for the days of the trip (preferably their usual food) and snacks
• ✅ Portable foldable drinking fountain
• ✅ Car carrier or safety harness . If you are traveling by train or plane, use an approved pet carrier.
• ✅ Bed or blanket and a family toy .
• ✅ Poop bags
• ✅ Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, tick tweezers, usual medication)
• ✅ Hygiene products (dog sunscreen, brush and wet wipes, towels, …)

✨ Key Tip: Keep frequently used items (water, food, documents) in an easily accessible bag.

Accommodation: how to find houses and hotels that allow dogs

Today there are many pet-friendly options, but you should filter carefully:

When looking for dog-friendly accommodations, pay attention to the conditions: some allow pets with restrictions, others charge a supplement, and some have strict rules. Vacation rentals with private pools that welcome dogs are a great option if you want privacy and to avoid shared areas.

If you're planning a beach holiday with your dog , check dates and local regulations; many beaches only allow dogs outside of peak season. To save on affordable dog-friendly holidays , book off-season and compare deals on cottages or apartments with gardens.

To find houses and hotels that allow dogs, that is, pet-friendly accommodations, you can search on platforms like Airbnb or Booking for “dog-friendly accommodations”, “beach vacations with dogs”, “pet-friendly hotels”…

👉 There are some specialized search engines that can help you find pet-friendly areas; search for "pet-friendly search engines," you're sure to find a variety 😉

Destinations and types of trip: how to choose according to your dog

The best destinations for traveling with a dog depend on the animal's temperament and age. Pet-friendly beaches, mountain trails, and rural cottages are usually the most popular choices. If your dog needs a lot of exercise, opt for nature trails; if it's older or has reduced mobility, look for accommodations with easy access and not too many stairs.

For those looking for organized options, there are organized trips with dogs and all-inclusive dog travel packages that save you the logistics, although they involve less flexibility.

You can also opt for cheap holidays with your dog by planning off-season dates and choosing nearby destinations. Pet-friendly camping is another budget-friendly option.

Organised and all-inclusive trips with dogs

More and more tour operators are offering organized trips with dogs and all-inclusive dog travel packages (guided excursions, pet-friendly retreats, and supported hiking routes). Their main advantage is that the logistics are taken care of (accommodation, activities, and care), but the downside is less flexibility and stricter rules regarding the animal's behavior and space.

Pros and Cons of all-inclusive package holidays with dogs

Pros	Cons
Managed logistics Accommodation, meals and activities organized by the operator.	Less flexibility Itineraries and schedules closed.
Activities for dogs Routes and spaces designed especially for pets.	Higher cost It's usually more expensive than planning the trip yourself.
Professional support Experienced guides and staff; sometimes veterinary assistance.	Restrictions Rules about breed, weight, or behavior that limit options.
Socialization Opportunity to meet other owners and for your dog to socialize.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling With a Dog 🐶 🧳