June 21, 2026, 5:19 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Traveling with dogs has long been a part of summer for many pet owners. Whether it’s a beach vacation, hiking trip, or a stay in a vacation home–ensuring a successful getaway for both humans and their four-legged friends requires careful planning. Not every destination, accommodation, or mode of transport is suitable for every dog.
Choosing the Right Destination for Your Dog
For many dog owners, it’s a given that their pet will join them on vacation. “That’s fundamentally a good thing because the dog is simply part of the family,” says Beate Kluth, who has been arranging dog-friendly accommodations and organizing group trips for dog owners for 26 years.
However, thorough preparation is crucial to ensure the trip is enjoyable for everyone involved. When choosing a vacation spot, the dog’s needs should be a priority. “I shouldn’t just look at what I like, but it also has to suit my dog,” she says.
Breed, age, and physical condition play an important role. Health limitations must also be considered. Those traveling with older or physically limited dogs should check whether the planned activities are actually suitable.
Check Beach Rules Before Booking
A seaside vacation spot doesn’t automatically mean ideal conditions for dogs. “A beach in Denmark or Holland isn’t automatically suitable for a dog vacation,” says Kluth.
Different regulations apply to many coasts. “There are beaches where dogs are only allowed until 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.,” says Kluth. “And in some places, dogs may be allowed on the beach but not in the water. That can be very disappointing.”
Additional restrictions may be linked to environmental regulations. “Communities often advertise with the ‘Blue Flag’ award to indicate their water is particularly clean,” says the dog travel expert. However, this may mean that dogs must maintain a minimum distance of 200 meters from the water.
The regulations can vary significantly. “It sometimes varies from community to community or even by season,” says Kluth.
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How Dog-Friendly Is the Accommodation Really?
It’s also worth taking a closer look at the details of vacation homes, hotels, or apartments. The term “dog-friendly” can be interpreted very differently.
A fenced property, for example, doesn’t automatically provide safety. Owners should also check whether terraces or outdoor areas are separated from neighboring accommodations. This can be especially important if your dog is sensitive to strangers or other animals.
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Documents, Medications, and Emergency Planning
When traveling abroad, dog owners should check the respective entry requirements early. These include vaccination requirements, possible muzzle obligations, and regulations for taking dogs on public transport.
Additionally, a well-equipped travel pharmacy is recommended.
Basic equipment includes disinfectants, bandages, a thermometer, and the dog’s regularly needed medications. The veterinarian also recommends an eye wash solution, pain relievers, a remedy for swelling after insect bites, and a herbal preparation for diarrhea.
Car, Train, or Plane
The choice of transport also significantly affects the dog’s well-being. Veterinarian Ursula von Einem sees the greatest stress for the animal when flying. “If possible, you should not take an animal on a flight,” she says.
When traveling by car or train, sufficient breaks should be planned to ensure the dog copes well with the journey. If severe stress occurs during the trip, medication can help calm the dog in exceptional cases.
With material from dpa