For avid travellers who are also dog owners, bringing your beloved pup with you on your adventures has undoubtedly crossed your mind. Travelling with your dog can mean sharing some of the most meaningful experiences of your life with your pet, as well as having peace of mind knowing that they’re being taken care of while by your side.
You’ll also be putting their needs before your own, which will show you a different approach to travel that isn’t just centred around your own experience but about sharing an adventure with your most loyal friend.
Europe is an incredibly dog-friendly continent that’s perfect for a country-hopping trip with your intrepid pup. There, animals mostly have the same freedom as humans to move through European Union borders without needing extra documentation, which limits the hassle.
While backpacking in Europe with your dog is a rewarding experience, there’s a lot to prepare and consider. If you’re willing to pull out all the stops for an adventure with your furry friend, read on to find out what you’ll need to make it happen.
What to consider before you go
Is your dog suited for a long period of travel?
Travelling can be hard on your dog, so it’s important to consider the toll that your trip will take on your pup. Depending on their temperament and lifestyle, your dog might not be suited to all the different climates and unfamiliar settings outside of their routine that come with travel. Only consider bringing them along if you’re confident they will be able to handle those changing conditions.
Where you’ll be flying to and departing from
With the proper paperwork, flying into Europe is not complicated, but take note of your dog’s breed. Some breeds that are considered “dangerous” by certain countries will face restrictions or be denied entry.
While it’s unfortunate that such classifications exist, you’ll want to be prepared so that you don’t run into a situation where you need to turn back upon arrival. Upon arriving back home after your trip, there may be things to consider as well. Some countries, like Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, require a period of quarantine upon arrival to make sure your dog hasn’t contracted any contagious illnesses abroad.
How to prepare for backpacking with your dog in Europe
Prepare your paperwork
There is a ton of preparation that you’ll need to do if you want to travel with your dog. Depending on the length of your stay in the EU, you’ll need to prepare an EU health certificate or an EU pet passport that documents your pet’s health records.
Pay attention to timing, as some requirements come with tight timelines that may affect the validity of your paperwork, and make sure that your documents are the right ones for the country of landing in the EU.
Visit the vet
Along with a general check at your dog’s veterinarian to ensure that your pet is in good health to travel, you should also coordinate with your vet to make sure your furry friend is microchipped and has all the vaccinations and treatments it needs for entry into Europe. Some EU countries, like Finland, Norway, and Malta, require a worming treatment to be done by a vet before entry.
Plan your itinerary
Travelling with your dog means less flexibility than you would otherwise have. Once you’ve got all the paperwork done, you’ll need to carefully plan your itinerary to ensure that your accommodations are pet-friendly.
You might also want to take note of whether your dog’s preferred type of food can be purchased nearby, and whether there are options available to you if you run into medical emergencies abroad. Many museums and tourist attractions in even the most dog-friendly cities won’t allow dogs, so take that into account when planning your trips.
Finally, when booking your flight, research each airline’s pet policies to see whether your pup will be able to fly with you in the cabin or if they’ll be required to fly in the hold.
What to pack
When it comes to packing for a trip with your dog, there’s a lot to think about, too! There’s a long list of things that will make your dog more comfortable on the road, and it’s just as important to pack for their needs as it is for your own – if not more.
Bringing a harness, leash, and carrier are a must, as well as a collar with detailed contact information in the case of any emergencies. Depending on your dog’s breed and temperament, you might want to bring a muzzle as well, as some places might require it.
Pack some outfits for your dog to keep it warm in case of wet or cold weather, and a small towel and grooming essentials to freshen them up after long days of exploring. Bring a good amount of your dog’s preferred food to help them adjust and prevent them from getting an upset stomach.
Having some of your dog’s favourite things, like bowls and toys, will help comfort them and make things feel more familiar. And while plastic bags and poop bags are probably readily available in Europe, dog owners know that carrying a few extra will always come in handy.
How to fly with a dog
This is one of the trickiest parts of travelling with your pet, and it’s incredibly important to do your research here. Consider the airline that you’re flying with, and inquire about their track records and policies regarding pets.
Book a direct flight to make sure your travel time is as short as possible without transfers. When it comes to flying, having your dog with you in the cabin is ideal, but depending on the airline’s requirements and your dog’s size, they will need to be transported in the cargo or the hold.
While it’s important to remember that many animals are transported this way every day without any issues, having them fly on their own can be anxiety-inducing for you and hard for your pet. If your dog needs to be flown in the hold or the cargo, feed them at least a few hours before the flight so that they will have time to relieve themselves before the flight.
In the weeks leading up to the flight, train your pet in a cargo crate and make sure your pet will be comfortable being alone inside for the duration of the flight. Never sedate your pet before a flight, and if your dog is a brachycephalic breed, it might best to avoid flying if they’re not allowed in the cabin, as these snub-nosed breeds have trouble breathing in high altitudes.
Where to go in Europe
Most of Europe loves dogs, and will happily welcome your furry friend. Germany, France, and Italy are three of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe, with a great selection of accommodation and the option of bringing your dog with you in most restaurants, stores, and public transportation.
Go for a walk in one of Berlin’s many parks, most of which welcome dogs, or you can even visit the famous archaeological site of Pompeii with your pup in tow.
Austria, Belgium, Prague, Latvia and the Netherlands are also quite dog-friendly, charging small fees for public transportation and allowing them in most public spaces. You’ll love exploring the Keukenhof Gardens or Prague’s Old Town with your furry friend, and enjoying a meal on a sunlit patio in Bruges or Vienna.
While still dog-friendly, you’ll find more of a challenge in Ireland and Spain, with varying attitudes towards dog visitors and a limited amount of accommodation and public spaces that will allow your dog to enter.
While travelling with your dog requires preparation and planning, it can be an incredibly worthwhile experience. Where in Europe will you take your furry friend?
