Health Check
Before the vacation can begin, it should be medically clarified whether your dog is truly physically and mentally fit enough for the trip. It is best to plan the health aspects 3-4 months before the trip, as some countries, for example, require a rabies titer test and booster vaccinations may be necessary.The Right Accommodation
Have you found a destination that suits you, your dog, and all other travel companions? The next step is to find suitable accommodation there. Whether it's a vacation rental, hotel, or campsite: Dogs must be explicitly allowed!To avoid unpleasant surprises, it's better to ask several times in advance if you can really bring your dog. Please note that additional costs for dogs may apply in hotels. Many operators also sometimes decide based on the dog's breed or size.
If dogs are allowed, the next step is to check whether there are sufficient exercise opportunities in the area. A vacation home with its own garden or at least a ground-floor apartment with a little green space outside the door is certainly recommended. A camping holiday with a tent, caravan, or motorhome, where the dog spends a lot of time outdoors, is also a good option. It is also interesting to know in advance whether there is a vet nearby in case of an emergency.
And who will look after the dog if you want to see something without it? Find out if dog care services are offered on site.
Package Tours with Dogs
A relatively new trend is package tours and guided day trips for dogs and their owners. Simply book and let someone else take care of everything – that makes a vacation even more enjoyable. Offers are checked for dog-friendliness by specialized tour operators in advance. The advantage: no nasty surprises or included activities where the dog is not allowed.
For the remaining free time, you receive many tips for excursion destinations in the holiday region that truly become an experience with a dog. Austria is the ideal destination for a holiday with your beloved pet. Do you fancy a few relaxing days with your dog in Austria? Then visit www.velaontour.com, where all offers have been tested by Ulrike Miestinger and her Golden Retriever Pepa, and many excursions have also been accompanied by them. The newsletter provides current travel dates.
Dog Hotels
More and more accommodations specialize in offers that provide wellness for both animals and humans. The best dog hotels include many dog-friendly services and create a pleasant experience for pets. In some places, in addition to dog walking services, daily care, dog agility courses, guided dog hikes, fenced-in exercise areas, dog swimming areas, a visit to the dog groomer, and a veterinary service are offered.
Traveling Abroad with a Dog
When traveling abroad, you should inform yourself about the entry requirements. Which vaccinations are necessary in which country? Is there a microchip requirement? Are further treatments, such as deworming, perhaps necessary?
When traveling to non-EU countries, you should also consider the re-entry requirements. Which diseases exist in the country that could be dangerous for your dog? What preventive and follow-up care should be taken?
Pets require an EU pet passport for all international travel (including non-EU countries), which can be obtained from any vet. This passport shows that the animal is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.
Checklist - what does your dog need on holiday?
Dogs also have their own luggage when traveling. To be prepared for all eventualities, some things are essential. Whether it's sunscreen for a summer holiday, or thick coats and jackets for a winter holiday – just like for humans and animals – the contents of the suitcase must be adapted to the season and climate of the destination.
If you book with VelaonTour, you will receive a travel checklist developed together with a veterinarian.
First Aid Kit for Dogs
First, it is important to check your dog's insurance coverage. Since injuries or illnesses are unpredictable and could unfortunately occur during your vacation, a basic medical kit is essential. These items should be included:
- Disinfectant for initial wound care
- Fever thermometer
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Gauze bandages for dressings and bleeding wounds
- Flat tweezers for removing splinters
- Tick remover
- Flea spray or powder
What else needs to be in the dog's suitcase besides the EU pet passport:
- Harness – preferably with a phone number!
- Leash
- Muzzle
- Dog food
- Chew toys
- Dog bowl and water bottle Tip: possibly also a foldable water and food bowl for on the go
- Dog blanket or dog bed
- Dog waste bags
- Brush
- Dog towel
- ...and of course lots of treats! :)
What else needs to be in the dog's suitcase besides the EU pet passport:
- Harness – preferably with a phone number!
- Leash
- Muzzle
- Dog food
- Chew toys
- Dog bowl and water bottle Tip: possibly also a foldable water and food bowl for on the go
- Dog blanket or dog bed
- Dog waste bags
- Brush
- Dog towel
- ...and of course lots of treats! :)
If your four-legged friend is familiar with and likes a mobile transport crate, they can travel comfortably in it, and the crate also serves as a retreat in the hotel room.
Traveling with a dog - the right means of transport
Car travel
The car is the most ideal for a holiday trip, as your dog is already familiar with it. The most important thing is that your dog is safely accommodated in the rear part of the car. Seat belts, partition grilles, or transport crates not only protect dogs and people but are even mandatory in most countries. TÜV-tested transport crates are the safest choice when making this decision. Acclimatization to traveling in the crate should ideally begin slowly weeks before the trip. If your dog is not yet used to car travel, it should be trained in advance.
Tip: To practice driving most effectively, journeys should always be associated with positive experiences and the duration should be gradually increased.
It is advisable not to feed large meals before departure and to plan regular drinking and exercise breaks during the journey. In warmer seasons, ensure a pleasant temperature in the car. To protect against unpleasant sunlight, install sun protection on the windows.
If you want to stop for a meal, never leave your dog in the car! The risk of heatstroke is too high in summer.
Air Travel
Flying means stress for most dogs – after all, they don't fly every day! It must be clarified in advance whether, and under what conditions, the airline allows animals to be transported. With some airlines, smaller dogs (max. 8 kg) can even be taken into the cabin in a transport crate.
Regarding your dog, you first need to ask yourself if flying is reasonable for your dog. Is your four-legged friend healthy, can they stay alone in a transport crate, and can they relax reasonably even near (possible) unfamiliar animals and in a noisy environment? Note that the dog should be physically and mentally exhausted before check-in and have the opportunity to relieve themselves. The day before, your furry friend should only eat a small meal and be kept as fasting as possible on the day of the flight.
Public Transport
Whether by bus, train, cable car, or gondola – dogs can generally be taken on all means of transport, however, there is a leash and muzzle requirement everywhere! Respect is, of course, important: always make sure that other passengers are not disturbed or bothered by your four-legged friend.
Very small dogs in a dog carrier and assistance dogs registered in the disability pass travel free of charge on most trains in Austria. If the dog is not in a carrier, you pay 10% of the full price (=standard ticket) for transport, but at least 2 Euros. Here too, a leash and muzzle are mandatory, and your four-legged companion may only be supervised by you and only sit on the floor. Please check the relevant connection beforehand!
Arrival at the destination
Immediately upon arrival, taking the dog for a walk is a must. Then you can make the dog comfortable in the hotel room, vacation home, or on the campsite, and put away anything they might destroy. Offer your four-legged friend water and something to eat. Let your dog settle in and rest comfortably first, and try not to overwhelm them after the long and strenuous journey.
Once the initial stress has subsided and you and your furry companion are well, it's time to explore the surroundings and enjoy your vacation with your dog!
Michaela Strohmayer
The recommendations come from Michaela Strohmayer, a dog trainer qualified in animal welfare and a state-appointed therapy dog examiner.
If you are looking for someone with experience and the right skills to turn you and your dog into a true team, then visit her website: https://www.wuffit.at/.
