Unleashing adventure: a guide to dog-friendly traveling
4 Paws Team

In recent years, there’s been a great shift in the travel landscape—one that involves more wagging tails and wet noses accompanying adventurers on their journeys. As pet owners increasingly seek to include their furry babies in their travel plans, the concept of dog-friendly travel has blossomed into a full-fledged movement. But how do you make it happen? Let’s find out together!

Travel documents

First things first, planning is key. Embarking on a European adventure with your fur baby is a pawsome prospect, but it does require some preparation. Before you start packing your bags, make sure your pet is ready to hit the road too! You’ll need to get a dog passport and a health certificate from your local vet, ensuring your pup is all set to explore new territories.

Car, train or airplane?

Now, when it comes to choosing how to travel, different companies have different rules. For example, SBB loves having dogs of all shapes and sizes on their trains, and they even offer a special half-price ticket for your furry friend. Swiss Airlines is another great option—they let small dogs up to 8 kilograms travel in the cabin with you, while bigger pups ride in the cargo hold.

Just remember, your dog will require their own ticket for the journey, so be sure to check with the airline directly to make arrangements. And hey, don’t worry if it all seems a bit overwhelming at first. Trust us, the joy of watching your pup running on a sunny beach or exploring a new city will make every bit of preparation worth it!

Packing essentials

Packing the right travel essentials for your fur baby will help make the trip easier for you and more enjoyable for them. Consider taking familiar food, healthy treats, medication, favorite dog toys, and a snuggly blankie. While many hotels, from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, offer dog services and provide dog beds or water bowls, your dog will appreciate having familiar items from home. If you are planning an active holiday, don’t forget to pack a grooming kit, especially if there will be a lot of swimming, splashing, or hiking.

But most importantly, enjoy the journey! The best part of dog-friendly travel is making memories together, whether it’s chasing waves on the beach or cuddling up under the stars. So get out there and have fun exploring the world with your four-legged friend by your side!