Traveling in Europe with your dog
Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Estonia… so many destinations that make you want to pack your bags. How to travel in Europe with your dog? What papers for my dog? What vaccines are required? What are the rules?
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Many Wouafer's have already left to explore Europe with their dog! And according to their feedback, they all shared a great vacation with their pet. Do you want to discover one or more European destinations with your dog? Take the plunge: here is everything you need to know to best prepare for your trip. Which passport for my dog? Which vaccines are compulsory? Does his vaccination record have to be up to date? How should my dog travel abroad: in a transport crate? tied up in the car? Are these the same rules for my dog in Spain or Austria? In Italy or in Germany? Let's review together! It's not a few administrative hassles that will prevent you from traveling with your dog! Word of Wouafer's!
Traveling in Europe with my dog: what are the rules?
Crossing borders is always a bit worrying… You leave your country, its language, its customs, its habits… Traveling with your dog in Europe is quite simple. There are some common rules to follow and sometimes some special rules for certain countries. I am not going to give you here the list of the particularities of each European country! It would be way too tedious. But I have a good plan for you! A super practical site on which you can find precise information country by country.
YourEurope is the site to find all your information. Published by the European Commission, it is the reference site for everything you need to know about traveling in Europe with your dog or even more broadly with your animal.
From the main page of the site, you are offered a search form that is rather simple to use. Select “European citizen” then the country you are interested in then the theme “traveling in the EU” and you should be able to select the item Traveling in the EU with animals/plants, alcohol, tobacco and cigarettes … You will find precise information on the country in question and the rules in force for your dog.
Your Europe is an EU site designed to facilitate your administrative procedures within Europe and to avoid unnecessary administrative problems and hassles. The site is your point of information whether you are a citizen or a business. Whether you are going to another country for the holidays with your dog or even to settle there, work or study there, you will find all the useful information online.
In general, to travel with your dog in Europe, your dog must:
- have an up-to-date vaccination record of ALL their vaccines and in particular that of rabies which is compulsory
- have a valid European passport for inter-Europe travel
- be identified (it is compulsory in France and throughout Europe) by an active electronic chip or a tattoo. How to check that your dog's microchip is active? By having it scanned by your veterinarian. He can then check the information available on your dog's identity card such as your name and contact details.
- be careful if you are traveling with more than 5 animals; there are specific rules to observe. They must all be over 6 months old and you must be able to prove that they are taking part in a competition or an exhibition.
In any case, a short visit to the veterinarian is essential before your trip to check that everything is in order for your animal. This recommendation will save you a lot of questions.
Top 3 trips to take in Europe with your dog
Let's put administrative concerns aside and talk about travel! Where to go in Europe with your dog? What are the destinations to discover with your dog?
What I envy the influencers who travel around Europe and even the world in their fitted van with their dog. They live crazy experiences with their dog! What an exhilarating life. One day Italy, the next day Germany and on a whim they go eat a good waffle in Brussels! If Musher and I can't live these experiences, we live them by proxy by following the Instagram accounts of these Wouafer's roadtrip lovers! And as soon as they return, we take great pleasure in interviewing them.
I have selected 3 great European destinations for you to discover with your dog. Preparing in advance for a big trip is important. Not all Europeans have the same relationship with their dog as the French do, and it's important to know that. For example, in Portugal, there are far fewer companion dogs. Dogs are instead used to stand guard. Thus, you will come across few dogs in town or at the beach. Depending on the country, dogs do not have the same place in society. Thus, in some countries, do not be surprised to meet dogs with a different upbringing because they are not companion dogs. And you may also come across a lot of more or less wild stray dogs or cats.
Going abroad can be scary. So why not choose the all-inclusive dog-trip formula?! This is what Charles Ariza, a polar guide who has imagined all-inclusive trips for masters and dogs across Sweden, offers. Discover Sweden in a small group and accompanied! This is a formula that allows you to travel in complete safety. Charles offers trips in spring or autumn: two seasons where the temperatures do not require special equipment. It is then easy to travel with your dog. All activities planned during the stay are dog-friendly. Let yourself be guided and live the Swedish experience with your dog. Learn more about the dog trip in sweden.
Let's change latitude and go to the Sweden of Europe this time: heading for Italy with his dog. I interviewed Laure and Joe! A shocking duo! Leaving by car, they explored the Great Lakes region of Italy. Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Iséo… I recommend that you read their travelogue: you will discover all their tips for preparing your next stay in Italy with your dog. Learn more about the great lakes region in italy.
And finally, I take you to Germany. Florence and Naya regularly go on vacation to Germany together and come back delighted each time! Beach, montagne, lake, plain, forest, castle, old town, the choice is huge there and there really is plenty to do. Despite several trips, they are far from having made the rounds. Florence chose this country because she had seen, thanks to Instagram, that it was very open for van trips with dogs. So that's how their experience in Germany began! Learn more about his trips to Germany with his dog
And to finish this very complete article, here are two additional tips for your future trips to Europe with your dog :
- On vacation abroad, wearing a leash is essential. Your dog is not at home. If it escapes you, it will be even more complicated to find it.
- If necessary, ask your host if he knows a good veterinarian or look at the reviews on google maps. Before leaving, also check with your liability insurance that your dog is well informed. And also read your mutual animal health contract to find out how any veterinary costs you may have abroad will be covered. It can still be used.
(This article was posted as part of a commercial collaboration)