Checklist: Taking Your Dog or Cat on Holiday

You also need to think about the journey itself and be well informed about the entry requirements of your destination country, as well as any countries you pass through.

To help you prepare, this blog provides a handy checklist covering everything you need to consider when travelling with your dog or cat. We’ve also created a helpful video with the most important tips!

Is your pet joining you on holiday?

It’s lovely to have your loyal companion by your side during your holiday. Just make sure to choose a destination and activities that are suitable for your pet. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How hot is it at your destination?
• Can your dog tolerate the temperature well?
• Will your dog be able to join in with your planned activities?
• Is the accommodation suitable for leaving your dog alone for short periods?

This assumes dogs are permitted at your destination. While it might sound appealing to bring your dog along, if you’re planning lots of activities your dog can’t join, a pet sitter at home might be the better choice. Take a look at our checklist for four-legged friends staying at home to see what you’ll need to arrange if your pet isn’t travelling with you. If your destination and accommodation are suitable, check the import requirements — then enjoy your holiday together!

Bringing your cat is a different matter. You’re unlikely to go for long hikes or swimming sessions with your cat. Cats generally prefer staying put, so they’re usually only brought along for extended trips where you’ll be caring for them yourself. Since your cat will likely remain in the accommodation, make sure it’s suitable for them. If it is, check the import rules and have a great trip!

General requirements for travelling with your pet within the EU

If you’ve decided to take your dog or cat with you, be aware of the following basic requirements for travelling within the EU:

• A fully completed European Pet Passport
• Microchip identification and registration
• Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before departure (a blood test is no longer required within the EU)
• A valid rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travelling
• Some countries outside the EU, like the UK and Norway, require mandatory worm treatment for dogs

You can find specific entry requirements per country for dogs and cats on the LICG website.

Protect your pet against foreign parasites

It’s vital to protect your pet against ticks while abroad, as they can transmit serious diseases. In Mediterranean regions, sand flies are present and can spread Leishmania, while mosquitoes may transmit heartworm. Fortunately, your pet can be protected.

Find a local vet

Before your holiday, find a local vet and save their contact details on your phone. This way, you can quickly reach out if your pet needs assistance. It’s also useful to have your own vet’s contact details, so you can speak in your native language and ask for advice.

Prepare for travel sickness in pets

Not all pets enjoy long car rides. Some experience motion sickness due to disturbance in their balance. It’s wise to bring motion sickness medication such as  Puur Tour, and to take regular breaks for short walks. Always provide fresh drinking water. Never leave your pet alone in the car — especially in summer when the risk of overheating is high. Additional travel requirements may apply when flying, so check with your airline in advance.

Ensure car safety for your pet

If you’re bringing your dog or transporting pets in general, make sure to do so safely. In Germany, proper restraint of your pet is not only advised but legally required. Unrestrained pets pose a safety risk for both themselves and others. Special car harnesses are available to transport your dog comfortably and securely. Never attach the harness to a collar — use a sturdy harness to prevent neck injuries during sudden braking or accidents. For small dogs and cats, a carrier, car seat or crate is ideal. Dogs can also travel safely in the boot behind a dog guard.

Equip your pet for walks

Planning long (mountain) hikes with your dog? Start training well in advance and remember that rough terrain or hot asphalt can be harsh on paw pads. Make sure your dog has the proper gear. Ruffwear offers a wide selection of products for adventurous and safe outings.

Prevent stress

Does your pet get stressed easily? Long car or plane journeys and unfamiliar environments can be unsettling. Holidays are not always relaxing for pets. If your pet gets stressed from changes, take early action. You can provide calming supplements like Telizen or Zylkène, or use pheromone-based products such as Feliway spray or diffuser for cats, and Adaptil diffuser, spray or collar for dogs. These are often effective, especially if you start 2–4 weeks before your trip. You might also consider Dr. Ann’s Stress Reduction, a supplement suitable for both short and long-term stressful situations.

Keep your pet cool

On hot days, it’s crucial that your pet has access to shade, a cool surface to lie on, and plenty of water. Avoid long walks in the heat, and let your dog swim to cool off. During car travel, offer fresh water regularly — a travel bottle in a cooler bag is ideal. Never leave your dog in the car alone!

To help prevent overheating, use products such as the Aqua Coolkeeper Collar, which contains a cooling gel and cools the neck’s major blood vessels. We also offer various cooling mats, cooling jackets like the Aqua Coolkeeper Jacket, Hurtta Cooling Vest, or Suitical DRY Cooling Vest.

Check out our full range of cooling products for dogs.

If your dog does overheat, it’s vital to act quickly. Cool your dog down immediately and contact a local vet. Move your dog out of the sun, place a wet towel on their belly, or let them lie in water. Replace wet towels every five minutes. Do not completely cover your dog, as this can trap heat. Make sure they have access to fresh, lukewarm water.

Read our blog ‘8 Useful tips to help your dog during hot weather’.

Bring a pet first aid kit

Pack a first aid kit when going on holiday. A good kit should include bandages, sterile gauze, Betadine or iodine wipes, Leukotape, scissors, and gloves. A nail clipper is useful for broken nails, and don’t forget a tick remover. We offer ready-to-use kits like the Duvo+ Pet First Aid Kit. It’s also helpful to bring a diarrhoea remedy like Alfadiar, and wound ointment.

Read our blog ‘First aid for pets’ so you know what to do in various situations.

All set?

Still have questions? Feel free to contact our veterinary team via [email protected].