travel europe by car with dog

Driving Through Europe with a Dog: The Ultimate Guide

Are you traveling in europe with a dog.

We asked nomad expert Julie from WarrenJulieTravel for her top tips on how to get around with your pups .

Embarking on a European adventure is a dream for many people, and what better way to experience the diverse landscapes, cultures, and cuisines of this continent than by hitting the road with your faithful fur baby?

Driving through Europe by car with a dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering flexibility, freedom, and the opportunity to create unforgettable memories together. However, it requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry friends.

We have been doing this now for over three years and have first-hand experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of traveling Europe by car with dogs.

Youtubers Warren and Julie in front of European ruins with their two dogs

Paperwork for Driving in Europe with a Dog

Before setting off on your road trip, make sure you have all your paperwork ready for driving in Europe with a dog. Thorough preparation is essential. Start by meticulously researching the rules and regulations for traveling with a dog in the countries you plan to visit.

While most European countries welcome dogs, each may have different requirements regarding vaccinations, microchipping, and documentation . It’s crucial to comply with these regulations to avoid any complications during your journey.

Ensure your dogs are up to date on vaccinations, including rabies , as this is typically a requirement for entry into most European countries. The three-year rabies vaccination is not recognized in Europe, so opt for the one-year rabies vaccination prior to your travels.

Additionally, consider obtaining an EU Pet Passport , which consolidates your pet’s health records and facilitates travel within the European Union. We were able to obtain ours without residency in the European country of Bulgaria.

I highly recommend you contact the veterinarian’s office and inquire whether they will issue the EU pet passport. The issue most people seem to face is not having a European address. A suggestion to overcome this hurdle is to use the address where you are staying in the country.

Pro Tip: The country of Spain is known for having the easiest rules for obtaining the EU pet passport, so if your itinerary can include Spain, it may behoove you to consider traveling there first.

Most importantly if your travels have you entering any of the Balkan countries and then entering EU countries, obtaining the rabies titer test is mandatory.

Check the regulations for countries throughout Europe here .

Tips for Car Hire in Europe with a Dog

1. dog-friendly .

Before booking a car for your trip, verify with the car hire company in Europe whether they permit dogs to accompany you during the ride. Numerous car hire companies have restrictions against allowing dogs inside their vehicles.

If dogs are permitted, carefully review all terms and conditions before booking, as there may be additional fees involved.

Pro Tip: Thoroughly review all terms and geographical limitations. Some companies impose significant fines for crossing international borders not included in the rental agreement.

2.Sliding Doors

If feasible, opt for a car hire equipped with sliding doors. Parking spaces in Europe tend to be narrow, posing challenges in opening traditional doors for dogs to exit or be lifted out. This choice can minimize the risk of inadvertently damaging adjacent vehicles.

3.Choose a Compact Car

In Europe, prioritizing smaller cars facilitates simpler parking and maneuvering through exceedingly narrow streets. Contemplate hiring the smallest car that accommodates both you and your dog comfortably, while still enabling parking in tight spaces and navigating through narrow alleyways and crowded streets with ease.

4.Fuel Efficiency

Fuel in Europe is extremely expensive . When selecting a rental car, look for a fuel-efficient vehicle that will still allow you to have plenty of cargo space to fit your gear and your dog.

Couple holding their two small dogs in front of a bridge in Romania

Essential Packing for an EU Road Trip with a Dog

Packing for your dog is just as important as packing for yourself. Here are some essential items to bring along for your road trip with a dog.

1. Food and Water

Pack enough food for the duration of your trip, as well as collapsible bowls and plenty of water to keep your dog hydrated during long drives.

As we travel full time with our fur children, we carry a one month’s supply of kibble in our car from destination to destination. It is important that you research the brand that you are using for availability. We have opted for Farmina N and D because it is most often readily available throughout Western Europe as well as the Balkans.

Traveling by car allows us to also provide homemade dog food for our pups. We travel with a plug-in cooler that keeps the dog food cold and is also great for anything we need to refrigerate along the way.

2. Bedding and Comfort

Bring along your dogs’ favorite blankets or bedding to provide them with a sense of familiarity and comfort in unfamiliar surroundings. One of the perks of traveling by car is the ability to carry your personal possessions. Our dogs love their beds and ride far more smoothly on each adventure when these are placed in the back seat.

3. Safety Gear

Invest in a sturdy harness or seat belt restraint to secure your dog safely in the car. This is a mandatory requirement in several countries within the EU as well as the UK.

Check out this guide to help your pet feel more comfortable in the car .

Additionally, consider bringing a travel crate for times when your dogs need to be confined, such as during hotel stays. In the beginning of our travels, we used a crate in every place we stayed. After several months of traveling, we felt comfortable leaving them alone and unconfined. We tested them for short periods of time to ensure they were ready for this type of freedom.

4. Health and First Aid Kit

Pack a first aid kit specifically for your dogs, including items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. One thing is for sure, when you travel with dogs, the unexpected can and will always happen!

5. Toys and Entertainment

Keep your dogs entertained during long stretches of driving by bringing along their favorite toys or puzzle feeders to keep their minds stimulated. Our dogs appreciate the familiarity of their toys. When we arrive to a new place that is unfamiliar to them, their eyes light up when they see their toys. It is like home to them.

Couple eating at an outdoor restaurant with a small dog in the lap. Ocean in the background

Plan Your Road Trip with Your Dog

When planning your route, consider your dogs’ needs and preferences and opt for scenic routes with plenty of opportunities for rest stops and outdoor activities.

One of our favorite strategies is to pack a picnic lunch in our plug-in cooler for long stretches between countries. It is the perfect way to give them a nice respite from monotony and saves us a bit of money too!

Research dog-friendly attractions, parks, and hiking trails along the way to ensure your furry companions get plenty of exercise and stimulation during your journey.

Dog Friendly Accommodation in Europe

Finding dog friendly accommodation is crucial when traveling with a dog in Europe. Fortunately, many hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals across the continent welcome dogs. However, it’s essential to confirm pet policies and any additional fees or restrictions beforehand.

Websites and apps specializing in dog friendly accommodations can be valuable resources for finding suitable places to stay. Make sure you read the fine print of each lodging option. On more than one occasion, we were surprised to find that the place we were staying in was imposing a daily dog fee.

If it is a long-term stay, consider reaching out to the host and negotiating before booking. We have found several places that restrict the size and quantity of dogs allowed in their rentals.

Be Respectful and Responsible and Clean Up After Your Dog

While exploring Europe with your dogs, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and regulations regarding pets. Always clean up after your dogs and dispose of waste properly. In many of the western countries in Europe, fines are imposed for failure to clean after your pet.

Keep your dogs leashed in public areas unless otherwise indicated, and be mindful of other travelers, wildlife, and residents.

How to Find a Vet in Europe

Finally, prepare for emergencies by researching veterinary clinics and pet hospitals along your route. Save emergency contact numbers for veterinarians and animal control agencies in each country you plan to visit.

During our travels, we had three emergency visits. The care we have received has been excellent and far less expensive than we had in the United States.

Pro Tip: Google maps has been very helpful for us during these situations. We simply type in veterinarian near me and look for the best reviewed.

Final Thoughts: Traveling in Europe by Car with Dogs

Traveling Europe by car with dogs can be an enriching and memorable experience for both you and your furry companions. With careful planning, preparation, and a sense of adventure, you can create unforgettable moments exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of this beautiful continent together. So, pack up the car, buckle up your pups, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!

Do you need help getting your dogs to Europe? I share everything you need to know about flying with small and big dogs

About the author: Julie and Warren have been traveling with their two dogs in Ecuador and Europe for 4 years. They purchased a car for their slow travels around their continent. If you are interested in slow travel or a nomadic lifestyle, subscribe to their YouTube channel to learn tons of tips and tricks. They also provide resources if you are looking for international health insurance .

—–We love traveling and we love our dogs

It’s not always easy to combine the two especially when that means getting on flights or crossing borders. We brought our first dog from Kenya to California, and a few years later she went with us to Ecuador before returning to California where we settled down for a while. Now we are gearing up for a new adventure as we look to bring Sam and Denver on our next global journey. This site is a gift of love to my dogs and to others who love their pets so much, they can’t imagine leaving them behind

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A Canine Companion’s Guide to European Road Trips: How to Travel Europe by Car with Your Dog

How to Travel Europe by Car with Your Dog

Greetings, travelers and dog lovers! Are you prepared for a memorable European road trip, with your furry companion joining in the adventure? Exploring Europe’s beautiful landscapes and cultural riches with your dog is undeniably exciting. However, it requires a combination of fun planning and practical preparation. Let’s explore how you can ensure a smooth, enjoyable journey for both you and your four-legged friend.

Before deciding to bring your pet to Europe, make sure to understand the additional costs involved and ensure you can accommodate these in your budget. Note that service dogs and emotional support animals are usually exempt from fees and cabin restrictions. If you’re traveling with such a companion, remember to check with your airline and submit the necessary paperwork before your flight.

1. Selecting Your Four-Wheeled Companion:

Choosing a Car: If your European adventure spans several months or more, purchasing a car could be a smart choice. Services like CarTurf (hello, mycarturf.com!) offer a variety of vehicles ideal for your road trip. Remember, comfort for your dog,or any animal, and storage space for your gear are just as important as fuel efficiency and reliability.

CarTurf recommends searching for a car that will suit your needs, budget and preferences at mobile.de for a good start. CarTurf can direct you in this process or you can go at it alone, it’s up to you. The benefit to using CarTurf is that they can help you buy and register the car remotely so the car is ready upon arrival.

Registering Your Vehicle: Once you’ve chosen and purchased a car, it’s time to make it official by getting it insured and registered. The process requires having an address in Europe so let CarTurf handle that part. CarTurf will guide you through the essential steps, ensuring all your paperwork is in order even before you arrive in Europe.

Dog-Friendly Car Essentials: Safety and comfort are paramount for your pet. Invest in a sturdy dog seat belt, a spill-proof water bowl, and a cozy bed or blanket for those long drives.

2. The Essential Paperwork:

Microchipping: A mandatory requirement in Europe. Check that your dog’s microchip adheres to the ISO 11784/11785 standards.

Pet Passport and Heath Certificate: A non-negotiable for canine travel in Europe. These documents are indispensable for pet travel within European countries, ensuring your dog meets all health and vaccination requirements.

The pet passport documents your dog’s microchip number, rabies vaccination, and other pertinent health information, while the health certificate, often required for entry into certain countries, confirms your pet’s overall health and fitness for travel. Ensure everything is up to date to avoid any travel hiccups.

Travel Insurance: While optional, it’s a wise decision to cover your pet. This can be a lifesaver for unforeseen veterinary needs.

Understanding Restrictions: Awareness of European countries’ specific regulations regarding dangerous or banned breeds is essential. Some countries have restrictions or outright bans on certain breeds, so it’s vital to check these regulations before your trip. This knowledge can help you plan your route and accommodations accordingly, avoiding any complications during your travel.

3. Crafting a Tail-Wagging Itinerary:

Planning and Mapping Your Journey: Europe is brimming with dog-friendly destinations, from serene beaches to lush hiking trails. Plot a route that offers a balance of excitement for you and your dog. If you’re most comfortable in certain climates and temperatures, pay attention to the locations and average temperatures at different times of the year.

The freedom of movement within the Schengen Area makes European travel with pets more accessible. Plan your travel days considering the distance and time you’ll spend on the road to ensure a comfortable journey for your pet. Scheduling rest stops every few hours allows your dog to stretch, relieve themselves, and enjoy a bit of playtime, making the travel experience enjoyable for both of you.

See some great recommendations on destinations with your dog at https://mycarturf.com/europes-most-paw-some-road-trip-adventures-with-your-furry-co-pilot/.

Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Europe offers a wealth of dog-friendly accommodations, from hotels and Airbnb to campsites that welcome pets. Research and book these accommodations in advance, paying attention to any additional cost of bringing your pet. Ensure the places you choose are well-suited to your dog’s needs, providing enough space and comfort to relax after a day of travel.

Understanding Local Dog Regulations: Each country has its unique set of rules for canine visitors. Familiarize yourself with these to ensure a smooth journey.

4. On-the-Road Wellness:

Routine Breaks: Regular stops are crucial for your dog’s well-being. Plan your journey with ample opportunities for your dog to stretch, play, and relieve itself.

Avoid Leaving Your Dog in the Car: This is a serious no-go. Cars can rapidly heat up, posing a significant risk to your pet.

Emergency Preparedness: Carry a doggy first-aid kit and have a list of vets along your route. It’s always better to be prepared for any situation.

Always keep a list of contact details for veterinaries, pet emergency services, and embassies within reach. Whether it’s for routine check-ups or unexpected situations, having these contacts can provide peace of mind during your days of travel. Additionally, consider carrying a list of pet-friendly assistance services in case you need support or guidance while on the road.

5. Maximizing Your Travel Experience:

Balancing Activities: Diversify your travel with a blend of driving and outdoor activities. Europe’s natural beauty is a playground for your dog, from the Alpine trails to Mediterranean shores.

Socializing Your Dog: Take advantage of Europe’s dog-friendly cafes and parks. It’s a great way for your dog to interact and enjoy new experiences.

Capture the Moments: Document your journey. These photos and videos will become cherished memories of your shared adventures.

Conclusion:

Traveling through Europe by car with your dog is a unique and enriching experience that requires thoughtful preparation. From the rugged landscapes of Portugal to the ancient allure of Greece, the memories forged on this journey will last a lifetime. With the right planning, preparation, and a touch of patience, you’re all set for a road trip that promises to be as fulfilling as it is delightful. So, pack your bags (and dog treats) and embark on an adventure that’s sure to be paw-sitively fantastic! 🚗🐾🌍

Marcus is from Oregon, USA and has more than 20 years' experience abroad in Russia, Germany, Turkey and other countries. He finds the best of each country and shares that with others whether they are expats, digital nomads or travelers.

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9 Best Places to Travel with a Dog in Europe [Mega Guide]

Imagine embarking on a getaway with your furry best friend, where every moment is a joyful adventure! 💭 We've shared the most dog-friendly countries of Europe & some other useful insights to be aware of. Read on and get ready for your adventure! ✈️ 🐶

Are you dreaming of exploring Europe's charming cities, picturesque landscapes, and rich history? Well, good news! You can do it all with your four-legged companion by your side.

Traveling with a dog in Europe is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. In this guide, we'll walk you through a list of the most dog-friendly destinations in Europe. So, grab your leash, and let's embark on a European adventure like no other!

🐾 Can You Travel Around Europe with a Dog? Absolutely! Europe is known for its pet-friendly culture and welcoming attitude towards dogs. From strolling through historic streets to hiking in breathtaking mountains, there's a world of possibilities for you and your furry travel buddy.

Table of Contents

What is the Most Pet-Friendly Country in Europe?

Where can i take my dog in europe, what is the best way to travel long distance with a dog, plan your pawsome european adventure, 🇫🇷 france - paris: a pet-friendly adventure, 🇮🇹 italy - rome: a roman holiday with your pooch, 🇪🇸 spain - barcelona: a bark-tastic getaway, 🇩🇪 germany - berlin: a dog-friendly exploration, 🇳🇱 netherlands - amsterdam: canine adventures in the dutch capital, 🇦🇹 austria - vienna: an austrian adventure with your pup, 🇨🇭 switzerland - zurich: alpine adventures with your canine companion, 🇭🇷 croatia - split: coastal adventures with your four-legged friend, 🇵🇹 portugal - lisbon: coastal charm with your canine companion, what are the requirements for a dog to travel to europe.

Is Europe More Dog-Friendly Than America?
Final thoughts

Spain boasts numerous dog-friendly beaches, parks, and hiking trails, ensuring your pup can enjoy the great outdoors. Many restaurants and cafes in Spain also welcome dogs on their outdoor terraces, allowing you to savor delicious Spanish cuisine with your loyal companion by your side.

Determining the most pet-friendly country in Europe can be subjective and dependent on various factors. While the UK is known for its pet-friendly culture and laws, there are other European countries that also excel in being pet-friendly.

Below are a few countries in Europe that are known for their pet-friendly attitudes and policies.

Here's a list of 10 b est places to travel with a dog in Europe:

Car : Traveling by car can be one of the most convenient options when you have a dog. You have control over the environment, and it allows for more flexibility. Be sure to secure your dog safely with a harness or crate while driving. Also, plan regular breaks for your dog to stretch, drink water, and relieve itself.
Trains : Many train services in Europe are pet-friendly, especially smaller regional trains. Larger trains, like high-speed trains, may have specific rules, so it's essential to check with the train company in advance. Generally, small dogs may be allowed to travel in a carrier or bag, while larger dogs might need a leash and muzzle.
Buses : Local buses often allow small dogs to travel in a carrier or bag. Larger dogs may be required to wear a muzzle and leash. Check with the bus company for specific rules.
Flights : If you're traveling a long distance, flying may be necessary. Airlines have varying policies on traveling with pets in the cabin or as cargo. Smaller dogs may be allowed in the cabin if they fit in an airline-approved carrier. Larger dogs may need to be transported as cargo, which requires additional planning and considerations for their safety and comfort.
Ferries : If you're traveling to an island or coastal destination, ferries may be an option. Many ferries allow dogs, but rules and facilities can vary, so it's advisable to check in advance.
Public Transportation : In cities, public transportation policies for pets can vary widely. Some cities are very pet-friendly, while others may have restrictions or require pets to be in a carrier. Research the public transportation policies of your specific destination.
Walking and Hiking : If you plan to explore a city or go hiking, walking is often the best mode of transportation for your dog. Be sure to check leash laws and any local regulations regarding dogs in public spaces.
Rental Cars : When renting a car, inquire about the rental company's pet policy. Many rental companies allow pets, but some may charge an additional fee or have specific requirements.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, it's essential to prepare in advance. Ensure your dog is comfortable with the chosen method, and bring necessary supplies like food, water, waste bags, and a familiar blanket or toy to help them feel at ease during the journey. Always check the specific pet policies and regulations of the transportation provider or destination you plan to visit to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for both you and your dog.

Speaking of travel adventures with your four-legged companion, we've crafted an amazing app just for you! It will guide you to dog-friendly destinations and exciting activities, spill the beans on pet-welcoming hotels and dining spots, and even help you sort out transportation.

☑ Customized itineraries for you and your furry friend

☑ Dog-friendly accommodations, transport, and restaurants

☑ Expert travel tips and advice

We did some research for some short itineraries in the countries mentioned above with the most pet-friendly locations to help you better decide your next trip with your pup:

Day 1: Arrival in the City of Love - PARIS 💕

Accommodation : Welcome to Paris! Check into Le Meurice, a luxurious hotel known for its pet-friendly hospitality.
Transport : Paris is a pedestrian-friendly city. Explore neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre with your furry friend.
Food : Begin your culinary journey at Le Saint Régis, a charming riverside restaurant that welcomes pets.
Attractions : Visit Montmartre and let your dog play in the pet-friendly Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

Day 2: Parisian Delights 🥐

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at Le Meurice, where your pet is pampered.
Transport : Paris is incredibly pet-friendly for public transport. Dogs are allowed on buses, trams, and the metro.
Food : Savor French delights at Le Volpi e l'Uva, a dog-friendly wine bar with an inviting outdoor terrace.
Attractions : Explore the magnificent Palace of Versailles, where your leashed dog can join you in the gardens.

Day 3: Riviera Bliss 🛥

Accommodation : Head south to Nice on the French Riviera and stay at the pet-friendly Hotel Negresco.
Transport : Stroll along the pet-friendly Promenade des Anglais and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Food : Dine at Le Plongeoir, a restaurant with a pet-friendly terrace hanging over the sea.
Attractions : Discover the pet-friendly Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and take a scenic walk along the Mediterranean coast.

Day 1: Embrace the Eternal City - ROME 🏛

Accommodation : Settle into the pet-friendly comforts of the Hotel Artemide in the heart of Rome.
Transport : Explore Rome's historic center on foot, with your dog by your side.
Food : Satisfy your appetite with traditional Italian cuisine at Tazza d'Oro, a cafe with pet-friendly outdoor tables.
Attractions : Wander to the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum, where dogs are typically allowed on leashes.

Day 2: Florence - The Artistic Gem 🛵

Accommodation : Travel to Florence and enjoy a pet-friendly stay at Hotel Savoy.
Transport : Discover the city's artistic treasures on foot or hire a pet-friendly taxi for convenience.
Food : Sip on wine and savor Tuscan flavors at Le Volpi e l'Uva, a wine bar that welcomes canine companions.
Attractions : Explore the stunning Boboli Gardens, a peaceful oasis where dogs are welcome.

Day 3: Venetian Adventures 🎭

Accommodation : Conclude your Italian journey in Venice at Bauer Palazzo, where pets are treated with love and care.
Transport : Venice is a pedestrian paradise, and your dog can join you on water taxis and vaporettos.
Food : Indulge in fresh seafood at Al Timon, a pet-friendly restaurant with Grand Canal views.
Attractions : Treat your furry friend to a dog-friendly gondola ride and visit the historic Doge's Palace.

Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona 🎢

Accommodation : Start your adventure at Hotel Arts Barcelona, where pets are embraced.
Transport : Barcelona is pedestrian-friendly, and your dog can accompany you on public transport.
Food : Head to Can Majo, a beachfront restaurant with pet-friendly outdoor seating, for a delicious meal.
Attractions : Begin with a visit to Park Güell, where your dog can join you on its many pathways.

Day 2: Exploring the City 🌆

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at Hotel Arts Barcelona, a pet-friendly haven.
Transport : Explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods and attractions, like the Gothic Quarter and Sagrada Familia.
Food : Discover pet-friendly cafes like El Jardi de l'Abadessa and indulge in Spanish flavors.
Attractions : Take a leisurely walk through the picturesque streets of El Born, stopping for tapas along the way.

Day 3: Beachside Relaxation 🏖

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Barcelona at the Meliá Barcelona Sky.
Transport : Take your dog to the pet-friendly Barceloneta Beach for a relaxing day by the sea.
Food : Enjoy seafood at Salamanca, a restaurant that offers pet-friendly terrace seating.
Attractions : Wrap up your trip with a visit to the Montjuïc Castle and its dog-friendly grounds.

Day 1: Welcome to Berlin 🍻

Accommodation : Start your adventure in Berlin at the pet-friendly Hotel Adlon Kempinski.
Transport : Berlin is a dog-friendly city. Use public transport, or explore on foot with your furry companion.
Food : Experience the city's pet-friendly cafe culture at locations like Café am Neuen See.
Attractions : Begin with a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial, which allows leashed dogs.

Day 2: Art and Culture in Berlin 🏰

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, where your pet is treated with care.
Transport : Explore the city's many art galleries, museums, and historical sites with your dog.
Food : Savor German cuisine at dog-friendly restaurants like Prater Garten.
Attractions : Visit Tiergarten, a massive urban park where your dog can roam freely.

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation 🌳 🥨

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Berlin at Hotel Adlon Kempinski.
Transport : Take a leisurely stroll along the Spree River or enjoy a pet-friendly boat tour.
Food : Wrap up your trip with a meal at Das Lokal, a pet-friendly restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere.
Attractions : Explore Grunewald Forest, where your dog can join you on scenic hikes.

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam 🌿

Accommodation : Start your Dutch adventure at the pet-friendly Pulitzer Amsterdam.
Transport : Dogs are allowed on trams and ferries in Amsterdam, making it easy to get around.
Food : Explore pet-friendly cafes and restaurants in the city, like Café Hegeraad.
Attractions : Take a relaxing stroll along the picturesque canals with your dog.

Day 2: Exploring Amsterdam 🚲

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at the Pulitzer Amsterdam, where pets are treated like family.
Transport : Continue your exploration of Amsterdam's charming neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.
Food : Indulge in Dutch cuisine at dog-friendly spots like Cafe-Restaurant De Ysbreeker.
Attractions : Visit the famous Anne Frank House, where your leashed dog is welcome in the courtyard.

Day 3: Parks and Canals 🥏 🌳

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Amsterdam at the Pulitzer Amsterdam.
Transport : Explore Amsterdam's famous parks and canals, where your dog can join you on leisurely walks.
Food : Wrap up your culinary experience at a pet-friendly eatery like Waterkant.
Attractions : Discover Vondelpark, a pet-friendly oasis, and take a scenic boat tour on the canals with your dog.

Day 1: Arrival in Vienna ☕️ 🐕

Accommodation : Begin your Austrian adventure at the pet-friendly Hotel Sans Souci Wien.
Transport : Vienna's public transport system is pet-friendly. Leash up your dog and hop on trams and buses.
Food : Enjoy a Viennese coffeehouse experience at pet-friendly cafes like Café Schwarzenberg.
Attractions : Start with a visit to the historic Hofburg Palace and its dog-friendly gardens.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration 🕍

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at Hotel Sans Souci Wien, where your pet is warmly welcomed.
Transport : Explore Vienna's cultural treasures, including museums, palaces, and the historic city center.
Food : Savor Austrian dishes at pet-friendly restaurants like Figlmüller Wollzeile.
Attractions : Visit the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, a vast area where dogs are allowed on leash.

Day 3: Vienna's Green Spaces 🌱

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Vienna at Hotel Sans Souci Wien.
Transport : Take your dog to Prater Park, an expansive green space perfect for leisurely walks.
Food : Wrap up your Austrian culinary journey at a pet-friendly dining spot like Gasthaus Pöschl.
Attractions : Explore Belvedere Palace and its dog-friendly grounds before bidding Vienna farewell.

Day 1: Welcome to Zurich 🇨🇭

Accommodation : Start your Swiss adventure at the pet-friendly Baur au Lac.
Transport : Zurich is pet-friendly when it comes to public transport. Dogs are allowed on trams and trains.
Food : Experience Swiss cuisine at pet-friendly cafes like Schwarzenbach.
Attractions : Begin with a leisurely walk along Lake Zurich's promenade with your dog.

Day 2: Exploring Zurich 🎒🗻

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at the Baur au Lac, where pets are treated with care.
Transport : Explore Zurich's cultural and historical sites, including the Old Town and museums.
Food : Indulge in Swiss fondue at dog-friendly restaurants like Swiss Chuchi.
Attractions : Take a scenic hike in the nearby Swiss Alps, with your dog by your side.

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation 🍃 🦋 🐕

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Zurich at the Baur au Lac.
Transport : Enjoy a peaceful day by pristine lakes in the Swiss countryside, accessible by train with your dog.
Food : Wrap up your Swiss culinary journey at a pet-friendly eatery like Zeughauskeller.
Attractions : Discover the beauty of Uetliberg Mountain, a pet-friendly hiking destination with panoramic views.

Day 1: Arrival in Split 🌞

Accommodation : Begin your Croatian journey at the pet-friendly Hotel Park Split.
Transport : Stroll along the pet-friendly Split waterfront and explore the city's historic center.
Food : Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at dog-friendly restaurants like Bokeria Kitchen & Wine.
Attractions : Visit Diocletian's Palace, where dogs are often allowed in the open areas.

Day 2: Coastal Exploration ⛴

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at Hotel Park Split, known for its pet-friendly amenities.
Transport : Take a local ferry with your dog to explore nearby islands or relax on dog-friendly beaches.
Food : Savor seafood at Perivoj, a restaurant with a pet-friendly terrace overlooking the sea.
Attractions : Discover the pet-friendly Marjan Hill, a natural park with hiking trails and stunning views.

Day 3: Beaches and History 🗿 🌊

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Split at Hotel Park Split.
Transport : Enjoy a day at the dog-friendly Bacvice Beach or explore nearby dog-friendly beaches and coves.
Food : Wrap up your Croatian culinary experience at Villa Spiza, a restaurant that welcomes pets.
Attractions : Explore Klis Fortress, a historic site where leashed dogs are often allowed.

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon 🚃

Accommodation : Start your Portuguese adventure at the pet-friendly Memmo Príncipe Real.
Transport : Lisbon's trams and some buses allow dogs, making it easy to explore the city.
Food : Dine at pet-friendly cafes like Café Tati and Fábulas to taste Portuguese flavors.
Attractions : Take a leisurely walk in the pet-friendly Jardim da Estrela, a beautiful garden.

Day 2: Exploring Lisbon 🐾

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at the Memmo Príncipe Real, where your pet is a cherished guest.
Transport : Continue your exploration of Lisbon's historic neighborhoods, like Alfama and Bairro Alto.
Food : Experience Portuguese cuisine at pet-friendly restaurants like Tasca do Chico.
Attractions : Visit the famous Pasteis de Belém bakery, where you can enjoy pastries with your leashed dog on the terrace.

Day 3: Coastal Delights 🌊

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Lisbon at the Memmo Príncipe Real.
Transport : Take a scenic tram ride to the coastal town of Cascais, known for its pet-friendly atmosphere and stunning seaside views.

Exploring Cascais 🏝

Beach Time : Head to the picturesque Praia da Conceição or Praia da Rainha, where dogs are often welcome on the sandy shores.
Lunch : Enjoy a seafood feast at one of the pet-friendly restaurants with oceanfront terraces, such as Mar do Inferno.
Cascais Marina : Take a leisurely walk along the Cascais Marina promenade, where you can watch boats and enjoy the fresh sea breeze with your furry companion.
Cultural Visit : Explore the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, a pet-friendly museum housed in a beautiful historic mansion.
Return to Lisbon : In the late afternoon, catch the tram back to Lisbon, savoring the coastal views one last time.
Farewell Dinner : For your last evening, dine at a pet-friendly restaurant in Lisbon's historic Alfama district, like Pateo 13.

Traveling with your dog to Europe typically requires a few essential steps:

Microchipping: Ensure your dog has a microchip with your contact details.
Rabies Vaccination: Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their rabies vaccination, and this should be administered at least 21 days before traveling.
Pet Passport: Obtain a pet passport from your veterinarian, which includes vaccination records and identification.
Tapeworm Treatment: Some countries may require a tapeworm treatment within a specified period before entry.
Health Certificate: Obtain a health certificate from your vet shortly before departure.

🌍 Is Europe More Dog-Friendly Than America? 🌎

While Europe is renowned for its dog-friendly attitude, the United States also boasts many pet-friendly destinations. Ultimately, the level of dog-friendliness can vary from place to place, both in Europe and the USA. It's essential to research and plan your trip carefully to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.

Which European country loves dogs the most?

💗 After our research seems that Germany is for sure the European country that loves dogs the most. It's commonly believed that Germany has a strong love for dogs due to cultural factors, dog-friendly policies, infrastructure, and a thriving dog-related community.

Final thoughts 💭

Traveling with your dog in Europe is not only possible but also a fantastic way to create lasting memories together. The continent offers a plethora of pet-friendly destinations and welcoming cultures, making it an ideal choice for dog owners seeking adventure.

How about an article that explores the Challenges of Traveling with Dogs in Europe's Less Pet-Friendly Countries? 🌍🐕

Least Dog-Friendly Countries in Europe: Restrictions to Know

Traveling to Europe with a Dog

Categories International Travel with a Dog , Travel Europe , Travel with a Dog

Despite the airlines’ best efforts to dissuade pet travel, more and more dog parents are considering bringing along their pets on their travels to Europe. Given the popularity of the continent and the relative proximity to North America, it’s a fairly easy international trip to make with your furry friend in tow.

Traveling with your pet to Europe isn’t all that complicated, however it does require some advanced planning and requirements differ among countries that are within the EU opposed to those that are not.

For the sake of simplicity, this post will focus on the pet entry requirements for the European Union. We will note exceptions for travel to the UK and other similar countries that have different or more strict mandates for dogs and cats.

What do I Need to Travel with my Dog to Europe?

Iso microchip.

Europe operates on a different frequency from the United States, so you will likely need to implant a second one in your dog. Only the veterinarian who implants the microchip can sign the required microchip implementation form.

While it is possible to bring your own scanner, we had one friend who did, but it required extra paperwork and hassle at customs. Save yourself the delay and just get a second microchip. This way, if your dog is lost during your trip a veterinarian can scan the chip.

One-year Rabies Vaccination

This must occur AFTER the ISO Microchip implant . The rabies and the microchip can be done in the same day, but the vaccination has to come second. Both must be administered at least 21 days prior to departure.

While some countries will take the 3-year rabies vaccination, however, the initial shot after the microchip has to be a one-year vaccination. Booster shots may be the three-year injection.

International Health Certificate from Your Veterinarian

Ten days before departing for the EU , visit your local veterinarian for an international health certificate and an EU veterinary certificate. You have 10 days to enter the destination country after you have completed the paperwork. Plan accordingly and consider travel snafus like delayed or missed flights.

Official Pet Export Paperwork

Make an appointment with the USDA (or your local governmental agency responsible for pet export. The international health certificate, the EU veterinary certificate, and the microchip implementation form must be endorsed by a USDA APHIS . This is the government office responsible for approving your export request and stamping your forms.

You can choose to schedule an appointment with the nearest location or overnight the paperwork. Schedule early because appointments can fill fast. Visiting is always the safest option. Note that the fee for endorsement may only be paid by check or money order.

Traveling outside of the EU?

Norway, Finland, Ireland, Malta, and the United Kingdom require an echinococcosis (tapeworm) treatment given a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 120 hours before arrival. The paperwork mentioned above remains the same.

The treatment required approval from the USDA accredited veterinarian. Be sure to ask your local vet write the date and time in both your current timezone, and the one to which you’re traveling on the export paperwork. With a nine hour time difference, this can affect meeting the requirements for inoculation. Always double check your country of destination that may not be listed here. The rules can change.

Our post on entering the UK with a pet should help cover the exceptions and additional requirements, but always, always check before making assumptions.

Entering the Destination Country by Air

If you’re flying with your pet , check to see if the destination requires that you call customs. Not every EU country requires meeting with customs upon arrival, however some countries do. They generally ask for a 24 hour notice.

When we went through customs in Norway, we had to enter the “goods to declare” section. There, we met the customs veterinarian who overlooked Sora’s paperwork, scanned for her microchip, stamped a few items, and sent us on our way.

In Spain, we entered as we would, whether we had a dog or not.

Sora was an ESA, and flew with us in the cabin. We imagine the same scenario would play out for those traveling with a small dog in cabin as well. Again, this depends entirely on the destination country.

For those flying with their dog as cargo, you may be required to show your paperwork at the agricultural office located in the airport. Not all airports accept international pet transport, so check that your destination does before booking any flights.

Once you’re in the EU, you can travel freely between countries with no hassle. Just remember, this is not the case for the exemptions mentioned earlier!

Getting a Pet Passport

You’ll want to get a pet passport if you plan to travel back and forth between Europe and the US or if you plan to stay long term. Once you enter Europe, you have four months to obtain a pet passport if you plan on staying there.

The process is very simple and straightforward if you do your homework in advance. Bring all of your paperwork to a local veterinarian and ask for a Pet Passport. They’ll know what to do.

Crossing Borders in the European Union (EU)

The Schengen zone was created by the EU to enable people to have smooth borderless travel. When traveling with a rental car, bus, or train, you will not have to stop at each border. However, it is a good idea to always bring along the pet passport.

It’s worth noting that due to political conflict, some countries have implemented random border checks. We saw this first hand coming from France to Spain, where the French were randomly checking vehicles. Always have your paperwork ready to go in case you need it.

Generally speaking, it’s very rare to need to show documentation at any point once inside the EU.

Not all in the Schengen Zone are in the EU! Not all non-EU countries are part of the Schengen Zone. It’s very confusing, so we’ll say it one final time. Do your homework and know the requirements of the countries you plan to visit!

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Wednesday 3rd of July 2019

Thank you Dave for this excellent article (and for the fun Instagram posts). Wrestling the paperwork/bureaucracy is your true strengths. We are moving to Valencia, Spain with our 2 dogs and all your research, tips and how-to's are invaluable! I understand that you and Jen fly with your dogs back to the US often. We live in Northern California and were wondering what flight path you take to Spain (from Oregon?). It's been the bane of my existence lately to figure out how to get the dogs to Europe. We have a 65-lb pointer and 110-lb pyrenees mix. I'm assuming there would need to be a stopover but I'm not sure where. Also not sure where to start flying... SFO? YVR? further east? Any advice would be gold!

Thanks for the compliment. I assume your dogs are flying cargo, based on the your pyrenees being 110lbs! We have connected in JFK as there are direct flights from JFK to Madrid (and probably Valencia or Barcelona). So, I'm thinking you could do SFO > JFK > BARC. Now, be careful of the weather and the timing of your flight as it can get hot on the runway. Do you know when you're planning to fly? I did check and Iberia has direct flights from SFO to Barcelona that are 11hrs 25 minutes. A red-eye leaving in the evening may not be such a bad idea as the dogs would end up spending less time in the kennel. I think it really depends on your flight time, how they dogs are flying, and the airline (I don't know Iberia's record for flying). Keep in mind with the big one, you'll want the largest kennel you can find if using cargo. Let me know how I can help!

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Traveling to Europe with a Dog: How to Take Your Dog to Europe - IL

I was talking to a sassy American woman on the cusp of retirement. She was buying my car and asked why I was selling a fairly new vehicle with such low mileage. When I told her I was going to Italy —with no plans to return—she got a dreamy, faraway look in her eyes…then looked a little sad. She would love to go to Europe, she said, but she couldn’t bear to leave her pets behind.

That’s when I gave her the good news: You can take your pets from the U.S. to Europe. In fact, today I’m sitting in a cozy apartment overlooking a moody autumnal landscape in Riga, Latvia, with my dog, Luna, snuggled up on the couch next to me.

Since that conversation, Luna has been to 19 European countries, and we’ve already booked #20 (Lithuania) and started dreaming about #21 (Greece).

So…how did I, a U.S. citizen, get Luna, a U.S.-born pooch here?

Research, patience, and paperwork. Here are some simple steps that will get you and your dog safely, legally, and happily to Europe.

1. Make sure your dog is healthy, microchipped, and ready for travel.

To travel internationally with your dog, you’ll need to get an international standard microchip (HomeAgain is a common brand) and make sure your dog is up-to-date on his or her vaccines (especially the rabies shot, of which the most recent shot must be given at least 21 days and no more than 12 months before your trip).

Many countries, including all those in the European Union, require pet dogs, cats, and ferrets to be microchipped before travel. A microchip compatible with ISO standard 11784 or 11785 is recommended. If your pet has a different microchip, consider buying a microchip reader and taking it with you. And note that, if you have to get your dog microchipped, you must do it before you get your dog’s latest rabies vaccine, so at least three weeks before your trip.

2. Check the dog travel policies of your preferred airline.

On some airlines, like Delta, XL Air, or Air France, a few small dogs are allowed to travel in-cabin, while large dogs travel as cargo. Other airlines require that all pets travel as cargo. Keep in mind that many airlines don’t accept pets in cargo during the hot summer months, as this area isn’t air conditioned while the plane is on the runway.

3. Check the requirements and fill out the paperwork for your first destination.

Bear in mind the requirements are set by the country of destination, not the U.S. If you are arriving directly in Italy, you’ll need a veterinary certificate in English and Italian. If you are flying into France , you’ll need one in English and French. And if you are cruising or flying into the U.K., there are a few extra guidelines you’ll need to follow and extra fees you’ll need to pay, which you can find on the DEFRA website .

For any of these countries, you’ll need a USDA-approved vet to fill out the above mentioned paperwork, usually within 10 days of travel (in the case of the U.K., within 5 days). Make sure to ask the vet about their certification. Then you can either mail your papers or drive over to the nearest USDA office for a stamp of approval. This stamped paperwork is what the customs officials will want to see when you arrive.

Keep in mind that each USDA office has slightly different policies (for example: in San Diego, I had to show up between certain hours and wait in line for my paperwork approval; in Denver, I had to make an appointment), so contact your local office ahead of time to find out about appointments, fees, and payment options for the fees.

4. Make sure you’re ready for travel.

If you have a nervous dog, ask your vet about safe sedatives for the trip and make sure to bring your Thunder Shirt or a comforting toy. This is only recommended for dogs traveling in-cabin where you can supervise them.

If you’re flying with your pet in-cabin, you’ll need a soft-sided, flexible pet carrier that will fit under the seat (and don’t trust the marketing—you can find airline seat measurements at www.dogjaunt.com and measure carriers to make sure they’ll fit). You may also want to bring treats to keep blood sugar levels up, a portable water bowl, and pee pads (if your dog is trained to use them), which you can take to the bathroom for a mid-flight potty break.

If your dog is flying as cargo, make sure your hard-sided case meets the airline’s requirements (which vary from airline to airline and can be found on the airline’s website) and consult with your vet about how much food or water to leave with your pet.

5. When traveling between European countries…

The USDA paperwork is officially good for travel within the E.U. for up to 90 days. If you are traveling in or moving to the E.U. for more than 90 days, you’ll need to complete one final step: getting your European pet passport. This passport documents all vaccinations and health check-ups and allows your dog to travel freely in between European countries.

To get a pet passport, you’ll need to make an appointment with a local vet in your first destination. They’ll check your vaccination records (so make sure you have those) and your pet’s microchip and fill out a small passport style booklet that declares your pet micro-chipped and healthy. Usually, this process can be done in the office same day, but it’s always smart to give yourself an extra day or two just in case (my first pet passport, for example, ended up taking two days and two visits due to a typo).

A handful of European countries have additional requirements for pet travel, so if you’re traveling to multiple countries, always make sure to check the official requirements before you go. Norway, and the U.K., for example, require a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet five days (or less) before you cross their borders. And if the U.K. executes a no-deal Brexit this year, there will be additional paperwork required to travel between the E.U. and the U.K.

European countries not yet in the E.U. are also subjected to additional requirements (Montenegro, for example, is a high rabies risk country and you will need a blood titer test done by an E.U.-approved lab at least 30 days before your trip if you want to re-enter the E.U. after visiting the pretty coastal vacation spot).

6. Finally, enjoy your new home.

Dogs are absolutely adored in France, Italy, and other European countries. They’re often allowed in restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops. Overall, Europe is far more pet-friendly than the U.S.

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Travel Sketch sailing travel YouTube channel blog

Guide to travelling with a dog across Europe

Updated: Apr 5

The boat life journey for myself and Rose actually began with a flight to Austria and 5 months living in Europe on land, then another 11 months living on the boat once it arrived. During that time we visited many European countries, including Germany, Spain, Italy and Croatia.

If taking a pet to Europe is something you’re considering, read on to find out what my experience was like including transportation, accommodation, vet visits and pet supplies.

Getting to Europe

Getting to Europe was the first part of our journey and since we weren’t on the yacht yet it needed to happen by plane.

The process of getting Rose from Perth to Austria was relatively straightforward and you can read more about that here . Since Australia is generally considered a low risk country for domesticated animals, the biggest thing was the cost. To comply with Australian law I was required to hire a pet freight service to handle the exportation process and flights. This isn’t a requirement in all countries so you’ll need to check what you have to do.

When it was time to leave I needed to take Rose to the official government vet for her export health check. Once this was done Dogtainers took over and they handled everything until I saw Rose again at the airport in Vienna.

Arriving in Europe

Once Rose arrived in Europe there wasn’t much for me to do. I had to go to the cargo section of the airport, sign a bit of paperwork and then she was released by Austrian authorities with no additional need to quarantine.

Pet friendly accommodation in Europe

Finding accommodation with a pet can take a bit more time, but it’s not impossible.

In certain parts of Europe hotels can be quite welcoming to pets, with Rose’s first hotel stay being in Munich, Germany. Whether or not they’re allowed is usually on the website, with some places charging an additional pet fee.

Private rentals

Since we were in Austria I ended up privately renting an apartment through a friend of a friend. They knew from the outset that I had a dog but were okay with it as we’d promised to keep her clean and do some upgrades on the apartment. It was the best value accommodation I had during my whole stay.

AirBnb & short term holiday rentals

Once I got to Spain I relied largely on AirBnb apartments for accommodation. There was a time when I couldn’t find anything appropriate that was pet friendly so I just messaged the host of a place I was interested in. I politely asked if I could have a dog, stipulating that the lounge would be covered with sheets, the dog would be rinsed with water frequently and the apartment would be thoroughly cleaned when I left. She graciously agreed, which was a huge win! It’s always worth asking as someone might just say yes.

We’ve found that most marinas are fine with dogs provided you pick up after them. Some require they be on a leash when not on the boat, for example the Queensway Quay Marina in Gibraltar. We’ve never had a problem having Rose in a marina, although we do have the benefit of her being the “pretty” dog that’s well trained so other cruisers and staff enjoy seeing her around.

Rose has lived on the hardstand for 3 months in Italy and over 6 months in Trinidad. While some shipyards can be quite strict with dogs, we’ve specifically chosen ones that are more relaxed so that she can run around off lead when we take her for walks. When selecting a yard we check the terms and conditions to see if there’s any mention of dogs, then include questions about having a dog in our initial inquiry email. Something to be aware of is there’s many unsafe substances in shipyards including vermin baits so you need to be vigilant.

Transportation with pets

How easy it is to get pet friendly transportation in Europe depends on the country. Here’s some of the ways Rose and I got around.

City trains, buses and trams

In Austria and Germany life is much easier as a pet owner because dogs are generally allowed on public transport. One thing to keep in mind though is they’re usually required to wear a muzzle. To comply with this I bought the softest muzzle I could find on Amazon and Rose just wore it for show.

Regional and cross border trains

There were a couple of times when I needed to travel longer distances to cities like Munich and Vienna. The most cost effective option was to catch a train which also meant I could bring Rose. Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB and WESTbahn were all pet friendly, with the only requirements being that she wore a muzzle and didn’t lay out in the aisle. Some train companies require you to buy a ticket for the pet so make sure you check for this option on their website.

Rideshare apps

When public transport wasn’t an option I used rideshare apps. Anywhere that had Uber Pets or the equivalent available was the easiest as there was no need for negotiation or discussion. If it didn’t explicitly say pets were allowed we’d usually just call or message the driver to ask. We found that most said yes, especially when we told them the dog was clean, well trained and we had something to cover the seat.

Hired vehicles

When all else failed I resorted to hiring a vehicle. There were three times I had to do this; Austria, Spain and Italy.

When I needed to get myself, Rose and all our belongings from Vienna to Gibraltar, flying was an expensive pain and the number of connections made train or bus travel unrealistic. I ended up hiring a fully kitted out van for a one way road trip across Europe which you can watch on YouTube .

When it came time to join the yacht I needed to get across the Spanish border to the marina in Gibraltar with all the luggage I’d accrued. I hired a local van driver who usually did IKEA runs.

In Italy dogs weren’t welcome on local public transport and since we were staying at a shipyard outside of town (long story), a hire car was the way to go. We ended up getting a short term lease from an Austrian company through a friend who was living there.

Private yacht

Moving a dog around by private yacht is pretty simple, you just need to make sure you have the correct paperwork on the off chance you’re asked to provide it. After the initial entry at the Vienna airport the only time I was asked for Rose’s paperwork was when we sailed back into Gibraltar; the marina staff asked to see a current rabies vaccination to meet their customs and immigration obligations.

Finding pet supplies

Getting pet supplies was pretty simple in Europe thanks to the online stores who deliver and the various tactics we used to receive mail . I mostly used Zooplus during my stay as it generally had good prices, I’d qualify for free delivery and there was a rewards program where I’d earn points for every euro I spent.

Despite the occasional language barrier, vet visits were pretty simple. Rose went to four different vets while in Europe to get various paperwork, tests and vaccines, and each time went smoothly.

Clinica Veterinaria Saludvet in La Linea de la Concepcion, Spain

Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic in Gibraltar

Tierärztliche Kleintierpraxis in Linz, Austria

Tierarztpraxis Muxeneder in Pregarten, Austria

To find a vet I’d take a look at the Google reviews, searching for well reviewed practices with bonus points if it mentioned anything about being good for expats or foreigners. I’d then send emails out to a selection, asking for prices and availability for the services I wanted. In general I wrote these emails in English and included a translated version in case the vet could understand that better than my English explanation. While all the vets I visited were able to speak English, I sometimes had to use Google Translate for other staff or to understand the paperwork.

Crossing European Union borders

To make life easier one of the first things I did was go to a vet and get Rose a European Pet Passport . If your dog doesn’t have one, you need to keep this in mind:

“If you are travelling from a non-EU country or territory, your pet must have an EU animal health certificate issued by an official State vet in the country of departure not more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. The certificate is valid for travel between EU countries for 4 months from this date or until the anti-rabies vaccination expires, whichever lapses first.” - European Union

That being said, we were never asked to provide any paperwork for Rose at an internal or external European Union border.

Travelling the world with a dog is a bit of effort but to us it's well worth it! During the time we spent with Rose in Europe she went to Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, Gibraltar, Italy and Croatia. Some incredible memories were made, and it was the first time she saw a dolphin and snow!

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Travelling with Pets

Ultimate Guide: Bringing Your Dog to Europe from US in 2024

August 3, 2023
Dog Travel Tips , Europe Pet Friendly Guides , Uncategorized

travel dog london, the dog vacation, bring your dog to europe from us,

You can bring your dog to Europe from the US in 2024. It’s easier in 2024 than before but it still requires careful preparation and adherence to each European country’s specific regulations . Generally, you will need a valid pet microchip for identification, up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies), and a pet health certificate from a veterinarian. Some countries may also impose quarantine periods or have breed-specific restrictions but that is very rare.

Additionally, you must check with your chosen airline for their pet travel policies and fees. By meeting all the necessary requirements, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry companion.

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this blog article are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

How to Bring Your Dog to Europe From US

Step 1: you must decide where you want to go (which european country) and when.

The first thing is deciding where to go and when. This, we believe, is the first step because it determines the rest of how you plan and go about obtaining the required documents.

If you decide to go to Europe during the off-season (November – March), then plane tickets and accommodations will be much more affordable than during high season (late May – August). Shoulder season (April – mid June; late September – October) would be a great in-between option in terms of prices and crowds.

As a general rule of thumb, you should give yourself at least 3 months of planning before you leave for Europe with your dog.

Once you choose the country you plan on going to and when, then you can move onto the next step…

Step 2: Book a vet appointment as soon as possible

First, it is mandatory that your pet is microchipped and has their up to date vaccinations in order to travel to Europe. Please double check with your vet about this before booking any appointments. Note that previous vaccinations won’t be valid if given before the microchip.

After ensuring your pet is microchipped and has the necessary vaccines you will need to book an appointment with an accredited vet who can issue you an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate . Not all vets are able to do this. We recommend calling your vet’s office first and confirming before booking an appointment. You can also search this database as well to find an accredited vet.

Below is a script you can use when calling the vet:

“Hello, I plan on traveling to [European Country] on [Date you plan on traveling] and need a pet health certificate done for my pet. Does your office have any vets that are accredited and able to issue this for me?”

To clarify, an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate is a document that is given to you and your pet from a vet, after the vet has deemed your pet healthy enough for travel. You will need the hard copy of this form, embossed and signed by the USDA endorsement office when you fly. Meaning this document can not be shown electronically through your phone or computer. When you are checking into your flight, the airline will required the hard copy of this document. You may also need to show this document upon arrival at your designated country as well.

It is also important to note that if you do not have an European Union pet passport for your dog or pet then you will need to visit the vet and get your pet health certificate done within 10 days of your departure date (your flight date).

More Information About the USDA-Endorsed Pet Health Certificate

To meet your designated country’s requirements for an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate you must obtain this from an accredited veterinarian. They will assist in completing, signing, and dating the necessary certificate. Your veterinarian can then submit the certificate directly to the USDA Endorsement Office through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) or provide you with the paperwork for you to submit to the office yourself. The USDA Endorsement office will then emboss and sign the hard copy and send it back directly to you so you can bring it to the airport. Please note that you will have to pay for shipping.

bodhi mini dachshund dog in paris, petfriendly hotels

Step 3: Book your flight and check airline requirements

Next is making sure you book flights for you and your pet! This step can be done simultaneously with Step 2; however we find that if you get your vet appointment date booked and figure out all that business with the USDA-endorsed pet health certificate then booking your flight becomes more seamless.

We are based in California so flying into a major European city such as Paris, Milan, etc would be the most efficient because they tend to have direct flights. We flew French Bee and loved it! Very straight to the point, cost efficient and we have not experience any delays or cancellations with them.

We listed below the airlines you can bring your dog and fly in cabin with them to Europe from US in 2023. You can click on the links to each airline to be taken directly to their pet policy page.

Aegean Airlines
TAP Air Portugal (We do not recommend flying with them. We experienced a lot of issues with this airline.)
United Airlines

It is also important to note that you will need to buy a soft carrier for your pet if you plan on traveling in cabin with them. We rated the top 5 best dog carriers for 2023 here if you want to check that out!

We recommend you review your airline’s pet policy in detail and understand the following:

their maximum weight allotment (usually has to be under 17-22 pounds, including the carrier)
their maximum carrier size & carrier requirements
the cost to fly your pet in cabin with you
if there are any additional paperwork needed to check your dog into the flight

Step 4: Ensure your pet and you are ready for travel

Lastly, once everything is squared away you can relax! Well, sort of. We recommend you train your pet for airline travel. Getting your pet used to the carrier, making sure they relieve themselves before the flight, and watching their food and water intake are all things you must do to ensure a smooth journey.

If you want a free guide on how to best prepare your dog for in cabin airplane travel then just sign up to our newsletter below & get it instantly.

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beautiful dog with sunglasses and strip shirt in lake como italy on a boat; europe travels with dog

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can i take my dog to europe from the us without flying.

In 2023, flying to Europe from the US is one of the fastest ways to travel with your pet. However, there are other options if you prefer not to fly.

Ferry travel with pets is available on many large ships in US and Europe. You can sail for several hours or even days, with accommodations for both you and your pet. The ferries make stops in various countries during the journey.

You also have the option to charter a private yacht as well — but we believe this to be unnecessary and extremely pricey.

Can you bring a dog on a plane to Europe from US?

Yes! You can bring a dog on a plane to Europe. We’ve listed the airlines that allow in cabin pets to fly with their owners above. However, you must meet all the requirements and have the appropriate paperwork in order to do so.

An accredited vet needs to sign the form, and then the USDA endorsement office must endorse it within 48 hours before your pet arrives in Europe. The hard copy of the form must be on hand while traveling. If your pet is just passing through the EU, you don’t need to follow this rule.

Can dogs fly in the cabin from US to Europe?

Yes! In 2023 there are plenty of options if you want to bring your dog to Europe from the US via airplane. When flying to Europe from the USA with your dog, it’s best to choose European flag-carrier airlines as they are more likely to allow pets in the cabin with you. We’ve listed the 2023 airlines that allow pets in cabin above!

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

It really all depends on when you’re traveling and where you’re traveling to. However, bringing your dog on a flight in the cabin usually costs around $125 to $250. Whereas transporting them in the cargo hold can usually be well over $1,000. For international pet shipping, licensed companies usually charge between $1,000 and $6,000. We’ve heard some destinations you have to pay upwards of $10,000 to transport your pet.

How hard is it to bring a dog to Europe?

We would say it’s not hard but it takes work. Before bringing your dog, cat, or ferret to any European Union country, your pet needs to have a microchip. Note that previous vaccinations won’t be valid if given before the microchip. Even if your pet’s rabies vaccination is still valid, it must be re-vaccinated for rabies after getting the microchip. Please also double check with the official USA website here as well as the EU official website here for up to date regulations, updates and changes.

Do dogs need a passport to fly internationally to Europe?

You do not need an EU pet passport for your dog unless you are traveling in Europe with your dog for more than 90 days. However, the European Union EU dog pet passport makes it easier for your dog to travel across Europe.

How much does it cost to travel with a dog in Europe?

It depends! If you are flying into Europe with your dog from the US then it can usually cost $100-250 extra.

However, if you’re traveling around Europe when you are already in Europe then the price can be much cheaper. Sites like Omio are pet friendly and offers affordable prices for pet friendly train rides. Dogs even get to ride for free on most trains (if your pet is in a pet carrier).

Also, if you have an European Union pet passport this allows your dog, cat, or ferret to travel effortlessly within the EU and even to non-EU countries (like UK, Switzerland, Iceland, etc). We highly recommend getting a European Union pet passport for your pet!

What is the weight limit for dogs to fly in cabin?

This will vary across different airlines. So make sure you double check with each airline’s pet policy. We link each airline and their pet policy above to make it easier for you to check!

Generally, however, we have found the weight limit for dogs/pets in the cabin to be 17-22 pounds or less. This includes the carrier’s and your pet’s weight.

Do dogs have to quarantine in Europe?

Good news! Pets traveling between Europe and the US do not need to go through quarantine, so you can bring your pet to your hotel or destination right when you land. The rules are simple: ensure your pet has a rabies vaccine, a microchip, and a health certificate from a USDA vet. That’s all you need to worry about!

how to bring your dog to europe from us; dog with his two owners in st tropez france south of france

We hope you found this article helpful!

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How to Travel With a Dog in a Car: An Expert Guide

Heading out on the road with your dog soon? Read this guide first to make sure the car ride is an enjoyable, safe experience.

Planning on taking your dog on the road with you?

If so, you may be wondering how to travel with a dog in car — safely and smoothly.

Before you start your trip, read the tips below.

In this expert guide to traveling with a dog in a car, we’ll cover:

How to keep your dog safe
Which harnesses or carriers are best for dogs in cars
Tips for taking a dog on longer trips in a car
What about letting a dog ride in the back of a pickup truck?
How you can prevent motion sickness in your dog before a car ride
And much more!

So buckle up, and let’s begin…

Part 1: How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car

Prevent a tragedy — vow right now to make sure your dog is properly restrained whenever you take them with you in the car.

The expense and slight inconvenience of using the appropriate vehicle safety items is well worth the risk.

Plus, restraining the dog also keeps them from moving around the car and distracting you while you’re driving.

Safely Restraining Your Dog in a Car

Dog harness.

First, get a harness for your dog.

If you restrain your dog using only a collar, your pet may get strangled if you get into a wreck, especially if you rear-end someone. A harness may protect the dog’s neck and spine.

We prefer fabric harnesses that wrap around the dog’s neck and torso. Many also have a loop on the top through which you can thread the seat belt.

The PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness has a reflective vest, a leash connection on both the front and back, and (last we checked) was less than $20. Worth every penny.

Dog seat belts attach to harnesses, keeping your dog immobilized in the back seat.

There are 2 basic models:

Those that attach to your car’s seat belt
Those that clip into the “female” end of the seat belt lock

Either kind will work. Choose the one that works best for your car.

This strap from PetSafe is adjustable and easy to use.

Remember: Don’t attach the seat belt to your dog’s collar — attach it to the dog’s harness instead, to avoid strangulation.

Booster Seat

A small dog who loves to look out the car window will enjoy having a booster seat.

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Designed to fit in your back seat, booster seats are secured with your automobile’s seat belt, around which you clip a dog seat belt that you attach to the harness.

These specialized seats not only provide a safe place for travel but they also act as a comfortable dog bed. Most are made out of sturdy foam core topped with fabric and fleece. Add a blanket, and you’re good to go.

Booster seats provide maximum comfort and a view for your pup. They last a long time.

Here’s a highly rated car booster seat for small dogs sold by a company called Kurgo.

Photo of the Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, a heavy-duty dog travel crate. It is dark brown and light brown, with a wire door and windows.

Dog Carrier

The safest way to transport your dog? In the back seat, confined to a hard-sided dog carrier (also called a travel kennel or crate) that you’ve secured with a seat belt.

In the event of a car accident, your dog should be well protected in a carrier.

The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel is billed as being heavy-duty and secure for a safe and comfortable travel experience.

But according to the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), this exact crate was “far and away the most impressive crate” that this safety organization tested. It “was able to withstand the most significant forces generated in testing,” the CPS reported.

A few dog carrier tips for car travel:

Make sure that whatever carrier or crate you get is large enough for your dog to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in.
Place the carrier in the back seat, and then thread the seat belt through the handle. (Unsecured carriers can slide around on the seat.)
Avoid putting too many items in the carrier that take up space or could cause injury to your dog.

Don’t Take a Chance on Safety

Pets aren’t children, but with respect to car travel, you should treat dogs as you would young kids.

Your dog should always sit in the back seat, secured with a safety restraint. Don’t let them ride in the front seat.

Yes, small dogs are cute and may fit in your lap perfectly, but you should not drive this way or allow your small dog to lie on a dashboard or other areas in the vehicle. This causes a distraction for you and increases your dog’s chances of being injured.

Getting a Dog Used to the Carrier

If your dog is not familiar with a carrier, try using it in the home before your trip to get your dog accustomed to it:

Leave the door open.
Place some of your dog’s favorite things inside to spark curiosity.

More Dog Carrier Tips for Car Trips

Make sure that the carrier has enough ventilation to allow air to pass through freely, either through gated areas or holes.
If your dog makes a mess inside the carrier during the trip, carry the carrier to a confined area such as a bathroom before letting your dog out. This lets you clean the carrier without the risk of your dog running away.

Part 2: Advice for Traveling With a Dog on Longer Car Trips

Be aware of the temperature.

This is an important topic for any pet when it comes to car travel.

Be aware of what the temperature will be at your destination and along the way, and never leave your dog in the car.

It takes only a few minutes for the temperature to rise to dangerous levels inside a vehicle, even in mild temperatures such as 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the car windows is not an effective way to ventilate the car — and may even allow your dog to escape.

The same can be said for the cold: Dogs can get hypothermia or die from dangerously low temperatures. Keep extra blankets with you, and again — don’t leave your dog in the car.

Hotels, Motels and Camps

If your trip includes staying overnight, check with the place you will be staying to learn about the pet policies, costs and other concerns.

If you plan to find a place to sleep as you go, make a list of dog-friendly places along the way so you know which ones to head to first.

See the Vet Before Long Car Trips With Your Dog

A vet visit is a good idea before a trip, especially for longer trips.

The dog’s veterinarian can check their health and make sure travel will be fine. Discuss sedation with your vet if you feel your dog will be stressed, anxious or have significant issues during travel. (See the next section on ways to prevent motion sickness.)

Do not self-medicate your dog or give your medications created for humans or other animals — these could be deadly.

Consider getting your dog microchipped before the trip.
Traveling across states, you may be asked to produce your dog’s rabies vaccination information. Take a copy of your dog’s records, as well as a current photograph in case your dog gets lost.
Keep a copy of the paperwork and a picture of your pet in 3 places: your car, taped to the carrier and with you at all times. Add your contact information so someone finding your dog can contact you.
Make sure your dog has a current tag on their collar — and bring an extra one in case it needs to be replaced while you are on the road.

Food and Water

Limit your dog’s food intake before traveling to reduce the possibility of sickness or nausea.
Take extra pet food and snacks with you for stops or for when you reach your destination. Stores may not have your dog’s usual brand of food, and changing food during a stressful situation such as travel might be a combination that causes stomach upset, diarrhea or other unpleasantness for your dog.
Finally, take bottled water — and lots of it — with you on your trip.
Try to plan stops every 3–4 hours to ensure your dog has ample opportunities to stretch, potty, drink water and get a break from the car.
Don’t forget to bring along poop bags and/or a scooper to clean up after your dog.
Keep your dog leashed on walks.

Talk to the Kids

If you are traveling with children, talk to them about allowing the dog to enjoy personal space without distraction.

Discuss behaviors they shouldn’t do, such as:

Hitting or shaking the carrier
Feeding the dog their food or snacks
Teasing, hitting, pulling, or opening the crate — or releasing the harness

Any of these behaviors can add stress to your dog, and the goal is to keep your dog as comfortable and happy as possible while the dog is traveling in the car.

Part 3: How to Prevent Motion Sickness in Your Dog

Did you know 1 in 6 dogs suffers from motion sickness?

If you have a motion-sick dog, then you have our sympathy. Knowing your dog will arrive shivering and salivating (at best!) takes the fun out of a car trip.

Some dogs even learn to anticipate the feelings of nausea, and this makes them reluctant to even get in a car.

If you avoid car travel with your dog or always travel with a full cleanup kit, help is at hand. But don’t expect a quick fix — the answer takes time and dedication.

Positive Associations

Some dogs only have to see a car to start drooling because they link road travel to feeling sick.

This makes them unwilling to get into the car, which means you end up forcing the dog in — which only adds to the dog’s anxiety and feelings of unease.

Put an end to this vicious circle by teaching your dog to associate the car with good things.

Play with your dog’s favorite toy in the back seat of your parked car.
End each session on a high by giving them a treat.
Hop out to go for a walk before they get anxious.
Reward them for being calm while inside the car with another tasty food treat, and praise their bold behavior.

Another option includes spending at least a couple of weeks engaging the dog in a game inside the car but with the doors open so your pet doesn’t feel trapped.

Also try other strategies, such as feeding meals inside the car (perhaps invest in a waterproof seat cover) so your dog sees the car as an extension of the home.

Once the dog is willingly jumping into the vehicle, you’re ready to progress. Take things slow, though — move on to the next stage only when your dog’s tail is in the air rather than between their legs.

Introduce one new change at a time, giving them plenty of time to accept each step.

A retraining journey includes:

Shutting the car doors
Starting the engine but keeping the car in park
Reversing a few feet, then driving back to the parked position
A short, straight drive up the road
A short drive around the block, then back into the drive
A short drive in the neighborhood

All the while, remember the 3 golden rules:

Praise their calmness.
Stop before they become distressed.
End on a positive note.

Car Climate

There’s nothing worse than a hot, stuffy car for making me feel sick when traveling, and the same is true for dogs.

Make sure the vehicle is cool with fresh air circulating. It also helps some dogs if they can see out of a window — for smaller dogs, consider a booster seat or dog pod.
Most dogs travel best with a handful of dry biscuits in their stomach, given 1–2 hours beforehand, rather than traveling with a totally empty stomach.
Stop frequently to let your dog stretch his legs and drink water.

Travel Medications

If you have an urgent journey to make, you may not have the time to desensitize your dog to car travel.

Medication may be your best way forward. At least then the dog will be spared the nausea associated with car travel.

Some people swear by traditional remedies, such as ginger or peppermint. There are also herbal options, such as skullcap and valerian, or quick fixes such as Rescue Remedy.

That said, these are not scientifically proven to be effective, and it’s best not to rely on them, especially for a long trip.

There are also these medications:

Acepromazine (ACP): This is a sedative with an anti-motion sickness action. ACP isn’t suitable for short journeys, as the dog is groggy for around 8 hours. Also, some dogs have an adverse reaction where they become “hyper” rather than sedated, so test it out before committing to a long journey.
Maropitant (Cerenia): This drug acts on the nausea center in the brain and turns it off. This makes it the ideal motion sickness tablet — it works for 24 hours without sedating the dog. The only drawback is the price.

Here are a few more great tips from Pet Health Network:

In short, reintroduce the car as a fun place to be, and use medication to stop your dog from feeling sick.

By preventing nausea and building new associations, you’ll find that along this path lies the promise of stress-free car travel with your dog.

Part 4: Why Are Dogs Still Riding in the Back of Trucks?

You’re driving down the road, windows open, hair blowing in the wind and music blaring.

It’s a gorgeous, sunny day that’s absolutely perfect for a road trip.

Until you spot something that puts a knot in your stomach — someone’s dog is freely riding in the bed of their pickup truck.

Not only that, but also you see the driver look down to switch the radio station, only to swerve away from the curb after looking back up. The dog, of course, bumps hard into the side of the truck bed, almost losing balance. The sight makes you cringe.

What do you do? There must be a law against something like this, right?

The straight answer is yes, there are laws against driving with dogs in the back of pickup trucks.

Unfortunately, those laws are sparse and certainly not all-encompassing.

According to the Animal Legal and Historical Center, as of 2017, only 5 U.S. states had laws in place to keep dogs out of truck beds:

Connecticut
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island

Even in those states, there are exceptions to the law.

How Dangerous Is it to Let a Dog Ride in the Back of a Truck?

DMV.org reports that thousands of dogs are killed each year riding in the back of pickup trucks.

That number doesn’t even account for all the injuries that don’t lead to deaths.

You know how gravel and dirt sometimes spray onto your windshield, resulting in tiny cracks in the glass? A dog riding in a truck bed is susceptible to that same gravel and dirt spray. If it’s forceful enough to crack a windshield, there’s no doubt it can harm a dog’s eyes, nose or even lungs if it’s breathed in.

Of course, there are also more obvious consequences, like a dog being thrown from the truck (or being slammed against the back of the cab) if the driver slams on the brakes or swerves.

How Dogs Can Ride Safely in a Truck

Drivers of pickup trucks should always ride with their dogs in the cab and strap them to the seat with a dog-friendly car restraint.

Yes, there are ways to secure crates to a truck bed, but even then, gravel and dirt could potentially damage a dog’s ears, eyes and throat.

And yes, there are ways to cross-tether a dog in a truck bed to prevent them from falling or jumping, but the same dangers remain.

The only real solution when taking your dog for a ride, no matter what kind of vehicle, is to safely secure them with a dog car seat or harness (in the back seat).

Sure, taking that extra step might delay the trip by a few minutes. But isn’t potentially saving lives worth it?

Center for Pet Safety. “Gunner Kennel G1 Intermediate.” June 2015. https://www.centerforpetsafety.org/cps-certified/gunner-kennel-g1-intermediate/ .
Becker, Marty, DVM et al. From Fearful to Fear Free: A Positive Program to Free Your Dog From Anxiety, Fears and Phobias . Fear Free, LLC. 2018.
Horwitz, Debra, DVM, DACVB, and Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVB, DECAWBM. “Air and Car Travel.” VCA Hospitals. 2013. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-behavior-and-training-traveling-air-and-car-travel .
DMV.org. “Traveling With Your Pet.” https://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/pet-travelling.php .

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How road-tripping with dogs in Europe helped us appreciate life

Nov 19, 2020 • 11 min read

Sundae and Toby near the Millau Viaduct in southern France © Annie Groves

A lot of us have dreamed of taking off on a campervan trip with road-tripping supplies, our partner and our dogs. Before the pandemic turned the travel world upside down, Annie Groves did just that, so we asked her how it went and what we might be able to learn from her experience.

More of her adventures with her partner and her dogs can be found at her blog, A Contento Adventure .

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Annie, and I live in Greater Manchester , England, with my partner, Phil, who I took the trip with. We both ordinarily work in health care for the National Health Service. I like to dabble in photography, roller skating and love to travel explore new surroundings. I enjoy writing and would love to turn our trip into a children’s book eventually.

A close-up of two dogs on leashes in Venice, Italy

How about your dogs?

We have Toby, a long-haired Jack Russel. We got him from some local kennels around five years ago where he had been abandoned by his previous owners. We don't really know much about his past, not even his age (we think he is around 7 or 8 now). He's hyperactive but also very intelligent. His favorite thing is playing ball – or anything actually, he demands lots of attention!

That brings us to Sundae who is a chihuahua cross. She’s almost 3 years old now and we’ve had her since she was a young pup. She’s the sweetest girl, very gentle, loves to sleep and comfort, and everybody that meets her just falls in love with her. She loves nothing more than a cuddle.

They are the best of friends and chase each other around the house like Tom and Jerry a lot of the time!

Interested in Vanlife? Check out The Vanlife Companion.

A smiling woman sits on steps with two dogs beside her

What made you decide to bring your dogs along?

When we started planning the trip, the thought of not taking the dogs never crossed our minds. We knew we would be gone for a while, and they are our family, so it seemed like the only possible option. It gave us the opportunity to let them escape the boring routine of life (like us), of being locked up in the house every day while we went to work as they waited for us to come home. They got to see and explore a whole new place every single day. How amazing is that?

What was the route you took? How long did it take?

The trip took around four months in total.

Our only plan when we were starting out was that we wanted to reach Italy and hoped to start a life there. We never planned how we would get there except that we would begin in England and explore France on the way by simply heading down to southern France and driving across to Italy.

An aerial view of a campervan driving through a dry landscape

The drive from Calais to Marseille was a mix of the beautiful French countryside and small French towns.

The southern coast, although very beautiful lacked the simplicity we had found and loved during the trip the first week or so. The cities such as Marseille were so busy, the parking was difficult to find in such a big vehicle. So we found ourselves getting frustrated which wasn’t what we wanted from the trip.

So, we decided to begin traveling up again through France and head to the Alps, both for cooler weather for the dogs and to find the open country and nature that we craved.

We soon found that we loved being in places where the dogs could swim and explore off their leads. We never initially planned to travel to the Alps, but this ended up being the most memorable part of our trip. We have learned that a lot of the things that come around unexpectedly are the things that make the most amazing memories.

We have learned that a lot of the things that come around unexpectedly are the things that make the most amazing memories.

The trip was an unplanned adventure with stumbled steps into amazing sights and places. We never sought out tourist spots because in fairness when we did encounter them, during the trip, we didn't enjoy them. Mostly because these places are usually busy and somehow it does not feel as magical as finding something unexpected and experiencing it on our own.

We went to busy beaches and could not wait to leave, often having to keep the dogs on their leads to stop them from interacting with people who clearly aren’t dog lovers. But then we found the most beautiful, quiet little swimming spots by lakes where the four of us were able to relax, swim and experience it together. The things we planned or researched never lived up to our expectations anyway.

Our next plan was to cross the border into Switzerland before realizing our European insurance didn’t cover us to travel through Switzerland. The van was already showing signs of wear, so we decided after spending a few hours near Lake Geneva that we should travel back into France and begin our route to Croatia and Italy (which ended up being a good decision later in the trip).

When we eventually arrived in Italy, the trip completely changed. It was harder to find camping spots. The small towns lacked the lust and magic we knew Italy for, and although the towns we loved Italy for (Venice, Lake Garda) were as magical as ever, we knew we'd never afford to live in these places. Our dream of living in Italy wasn’t yet meant to be.

... And so, we decided to leave Italy and cross the border to Croatia via Slovenia . In one day, we visited those three countries – Italy, Slovenia and ending in Croatia. It's illegal to wild camp in Croatia but luckily we were visiting in the low season, meaning all the campsites we stayed at were half the price. We found some beautiful spots. We mostly traveled and camped on the coast, allowing us to see some amazing sunsets and listen to the waves of the ocean.

The drives along the coast were like no other we have seen, with beautiful mountainous landscape on one side and turquoise blue waters on the other. The roads were also exceptionally quiet too. We weren’t sure if this was because of the time of year, but I imagine it can get very busy in the summer months. We got to enjoy the beaches and the landscapes alone, and the dogs got to happily roam free.

A campervan is stopped on the side of a coastal road

We decided from Croatia to start heading back home so we doubled back through Slovenia, then through Austria and finally through Germany where our journey came to a big end when the van finally gave up and broke down.

How did you pass the time on long drives?

Because of the dogs we kept our drives short. We tried not to drive for more than 3 hours at a time and searched for places to stay along our route that would fit into this. This provided us with some amazing stops, and we really got a feel for the countries instead of just visiting all the tourist spots.

What's it like to travel in Europe with dogs?

For the most part it was good. We realized quickly that city life is hard with two dogs and the heat is hard on them. But when we were in the countryside, by a lake or even up a mountain it was a beautiful thing to share it with the dogs.

Two small dogs watch while a woman swims

What was the highlight of your trip?

I learned to appreciate the little things all the more, like lying on top of the van's roof and looking at the stars and meteors shooting across the sky. We're from a busy town, so we never get to see the stars like that. Or swimming in a lake with nobody else around.

In my blog I wrote, "It’s amazing just having those simple moments makes life and our decisions to make this trip worth it. Life on the road is a wonderful thing in that we get to see and experience a whole new place every day. Life is simple. Life is happy. Life is free. Life is peaceful and it is quiet. It is experiences and adventures. Mostly it is appreciating the little things."

We have learned to appreciate the beauty that is in the quiet and realizing the inner peace that nature and being away from the stresses of a busy world gives to us.

Another highlight was Venice. Mostly because I fall in love with the city every time I visit, and this time we had the bonus of sharing it with the dogs. We took a train ride into the city (the dogs' first ever) and walked the beautiful streets. The dogs got so much attention from tourists and locals alike. Because we got the train to the city we didn’t have to worry about parking the van which took a lot of stress off.

Phil holding Sundae and Toby in Venice.jpg

The French Alps were a highlight too. Never before have I been so in awe of the amazing sights of a snow-topped mountain. It felt like I had stepped into an oil painting or the set of The Sound of Music . I felt like I was in some kind of made-up land where everything is perfect, and all is peaceful, safe and quiet. The natural, untouched landscapes seemed to go on forever.

What was the lowlight of your trip?

Breaking down in Germany . We were driving down the motorway when suddenly the van started to lose power and smoke burst from the exhaust. We immediately pulled over and looked around to find that oil had exploded from the exhaust and the entire outside of the van was covered in it.

We opened the bonnet and panic hit us; the whole engine was covered in oil too. It was a total mess. We took a minute and tried not to panic. We were in Germany with a broken-down van, on the motorway with two dogs and roaring traffic passing by. We called our insurance company who sent out a tow truck. They took us to a garage in Bonn , Germany.

The next two weeks in Bonn were not a fun time during our trip (it’s a whole other story) but eventually our insurance company funded a taxi from Bonn to Calais. Then we got a “dog taxi” who took us via the channel tunnel back to UK soil. The van was then later repatriated back to the UK and to us a few months later.

It was a crazy end to an amazing trip it was also a memorable one! We embraced every part of the adventure (good and bad).

What are your recommendations for travelers with dogs?

First of all, just do it! Try to keep your journeys short. Avoid big cities. Embrace the adventure. Check out all the natural landscapes our world has to offer and let them enjoy swimming under the warm sun. They are animals. They aren’t meant to be locked up inside all day while we go to work. They should be given the opportunity to sniff out new smells and explore too!

A small dog looks at some cows behind a fence

What are the downsides to traveling in a van?

Breaking down and constant repairs!
Living in a small space.
When it's cold, it’s really cold, and when it’s hot it’s really hot!
If you’re rough camping, you need to constantly find water to fill your tanks for cooking and washing.

The daily life was not what we expected. We thought we would have the time to fill our days relaxing, reading or playing games. It isn’t like that. By the time we have finished driving for the day, explored the area we are in, showered, cleaned, filled the water tanks, bought food, cooked, done laundry, done the van's maintenance and planned the next day's journey – the four of us are well and truly ready to sleep!

A night photo of a campervan with a dog peaking out the window

If you could have changed anything about your trip, what would it be?

Actually nothing. It was an adventure and every experience both the good and bad gave us memories and stories. We can’t predict what’s going to happen. Of course, we’d have preferred if the van hadn’t have broken down but if we knew that was going to happen, we probably wouldn’t have taken the trip. Embrace every part of the adventure.

Do you have any upcoming travel plans?

We will always seek new adventures and amazing places in the world. We have recently had a baby boy, named Ollie, who we plan to share all these adventures with him (and not forgetting the dogs of course) as soon as possible!

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How to get from the UK to the rest of Europe with a dog by car

Happy dog travelling in the car boot

The more common and convenient way to travel with a dog is surely by car. When my husband and I moved to the UK we used a van to carry our dog and all our stuff, and I can’t imagine how we would have done without. In this post I will tell you about the options available to cross the Channel or travel from another European country by car with your furry friend, and provide you with all useful links to plan your own journey (for information on the pet travel scheme rules see this previous blogpost ).

How to get from the UK to Europe mainland with a dog by car

To get from the UK to the continent with your dog by car and vice versa you have two options:

crossing the Channel by ferry with your car on an approved route;
loading your car on the Eurotunnel rail from Folkestone to Calais.

#1. Ferry with your dog

There are a number of ferry companies operating from and to the UK. To enter the UK you have to travel with one of the approved ferry companies via an approved route , so I thought to provide you with the relevant links to the pet transport conditions of each ferry company.

For your ease of reference I have created two tables showing the companies operating on the approved routes, between the UK and France, and the UK and the rest of Europe respectively. I also collected more detailed information about each ferry route’s pet transport conditions and pricing, which you will find below the first table.

Ferries’ pet travel information

But where will your dog travel on the ferry? I searched each ferry company website and collected the relevant information, also indicating dog fares (intended for each way and per dog). The links below are to the pet travel conditions for each route.

Dover-Calais (France): £15 per dog, must travel in the vehicle;
Hull-Rotterdam (The Netherlands): £17 per dog, dogs travel in air-conditioned onboard kennels, you can visit your pet accompanied by a crew member;
Hull-Zeebrugge (Belgium): £17 per dog, in air-conditioned onboard kennels, you can visit your pet accompanied by a crew member;
they also have some Northern Ireland routes: Larne – Troon ; Larne – Cairnryan (up to 4 dogs, travelling for free, in the vehicle).
Dover-St Malo: onboard kennels available;
Portsmouth-Le Havre: pet friendly cabins on selected ferries;
Portsmouth-Bilbao/Santander: onboard kennels, on Cap Finistere ferry also pet friendly cabin, while only onboard kennels on Pont-Aven and Bretagne ferries (see general information links above for further details).
Dover-Calais (£15 per dog, dog in the vehicle, can visit with a crew member);
Dover-Dunkirk (apparently same conditions as Dover-Calais);
Newhaven-Dieppe (£18 per dog, in vehicles – you can visit your dog in your car with a crew member, but not during the first or final hour -, on foot passengers can carry a pet in a suitable cage);
Newcastle-Amsterdam (£19 per dog, dog travels secured in vehicle or in onboard kennels with foot passengers previous booking, visits allowed).
St Malo – Poole, Cherbourg-Portsmouth: £25 per pet, only pets in vehicles, not with on foot passengers;
they also offer routes to and from the Channel Islands.
Harwich-Hook of Holland (The Netherlands): £14 per dog (see point 5.6.5 of the Terms of business ), dogs are allowed also with passengers on foot, they must travel in the onboard kennel which needs booking, alternatively they can travel in the vehicle (but this is not recommended), you can visit your dog with a crew member. A pet travel guide is available.
LD Lines / LD Transmanche Ferries : no information available.

Leaving your dog in the car

As you may have noticed, on some routes you are required to leave your dog in the vehicle (car/van). This is something that you should take into account when travelling during warm summer days, since it could become particularly hot in the hold where you will park your car and put your dog’s health at risk. In fact, it has happened in the past that dogs have died from the hot temperature in the vehicle they were left in (see, as an example, this 2014 news article on the Daily Mail).

To avoid this risk , you could choose to travel during the less hot hours, i.e. evening/night, opt for a route and company allowing your dog in the cabin/onboard kennel, or, if convenient, go for the Eurotunnel option which is air-conditioned (I will talk about this at point #2 below).

Purchasing your tickets

If you already have an idea of the time you wish to board, I would strongly recommend that you purchase your ticket online and with much advance , because you will be able to get much better prices than buying it at the ticket office once you get to the port. Online you will be able to indicate that you are travelling with your dog and pay the correct fare.

Our experience

When my husband and I travelled by van we chose to cross the Channel by ferry from Calais to Dover. This is what the trip looked like.

Once purchased the ticket at the ticket office, we drove to the border checks, where we were asked to present our passports/identity cards and our dog’s pet passport, as well as to scan our dog’s microchip with a scanner they handed over.

Once the officers checked that our dog’s microchip matched the number on the passport and that he had the required vaccination and treatment , we were given a paper to stick on the front windscreen, saying that an animal was being transported, and we were let to drive and board on the ferry.

We parked the van in the hold and gave the dog some water before leaving the vehicle. Like the other passengers, we had to leave the parking area in the hold (which was then locked) and travel on the decks, while our dog had to stay in the van during the whole crossing. An hour and a half later the ferry docked in Dover and we were reunited.

#2. Eurotunnel with your dog

As an alternative, you can travel via Eurotunnel Le Shuttle between Folkestone (UK) and Calais (France).

I have never tried this route yet, but according to the information available on their website , you will drive on the train and then stay in/with your car for the 35 minutes travel. You can stay in or out of your car in the carriage, but your dog must stay inside the car for the whole crossing.

Anyway, according to their website, there are dedicated dog exercise areas before boarding in Folkestone and in Calais. The carriages are air-conditioned and there are up to 4 departures per hour, with a cost of the ticket for your dog currently of £18 on top of the regular ticket . On the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle’s official webpage you can find futher information about pet travelling via Eurotunnel.

They also released a video showing what a dog travel via Eurotunnel looks like. I found it useful, so I thought to paste it below.

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Hi, I am looking to move from the UK to Europe with my dog. The main issue I am having is figuring out what to do with my car once I arrive in Europe as it is right hand drive and registered in the. I was wondering what you did with your van when you first arrived in the UK?

I would like to let you know of my experience on the Dieppe to Newhaven ferry. Since we live in Rouen (50 minutes drive from Dieppe) we favour the Dieppe to Newhaven route. We have done it twice with our dashund. and we’ll do it again. The dog has to stay in the car, but since we take the night ferry, it will never get too hot in the garage. We make him cosy for the night, with his favourite couch, rug and toys. He has to stay there for about 4 hours, but I must confess that we give him a light sleeping pill in case he gets anxious . We feel relieved in the morning when we find that he has had a good night (probably better than us)… I don’t think it would be wise to come and visit him during the crossing, it would disturb the little chap. I recomment the Dieppe Newhaven line to anyone coming from the South of England. Besides, Dieppe is a small harbour, easy to control, and we have never heard of serious troubles.

Thank you Philippe for telling about your experience with your dachshund! It sounds like a nice journey! Best, Cristina

This is something we have been trying with different routes from London to Madrid regularly with our little buddy Quijote. We refuse to fly due to the many difficulties and we wont put our buddy in the cargo hold. We have used the Euro tunnel from Folkestone and found this to be a great route and easy to use check in either side and both with great doggy excercise areas to use. It does then require us to drive through France but with the help of Booking .com its easy to find many dog friendly hotels on route. P&O Ferries dove to Calais as above states your buddy needs to remain in your car during the crossing, not something we are keen on so never tried. Our favourite and first choice is Brittany Ferries between Portsmouth and Santander or Bilbao. There are limited sailings each week and pet friendly cabins are available on these crossings so you can be with your buddy the whole journey but advisable to book in advance due to limited availability. They have a small excercise area on board but in bad weather you are not permitted to use. Our advice is to take puppy training pads to place in your cabin so your buddy can still be comfortable for the 26hr crossing. Your buddy is not permitted within any other area of the ship so if like Quijote who loves to play ball all day, entertaining him can be limited.

Thanks for recommending channel. I thought it would be more ideal.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination

Vaccinating your dog is of utmost importance. However, a rabies vaccination is of utmost importance. Rabies is of grave concern in European countries.

Due to this, it is compulsory for every dog to get vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination should be given at least three weeks before arriving in the EU.

If you're Microchipping your dog for the first time, then it should be done before vaccinating the dog against anti-rabies.

Anti-rabies vaccination should only be given to dogs that are at least 12 weeks old. In case you plan to head towards Southern Europe, you should consider getting your dog vaccinated against Leishmania.

After a primary rabies vaccination, the pet must wait 21 days before it’s eligible to enter the EU.

Step 3: Get a EU Health Certificate

The EU Health Certificate is like your dog's passport. These documents certify that your animal is healthy, up-to-date with all the standard vaccines and free of any contagious disease.

The health certificate needs to be documented and completed by an official vet within ten days of entering the European Union. States like Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and the UK require a worming treatment done by the vet 1-5 days before arrival. So if you are planning a trip to Ireland or any other state in the EU, you should schedule and get your pet's worming treatment done at the earliest.

Step 4: Approval of EU health certificate

Once the EU health certificate is sanctioned by a certified vet, it must be approved by a local APHIS veterinary service officer. The vet service officers are responsible for the endorsement of your pet's International health certificate.

You can mail the copy or hand-deliver a hard copy for approval to the APHISVeterinary service officer.

They charge around $38 fee to approve the EU health certificate. This certificate is valid within the EU for approximately four months. The certificate gets invalid if you leave the vicinity of the EU or the rabies vaccine expires.

An accredited veterinarian will need to complete and sign the EU Health Certificate. The EU Health Certificate is similar for all EU countries, but it is country-specific, so be sure to obtain the version based on where you’ll enter the EU.

Step 5: EU pet passport

While humans have a restriction on how long they can stay in the EU, animals are not hampered by any such constraints. If you are planning to continue for more than 4 months you, then get your dog a European pet passport from the local vet.

The EU pet import license is a complex seven-page document that must be filled by your pet and recommended by your country's animal regulatory agency not more than ten days before departure. You can find this form on the EU's embassy website.

The Eu pet passport is very convenient. It makes border crossing hassle free. You don't have to fill out lengthy paperwork every time you cross a new boundary.

The pet passport contains the following documents:

pet’s health status
your name and address
pet identifying information such as breed
physical traits
microchip number
optional pet photograph

Pet-friendly nations in Europe

These nations will gladly accept you and your pup:

Estonia – Not all but some places allow dogs. Tallinn is probably the most dog-friendly.
Portugal – Ever since 2017, dogs are allowed in cafes and restaurants.
Spain – Most restaurants don't allow dogs inside their premises, but you will find dog-friendly places in Barcelona. Be sure to take your pup to the best coffee shops in Barcelona , you won't regret it.
Sweden – Dogs are mostly not allowed inside the premises of hotels, cafes, pubs due to allergy concerns.
The United Kingdom – allows dogs in pubs, less formal areas, a restaurant at the open patio.

The following is a list of dogs banned from European countries

Just be careful because some countries won't accept all breeds of dogs. You can see the list below to see if your dog is on the banned list.

American Staffordshire Terrier
Dogo Argentino
English Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
American Pitbull Terrier

Great Britain

Staffordshire Bull Terriers
American Pitbull Terriers
dogs of the Mastiff type

Switzerland

All hybrids and mixes of these breeds that have at least 10% of their bloodlines.

Bringing your pets to Europe

Do extensive research on the places you are planning to visit with your pet. Traveling with a pet is an added responsibility; therefore, it is important that you read all the above-mentioned points carefully.

Consider yourself lucky because bringing your pet to the European countries wasn't always easy.

Before the beginning of the new millennium, if you traveled with a pet to any of the European countries, you would have to board your dog for six months in one of the 80 quarantine kennels in Great Britain. That came with no exercise or frolicking around the parks. There was no governing body, whatsoever, to inspect the kennels and check for quality control.

It wasn't until 1987 that things started to change for non-European pets. An organization named “Passports for Pets” was established by 10,000 members and volunteers. The aim was to change the pet entry system without having to go through segregation. Since February 2000, thousands of pets from non-EU countries could travel to the UK without having to face exclusion.

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Can you really travel to Europe car-free – and hassle-free – with a dog?

A car-free break on the continent with a four-legged friend is a logistical nightmare, especially since brexit. could this new pet-friendly rail package holiday solve the problem lottie gross (and her dog, arty) find out, article bookmarked.

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I know it’s rude to stare, but I cannot keep my eyes off what’s happening on the next table. A waiter in a waistcoat with a medallion around his neck is brutally but meticulously dismantling a barely cooked duck for a table of four Frenchmen to my left. I find myself unable to look away, except to check on the dog who is – predictably – also enraptured by the lesson in aquatic bird anatomy.

I tighten my grip on Arty’s lead in case he decides to pounce, and try not to worry about the medieval-style torture device cast in silver that’s clamped to a trolley nearby.

I haven’t accidentally set myself down for dinner in a butcher’s shop. I’m in Rouen, capital of northern France ’s Normandy region, where duck à la rouennaise – pressed duck cooked in a sauce of its own blood, port and cognac – is the delicacy.

Travel essentials

Lottie Gross was a guest of Holmes Hotel and Byway Travel . A three-night trip to Rouen with Byway costs from £892 per person including all trains from London St Pancras, the Le Pet Express service, and three nights’ accommodation.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, how to take your dog by train.

This gets asked surprisingly often, as it's difficult and expensive to send dogs, cats or other pets by air, and pets find it very stressful alone in the hold of a plane. So why not take your dog by train or ferry, the civilised and comfortable option? Unfortunately Eurostar doesn't allow dogs at all , except guide dogs. But there are alternatives - this page explains the options for civilised & enjoyable train & ferry travel between the UK and European destinations with your dog, cat or other pet.

Microchip, vaccinations, health certificate

Before you start, you'll need to make sure your dog or pet is fitted with a microchip and has an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Call your vet, they can advise you.

To take a pet from the UK to the EU , see your vet no more than 10 days before you travel for a simple health check and to get a health certificate. Expect this to cost £180 (yet another a Brexit cost as the UK is no longer a member of the Pet Passport scheme). The certificate is a 10-page document with more stamps than a 1970s Soviet transit visa which allows you to take your pet into the EU for up to 4 months and to re-enter the UK within 4 months. You can have more than one pet on the same health certificate. For certain countries you'll also need a tapeworm treatment, including Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Finland & Malta.

A day or two before you return to the UK , make a vet's appointment. The vet gives your dog a tapeworm tablet and fills in/stamps the relevant section on the form. This must be done no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you enter Great Britain. Expect this to cost around €40. This allows you to return to the UK.

For full details on how to take a pet abroad, see www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit .

For full details on how to bring a pet into the UK, see www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel .

Tip: As you can't take meat or dairy products into the EU, only take enough regular pet food for the Channel crossing. Take kibble for the onward journey, or stock up with wet food once on the Continent.

Step 1, taking a pet on British trains

This bit is easy. You can take dogs, cats and other small animals free of charge on all British trains, up to a maximum of two per passenger, as long as they don't endanger or inconvenience passengers or staff. Dogs must be kept on a lead unless inside a carrier. Dogs without leads, cats, birds and small animals must be carried in an enclosed cage or pet carrier which must be rigid and not open (to prevent escape) and the animal able to stand and lie down in comfort. Animals and containers must not occupy seats or a charge may be made. If you want to use a Caledonian Sleeper to or from Scotland, you'll need to pay a fee, see here . For full details of dog & pet regulations on British trains see www.nationalrail.co.uk/on-the-train/train-travel-with-pets . So far, so good.

Step 2, getting across the Channel

Option 1 , london to holland with stena line.

I highly recommend this option for both comfort and simplicity for travel with your dog between the UK and the Continent. It's an ideal route for the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czechia, Scandinavia and so on. It's a round-about route to France, Spain, Switzerland & Italy, but because it's so dog-friendly & inexpensive with really easy integrated train-to-ferry and ferry-to-train connections on either side of the Channel, it's a surprisingly good option even for that. It may also avoid the need for an overnight stay in Paris because after an overnight sailing to Hoek in a cosy pet-friendly cabin you can catch a morning high-speed train to Paris in time for an afternoon TGV to Barcelona, Switzerland or Milan.

What is Stena Line Rail & Sail?

Stena Line Rail & Sail is an integrated train & ferry service between London & the Netherlands run jointly by Greater Anglia & Stena Line. One ticket bought at www.stenaline.co.uk covers the whole journey from London or any East Anglia rail station to Hoek van Holland. It works in both directions, of course, but I'll describe the outward journey from the UK here.

You take the 18:45 train from London Liverpool Street station to Harwich and your dog travels with you on the train. At Harwich, the train arrives alongside the ferry terminal at around 20:45. It's totally painless: You walk straight off the train into the ferry terminal, through passport control (where your dog or cat's pet passport will be checked too) and onto the luxurious Stena Line superferry to Hoek van Holland.

You enter the ship via the passenger gangway onto Deck 7.

If you've booked a pet-friendly cabin , take your dog or cat by lift or stairs up to deck 10, where all the pet-friendly cabins are. All cabins have a shower, toilet, free WiFi and satellite TV. Your pet stays with you in the cabin, they are not allowed on the rest of the ship. If your pet needs a pee or poo, go down the Red Stairs to Deck 7 and press the white button to open a door to a small outside deck area where they can get some air, have a little exercise and do their business. Inevitably, we refer to this as the poop deck.

If you've booked a kennel , you take your dog up two decks by lift or stairs to the Guest Services desk on Deck 9, which is the main passenger deck with all the bars, lounges & restaurants. The Guest Services staff will give you a kennel number in either Kennel A or Kennel B, and give you the 4-digit code to access the kennels. You then go down one deck on Red Stairs to the kennels on Deck 8. The kennels have a sink with running water, and they provide blankets for dogs to sleep on, but you should take your own pet's water bowl, food bowl and perhaps their favourite toy. If your pet needs a pee or poo, go down one deck on the same Red Stairs to Deck 7 and press the white button to open a door to a small outside deck area where they can get some air, have a little exercise and do their business.

After settling your pet into their kennel you can settle in to your own private en suite cabin on Deck 10 or 11 and perhaps have a late dinner in the ship's restaurant or a nightcap in the bar on Deck 9. All cabins have a shower, toilet, free WiFi and satellite TV. Channel 6 on the TV shows CCTV pictures of the kennels, with close-ups of individual cages. You can visit your dog at any time during the crossing, although pets are not allowed in the public areas, other than to reach the Customer Services desk on embarkation, or to reach a pet-friendly cabin.

The ferry sails at 23:00 every day and arrives at Hoek van Holland at 08:00 next morning, Dutch time.

You now collect your dog from the kennels, if they need a pee you can take them to that small outside deck area on Deck 7. You then walk off the ferry into the terminal and out onto the adjacent railway station for the frequent metro train to Schiedam & Rotterdam. Dogs travel for free on the RET metro trains. You can use any contactless bank card to travel, just touch in and out at the start and end of the metro journey.

Get off the metro in Schiedam Centrum for a frequent NS (Dutch Railways) InterCity train to Amsterdam, arriving Amsterdam Centraal around 10:25. In the reverse direction, you'd leave Amsterdam Centraal around 18:46, the ferry sails from Hoek around 22:00 arriving Harwich at 06:30, you reach central London around 08:50.

Or continue to Eendrachtsplein station in Rotterdam city centre, from where it's then an 800m 10-minute walk to Rotterdam Centraal . Or continue to Rotterdam Alexander for NS trains to Utrecht, Groningen and so on.

You'll find full details, photos & a video guide on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page .

Onward trains to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Eastern Europe etc...

Direct daytime trains link Amsterdam with Germany and Switzerland - in many cases these go via Utrecht, and changing at Utrecht saves going all the way into Amsterdam. Regular daytime trains link Rotterdam with Brussels and Paris. All of these trains take dogs, sometimes free, sometimes for a fee, sometimes with a child rate ticket.

Or take the Nightjet sleeper from Amsterdam to Basel, Zurich (change for Italy), Munich, Innsbruck or Vienna (change for Bratislava, Budapest, Zagreb). Dogs are carried on Nightjets for €29 paid on board the train, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment.

You'll find specific timetables for journeys between London and each of the following countries here: Belgium , Italy , Switzerland , Germany , Austria , Denmark , Hungary , Czech Republic & Poland .

Onward trains to Paris (for France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy)

Take the metro from Hoek van Holland to Eendrachtsplein station in Rotterdam city centre, dogs go free of charge on the metro. It's then an 800m 10-minute walk to Rotterdam Centraal .

Then take a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train from Rotterdam Centraal to Paris Gare du Nord , you'll usually find a 10:58 arriving 13:38. Dogs can travel in any class on Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains for €30, you pay the dog fee on board to the conductor. Book your own ticket from Rotterdam to Paris from €35 online in advance at www.sncf-connect.com (don't bother trying to add a dog to the booking, this doesn't work with Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .

How much does it cost?

You'll find specific fare & booking information for journeys between London and each of the following countries by clicking the relevant link: Netherlands , Belgium , Italy , Switzerland , Germany , Austria , Denmark , Hungary , Czech Republic & Poland .

...and to take a dog or cat?

On the train from London to Harwich your dog travels free. On the ferry, you must reserve a kennel (£23) or pet-friendly cabin during the online booking process. On the Dutch domestic trains between Hoek van Holland, Rotterdam & Amsterdam or Utrecht, small dogs or cats in containers on your lap travel free of charge, but if you have a larger dog you'll need to buy a dog day-ticket (Dagkaart Hond) for €3.30, you may be able to buy this at the Guest Services desk on deck 9 on board the Stena Line ferry, otherwise buy it at Schiedam station. On the international daytime trains from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Germany and Switzerland, cats and small dogs (up to cat sized) in containers go free, larger dogs on leads require a child rate ticket which you can buy online exactly as you would for a child, although unlike kids they don't qualify for the free kid with an adult deal.

How to buy tickets for you & your dog, step 1 :

Book your Rail & Sail ticket from London to Amsterdam online at www.stenaline.co.uk . You simply need to choose a pet-friendly (animal) cabin at the cabin stage plus the 'pet in cabin' option at the extras stage, or just add a pet in kennel at the extras stage.

How to buy tickets, step 2 :

You now need to book the onward trains to your European destination. Booking usually opens 90 days ahead, you cannot book before reservations open. Trains from Amsterdam to Cologne, Frankfurt and Switzerland pass through Utrecht so it's quicker to pick them up there rather than going all the way into Amsterdam, unless you really want to. For daytime travel from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Germany or Switzerland, book your own ticket at int.bahn.de . Small (cat-size) dogs & cats in containers go free, if you have a larger larger dog it travels at the child rate (either full-fare Flexpreis or discounted Sparpreis , it doesn't matter) so simply use int.bahn.de again to buy a child ticket, I recommend buying this as a separate booking to avoid the system automatically offering the 'Child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free' offer which doesn't apply to dogs! There are Nightjet sleeper train from Cologne to Innsbruck (for Italy) & Vienna (for all points east) and you can easily book these online at int.bahn.de . Onward connections from Innsbruck to Italy or Vienna to Budapest can be booked at www.oebb.at .

Inward one-way tickets : Note that www.stenaline.co.uk can only book one-way or return tickets starting in the UK. One-way or return tickets starting in the Netherlands must be booked at the Dutch version of the Stena Line website, see the advice here .

Option 2, London to Paris via the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry

See the London/Brighton-Newhaven-Dieppe-Paris timetable on the London-Paris by train & ferry page . This is the cheapest option if you're heading for France or Spain.

Step 1, take a train to Newhaven Town , see www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times.

Up to 2 dogs of any size go free of charge on British trains, just buy a ticket for yourself.

Step 2, take a DFDS ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe , check ferry times at www.dfds.com .

DFDS allows you to take a cat or dog with you as a foot passenger on these routes.

Only small and medium size dogs are carried, according to DFDS customer services. That means I'd expect them to have no problem with springer spaniels, but they won't carry great Danes or St Bernards. You'll have to call them to check whether your labrador will fit their kennels.

If the animal is small and in a carrier, the pet & carrier are handed to staff at check-in and returned to you after the crossing. Larger dogs have to be booked in one of the ship's 3 kennels, although you can visit the pet in the middle of the crossing by taking an appointment at the reception desk.

To book as a foot passenger with a pet you must call DFDS on 033 058 787 87 if you're in the UK or 0809 541 890 if you're in France or +44 33 058 787 87 from outside either country. You cannot book online if you're taking a pet!

Step 3, take a French train from Dieppe to Paris St Lazare , book this at www.thetrainline.com .

Dogs can be taken on all French trains. Small dogs (under 6Kg) placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay no more than €5.10 per journey. Larger dogs muzzled and on leads pay half the 2nd class full fare (even travelling in 1st class).

You can buy a ticket in English at the official French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (for English scroll to the bottom and change France to Europe (other countries). You add a dog to the booking by clicking the Add button (English version) or Ajouter (French version) before running the enquiry.

Once in Paris, you can take onward trains to Spain, Portugal or the South of France, as shown in step 3 below.

Option 3, London to Paris by train + taxi with Pet Travel Abroad .

For France, Spain or Portugal you really need to go via Paris. As Eurostar won't take pets and most Channel Ferries won't let foot passengers take pets either, here is a solution which works well, although it's not cheap:

Step 1, travel from London to Folkestone by train.

You can use any normal British domestic train, dogs go free. There are hourly or half hourly trains from London Charing Cross, Waterloo East or St Pancras to Folkestone Central, check train times & fares at www.nationalrail.co.uk .

Step 2, book a taxi from Folkestone to Calais via the Eurotunnel shuttle with Pet Travel Abroad .

Book your trip by calling Pet Travel Abroad (part of Folkestone Taxis) on 01303 246 925 (+00 44 1303 246925 from outside the UK), see their pet transport page at pettravelabroad.co.uk .

They can take you and your dog and up to 3 other passengers from Folkestone Central station to Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun stations for around £190 plus the cost of the Eurotunnel ticket, typically £164, but this can vary.

You and your dog remain together in the taxi throughout the journey via the Channel Tunnel car shuttle train. Pet Travel Abroad (part of Folkestone Taxis) has been highly recommended by several travellers, further feedback is always appreciated.

Of course, a cheaper solution is to get a friend to drive you to Calais and drop you at the station, using a cheap day return ferry ticket - try www.dfds.com or www.poferries.com . The dog remains inside the car on the ferry car deck.

Step 3, take a French domestic train from Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun to Paris .

To check train times use www.raileurope.com (in £ or €) or www.thetrainline.com (in €). On French trains, small dogs under 6 Kg placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay no more than €5.10 per journey. Larger dogs muzzled and on leads pay half the 2nd class full fare, even travelling in 1st class. For onward train travel with your dog to Spain, Italy, Portugal and so on, see the following section.

How to plan your trip.

The French trains from Calais to Paris are irregular and less frequent than the British ones, so start by picking a suitable afternoon train from Calais to Paris and work backwards. Ask Folkestone Taxis what time you need to leave Folkestone Central in their taxi to make this train. Then work out a train from London (or your local station) to Folkestone Central with plenty of time in hand.

This blog may inspire you: Argo, the dog who took the train to Italy .

Option 4, Hull-Rotterdam or Newcastle-Amsterdam by ferry

You can take a dog as a foot passenger on P&O Ferries Hull-Rotterdam route, with pet-friendly cabins & kennels. Book online and add a pet plus pet-friendly cabin or kennel at www.poferries.com . More about the Hull-Rotterdam ferry route .

You can also take a dog as a foot passenger with pet-friendly cabins on DFDS overnight Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry. However, you can't book online as a foot passenger with a pet, you need to book by phone, so check sailing times at www.dfds.com then call DFDS on 0871 522 9955. More about the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry route .

Step 3, taking pets on trains in mainland Europe

Once safely across the Channel, you can take a dog or cat with you on most trains across Europe, sometimes free, sometimes for a small charge, sometimes with a normal child-rate ticket. In sleeping-cars and couchettes on overnight trains, you can generally only take a dog if your party occupies all the berths in a compartment.

From the UK to France

Eurostar doesn't take dogs and nor do most ferry companies unless you are a motorist. P&O used to allow foot passengers to take dogs, but have stopped doing in 2012. However, DFDS will take caged pets if you're a foot passenger on their Newhaven-Dieppe route.

So either travel from London to Newhaven by train, take a DFDS ferry to Dieppe as a foot passenger with your pet in a cage as explained above in option 2 , take a taxi to Dieppe station and a train to Paris, or travel from London to Folkestone by train, pay Folkestone Taxis to shuttle you through the Tunnel from Folkestone Central station to Calais Ville station, then take a train to Paris as explained above in option 3 .

Or you can travel from the UK to Paris via Hoek van Holland using option 1 , it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris as you can sail overnight from Harwich to Hoek van Holland in a cosy pet-friendly cabin, catch the metro to Rotterdam and a morning high-speed train to Paris, then take an afternoon train to almost anywhere in France, even Nice & the south coast.

Pets on trains within France

Dogs can be taken on all French trains. Small dogs (under 6 Kg) placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay €7 per journey. Larger dogs muzzled and on a lead pay €7.

You can buy a ticket in English at the official French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , you add a dog to your booking by clicking the Add travellers, pets & bicycles button before running the enquiry.

To the Netherlands

From the UK to the Netherlands

I recommend travelling via the Harwich-Hoek van Holland superferry as shown in option 1 above . Once at Hoek van Holland your Dutch Flyer ticket is valid to any Dutch station, not just Amsterdam. You can book from London to Amsterdam or any Dutch station online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a kennel during the booking process.

Alternatively, you can also take a dog as a foot passenger with pet-friendly cabins on DFDS overnight Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry, but you must book by phone, check sailing times at www.dfds.com then call 0871 522 9955. P&O take dogs with foot passengers on their overnight Hull-Rotterdam ferry, see www.poferries.com .

Pets on trains within the Netherlands

On Dutch trains, small dogs or cats in containers placed on your lap travel free of charge, if you have a larger dog on a lead you will need to buy a Dagkaart Hond (dog day-ticket) for just over €3. You can check details for this at the Dutch Railways site www.ns.nl .

To Switzerland

From the UK to Switzerland

You should use the train & ferry service from London to Amsterdam via the Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, as explained in option 1 above . For details of the London to Switzerland journey via this route see the Switzerland page , which has timetables & fares. You can book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process. You'll then find daytime trains from Utrecht to Basel & Zurich, which you can book online at int.bahn.de .

Pets on trains within Switzerland

Dogs of any size can travel for half the 2nd class fare on any Swiss train (for longer journeys there's a Dog Day card), small dogs up to 30cm high at the shoulder can travel free if they are in a carrier, you'll find information on the Swiss railways website www.sbb.ch and you can easily buy Swiss tickets at the station when you get there.

From the UK to Italy, via Hoek van Holland

Travel overnight from London to Hoek van Holland using the Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry as explained in option 1 above .

I'd then suggest travelling from Amsterdam to Munich by daytime trains, then overnight again from Munich to Venice on the excellent Nightjet sleeper train. You'll find full details of these trains and how to book them in the via Harwich section of the London to Italy page .

Dogs travel on the German-run trains between Amsterdam, Cologne & Munich under the same arrangements as for trains within Germany explained in the To Germany section below .

Dogs are carried on the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne to Innsbruck or Vienna for €29, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment. You don't need to book the dog, you just pay the extra €29 to the staff on board the train.

First book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Then book Amsterdam-Munich followed by Munich-Venice using www.thetrainline.com . Then buy a separate 2nd class child ticket for your dog from Amsterdam to Munich as explained in the To Germany section below .

Then travel onwards from Venice to other Italian cities. See the Pets on trains within Italy section below.

Alternatively, you can take daytime trains from Utrecht to Basel or Zurich, book these online at int.bahn.de . Stay overnight in Basel or Zurich. Then take a Zurich to Milan EuroCity train, which you can book online at www.sbb.ch . Dogs under 30cm high at the shoulder in a carrier travel free on this EuroCity train and on onward trains within Italy. Dogs over 30cm high and not in a carrier must have a ticket, usually charged at half the 2nd class fare, which you can buy at the station in Zurich for about £35.

From the UK to Italy, via Paris

Step 1, Eurostar doesn't take dogs, so travel from London to Paris via Folkestone/Newhaven & Paris using option 2 or option 3 above, both involving ferry or EuroTunnel to France then domestic French train to Paris. You may need to stay in Paris overnight. Or use option 1 via Hoek van Holland, it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris.

Step 2, you can then take one of the three daily Paris-Turin-Milan TGV trains in 1st or 2nd class with any size of dog muzzled and on a lead for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm for €7. You can book yourself and your dog from Paris to Milan at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3, take an onward train from Milan or Turin to anywhere in Italy, see the Pets on trains within Italy section below.

Dogs are also carried on Trenitalia's competing Paris-Milan Frecciarossa , dogs under 5 Kg go free, dogs 5-50 Kg €30, all dogs must travel in Standard or Business class Allegro cars. See the London to Italy page for details of times, prices and how to buy tickets. The £10 fee for taking a dog on the Paris-Milan TGV must be paid by phone, it cannot be booked online.

Pets on trains within Italy

Dogs and pets are carried on most Trenitalia trains, free in a carrier (maximum size 70cm x 30cm x 50cm) or at half the 2nd class fare if on a lead and muzzled, for full details to www.trenitalia.com and look under Services for Transport of pets .

You'll need to carry the dog's pet passport or health certificate, and yes, you will need to use a muzzle if your dog isn't inside a carrier. You aren't allowed to take dogs on regional trains between 07:00 & 09:00 weekdays. You aren't allowed to take a dog in Premium or Executive classes on Frecciarossa high-speed trains . You can only take a dog in sleepers or couchettes if your party occupies the whole compartment.

From the UK to Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Valencia, Alicante...

Step 2, you can then take one of the twice-daily Paris-Barcelona TGV trains with any size of dog muzzled and on a lead on for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm for €7. More about the Paris-Barcelona TGV journey .

You can buy a ticket for yourself and your dog from Paris to Barcelona at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3 if your dog is under 10 Kg, you can then travel from Barcelona direct to Madrid, Malaga, Valencia or Alicante, see the Pets on trains within Spain section below.

Step 3 if your dog is 10-40 Kg, you can travel from Barcelona to Madrid on certain AVE trains, then from Madrid to Malaga, Valencia or Alicante also on certain trains only, see the Pets on trains within Spain section below.

From the UK to San Sebastian

Step 1, Eurostar doesn't take dogs, so travel from London to Paris via Folkestone/Newhaven & Paris using option 2 or option 3 above, both involving ferry or EuroTunnel to France then domestic French train to Paris. Or use option 1 via Hoek van Holland, it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris.

Step 2, you can then take one of the regular TGVs from Paris Montparnasse to Hendaye on the Spanish border, a stone's throw from San Sebastian. These also take dogs of any size muzzled and on a lead for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier for €7.

You can buy a ticket for yourself and your dog from Paris to Hendaye at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3, the half-hourly trains from Hendaye to San Sebastian run by Euskotren take dogs of any size, muzzled and on a lead, or in a pet carrier, buy that ticket when you get to Hendaye. More about the Paris-San Sebastian journey .

Pets on trains within Spain

Dogs under 10 Kg in pet carriers (maximum size 60cm x 35cm x 35cm) can be taken on most Renfe long distance trains either free or for a small fee, see www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/mascotas (please let me know if that link stops working).

In general, larger dogs are not allowed at all on Spanish medium & long-distance trains . I gather this is a cultural thing, as large dogs are generally regarded as working animals (for example, guard dogs) not pets in Spain. Disappointingly, that not only goes for national operator Renfe, but for open-access competitors Ouigo and Iryo , too.

However, as from June 2023, dogs up to 40 Kg are allowed on certain Barcelona-Madrid, Madrid-Malaga, Madrid-Alicante & Madrid-Valencia AVE trains, for a fee, muzzled, with a 40-minute check-in and some forms to complete. See www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/mascotas (please let me know if that link stops working). Dogs up to 40 Kg are only allowed 2 or 3 designated trains per day on each of those routes, there's a list of trains linked from that page. Feedback would be appreciated!

More about train travel in Spain . Buy Spanish train tickets with dog added at www.renfe.com .

To Portugal

From the UK to Portugal

Eurostar doesn't carry dogs, so first travel from London to Paris using either option 2 or option 3 above. You'll then need to stay overnight in Paris. Then travel from Paris to Lisbon as shown on the London to Portugal page .

They key issue is that dogs over 10 Kg aren't carried on trains beyond Madrid.

From the UK to Germany

Step 1, first travel from London to Amsterdam via the overnight Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, see option 1 above .

Step 2, check train times & buy tickets from Amsterdam Centraal to anywhere in Germany at int.bahn.de . On the German-run international IC & ICE trains between Amsterdam and Cologne, Frankfurt, Hannover & Berlin, the same arrangements apply as for German domestic travel explained below.

Alternatively, the overnight European Sleeper between Rotterdam/Amsterdam & Berlin takes dogs for free if you and your party occupy a whole couchette or sleeper compartment, see the European Sleeper page for more information .

Pets on trains within Germany & on international trains between Amsterdam & Germany

Small dogs & cats in containers go free. Larger dogs pay the child price.

You can buy tickets for you and your dog at int.bahn.de . Click the From field to open the details panel, click on Passengers, bicycles , click on Add , click on More passenger types and add a dog to the booking.

Dogs not in carriers must be on a lead and (in theory at least) muzzled. In practice you'll seldom see dogs muzzled). Dogs classed as 'dangerous breeds' aren't carried on trains in Germany.

To Austria , central & eastern Europe

From the UK to Austria & central Europe

I recommend travelling from London to Amsterdam via the overnight Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, see option 1 above . For details of a journey from London to various countries via this route, click the relevant destination link: Austria , Hungary , Czech Republic , Poland .

For Austria

Step 1, book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Step 2, book a late afternoon train from Amsterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf at int.bahn.de . On trains between Amsterdam and Cologne, small dogs and cats in containers go free, larger dogs pay the child rate, you can buy child tickets for your dog online at int.bahn.de , but do this as a separate booking from your own ticket to avoid the 'child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free' offer which doesn't apply to dogs! Note that dogs classed as 'dangerous' breeds aren't carried on trains in Germany.

Step 3, then use www.oebb.at to book the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne Hbf to Munich Hbf , Innsbruck or Vienna Hbf . Change in Munich for Salzburg. Dogs are carried on the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne to Innsbruck or Vienna for €29 paid on board the train, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment.

Pets on trains within Austria

Small dogs (meaning cat-size) or cats in containers go free, larger dogs require a child ticket, which can be booked online at www.oebb.at .

For Hungary

Travel to Vienna as above. On onward trains from Vienna to Budapest, small dogs (meaning cat-size) or cats in containers go free, larger dogs require a child ticket, which can be booked online at www.oebb.at .

Dogs aren't allowed in MAV (Hungarian Railways) sleeping-cars or couchette cars at all, which rules out the Munich-Budapest and Zurich-Budapest sleeper trains.

To Denmark , Sweden, Norway

From the UK to Scandinavia

Step 1, you can book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Step 2, check train times & buy tickets from Amsterdam Centraal to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de . An overnight stop in Hamburg may be necessary.

On the German-run international trains between Amsterdam, Hamburg & Copenhagen, small dogs and cats in containers go free, larger dogs pay the child rate. You can buy child tickets for a larger dog online at int.bahn.de , although do this as a separate booking from your own ticket to avoid the child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free offer which doesn't apply to dogs. Note that dogs classed as 'dangerous' breeds aren't carried on trains in Germany.

Step 3, dogs can go on the Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 trains , but you can't take a pet in 1st class and you need to use the special pets allowed section of the train in 2nd class. You can reserve seats in this section when booking at www.sj.se or call their telesales line.

From the UK to Greece

Step 1, travel from London to Venice via Harwich-Hoek and Munich exactly as shown in the To Italy section above .

For more information

For information on the transport of dogs and other pets in particular countries, search the website of the relevant national train operator. There is a list of links to each operator's website on the useful links page .

Feedback requested!

Feedback from anyone who takes their dog or cat into Europe by train would be very welcome.

Traveller's reports

Dog owner Wendy Shillam reports : "We've been taking our dog abroad since the rules changed 9 years ago. Firstly I agree that its mad that Eurostar doesn't allow dogs, especially as it would be a good earner for them and they need the money! I wrote to the COE but got no reply. The most comfortable and quickest way for dogs to cross the channel (though not always the cheapest) is by car with Eurotunnel . They just stay in the car with you and there is no bother. Once, we then left our car at the Calais 'parkway' station, but on returning we saw that quite a few cars - not ours thank goodness - had been broken into. It is a very desolate spot and no security as far as I can see. But it is free parking. Once across the channel be careful which train you get from Calais - some especially on Sundays are really slow. We also have taken the motorail train from Düsseldorf, it's not too far and then you can get a car-carrying overnight train from Düsseldorf to Italy, the south of France or Austria . Dogs are accepted on these German motorail trains in the sleeper cabins and we have never had a problem. Our dog Astrid, a nine year old Mini Schnauzer, has lasted 17 hours on a train with no ill effects - overnight she just settles down to sleep, generally taking up most of my bunk! The steward will tell you if there are longer stops which allows you to give your dog a 'comfort' walk. The irony is that if we could travel on Eurostar we would never dream of taking our car with us at all! On Spanish trains dogs should be muzzled - the guard did let us get away with it, but if Astrid had been a bigger dog there might have been trouble. Also beware if you plan to travel with your dog by bus in Spain. They insist that the dog goes in a casket (which you have to bring) in the hold underneath the seats, which I suspect on a hot day is tantamount to animal cruelty! Astrid has been most comfortable and spoilt in France, Italy, Belgium and Sweden. Also remember that if you are going to the South dogs need to be protected against a nasty bug called lishmania which can cause a chronic disease with no cure - but drugs can control it. So always check with a vet who knows about foreign travel well before you go."

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How to Travel with a Dog Between the UK and Europe

One of the best things about travelling in Europe with a dog is that it’s usually so easy! Generally you don’t require any paperwork for travelling from country to country and most transport options allow dogs. However, this isn’t the case if you’re departing the UK to travel to Europe with a dog, or on the other hand you’re trying to travel to the UK with a dog .

For starters, dogs aren’t allowed on the otherwise-so-convenient Eurostar from London , almost the only train service in Europe that doesn’t allow any size pet dogs. Additionally, pet dogs are also not allowed to fly into the UK in plane cabins, only as cargo, and there are limited flight options when leaving the UK. So, how do you take your dog from the UK to continental Europe , or vice versa?

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links.

Looking for information on travelling to or from a specific country? Check out my guides on:

How to take your dog to France
How to take your dog from the UK to Spain
How to take your dog to Northern Ireland
How to take your dog to the Republic of Ireland
How to take your dog from the UK to the USA
How to travel to the UK from outside of Europe

Can You Take a Dog on the Eurostar?

It would be wonderful if you could quickly and easily head from England to France, Belgium or the Netherlands with your pet dog on the Eurostar! Unfortunately though, no pet dogs are allowed on the Eurostar . The only dogs that are allowed on the Eurostar are assistance dogs, and even then they need to be booked in advance.

It would be terrific if this changed to allow pets on the Eurostar, but there are currently no plans for this to change. It’s especially perplexing given that dogs are allowed on trains in both the UK (for free!) and in France.

Taking a Dog on the Ferry as a Foot Passenger

Generally, most of the ferries that travel between the UK and continental Europe only allow passengers with a vehicle to bring along dogs. This is because most of the time pets must stay in the vehicle, or they do not have facilities for the boarding of foot passengers with pets.

There are only a handful of exceptions, with the following four ferries allowing foot passengers to take a dog. Best of all, most of these ferries now have pet-friendly cabins available.

Stena Line Ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland with a dog

Ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe (DFDS Seaways)

This is the only ferry between England and France that allows foot passengers to bring their dog. A charge applies, which was recently £22. The journey is about 4 hours (longer than the shorter Dover to Dunkirk or Calais routes) and dogs are kept in kennels on the car deck for the entire journey. Pets must be carried on board in a pet carrier.

Ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland (Stena Line w/ Pet-Friendly Cabins)

This longer crossing takes up to 9 1/2 hours (with shorter crossings during the day), but is quite popular with dog owners as it is more pet-friendly.

Recently, pet-friendly cabins were introduced on the ferries. Choose between two-berth inside or outside cabins, or larger five-berth cabins with a window. Up to three small pets under 15kg are permitted in each cabin, or two medium-sized dogs under 30kg, or one large dog over 30kg.

Additionally, there is also the option of booking a kennel, with two kennel rooms that remain accessible during the voyage, plus a TV channel showing CCTV footage from the kennels. Outside on the deck is a pet exercise area, although be warned it is just bare deck.

There is no additional fee for pets staying in a pet-friendly cabin, although the cabins themselves are more expensive. The charge for pets to stay in a kennel is £21. (Car passengers also have the option of leaving dogs in their car, with a fee of £18 applying.)

Read my review of travelling between London and Amsterdam with my dog on this ferry, on the overnight sailing. It is possible to book online ; simply select a pet-friendly cabin if desired at the cabin step, then add your pet to your booking at the next step.

Recently, a limit of three pets per foot passenger has been imposed (or five pets per vehicle).

Ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS Seaways w/ Pet-Friendly Cabins)

This ferry service to Amsterdam also offers dog-friendly cabins as well as kennels, with both available to foot passengers as well as car passengers. The pet-friendly cabins are four-berth sea-view cabins that can accomodate up to two medium-sized dogs.

This crossing is a more convenient option for dog owners travelling to or from northern England or Scotland. Note though that the journey time is much longer – nearly 16 hours.

There is a charge of £30 per pet in either a cabin or kennel. Foot passengers travelling with a pet need to book by calling the contact centre .

Read this review by someone else taking the ferry or find out more about the DFDS pet-friendly cabins and travelling with a pet on DFDS ferries in general .

Ferry from Hull to Rotterdam (P&O w/ Pet-Friendly Cabins)

This ferry service also connects northern England with the Netherlands, but this time the ports of Hull and Rotterdam. The journey time is about 11 hours, with the service generally operating overnight.

Recently, three pet-friendly cabins have been added on each ferry. Each cabin is a two-berth ensuite cabin with a window, although with a restricted view. Each cabin can accommodate two small or one medium/large dog. Naturally, they should be booked well in advance, plus they cost more than standard cabins.

The pet-friendly cabins are located on deck 7 close to the kennels and exercise area. It’s also possible to book one of the air-conditioned kennels, with three sizes available. While the kennels cannot be visited during the crossing, they are regularly checked by staff members overnight.

There is a set fee of £22 per pet, charged regardless of whether your pet travels in a kennel or cabin. It’s easy to add a pet to an online booking, for those travelling with or without a car, plus select a pet-friendly cabin if available.

Another way that P&O has made their crossings more pet-friendly is by setting up a pet exercise area at both the Hull and Rotterdam Ferry Terminals, for some last minute exercise before boarding the ferry.

Find out more about taking your pets on P&O .

Taking a Ferry with a Car and a Dog

It’s a lot easier to travel in between England and continental Europe with a pet if you also have a car! The majority of ferries travelling between England and continental Europe allow passengers travelling with a car to also transport pets. Click here for the full list of approved ferries.

Check out my full guide to pet-friendly cabins on ferries to Europe

Another recently development in 2023 has been the introduction of pet lounges on the P&O ferries between Dover and Calais. Instead of leaving your dog in your car, you can travel together in the lounge, with access to an outside exercise deck. A fee applies for access, with only dogs allowed. Additionally, only those with a vehicle can travel with pets, not foot passengers.

If your dog is staying in your car, it’s best to choose one of the quicker ferry options, such as between Dover and Calais, particularly if travelling in the warmer months.

Most ferries charge a fee per pet, usually around £22 except on the longer voyages to and from Spain, although the exact fee varies between the different companies. Check out the websites of the individual ferry companies for more information.

I’ve also put together detailed guides on taking the ferry to France with a dog and taking the ferry to Spain with a dog , with a list of all options and their pet facilities.

Taking the Eurotunnel with a Dog

The second option available if you have a car, and probably the more convenient one, is to take the Eurotunnel car shuttle train. Your dog stays in your car along with you, and the actual crossing only takes 35 minutes. There is an additional charge of £22 per pet, in each direction.

At both Calais (France) and Folkestone (UK) you will need to report to the Pet Reception Centre, prior to checking in. Make sure you allow additional time for this step. Here your dog’s paperwork will be checked.

See further details on the Eurotunnel website about transporting dogs via the Eurotunnel.

Note that the Eurotunnel doesn’t take foot passengers, with or without a dog.

Flying to the UK with a Dog

If you’re wanting to fly to the UK with a dog, the only option available is for your pet to fly as cargo. No dogs are allowed to travel to the UK in the plane cabin, except for assistance dogs, or as checked luggage.

Click here for the list of approved airlines , including the approved destination airports, or alternatively check the pet policy of the airline you intend to use, as many airlines that fly pets elsewhere in Europe don’t offer the option of flying pets as cargo to the UK.

Dropping off Schnitzel at a freight terminal for his flight

Depending on the airline, you may be required to use an animal transport company, meaning it can be quite expensive. Additionally, there is a large fee payable when you collect your pet from the quarantine office. On top of that, the process is reportedly quite time consuming and you need to make an advance booking – Heathrow in particular is often booked out in advance.

Is it any wonder that most people avoid flying to the UK with their pet?

Flying out of the UK with a Dog

While pets flying into the UK must travel as cargo, the rules are more relaxed for flying with pets out of the UK. Dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin or as checked luggage. However, there are only a limited number of airlines that offer this.

Check out my guide to the latest airlines that fly dogs out of the UK , whether in the cabin or as excess baggage. Two of the European airlines that clearly specify they allow this are Air Malta and TAP Air Portugal. Additionally, I’ve heard reports from fellow travellers of Air France, KLM and Lufthansa allowing this.

I recommend phoning up the airline you are considering using to find out if this is an option, plus noting down the details of who you spoke to and when if you do get the okay. Note that none of the UK airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin at all.

Taxi Services Across the English Channel

The other alternative if you’re travelling between the UK and continental Europe without a car, and are struggling with the limited transport options available, is to utilise a taxi service. There are multiple providers that will basically take you on a taxi ride, along with your dog in the vehicle, but a slightly different taxi ride as you’ll be taking the Eurotunnel with the taxi.

Generally you just take the taxi between Folkestone Central station and either Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun station, utilising trains on either end. Expect to be charged at least £100-200 in addition to the Eurotunnel cost.

There may also be the option to travel a further distance on each end, such as all the way from London, for a higher cost. A typical fee from Paris to central London is £700, including the Eurotunnel cost.

For further details on taking a dog taxi from the UK to France, contact:

Folkestone Taxis (also known as Pet Travel Abroad)

Prefer to not pay the expense of a private taxi? Another more recent option is Le Pet Express , which has regular scheduled mini-bus crossings, between Ashford and Calais Frethun rail stations. The shared mini buses can transport up to five pets and six people, with you travelling beside your pet. At the moment there are crossings on Saturdays and Sundays.

Additionally, there are some companies that are specifically set up to transport dogs longer distances between European countries and the UK, not just across the channel. These companies can collect your pet from an airport or city in Europe, then transport your pet to your door in the UK.

One such company is Happy Saluki Pet Transport , which is DEFRA certified. Another alternative is Pet Courier , a Spanish company that specifically transports pets between the UK and Spain, and vice versa.

What Paperwork is Required for my Dog?

To travel with a pet from the UK to the EU , your dog or cat needs to be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days before your day of travel and either have an EU animal health certificate or a pet passport issued in the EU or Northern Ireland.

Additionally, if you are travelling to the Finland, Ireland or Malta (plus Norway), your dog now needs to receive a worming treatment from your vet. For full details, see the UK government website .

Note that following Brexit, Great Britain issued pet passports are no longer valid, and you will need to visit a vet before each trip for an animal health certificate. However, if you have an EU or Northern Ireland-issued pet passport ( Northern Ireland is technically part of the EU for pet travel purposes), these are still valid.

If you require an animal health certificate, I’ve heard recommendations for Abbeywell Vets located in Folkestone, close to the Eurotunnel terminal and the Dover ferry port. You can request an EU animal health certificate online for collection when you arrive in Folkestone for a reasonable price.

Prior to Brexit, when heading from the UK across to continental Europe, generally no paperwork for pets was checked. However, this is no longer the case, so allow additional time.

For more tips on everything to organise and other parasite treatments to consider when travelling to Europe with your dog, check out the pet travel guide put together by The Daycare Vet .

When returning to the UK , similar requirements apply. The animal health certificate used to leave Great Britain can be used to return to Great Britain, with a validity period of four months. Alternatively, a pet passport, including a pet passport issued in Great Britain prior to 2021, can be presented. Otherwise visit the vet to get a Great Britain pet health certificate.

Note that all dogs (except for those entering directly from Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway) will need to be administered a worming treatment by a vet between 24 hours and 5 days of entry into the UK, with this recorded in your dog’s health certificate or pet passport.

Be prepared for your pet’s paperwork to be carefully checked when returning to the UK . The UK is is very strict about dogs entering the country, so make sure everything is in order. The timing of the worming treatment is checked down to the hour, plus the rabies vaccine is carefully checked.

For more details on the paperwork required, see the UK government website .

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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81 thoughts on “How to Travel with a Dog Between the UK and Europe”

Thank you for this! What an amazing resource. My partner and I are looking into working holiday visas and the UK was our first choice since we have a common language. But we got discouraged when we thought we wouldn’t be able to bring our dog. So thank you so much for all of this info! Super helpful!

https://teaspoonofadventure.com/

Glad it’s helped you! Hope you have an amazing time on your trip, whether that’s in the UK or somewhere else. 🙂

dont forget that worming pil alot of people get caught out by that ,,i cant remember the name for the worm

How about taxis, most of the taxi drivers in London they refuse the journey when they see the pet, how about your experience. thanks for sharing

I’ve had both experiences with catching taxis in London – being refused or accepted (although I guess it helped that my dog is small and was in a carrier bag). It’s helpful if you can advise in advance that you have a dog.

With crossing the channel in a taxi, it’s a specific service offered by these companies that you book in advance, advising that you have a dog. I’m sure they wouldn’t refuse if it’s all been properly booked!

This is a great series but I’m really surprised that you haven’t once mentioned the banned dog breeds in Europe! As owners of the soppiest, softest, daftest, most laid back (breed indicative!) Bullmastiff, we were shocked to discover that we are unable to drive through France with her. We are however looking at options to take the ferry straight to Spain instead! The Caravan and Motorhome Club has some info, but we’ve found that this is not a widely publicised subject which could catch out unsuspecting owners. https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/overseas-holidays/useful-information/travelling-with-pets/

Thanks for sharing the informative post! I’ve recently written about this on my post about France ( http://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-france/ ), but will add further details to other posts as I read up further.

This is a concern of mine as well! I plan to tour Europe with my dog on an extremely extended trek, but she is a pit-hound mix. I think I am going to mostly rely on the fact she looks more like a hound dog and hope that saves us! If I could get her to howl on command, that would convince everyone. You can’t mistake the distinct hound baying xD

My final hope is that the muzzle that is required in many areas doesn’t ruin the illusion. Covering her very hound-y snout might draw more attention to her very pit-y ears. : {

As for crossing from France to England, I have half a mind to hitch hike, LOL!

Hitch hiking is an option! Not sure if Bla Bla Car operates in the UK, but I’ve heard of some people having success with it and a dog.

I’ve recently written more on the topic of dangerous dog rules here: http://www.travelnuity.com/travel-with-dangerous-dog-breed/

Fantastic resource! Struggling to get our toy poodle from Croatia/Italy back to the UK. Any advice???

It sure is tricky returning pets to the UK, unless you’re happy to have them travel as cargo (and pay the cost)! Probably my favourite recommendation (and that of many people I’ve spoken to) is flying to Amsterdam and then taking the Stenaline ferry to Harwich or the DFDS ferry to Newcastle. Alternatively, if you would prefer to travel by train, I recommend checking out Man in Seat 61 for the options.

I need to get my Brussels Griffon from Croatia to UK – have you any solutions?

I recommend flying to either Paris or Amsterdam, then taking the ferry or a pet taxi on the Eurotunnel. Alternatively, there’s companies that can provide end to end land transport from many countries to the UK

Such a great help. Thank you! We are getting the Eurotunnel to France with our dog and then driving up to Belgium. I’ve struggled to find anything about traveling between countries in Europe and can only assume that we don’t have to do anything between France and Belgium? Just the vet stop in France on the way back? If you can offer any advice I’d be ever so grateful. Thank you!

Georgia – Great to hear about your plans! For travelling with your dog between EU countries (and other countries like Switzerland), you’re required to have their pet passport and a rabies vaccine at least 21 days old, but this is rarely checked (except for UK and Malta, possibly Finland and Norway, that all requires the worming treatment). Expect to show nothing when travelling from France to Belgium, the same as regular passports are not checked. And yes, stop at the vet between returning to the UK for the worming treatment, at least 24 hours before returning to the UK.

Thanks for the clear and up-to-date information. This is an invaluable help as it can be hard to get clear information about pet-travel in one place, which can be very confusing. I really appreciate it !

Glad to help Neil!

Excellent information, thank you. I moved to Cyprus 2yrs ago with my dog in cargo and he was severely traumatised to the point that I thought he may die as he stopped eating. Then he got hit by a car and is now paralysed. I am desperately trying to get back to the UK but am struggling to find a way off the island without putting him in hold again. He weighs too much to go as hand luggage and i have to toilet him every 4hrs so cargo is not an option. Any suggestions? Thank you

Unfortunately I haven’t yet been to Cyprus, so I’m not fully across the transport situation. One option might be taking a ferry, then trains across Europe (see https://www.seat61.com/Cyprus.htm ). I know the ferries in Greece allowed dogs on the outside decks. But Greece has restrictions on larger dogs on trains, and Turkey may have the same. Not to mention this is a long journey.

I’d recommend looking into an animal transport company, who may operate vans where they transport dogs. I’ve heard of this before, but haven’t used it in Europe. Additionally, speak to your vet whether they can recommend something to help your dog, if you do end up resorting to cargo again. Sedatives aren’t usually recommended, but are an option if you work out a plan and trial it with your vet.

Can you tell me if you have to pay someone to go through customs at both the CDG airport if flying into France with your dogs, and then at either border, France or UK, when taking the on-foot ferry option or the overnight ferry option from Amsterdam?

Kelly – Sorry for taking a while to reply, I haven’t had decent internet access lately. The great news is that no customs fee is payable arriving in CDG or crossing the channel. The only customs fee in Europe I’m aware of is flying into the UK. Hopefully this doesn’t change with Brexit.

Hi! I am thinking of taking a small-sized dog, but I live in the UK. I travel to Sicily quite a lot (my home is there) and was thinking if you could suggest the best option to travel there. How expensive could that be?

It’ll be easier to travel to Sicily with your dog, as some airlines accept dogs flying out of the UK (perhaps Alitalia, I haven’t heard reports), but flying back into the UK dogs can only travel in cargo. Most people avoid this (and the high cost) by flying to a nearby city and then driving back across (on a ferry or the tunnel) or taking the ferry. I’ve covered these options in this post. I recommend contacting an airline directly for a cargo quote. The cost of driving or taking the ferry is trickier to estimate as it varies depending on your choice and has multiple components.

You are very helpful. I’ve spent about 20 minutes on your site and you’ve done a very good job responding to comments and being a presence in your community niche. Good job!

Hi, I am travelling from U.K. to Brazil with my pet in the cabin. However my flight has a connection of 1:30 hour in Amsterdam, where I will change the aircraft but won’t leave the lobby of arrivals and departures. I already have all the documents required by Brazilian authorities. Do you know if I have to apply for any additional document to present in Amsterdam or the health certificate issued by British authorities is enough?

If you’re not leaving the airport in Amsterdam, you don’t require anything. However, if you wish to leave the airport this depends on whether this is this year or next year after the end of the Brexit transition. At the moment, your dog would just need a EU pet passport, showing the valid rabies vaccine. However, this is often not checked.

Thank you so much for this post!! I have struggled so much in finding good information to take my pet from the Uk to Switzerland.

I am moving and I have also lots of luggage, do you recommend anything on this situation?

I was planning on renting a car but because I’m not 25 yet this is not an option for me unfortunately.

Once again thank you for taking the time on writing this post.

Thanks so much Mariana! There are some services that will deliver luggage for you, but I’m not sure of the costs involved. Alternatively, I’d recommend using a taxi to cross the channel (and loading it up with your luggage), plus investigating using BlaBlaCar (car pooling), specifying you have extra luggage.

Does BlaBlaCar work well? I saw this even searching for ways to cross but did not look into it heavily… I’ve been wanting to drive and hook up a dash camera to record to country side of France and England.

I haven’t used it, but have had it recommended by others online, although this was pre-Covid

You can send your luggage before you leave to where you’re going out have someone do it for you after. I’m going to see my mum and I’m going to Oxford flying into France from the USA. I spent £256 to send two bags at 72lbs and 60lbs from Oregon USA to Oxford England.

Hello, thanks for this very useful guide! I want to go from Paris to London with a cat, and I have one question: is there a way of renting a car to go from Paris to London (and drop the car in London) with my cat? I am from the USA, so I am not sure if there are any special restrictions I need to take into account, or if rental companies even let you have a cat in the car. Thanks!

Sebastian – I looked into this when I was travelling the same route, and found most car companies either didn’t permit a one-way hire or charged a fortune for it. Most car hire companies don’t have rules against pets in the car in France, although I would ideally keep your cat in a carrier (for their own safety, too) and remove any pet hair before returning it.

Did you end up paying a lot for a car rental?

Sorry, I’m not sure what car rental you’re referring to. We had multiple both in France and UK, but didn’t get a one-way rental

Hi, Shandos! I’ve been trying to look everywhere for the answer but I’m traveling from the USA to France where I’ll spend a few days. I’m traveling (likely flying) to the UK soon after and was wondering if I need two separate health certificates (one from France) even if I’d be traveling with a USA-endorsed certificate within the 10 days it’s valid.

If I need only one, do I need to have the health certificate for France or for the UK? Is either accepted by either country? Thank you so much for your help!

Unfortunately, you’ll need a 2nd health certificate – the GB pet health certificate. France only accepts the EU one, while England/Scotland/Wales only accept the GB one. It will be best if you have both completed in the USA, or else have the GB pet health certificate completed in France. For the UK, pets also need to be wormed within 5 days of arrival, but at least 24 hours in advance, which sounds like it’ll be easier done in France if you spend a few days there.

Have you gone yet? I’m doing the taking my cat to France CDG this month trying to book my tickets for the ferry or taxi across to England

Just wanted to let you know the link under Folkestone Taxi did not work. Thank you, hope all is well

Thanks, I’ll check it out.

In case you are not aware the rules post Brexit have changed at Eurotunnel. Generally for any pet there is a new requirement for travel from the UK to France to have a health declaration which is obtained at a vet and costs around £160 per pet. This is because France now does not recognise the UK Pet Passport. And at Eurotunnel there is a new Pet reception centre you have to visit to board the train with your dog.

Thanks for the information on the new pet reception centre! As I’ve mentioned elsewhere on my blog, yes a health certificate is now required to travel from the UK to France. This article is due to be updated soon.

Great website! Has anyone had experience travelling from Amsterdam to Newcastle by ferry as a foot passenger? The website gives conflicting info 🙁 Are you allowed to take a small dog with you on this route?

Many thanks!!

You should be able to take a small dog in the pet-friendly cabins, I know people who have done this. However, this may be impacted by Covid, so I recommend calling to confirm.

Air France, KLM and Delta allow flying out of the UK with a pet in cabin also.

Thanks for sharing!

Hi, I was looking at taking my dog on the plane from Uk to Kosovo which is possible but the return cost for the dog is very high. More than I paid for my family tickets. I would like to know if I can travel with my car from Uk to Kosovo with the dog. I have done this journey many times before without the dog but not sure what is required re: travel with dog in the car. Thanks

It’s quite easy to drive through Europe with a dog in your car. To travel from the UK to France, you’ll need to visit your vet to get an EU pet health certificate, within 10 days of your arrival in France. The price for this varies quite a bit. This can also be used to re-enter the UK, if your trip is under 4 months, plus you need to get a worming treatment recorded between 24 hours and 5 days before returning to the UK.

Once you are in France, keep the EU pet health certificate. You need this to cross borders within the EU (and Switzerland), but it is unlikely anyone will ask to view it. However, I’m not sure what is required to enter the non-EU countries, like Bosnia and Kosovo. I recommend checking the government websites in advance.

Actually, I just realised one other thing. If you travel to the EU after travelling to a few countries in Europe outside of the EU, including Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo, you pet will need a rabies titre test also. The list of exempt countries and territories is here: https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/listing-territories-and-third-countries_en . More information is here: https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/non-commercial-movement-non-eu-countries_en .

If you have this done before leaving the EU, there is no waiting period (normally there is a 3 month waiting period), but I am not sure what happens if you have this done in the UK, see such the UK is no longer part of the EU. I recommend speaking to your vet for advice.

Hi, my mum is moving to the UK with her dog from Malta. Planning to fly to France/Belgium then drive or ferry to UK. If paperwork and worming treatment is done in Malta (up to 5 days prior) is that enough or will she need to see a vet in France?

That should be fine, assuming she also has a valid EU pet passport to travel to France/Belgium.

Hi Shandos! Thanks for the blog post, very helpful. I just wanted to share for people that will need to travel between EU and UK regularly: every time you travel from the UK you will need a health certificate, as those expire, but if you actually register your pet with a Vet in an EU country (I did it in Barcelona, Spain) you can then get a Pet Passport recognised by the EU. This will allow you to travel back without needing to spend every time in a health certificate, which can cost £150+. The requirements to get the passport in Spain were pretty simple: they didn’t asked for min period of time (but this could be different depending on the practice apparently), show the vaccine records and the cost for my dog was around €50. I don’t know how this can be done in other countries or even regions of Spain, but worth checking. Hope it helps someone else!

Thanks for sharing Julio, including how easy it was in Spain. Unfortunately France has been making it more difficult to get an Eu pet passport there unless you live in France, but with the high cost of pet certificates it’s worth trying.

Hi Shandos, Thank you very much for your great website! 🙏 Can you please help me, as far as I’ve read (e.g. https://heathfieldvets.co.uk/travelling-to-the-eu-post-brexit/ ), UK vets can no longer stamp raibies vaccines into EU pet passports. Which means, that if you are going to get an EU pet passport, you will have to take your dog back to EU *every year* for the vaccination. Did I get that right? Because if yes, it doesn’t seem cost effective to have a EU pet passport 🤔

Yes, that’s now the case, since the UK left the EU. Some rabies vaccinations are valid for 3 years, but it only makes sense to go down this route if you are planning on regularly visiting the EU with your dog, such as spending a few months each year there.

Thank you again! 😊

United allowed flying out of Edinburgh in cabin. Also note Stena Line Hook to Harwich now has pet cabins you can book for the night trip, and their day crossing at 14:15-19:45 looks to be shorter (our doggie is very old and I don’t think we could leave her in one overnight). We have done the DFDS to Newcastle several times. They looked at her EU passport when departing AMS but not when arriving in Newcastle both times. After finding it just as difficult to get to their bus in Amsterdam last time however we took a train to the closest point and then called and Uber. We also took an Uber on the Newcastle end the last time.

Thanks for the updates George, I’ll look into this!

Hi Shandos! Do you have any experience/suggestions for travelling to the UK from Portugal with a 20kg friend? It looked for a moment like British Airways might be a possiblility through the cargo handlers IAG but it seems they don’t list Portugal as an option…

Portugal to UK is a tricky one at the moment! Lufthansa might be able to do it on a flight via Frankfurt, but I heard a few weeks back that they temporarily were stopping transit flights for pets due to low staffing levels from Covid.

Alternatively, there’s multiple pet transport companies that will transport pets in vans from throughout Europe across to the UK. Perhaps ask in a Portuguese expat group on Facebook for recommendations, or else a Google search turns up multiple options.

Hi, thank you for sharing all this information. I actually took your advice at Christmas and went from London to Malaga with my cat: Newhaven -> Dieppe -> by ferry then caught the trains (nightmare so long) then flew Paris -> Malaga.

However, we are going again in a few weeks and we were accepted in March to fly in the cabin with Iberia Express from Heathrow to Madrid then doing the fast train to Malaga. However, I just noticed that you have said Iberia no longer accept animals in the cabin? I have phoned them up a few times and they have confirmed that my cat is on the ticket. I am a little nervous now that we may be refused at the airport?

The latest I had heard is that they weren’t accepting pets, but maybe they have changed this again? If you have the ticket and you have confirmed this with them, all should be fine.

Thank you for the information, apologies if I have missed this but what is the protocol for arriving to CDG with dog in cabin? Do I need approval from the airport before I fly, if so who do I contact?

There’s no airport approval required at CDG, just a booking with an airline.

Hi ans thanks so much. for all this info. I am dual nationality, British/Irish and my dog is a rescue from Romania and has a European Passport. My plan is to take Le Pet Shuttle, (Eurotunnel) to Calais and then a train to CDG and stay in a Pet Friendly Hotel at airport. Then next day fly her in cabin with me from Paris to Faro, Portugal. I’m gonna have a stroller for her and an airline approved cabin carrier. My question is, what pitfalls should I look out for? Im a bit nervous about the paperwork.

I was gonna try Transavia Airlines.

The main requirement is that your dog still has a valid rabies vaccine in the passport. (Future vaccines will need to be done in the EU to be entered in the passport.) The paperwork will be checked before leaving the Uk, then perhaps at flight check in, but it’s fairly straight forward. Enjoy your trip!

Great & informative blog! The comments have helped me work out that Eurotunnel is best option in returning to the UK.

I would just like to double check I’m up to date with info tho.

I would like to fly from london to Faro, Portugal with my 5 months old chihuahua for a couple weeks holiday. (I used to live there before getting my puppy & still have friends over there, I am a British (born here) citizen.) I have found that I can fly out of london fine but it’s returning I’m unsure on. Preferably flying with TAP.

My question is: Will I be able to fly back with my pup if I have flown out with him or shall I try the Portugal to Calais flight then get the Eurotunnel over to the uk?

I won’t have my car tho for the Eurotunnel part, what would be the best way to get on there OR if you know a better alternative in returning to the uk from Faro, Portugal I’m happy to hear all ideas.

(Apologies for the story ha, I just want to make sure all details are in)

Yes, it’s possible to fly out of the UK with a dog in the cabin, with a few airlines, but it’s not possible to fly back in, even if you flew out, except if the pet flies in cargo. As you won’t have a car, there’s a few taxi companies I have listed that will transport you and your dog.

Lufthansa no longer allow pets in cargo to the uk. They say you need to book space on a cargo plane in order to transport your pet to the uk. British airways and Austrian airlines have said the same thing. It’s become even harder now to bring my cat to the uk.

Thanks for the heads up!

Hi! Super useful information as it’s so tricky to travel to/from the UK! I just wanted to add that dogs can travel in the cabin UK to Spain with Iberia Express (not normal Iberia). As far as I know, you have to phone several times until you get someone who knows their own rules… but it’s possible!

I thought Iberia Express had recently stopped allowing pets in the cabin leaving the UK, but maybe it is still sometimes possible? Thanks for the info!

Thanks so much for this article! The information was very helpful but I have a couple more questions that are specific to buying a puppy from a certified breeder in the UK and bringing them back home into EU.

We have put down a deposit for a puppy from a UK breeder but we live in Slovakia. We have a car so there is an option of basically taking a road trip from Bratislava to the UK (15+ hours) and back for the pup but in the end we want to choose a way to bring them home that’s least stressful for them. Do you have any suggestions on what the process is like with a 8 week old puppy and what the best options are for transport?

Thanks a lot, Anna

Anna – I’m not fully across the rules for transporting puppies. Make sure you double check the rules for puppies for EU pet health certificates – there is a slightly different process as they are too young for a rabies vaccine. Additionally, many airlines have minimum age restrictions. An alternative option is to find a land transport option. I’ve heard many recommendations for Happy Saluki ( https://www.happy-saluki.com ). I recommend reaching out to them.

Hi. I want to travel with 4kg dog to Malaga and return. I can’t be separated from a “Velcro” dog as this would cause a great deal of trauma and suffering,

I have a doctor’s letter stating that she is a therapy dog – but don’t know if this carries any weight with the authorities.

Can you suggest the simplest way to travel – whilst noting that Uk authorities have stringent rules. Also, am partly disabled myself and would need some buggy or wheelchair assistance at both Uk and Malaga airports, A two week (or less) stay in July or September. Many thanks for your help. Fully realise this is a difficult request.

The only option to do this by air with your dog in the cabin is if your dog qualifies as a service dog. Here’s the details provided by British Airways, including their contact phone number: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/disability-assistance/travelling-with-your-assistance-dog I’m not sure if your dog qualifies.

The next simplest way to return to the UK would be to fly from Malaga to Paris, then take one of the pet taxis from Paris to London.

Thank you very much for this very helpful information source! I could not find any other more informative and clear source than this!

I will be travelling with my dog (Pincher) from Italy to UK by train and then via Eurotunnel by Le Pet Express minibus as I do not have a car.

Do you know whether my dog must stay in a pet carrier whilst on train in France or he can sit on my lap or on the floor next to me. If a pet carrier is needed, are there particular size requirements?

Do I need to book a ticket for my dog as well for a train from Paris to Calais Frethun?

Calais Frethun train station for trains arriving from Paris and Eurotunnel shuttle terminal are located in one and the same place?

Thank you in advance for your advise!

The rules for whether a pet should be in the carrier on the train and the relevant ticket depends on the size. I summarise the rules for the SNCF trains in my France guide: https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-france/ . Advance booking for pet tickets is not always possible – it’s fine to buy at the station. I haven’t been to Calais myself, but I’ve heard from other travellers that Calais Frethun is the station you want to alight at. Double check with Let Pet Express for their pick-up point. All the best with your trip!

I have just done the crossing above and here are my two cents: I have had the pet passport done in Germany already so I did not have to get the health certificate. But if you do need it, schedule enough time for this as some vets need to pre gather information and put together everything which can take a while. Secondly the cages are now fixed on the ferry, there were four cages in total. Besides my JRT there was another person with a dog on the ferry. They did not make us put him into the carrier at all we and a crew member just walked our dogs on leashes to the cages. The cages are large but quite disgusting I have to say. They smell like dog urine and the pads underneath are soaked with dog urine and water. I did not like leaving my dog there but had no choice. I would suggest to bring some pee pads and portable water bowls and cover the floor so your dog does not have to sit on top of the soaked pads. I visited him once as he got motion sick during the trip (sees are rough in the winter time so if your dog is motion sick take that into account) he was fine though and in general the dogs are located in a small enclave near the cars so it’s fairly sheltered. Once it was time to disembark they told us to deboard first before all foot passengers. We went down to get our dogs and went to the lowest levels where some crew were already waiting to leave the ship. A bus was waiting to drive us to the terminal where you go through passport control (just your passport). There are no taxis or busses to Dieppe train station so you might need to walk (25min). I took trains to Paris with my dog which were quite smooth. I think the journey is ok so you can do it but personally I will get a car and travel through thr eurotunnel next time.

Thanks for sharing your experience Lisa!

Dogs on European trains

The rules around travelling with dogs on trains can vary hugely in Europe, hence this guide!

Whether you want to

take your dog(s) on board trains in your home country,
or make an international European rail journey with your dog,
or will have taken your dog to a different country by car (ahem) and now want to make a scenic train journey what's good to know is that the 'rules' around taking dogs on trains can vary widely across Europe.

Tickets may or not be required; and if they are, they can be surprisingly expensive. The rules also vary around the size of dogs; particularly whether they can or can't be transported into a pet carrier / basket They also vary around whether dogs need to be muzzled when they are on the trains.

Though one thing which is universal is that no tickets or other special restrictions ever apply to guide dogs.

Other common-sense rules which are implied if they're not specifically stipulated are that dogs cannot travel in seats, they need to be in a carrier/ basket, or on a traveller's lap, or on the floor.

If you can transport a small dog in a pet carrier it is will be classed as hand luggage and no ticket will be required.

If your dog is too large to be taken in a pet carrier it will need to be muzzled and you will need to book a ticket. The ticket price will vary according to distance travelled; Wien/Vienna ↔ Innsbruck = €6.80, Wien/Vienna ↔ Linz = €3.30

If you want to travel at the cheapest possible price, it's best to book tickets in advance on the OBB booking service , OBB is the national rail operator in Austria. The booking process is similar to booking travel with a bike, you need to add a dog to your ticket You can't retrospectively add a dog ticket online to your booking, so if you decide to take a dog after you have booked a ticket online, you can buy a ticket for the dog at a station ticket counter.

The 'rules' set by the Belgian national rail operator set by SNCB are that if a dog can be fitted in a pet carrier / container measuring no more than 30x55x30cm, no ticket will be required for the dog. If it is too large for the container a 'pet supplement' ticket is required which has a flat rate of €3 for any journey within Belgium. Dogs not in the containers do not have to be muzzled, but the conductor on the train apparently may request it.

The 'rules' set by the Czech national rail operator CDm are that if a dog can be fitted in a pet carrier / container measuring no more than 90x60x40cm, no ticket will be required for the dog.

If it is too large for the carrier a ticket will be required, but you and the dog will only be able to travel in second class on trains operated by CD. The ticket prices for the dog vary according to distance, with the prices ranging from CZK 15 to CZK 50. The dog prices aren't discounted so if you want to save by booking in advance online for yourself , you can then buy the dog ticket from a ticket desk prior to boarding, or from the conductor on the train.

Dogs must also be muzzled on the train.

The 'rules' set by the Danish national rail operator DSB are that if a dog can be fitted in a pet carrier / container measuring no more than 100x60x30cm, no ticket will be required for the dog.

if the dog is too large for the pet carrier, or if you don't want to put the dog in it, you will need to buy a child ticket for the dog; only one dog can be taken by each traveller. Child tickets for those aged 12-15 typically cost around 50% of the adult rate for a journey, so the cheapest method of travelling long-distance is to add a child aged 12-15 when booking with DSB .

Also good to know is that dogs:

cannot travel in 1st class;
can only travel in the marked areas on the trains;
these areas do not include the quiet zones and Family zones on the trains.

The travel info on the DSB also suggests that if you will be travelling long-distance on a Lyn or IC express service that you should make a seat reservation for your dog, it won't be able to sit in it, but it is so that you can ensure that there will be a space in front of the seat on the floor of the train, for the dog to occupy.

On journeys by TGV and Intercités trains a flat rate fare of €7 is charged regardless of whether a dog is placed in a bag or basket, measuring 45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm maximum, or is on a leash. Though when looking up journeys on SNCF Connect, the nationally managed train booking service, on a few journeys the price was €11 for dogs on leashes. This £7 fee also applies to the regional TER trains, except for journeys within these regions; Normandy , New Aquitaine , Pays de la Loire and South Region .

In Normandy if you haven't reserved, which isn't possible on most TER services, a dog weighing less than 6kg is charged at the €7 flat rate, but a dog weighing more than 6kg will be charged at half the adult rate. Unless a ticket with reservations has been booked for the 'Krono' services to/from Paris, because on these trains the dog can travel free of charge regardless of its size. In Pays De La Loire if you place a dog weighing less than 6kg in a bag or basket there will be no charge, but dogs weighing more than 6kg will be charged at half the adult rate. In New Aquitaine, the rate payable for travelling with a dog, regardless of whether it is in a bag/basket or on a leash, depends on the distance of the journey: from 0 to 43 kms = €2; from 44 to 80 kms = €4; for 81km and beyond = €7. In Occitanie a dog weighing less than 6kg and placed in a bag/basket is charged at the €7 flat rate, but a dog weighing more than 6kg will be charged at half the adult rate.

General rules regardless of the train and region:

A maximum of two dogs per passenger (whether in baskets or on leashes)
Dogs on leashes must be muzzled
you must travel with the documents necessary for the dog's identification
Dogs in categories 1 and 2 , can't be taken on trains

On Ouigo trains For journeys by Ouigo services up to two dogs travel for free if they weigh less than 6kg and are placed in pet carriers no larger than 55cm x 35cm x 25cm. Dogs weighing more than 6kg, or smaller dogs not placed in carriers, require tickets which have a flat rate charge of €15.

Small dogs which can be placed in pet-carriers can be taken on board any train as hand luggage and there is no charge for doing so.

Dogs which can't be fitted in carrier/container, because they are larger than a typical domestic cat, require tickets, So when booking online for a journey by ICE or IC trains with DB, the German national rail operator, add a larger dog as 'a passenger'. The price charged will be 50% of the adult rate If you want to travel 1st class you will need a 1st class ticket for the dog.

However, most journeys by Regio trains are not available on the DB booking service, so if you will be taking these trains, you can book the ticket for you and the dog at a station ticket counter.

All dogs travelling on leashes must be muzzled.

SMTJ is often accompanied on trips around Britain by Pear the rescue dog

Up to two dogs can be taken on board by each passenger on any national train, no tickets are required and they don't need to be muzzled.

However, dogs cannot be taken at all on the international Eurostar services.

On the Trenitalia trains:

If you can take your dog in a container or basket measuring 70x30x50cm no ticket will be required, but tickets are required for larger dogs. On the express, Frecce and Intercity trains operated by Trenitalia, the tickets cost 50% of the Adult 'Base' rate, which is the non-discounted rate for train journeys, but as the cheapest adult Super-Economy tickets can be discounted by more than 50%, the ticket for the dog may cost more than your ticket! Dogs can be taken in any class on the trains as long as you and the dog both have the appropriate ticket.

Because the dog tickets can't be booked online and aren't discounted, you can buy your travel ticket in advance in order to save money, but can then buy the ticket for the dog at the station; or you can buy a ticket from the conductor when you are on the train.

On the Regionale (R and RV) trains a dog not in a basket will be charged at 50% of the adult rate.

On an all trains the dog must be muzzled.

On the Italo trains

Dogs weighing less than 5kg weighing can be conveyed in a pet carrier at no extra cost, but if your dog is larger, or you don't want to use a pet carrier for a small dog, a ticket will be required and the price varies by departure.

Trains in Norway are now operated by three different companies Vy = trains on the Oslo <> Bergen route and regional trains to/from these cities SJ Nord = trains to and from Trondheim including the trains on the Oslo <> Trondheim route Go Ahead = trains on the Oslo <> Stavanger route.

On the trains operated by Vy:

Dogs with a shoulder height that exceeds 40 centimeters are charged 50% of the Non-Flexible ticket price. On the Bergen Line you will get an extra seat so that the pet can stay on the floor by the window while you sit in an aisle seat.

There is no need to book tickets for dogs whose shoulder height is less than 40 cm as they accompany you free of charge. The pet must be placed on the floor at your feet and you will not get an extra seat. If you would like an extra seat to have more floor space, you can buy a pet ticket even though your pet has a shoulder height of less than 40 cm.

There is a limited number of spaces available for pets on each train departure. Spaces for pets are located in designated areas, so keep in mind that there may be several pets in the same area at any given time.

On the trains operated by SJ Nord:

Dogs with a shoulder height that exceeds 40 centimeters are charged 50% of the Non-Flexible ticket price For routes with a seat reservation, you must add 'a pet' when booking regardless, of its height, so that you will then you will be allocated a seat in the section where animals are allowed For the larger dogs that require tickets you will be allocated an extra seat to ensure floor space for your dog, but for dogs with a shoulder height of under 40 centimeters, you can opt to purchase an optional dog ticket (and take up to two dogs with a height of under 40cm), to give you this extra floor space.

The dog, regardless of size, must stay on the floor and cannot sit in a seat.

On the day trains dogs cannot travel in Premium, Premium Plus, the cafe wagon, the family wagon and in the animal-free zone in Standard class and dogs cannot be taken on the Sove night trains.

On the trains operated by Go Ahead:

Dogs with a shoulder height that exceeds 40 centimeters require a ticket.

For the larger dogs that require tickets you will be allocated an extra seat to ensure floor space for your dog, but for dogs with a shoulder height of under 40 centimeters, you can opt to purchase an optional dog ticket (and take up to two dogs with a height of under 40cm), to give you this extra floor space.

Taking a larger dog (11-40 kg) on AVE trains

On the larga-distancia services

On the standard long distance express trains, the AVE, Alvia, Euromed and IC services, you can add a dog as an extra when making booking: The flat rate prices, irrespective of distance and departure are: Basic (second class) = €20 Comfort XL or Elige + Comfort tickets (first class) = €10 Premium Class = no charge

However, dogs can only be taken on board most of these larga-distancia services if they can travel in a container measuring no more than 60x35x35 cm and do not weigh more than 10kg.

If your dog weighs between 11kg and 40kg it can be taken on a few departures by AVE trains on routes between Madrid and Alicante, Barcelona, Valencia and Zaragoza. These departures now have a dog paw symbol, when looking up a journey on the Renfe website . Though you will need to select the more expensive 'Elige' tickets and the reservation fee for the dog is €35.~

you can take smaller dogs which weigh up to 10kg on departures with no paw symbol,
you can't take dogs which weigh between 11kg and 40kg on any Alvia, Euromed or IC service,
the English translation implies that you will be reserving a seat for the dog, but you will be reserving a place on a special mat that will be placed on the floor in front of the seat,
you cannot use the seat selection service that's typically available when booking 'Elige' tickets.

On the media-distancia services

On the other trains operated by Renfe, including the Avant, MD and Regional-Express services, the dog can weigh more than 10kg and it doesn't have to be placed in a container. For travel on these services it looks as though the dog ticket price will be 25% of the Adult rate.

Booking space for dogs on SJ trains in Sweden

On the trains provided by the national rail operator, SJ, up to two dogs can be taken on board for no additional cost, but on the express Snabbtag and IC trains, you and the dog(s) will need to travel in specific spaces on the train, which must be reserved in advance. These spaces are in Second Class, you cannot travel with dogs in first class on any SJ train. Though if you want more space, because your animals is large, you can purchase a ticket at the equivalent of the youth rate.

When booking the ticket for yourself you will need to select the 'Animals Allowed' option on the seating plan.

On other trains you will need to board the train into the specific marked areas.

If your dog is under 30 cm in height (up to their shoulder blades) and you travel with it in a basket or other suitable container, your dog may travel free of charge as hand luggage.

SBB is the national rail operator in Switzerland an it sells a Day Card for Dogs for travel with larger animals which costs CHF 25 and is valid for travel on any Swiss train and most public transport. If you will be travelling with a first class tickets, the same Day Card for dogs can be used for first class travel,

If a dog is small enough to travel in a bag, basket or on your lap, there will be no charge for it. For larger dogs you need to purchase a Dog Day Ticket regardless of the train you will be taking and the distance you will be travelling, but they cost a reasonable €3.30.

International day trains

How dogs can taken on Europe's international trains can be an information vacuum, but one golden rule is that it must be micro-chipped ; and this also applies to taking dogs from non E.U countries across internal and external E.U. borders.

The always excellent Seat 61 has a detailed guide to the requirements for taking a dog from the UK to the E.U, and back again .

The info on the national rail operator websites is referring to taking dogs on trains on journeys within those countries; though a logical conclusion is that the rules and tickets etc for the national journey will apply if the national operator is providing the international service; and if this service doesn't have any specific branding such as Thalys or Lyria (see below).

For example, German ICE trains operated by DB link Germany to Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and The Netherlands, so if you want to take a dog on an international journey to and from Germany, you can book on DB as though you were making a national journey. On the Railjet trains from Austria to Czechia, Germany, Hungary and Italy, book tickets on OBB, as though you were taking a national journey within Austria.

Or ask at the station and the station and book accordingly, most specific dog tickets aren't cheaper if you book them in advance, so often the most sensible approach is to buy your ticket in advance to save yourself money; and then buy the ticket for the dog at a station. You'll be given advice and the necessary tickets to take you to your destination, but there are two key exceptions: 1: Dogs can't be taken at all on Eurostar services 2: Dogs weighing more than 10kg can't be taken on Spanish high speed trains, and that includes the RENFE-SNCF services from France to Spain.

if you will be crossing a border on a regional train keep in mind the rules in each country, for example dogs must be muzzled on Italian train journeys, but not in Switzerland, so after the trains has crossed the border into Italy, you'll need to apply a muzzle, if you didn't do so when boarding.

Though the European international trains with specific branding do have their own rules for dogs on their trains, so these have been included below:

Dogs cannot be taken at all on Eurostar services.

Seat 61 has provided a wealth of detail on the alternative options, which in summary include travelling with dogs on the cross-channel ferry crossings which allow them (most don't) and taking taxis from Folkestone to Calais, by using 'Le Shuttle' services.

On the Lyria trains which travel between Paris and Switzerland, if you can contain your dog in a bag or closed basket no bigger than the maximum dimensions of 45 x 30 x 25 cm, tickets are price at a flat rate of €7.

For larger dogs travelling on a leash and which also must be muzzled for the entire journey and sat at your feet, tickets are a flat rate price of €20.

Tickets can be purchased from station travel desks or added to your booking if you use SNCF Connect .

On the Thalys services which link Paris and Bruxelles with The Netherlands and north-west Germany, there is no charge for dogs which travel in containers no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm.

For other dogs tickets must be purchased on board from the Train Manager / conductor and they have a flat rate price of €30, the dog must be muzzled and travel on the floor or in your lap.

Night trains

The European night train services which have travelling with dogs policies are included below:

Dogs are not allowed in the couchette or sleeping cars on EuroNight services run by PKP (Polish State Railways), ČD (Czech Railways) and MÁV-START (Hungarian Railways). They are also not permitted on domestic overnight trains within France, Italy and Norway.

Caledonian Sleeper trains are available for overnight travel between London and various destinations in Scotland including Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Fort William, Glasgow and Inverness.

In common with day trains in Britain, up to two dogs can be taken on board if you will be travelling in a sleeping cabin, for a surcharge payment of £30.

On the new European Sleeper service on the Bruxelles - Amsterdam <> Berlin route, dogs can be conveyed in the sleeping cabins, but you need to have booked the department for 'sole use'. Separate tickets for the dog aren't required.

Nightjet trains operate on these routes:

Wien/Vienna - Linz ↔ Paris
Wien/Vienna - Linz and Graz ↔ Zurich
Wien/Vienna - Linz ↔ Feldkirch - Bregenz (national route()
Wien/Vienna - Linz and Munchen/Munich ↔ Udine - Venezia/Venice
Wien/Vienna - Linz ↔ LIege - Bruxelles
Wien/Vienna - Linz and Innsbruck ↔ Koln/Cologne - Dusseldorf - Arnhem - Utrecht - Amsterdam
Wien/Vienna - Linz and Innsbruck ↔ Hannover - Hamburg
Wien/Vienna and Munchen/Munich and ↔ Firenze/Florence - Roma
Wien/Vienna and Munchen/Munich ↔ Verona - Milano - Genova - La Spezia
Wien/Vienna ↔ Pisa and Livorno (when travelling with a car)
Zurich - Basel ↔ Amsterdam, Berlin and Hamburg
Berlin ↔ Wien/Vienna - Graz

You can take a dog with you if it is muzzled and if you book an entire compartment; meaning a couple will need to book a double/two bed cabin and a solo traveller will need to book a single cabin. Once you have secured your tickets and reservation you can pay for your dog’s ticket on the train, by telephone (by calling ÖBB customer service on 0043 5 1717) or at the ÖBB ticket offices. Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not require a muzzle More info is available here .

Night Riviera trains operate on a London - Plymouth - Cornwall route.

On the Snälltåget trains which operate on a Berlin - Hamburg <> Stockholm route dogs can be accommodated in a Private Compartment. Select "I want to travel with pet" under where you specify your passengers and select price level "Djurkupé" (Pets allowed compartment).

The Swedish national rail operator SJ offers night trains on routes between Stockholm and Are*, Duved*, Hamburg, Malmo and Umea*. *= also served by night trains to/from Goteborg. Note that SJ does not provide the trains on the Stockholm <> Kiruna - Narvik route.

What is comparatively unusual is that SJ allows dogs to be taken on board the coaches with seats on its night trains. You may bring with you two pets when travelling in 2nd class. You need to reserve a seat in the "Pets allowed" section of the train.

Dogs can also be taken in the couchettes if you book the entire compartment, regardless of many travellers will be making the journey.

How to reserve a "Pets allowed" couchette : Fill in what stations you wish to travel between and your travel dates. Then enter promo code ANIMALS in the Add promo code field and continue to the next step. If there are any pet compartments available the departure will be shown with a red price in the timetable. You pay for all six bunks in the compartment automatically. Continue your booking as usual and complete your order.

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Simon Harper

I wanted to share my passion for train travel and explain how anyone can take the fantastic journeys I have taken.

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Best Dog Crates for Car Travel of 2024

Taking your pup on a road trip can be a fun experience but only if you have one of the safest dog crates for car travel. Even if you’re not traveling cross-country, a crash-tested carrier is one of the most important purchases to keep them safe for long-haul car trips and even a quick jaunt to the vet.

We selected crates and carriers that are crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit that evaluates the safety of pet travel products. To aid in our selection, we also enlisted the guidance of a dog trainer who helped inform us about the importance of pet safety when traveling in a vehicle. Our list of the best dog crates for car travel has something to make every dog’s next road trip a success.

Table of Contents

Best Dog Crates for Car Travel
Things To Consider When Buying
How We Chose

Gunner G1 Kennel »

Crash-tested and certified by CPS

Double-walled

Available in four sizes

Proven to protect pets in serious accidents

Tie-down straps sold separately

Not chew-proof

When traveling with your pet, keeping them safe in the car is the biggest priority. While there are plenty of travel crates on the market, the most effective are crash-tested and certified by CPS. This nonprofit evaluates the safety claims of pet travel products. Passing crash tests is no small feat, and only a handful of products receive the CPS’s seal of approval. One of those products is the Gunner G1 Kennel.

Available in four sizes – though the large size hasn’t been tested and certified by CPS – for puppies to large breeds, the Gunner G1 Kennel has a double-walled design to keep pets safe in an accident. Its double walls also have the added benefit of providing temperature regulation, keeping your pup cool even in hot weather. The crate has built-in pins for tie-down straps to secure the crate in a vehicle, although customers must purchase the straps separately.

Crash-test certification is an excellent feature and something pet parents should prioritize when searching for a travel crate. However, it does come at a cost. The Gunner G1 Kennel is on the higher end of travel crates and one of the most expensive options. Aside from its cost, some users take issue with the crate’s weight, which ranges from 27 pounds for the small kennel to 72 pounds for the large kennel. Sturdiness and durability are important in a travel crate, so we don’t necessarily consider this to be a con. However, a heavy crate can be an inconvenience.

Sleepypod Atom »

More affordable option

Features top and side entries

Available in six colors

Not as much ventilation

Only suitable for pets up to 12 pounds

A budget dog crate for car travel is hard to come by, especially if you’re looking for a crash-tested and certified model, but the Sleepypod Atom is one of the safest options that doesn’t cost a few hundred dollars. This carrier features comfortable bedding for your pet to relax in, is suitable for the back seat of a car, and fits under the seats of most airplanes. The Atom also sports top and side entry points to make getting in and out a breeze for your pet. Plus, like all Sleepypod carriers, the Atom is available in various colors.

A downside of this crate is that it isn’t suitable for larger pets. With a weight limit of 12 pounds, only toy breeds can take advantage of this carrier. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great car restraint for larger pets with a smaller budget. Sleepypod also makes one of the best car seat belts to keep large dogs safe and comfortable in a vehicle.

Sleepypod Mini »

Suitable for puppies and kittens up to 7 pounds

Doubles as a bed

Can fit under airplane seat

Available in nine colors

Some users had sizing issues

Zipper that connects cover to bed can be flimsy

The correct size of travel crate is essential for keeping your pet safe during transit, says Nicole Ellis, a professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert for rover.com. When traveling, a dog should touch three of the four walls of the crate or carrier to minimize the chance of movement during a collision. Getting a tiny crate that fits a puppy properly can be challenging, but the Sleepypod Mini is ideal for pint-sized pups with a weight capacity of 7 pounds. Beyond being crash-tested and certified by the CPS, this carrier can be used with cats and allows you to carry your furry friend with you on an airplane. (However, always check individual airline recommendations before flying with your pet.)

Regardless of how you’re traveling, this carrier will keep your pet cozy, comfortable, and safe. The included bed can be used as your pup’s primary sleeping place when not jet-setting around the world, which may help acclimate your puppy to being contained in a small carrier during travel times.

While the Sleepypod Mini suits most teacup pups, some users struggled to get the correct fit, as Sleepypod also makes the Mobile Pet Bed, a medium-sized equivalent of the Mini. We recommend measuring before purchasing to ensure you get the right fit for your four-legged friend.

Away The Pet Carrier »

Compact but safe for smaller pups

Clip to secure your pet within carrier

Airline-approved

Removable bedding

Only suitable for pets up to 18 pounds

Not as soft as some soft-sided carriers

Small breeds can be easier to travel with because they don’t take up as much space, but the travel is only simple if you have the right gear. The Pet Carrier by luggage brand Away is the ideal soft-sided crate for transporting small dogs in a car. Its features include top and side entry points for your animal, removable bedding for comfort, a retractable mesh privacy screen, and a collar clip to keep your pup from springing out of the carrier when opened. It also has a firm bottom, which stops the carrier from folding during transit – a feature Ellis says is important to prevent your dog from sliding around in the crate.

Car travel is a breeze with this carrier: Just secure it to your vehicle’s back seat via a belt around the headrest. Traveling by air with your pet? This carrier can sit snugly on top of your luggage , securing to the handle of any Away suitcase via a trolley sleeve. (For travelers who do take their pups on planes, note that while the material is soft, some users found it wasn't flexible enough to fit under every airline seat.) The downside of this carrier is that it’s only suitable for small breeds weighing less than 18 pounds, so medium and large pets are out of luck.

Lucky Duck Lucky Kennel »

Suitable for pets up to 110 pounds (large size)

Drainage holes for easy cleanup

Lightweight

Bed pad sold separately

Finding a dog crate for car travel that suits big breeds can be tough, but Lucky Duck makes one of our favorite kennels ideal for medium to large dogs. With a capacity to hold pups as big as 110 pounds, the large version of the Lucky Kennel can keep up with large dogs without weighing you down. Unlike most crash-tested travel crates, this kennel is lightweight at only 45 pounds, making it much more accessible to lift in and out of a vehicle. Another nice feature is its drainage and ventilation holes. The drainage holes are excellent to have in the event of a potty accident, as any liquid in the kennel is directed to the drainage holes via the slightly pitched floor of the crate .

The drain holes are a nice plus, but they make it difficult to place a bed within the crate. As such, Lucky Dog offers its own bed to fit inside – a nice-to-have feature to ensure your pup’s comfort during travel. However, if you want to purchase the bed pad for your dog, you’ll have to do so separately. Lucky Dog also requires the separate purchase of ratchet straps – a type of restraint that keeps the crate tied down to a vehicle – instead of providing them with the kennel. Remember this when purchasing this crate because Lucky Dog kennels are only crash-tested and certified by the CPS in combination with these tie-down straps.

Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier »

Smaller footprint than most carriers

Folds flat for easy storage

Made from recycled materials

Only fits pets up to 20 pounds

Some users found shoulder strap held up poorly

The best dog carriers for small cars won’t take up too much space in the back seat of a vehicle, and the Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier fits the bill. At just 11 inches long, this soft-sided carrier can easily fit within the back seat of any small car. It’s also less than 1 foot high, easily letting you see over the top of the carrier. However, the small footprint won’t squeeze your pet.

The Cabana Pet Carrier is more than 20 inches wide, which makes it easily able to hold pups up to 20 pounds. Another handy space-saving element of this carrier is its ability to fold completely flat so that when your pet isn’t in the vehicle with you, the back seat can be reclaimed for passengers or cargo.

While this crash-tested and certified carrier is a safe, space-saving option for small cars, a few users found it wasn’t the best option as a shoulder bag, as the shoulder strap broke for some buyers.

Cabela's GunDog Intermediate Dog Kennel »

Tie-down strap kit and safety bar included

Nonslip rubber feet

Only one size

No included crate pad

When using a crash-tested crate in a large vehicle such as an SUV, it’s important to tie it down using straps or bolts to ensure the kennel doesn’t shift during transit. However, most crate manufacturers don’t include these tie-down straps with the purchase of a kennel, and these can often pack on an additional hundred dollars to an already expensive purchase. The Cabela’s GunDog Intermediate Dog Kennel is an excellent option for those who want the tie-down straps included to keep their pup safe in the back seat or trunk of an extra-large vehicle. The included tie-down strap kit can secure this crash-tested crate to most large cars, and the rubber feet offer additional nonslip reinforcement for more stability.

The kennel allows users to choose on which side they want the door to open – a handy feature to ensure ease of use. The downside of this crate is that it’s only available in one size, leaving few options for dogs between a medium and large size. It also comes as is, meaning no crate pad or bedding is included for your pup.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the best dog crate for car travel is a weighty decision, and you should always keep your pet’s safety top of mind. The good news is there are many excellent crates and carriers available that are crash-tested and certified, providing your pup with a safe and comfortable place during a road trip.

Our best overall pick is the Gunner G1 Kennel, which has some of the best features we’ve seen on a travel crate. Its double-walled design reinforces the kennel's safety while keeping your dog cool on hot days. It also has one of the most diverse size ranges available for crash-tested crates, making it suitable for small pups and large breeds alike.

Things To Consider When Buying Dog Crates for Car Travel

Safety Certifications: The best dog crates for car travel are crash-tested by the CPS. The pet industry has few regulations for travel products, and some brands may make unjustified safety claims. Even with products certified by the CPS, remember that certifications vary, and a product may not be approved for use with dogs weighing more than a certain amount or without additions such as tie-down straps.

Size and Weight Capacity: Choosing the correct size kennel is vital for keeping your dog safe during travel, whether traveling with your pet in a car or on a plane. There’s no one-size-fits-all crate, so remember to measure your pet and follow the measurement and weight guidelines provided by the manufacturer to achieve a good fit.

Ellis says that while we might have an instinct to buy a bigger crate to give our pups more space to lounge, it’s important to hold off on this impulse. “[O]ur dogs should be snug. So when thinking of a [crash-tested crate], our dog should really be touching three of the four walls [when they] lay down,” she says. Ellis also encourages pet parents to avoid extra space within a crate because that’s where the dog will move during a collision.

Material: Each dog kennel is constructed differently, but there are some materials to look for when considering dog crates for travel. Ellis likes soft-sided carriers with a firm bottom that ensures a pet stays stable during transport. She also says that ballistic nylon – a material that’s resistant to water and chew damage – is great.

Hard crates tend to be made of materials like rubber or rotomolded walls. Rotomolding is a type of plastic construction, and its benefits include being durable and thick enough to withstand excessive force, such as the type that would be exerted in a car accident.

While crash-tested crates vary in material, Ellis notes that one material pet parents should avoid is wire, specifically in wire-style crates. These crates are acceptable for at-home use but not for travel. Ellis says a wire crate may break into small pieces and impale your pet in the event of a collision.

Vehicle Compatibility: Most crash-tested crates suitable for car travel can be used in any vehicle. However, measure the back seat of your car to ensure that the crate will fit. Some crates intended for larger dogs may not fit in the back seat as easily as smaller soft-sided carriers. These crates may instead be used in the trunk of a vehicle, although they usually require tie-down straps to keep them in place. Ellis says it’s important to check your specific vehicle’s attachment points if you opt for a crate that requires latching in that way.

It’s also vital to remember that while a crate may sit in a vehicle's back seat, trunk, or bed, it should never be placed in the front seat. Ellis says regardless of what crate or carrier your pup is in, your dog can still be injured by an airbag if traveling in the front seat of a car.

How We Chose the Best Dog Dog Crates for Car Travel

At U.S News 360 Reviews, our editors and contributing writers evaluate products based on research, expert guidance, and our own experience as professional product reviewers. Our contributing writer consulted the CPS’s list of crash-tested and certified dog crates and carriers to find the best options for dogs big and small. We also consulted Nicole Ellis , a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with rover.com to understand how to keep pets safe during car travel.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Sophia Carlisle , the author of this piece, has covered pet products for Business Insider as a fellow and, prior to that, fostered dogs and cats for years. She has tested dozens of dog products with her rescue pit mix Lyla, including harnesses, food, and leashes. For U.S. News 360 Reviews, Sophia has covered some of the best products for pups, such as the best dog harnesses and slow feeder dog bowls .

The most important safety feature of a dog crate for car travel is that it’s crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). Other safety features to watch for include crates and carriers with tie-down straps. Some crates for large dogs are only certified by the CPS with tie-down straps, which help to keep a large crate stable during transit.

Regardless of which CPS-certified crate you choose, Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer, says it’s always essential to restrain your pet in a vehicle. Even the most well-trained dog can cause a distraction, leap out of an open window, or become a projectile in the event of an accident, so keeping them secure during travel is necessary.

If a crate or carrier passes crash safety standards set by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), it receives a rating between 1 Star and 5 Star. The very best dog crates for car travel receive a 5 Star safety rating.

If a brand or product claims to be certified by the CPS, check directly on the website to ensure it has passed crash testing. Some products have undergone crash testing but have failed or had their certification revoked. If a crate or carrier isn’t crash-test certified by the CPS, it’s unsafe to use with your pet for car travel.

Finding the correct size crate for your dog can be tricky, so take careful measurements of your pup and compare them with the weight and length measurements provided by the brand. Ellis, a pet lifestyle expert with rover.com, says that dogs should fit snugly inside their crates, so avoid opting for a larger size than your dog needs.

Compatibility with your vehicle is also important to consider when selecting the best travel crate for your pup. Ellis says it’s best to place the crate in the trunk or back seat of the car. Ensure you check whether or not the crate requires tie-down straps and if those straps can be attached to the latch points in your vehicle.

About Our Team

Sophia Carlisle

Contributor

Kayla Randolph

Associate Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Road Trips and Car Travel With Cats

Author: LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

Published: April 17, 2024

Our mission is to help save dogs' and cats’ lives through our educational content. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links . We earn a commission for qualifying purchases – at no cost to you.

young cream and gray cat sitting in a carrier in a car

During the summer months and around the holidays, many of us head out on road trips and consider taking our feline family members along.

Summer is also a peak time for relocating across town or across country.

The problem is that most cats don’t feel safe in the car. They may cry or yowl, hide in their carrier, and even soil due to fear. That means an unpleasant trip for them and you.

It is possible to help your cat feel more secure in the car. Some may even learn to love it. We’re going to walk you through the steps to desensitize your cat to being in the car.

We’ll also recommend travel items to bring in the car and for a hotel stay so that you both have a safe and comfortable trip.

Skip to section:

How to get your cat comfortable with car travel
How to use a litter box when you travel – and will your cat use it?
Where to stay when traveling with your cat and what to consider
Special travel considerations for sick cats
Be prepared for emergencies while traveling

Getting Your Cat Ready for a Road Trip

Step 1: get your kitty feeling comfortable in their carrier..

If they're going to ride in the car, like you, they’ll need to be safely “buckled up” to protect not just them but everyone in the car and on the road.

After all, unrestrained cats can be a distraction, interfering with your ability to steer or brake, and even become a dangerous projectile in the event of a crash or sudden stop.

What if your cat is wearing a harness and leash? If the car is moving, I still say keep them secure in a carrier. If you want to let them stretch their legs on the harness and leash while the car is stopped and windows are up, go for it. Just keep in mind that you’ve got to get them back in the carrier when you start moving again, and they may not love that.

It could be less stressful for everyone to stick with the carrier in the car and try the harness and leash INSIDE your hotel or destination. More on the dangers of letting your cat out of the car on their harness and leash later in the article.

So, your first step starts well before your trip. Spend some time training your cat to love their carrier – we have an article on that process – before the big travel day arrives.

Don't have a carrier for your cat yet? Check out our carrier recommendations, including carriers that are crash-test certified . If your cat is going to be spending a lot of long hours in the car, you may opt for a larger carrier than normal. We cover that, too. Just keep in mind you’ll want that carrier sooner rather than later, so you can use it during the pre-travel training.

woman holding a pet carrier in the back of a car

Step 2: Get your cat feeling comfortable in the car.

Now that your kitty feels better in their carrier, it’s time to help them feel comfortable in the car. Here are some steps to help you do that.

Pro Tip: Car acclimation is best done with two people … one to drive the car, the other to pet, praise, and treat kitty. It can be done with one person, too, but very carefully.

You’re going to do short sessions in the car – your cat dictates how long the sessions will be. The number of sessions depends on how quickly your cat gets comfortable. The main thing is that you don’t want to push your cat past their comfort zone. Your cat should always be calm.

You might be thinking that even if your cat is scared, leaving them in the car in spite of their fear will eventually show them they don’t have to be afraid. Nope! That’s not how cat brains work. Instead, think of it as starting at a really low intensity so your cat doesn’t have to be scared. As they’re ready, you slowly turn up the intensity.

If you turn it up too far and they get nervous, just end the session and lower the intensity for the next session.

Show them there’s no reason to be afraid because you’re not going to push them too far. And they’re getting good things through the entire process, so you’re actually turning a scary thing into a positive thing.

Take your cat out to the car in their carrier – covered on three sides with a towel or blanket for security.

With the car parked and not running and the doors and windows closed (weather permitting), sit in the back seat with your cat in their carrier. Partially open one of the carrier doors if you can do so without your cat trying to get out.

Then, make good things happen. Give treats (make sure it's a treat they love ), pets, praise, and show them this is a positive experience. Do this for just a few minutes (or longer if your cat is really enjoying it). Then, take them inside and end with treats and love. You’ll continue these sessions, gradually making them longer as your cat is comfortable, until your cat seems nice and calm, spending time in the car while in their carrier.

Next, you’ll turn up the intensity a bit by starting the car. Make sure the radio is off or very low (cats find classical music calming). And repeat the previous step.

Spend a few minutes in the back seat making good things happen for your cat while the car is running. If the engine really scares them, keep it short — just 1 minute with some treats. Again, you can gradually increase the length of time your cat is in the car, getting good things while the engine is on.

Caution: If your car is parked in your garage, either open your garage door or move your car out of the garage. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous for both of you!

Once your kitty is doing well with the car on, it’s time to turn the intensity up again. Time for a short drive.

Note: If they’re too nervous to eat treats, they’re probably not ready for this step. Back it up and spend more time on the previous steps.

It may just be pulling out of the driveway in the first couple of sessions. That’s just fine. You’ll work up to longer drives. And your cat will learn that being in the car doesn’t mean going to the vet. Never push these drives further than your cat is comfortable with. Also, be sure to drive calmly and go easy on the gas pedal and brakes.

Since each cat and each situation are different, it could take anywhere from a few sessions to several months for a cat to feel calm during car travel.

Car Travel Logistics With Cats

Will a cat use a litter box in a car.

Jumping right down to “business,” … depending on the duration of your travel adventures with kitty and where you’re winding up, you’re going to have to deal with litter box accommodations. This is the case both when you’re on the road and when you get to your hotel or destination.

Just because you give your cat access to a box doesn’t mean they’ll use it, especially if they’re nervous.

Cats don’t like to eliminate when they feel unsafe. They'll likely choose to do their business once you get to your destination. It’s nothing to worry about unless they go more than about 24 hours without peeing. At that point, call your vet and see what they suggest.

When I moved with my cats, and we had 8-hour days in the car, they held it all day and most of the night.

If they’re willing, you can help your cat take care of business on the road in a few different ways.

First, get them a good travel litter box. You’ll use the same litter they use at home, and (perhaps) even a litter attractant.

A good travel litter box will be large enough for your cat to fit in yet small enough to fit in their carrier. It will also be waterproof and sturdy. You can use a small plastic litter box or there are also disposable litter box options available.

We have travel litter box and large carrier recommendations here .

Set the travel box up in your home as an alternate option before your trip so your cat can get used to it. Don’t replace your regular boxes with the travel box, though. Have all options available.

If Your Carrier Can't Fit a Litter Box

Letting your cat out of a carrier to use a box placed in the car isn’t ideal. I actually rescued a kitten from the roadside once without a carrier. That kitten ended up inside my dashboard. So, if you think your cat can’t hide in dangerous places within the confines of your car, you’re wrong.

If your trip isn’t too long and their carrier isn’t large enough to fit a litter box, you can go with a larger litter box that they can use at the hotel or destination.

Note: If your cat uses the smaller travel litter box on the road, don’t consider replacing your larger boxes at home. Tiny boxes are not ideal and don’t fit your cat’s instinctual needs. They’re not a good long-term option. They’re the lesser of two evils when you’re traveling — the other evil being your cat peeing in the carrier.

Should You Let Your Cat Go Outside?

My vote is no unless you have a cat who is completely comfortable with travel, being in new places, and seeing and hearing strange people, pets, and sounds.

The first concern is that no harness is 100% escape-proof. If your cat gets scared, they can and will get out of that harness and take off.

Second, they’re going to be surrounded by newness — smells, sights, sounds, things you can’t control. Even if they don’t get scared, the idea that you’ll be able to get them to focus on peeing at that moment isn’t very likely. Cats don’t pee and poop on cue the way dogs can. It’s safer to keep them in the car.

What Do You Do With Your Cat When You Have to Go?

If the temperatures aren’t too hot or cold to leave your cat in the car, just leave them in their carrier and go about your business. Just make it quick!

Cover three sides of the carrier so they feel more secure and are less of a target for theft. Use a light cover (blanket) for warm days and a heavier cover for cooler days. Both should still allow for airflow.

It's usually safe between about 40–65 degrees F (4–18 degrees C), though every cat and every situation will be different, so use this as a rough guide.

Talk to your vet about more specific safe temperature ranges for your cat based their age, breed, and any chronic medical conditions they may have or medications they may be on. If the temperatures are outside of that range, you’re going to have to take some precautions when making your own pit stops that take you away from your car.

In some cases, it may be possible for you to bring your cat into the bathroom with you in their carrier.

Quick tips if you must leave your cat in the car

Some cars now have pet mode , like Telsa, Chevrolet Bolt, Rivian, and other Form and BMW models. Caution: If you decide to leave your engine running in a gas-powered car, be aware that car engines and air conditioner compressors can and do fail, leading to excessively hot temperatures building up in the car quickly. Similar malfunctions can happen in EV cars, too, and if the battery dies, the cooling system will shut off.
If leaving your car and running the A/C or heat isn’t possible or practical, pre-cool or pre-heat your car the best you can by running the system on high for several minutes before you get out. Then, be quick!
Move their carrier from the back seat to the back floor. Since hot air rises, it should be a bit cooler on the floor. There are fans made for keeping pets cool in the car , but we really can't overstate this: pets should never be left in a closed car, even in the shade or with cooling devices. In this case, it's simply for a quick amount of time.
Park in the most well-shaded spot you can find.
Park with your front windshield facing the sun and put up a reflective windshield sun shade like this one .
Cracking the windows doesn’t make a huge difference, but it also doesn’t hurt (so long as your cat is securely in their carrier and there’s no danger of someone reaching into your car and stealing them and your stuff).
Make sure you leave your cat plenty of water.
If it's cold outside, add a warm blanket or fleece to your cat's carrier for them to snuggle up. If it's sunny, move the carrier to a sunny spot in the car.
Be as quick with your stop as possible. If it’s a food break, get it to go from a drive-thru and eat it in your car.

Where to Stay When Traveling With Your Cat

Road trips and long-distance moves with cats will often require hotel stays. But not all hotels, motels, or rentals are pet-friendly. And just because they say they’re “pet” friendly doesn’t mean they’re “cat” friendly. So, plan ahead. Call to confirm they take cats and reserve the room or rental in advance.

Pro Tip: “Pet-friendly” means other pets likely stayed in that room recently! Not everyone uses flea and other parasite protection on their cats and dogs. Make sure your cat is protected before heading out on the road! Learn more about safe and effective parasite prevention for your cat , and talk to your veterinarian.

What to Do With Your Cat in the Hotel or Rental

Once you’re out of the car, you’re faced with a question. Do you let your cat out in the hotel or rental to explore, or do you keep them confined? There’s a lot that goes into the answer. Here are some things to consider:

Is your cat relaxed in new places? Being in their carrier in the car is different than being in a completely new room with smells and places to hide.

Does your cat chew, climb, or otherwise destroy things? I couldn’t let my cat into a new space without putting cord protectors on every cord, or they’d be chewed in a matter of minutes.

Are there hiding places you can’t get to or unsafe spaces your cat can reach? The last thing you want is your cat stuck in the vents of a hotel or squeezing through that tiny hole in the wall behind the fridge in your rental. It happens.

Is it clean? Not to get gross, but you may not want your cat rolling around on a motel floor or getting under the bed.

Is it safe from toxins? There could be rodent traps or pest poison in the room that could be dangerous for your cat.

Is there any chance they’re going to pee on something? Yep, it happened to me on my road trip. My cat was stressed and peed all over the fabric carrier, and it soaked through to the bed. Talk about embarrassing. And there's sometimes an additional cleaning fee for mishaps like this.

kitten sleeping at night in a travel pen with bowl and litter box

Confinement for Safety

I like the idea of bringing along a much larger, collapsible pet pen for overnight use. They’re plenty big enough for a good-sized litter box and everything your cat needs. There’s even room to play. Just make sure you get one with a top, or your cat will jump right out.

If you want to let your cat out on a harness and leash or heavily supervised, you have the option. But you’ve got the pet pen as a backup just in case you need it. You never know how a cat is going to react in a new space, especially when you’re sleeping or in the shower and they’re unsupervised. Here are a few great options:

Available at:

Travel Considerations for Cats With Chronic Health Issues

Before striking out on the road for a long trip or moving with a cat who has a chronic medical condition or is on long-term medications — like diabetes , hyperthyroidism , chronic kidney disease , or heart disease — there are a few precautions you should take.

Make sure your cat had a recent (ideally within the past month or so) exam with their vet. You’ll have more peace of mind knowing that their condition is as well managed as possible and that they’re as healthy as can be before hitting the road with them. Your vet will also have recommendations for making their trip as comfortable and safe as possible.
Bring a copy of your cat’s medical records with you! This should include recent exam notes, laboratory test results, and medication/supplement names and dosages. Your vet can often print these out (with enough notice), and they may even subscribe to an app or other service that allows you to keep updated copies of such records with you always on your phone. This will make visiting another vet on the road much easier.
Especially for cats with known chronic health concerns, it’s a good idea to know about a few vet hospitals along your route and in the area of your destination before you head out. See the vet locator tools listed in the next emergency section to start searching.
If your cat is on a special prescription diet, like for their kidneys, make sure to stock up on it from your vet before leaving. It’s not always easy to get prescription diet refills when you’re away from home. You should take enough with you to last for the duration of your trip PLUS an additional (at least) 2 weeks.
Similarly, be sure to stock up on your pet’s medications and supplements, as well as any supplies you need for them. This would include needles and a travel-sized sharps container (or larger needle container ) for safely disposing of and storing used needles for diabetic cats, pills for blood pressure, overactive thyroid, and any other chronic medications. Again, you should take with you enough to last for the duration of your trip PLUS an additional (at least) 2 weeks.
If your cat is diabetic and on insulin, don’t forget a cooler and ice packs to help keep it cool while in the car. You can also look into a cooler that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter or USB, like these: Cooluli Mini , Wagan 14L , or the Wagan 24L (which could even store some of your food and drinks for the road). Pro Tip: Depending on the type of insulin your cat is on, you may be able to get an insulin “pen” that may be more stable outside of the fridge and easier to administer to your cat. It's still advisable to use a cooling case for the pens . Talk to your vet to see if an insulin pen is an option for your cat — it isn’t for all cats, but if it is for yours, it could be a great travel (and even long-term) solution for you.

Emergencies on the Road With Your Cat

It’s a good idea to plan ahead and map out a few 24-hour Emergency Clinics on your route, just in case. Try this vet emergency locator .

Have your hometown veterinary clinic number handy, too. For less serious issues, call them first. They may be able to give you advice or let you know if it’s a true emergency.

Make sure you have a card in your wallet or attached to your cat’s carrier with your cat’s name, the number where you can be reached during travel, and an emergency contact who is not traveling with you. If your cat has medical issues, you should list those as well or the contact info for your veterinary clinic. If there’s an accident, your car is stolen, or something happens where you’re separated from your cat, emergency services will have options.

I just got this great set for myself (featured below). The keychain says “pet home alone,” with instructions to look in your wallet for a card with emergency contact info. It’s meant to notify emergency services if you’re in an emergency situation and someone needs to care for your pet at home. In this case, you’d just include a note on the card that you’re traveling with your cat in the car.

It’s also vital to ensure your cat is microchipped and the contact information is up-to-date (including a way you can be reached on the road).

pet alert sticker and home alone keychain

First Aid on the Road

Consider putting together a pet first-aid kit for your car. Here's a shopping list of first-aid essentials . Look for the icon of a little car 🚗, as it's these products that are the most essential in a smaller, travel-sized first-aid kit.

We encourage you to leave a comment below if you’ve got any tricks, tips, or products you’ve used that made car travel with your cats easier. Best of luck on your travels or your move. Have fun and be safe!

About the author

LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

LeeAnna Buis has adored cats her entire life and thought she knew them inside-out and sideways. But it wasn’t until she worked with a feline behavior consultant that she fully understood how incredible, complicated, and inspiring cats really are. Literally, that day, she made a career change knowing she wanted to give other cat parents the same experience of truly “seeing” and appreciating their cats. Now, she works virtually with cat parents all over the world through Feline Behavior Solutions and Preventive Vet.

LeeAnna earned her certification through Animal Behavior Institute, earning the CFTBS designation. She is a certified Fear Free® trainer (FFCP), a training professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and a member of both the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and Cat Writer’s Association (CWA).

More about LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

Must-have digital books for dog and cat owners

IMAGES

Travelling in Europe with a Dog: The Ultimate Guide
The Best Way to Travel to Europe With Your Dogs
Travelling in Europe with a Dog: The Ultimate Guide
Tips for Traveling with Your Pet
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Driving Through Europe with a Dog: The Ultimate Guide
About the author: Julie and Warren have been traveling with their two dogs in Ecuador and Europe for 4 years. They purchased a car for their slow travels around their continent. If you are interested in slow travel or a nomadic lifestyle, subscribe to their YouTube channel to learn tons of tips and tricks.
Travelling in Europe with a Dog: The Ultimate Guide
If you're travelling to the EU, your dog will need to be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies and an EU health certificate completed. Sometimes, a rabies titre test will be required, or your dog may need a worming treatment. For other countries in Europe, generally similar requirements apply, but they can differ.
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When travelling between countries within the EU and a number of "related" countries, this page sets out the requirements for your dog. Essentially, your dog needs to be microchipped, have been vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days ago, and have a pet passport. For a handful of countries, there is also the requirement for the dog to have a ...
EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU
Pets travelling without their owner. As a rule, pets must travel with their owners; however, you may give written permission to another person to accompany your pet for you (this written declaration is described above). You must however be reunited your pet within 5 days of its relocation. If your pet is travelling unaccompanied, it will have ...
A Canine Companion's Guide to European Road Trips: How to Travel Europe
Invest in a sturdy dog seat belt, a spill-proof water bowl, and a cozy bed or blanket for those long drives. 2. The Essential Paperwork: Microchipping: A mandatory requirement in Europe. Check that your dog's microchip adheres to the ISO 11784/11785 standards. Pet Passport and Heath Certificate: A non-negotiable for canine travel in Europe.
9 Best Places to Travel with a Dog in Europe [Mega Guide]
Here's a list of 10 b est places to travel with a dog in Europe: Country. Pet-Friendly Highlights. 🇫🇷 France. Pet-friendly cafes and restaurants abound. 🇮🇹 Italy. Enjoy dog-friendly beaches along the stunning coastline. 🇪🇸 Spain. Many hotels and parks welcome your furry friend.
Traveling to Europe with a Dog
Norway, Finland, Ireland, Malta, and the United Kingdom require an echinococcosis (tapeworm) treatment given a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 120 hours before arrival. The paperwork mentioned above remains the same. The treatment required approval from the USDA accredited veterinarian. Be sure to ask your local vet write the date and time in ...
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So if you are travelling to France with a dog, going with LeShuttle means you can all stay together for the short 35 minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais. Enjoy stress free travel for you and your dog, cat, rabbit or any common type of pet. Facilities are available in both Folkestone and Calais to enable 24-hour pet check-in.
Can I Take My Dog to Europe?
Larger dogs have to be crated and placed in the cargo section of the plane—which, for many dogs, can be an anxiety-inducing experience. You should also explore how much taking your dog on your European flight will cost you. Again, fees vary by airline, but typically, international pet fees run somewhere in the $200 range—and that's for ...
Traveling to Europe with a Dog: How to Take Your Dog to Europe
Here are some simple steps that will get you and your dog safely, legally, and happily to Europe. 1. Make sure your dog is healthy, microchipped, and ready for travel. To travel internationally with your dog, you'll need to get an international standard microchip (HomeAgain is a common brand) and make sure your dog is up-to-date on his or her ...
Guide to travelling with a dog across Europe
Travelling the world with a dog is a bit of effort but to us it's well worth it! During the time we spent with Rose in Europe she went to Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, Gibraltar, Italy and Croatia. Some incredible memories were made, and it was the first time she saw a dolphin and snow!
Taking Your Dog to Europe: Vaccines & Paperwork
Europe is largely rabies free, although wildlife-mediated rabies still occurs in some countries, including in the EU. Due to this, it's a requirement that your dog is vaccinated against rabies before travelling to the EU. If you're vaccinating your dog for the first time, it must be completed at least 21 days before arriving in the EU (plus ...
Traveling to Europe from the U.S. with a Dog
Flying to Europe with your dog from the U.S. ARF, flying with your dog to Europe isn't as complicated as it sounds, but it does take planning and preparation to ensure a smooth journey. Depending on where you're located in the U.S., your flight can range from 6 hours to 12 hours direct, one-way. First things first, you must make a flight ...
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It really all depends on when you're traveling and where you're traveling to. However, bringing your dog on a flight in the cabin usually costs around $125 to $250. Whereas transporting them in the cargo hold can usually be well over $1,000. For international pet shipping, licensed companies usually charge between $1,000 and $6,000.
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Make sure the vehicle is cool with fresh air circulating. It also helps some dogs if they can see out of a window — for smaller dogs, consider a booster seat or dog pod. Most dogs travel best with a handful of dry biscuits in their stomach, given 1-2 hours beforehand, rather than traveling with a totally empty stomach.
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A lot of us have dreamed of taking off on a campervan trip with road-tripping supplies, our partner and our dogs. Before the pandemic turned the travel world upside down, Annie Groves did just that, so we asked her how it went and what we might be able to learn from her experience. More of her adventures with her partner and her dogs can be ...
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To get from the UK to the continent with your dog by car and vice versa you have two options: loading your car on the Eurotunnel rail from Folkestone to Calais. #1. Ferry with your dog. On the ferry from Calais to Dover. There are a number of ferry companies operating from and to the UK. To enter the UK you have to travel with one of the ...
The Best Way to Travel to Europe With Your Dogs
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination. Vaccinating your dog is of utmost importance. However, a rabies vaccination is of utmost importance. Rabies is of grave concern in European countries. Due to this, it is compulsory for every dog to get vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination should be given at least three weeks before arriving in the EU.
Can you really travel to Europe car-free
But Byway's new dog-friendly, car-free, flight-free trips have opened up Europe for passengers on foot and made exploring the continent by rail a real - and enjoyable - possibility. Our ...
Traveling with Dogs on Trains in Europe: What to Know Before You Go
WOOF, small dogs can travel for FREE as long as they're in a bag, basket, or able to sit on your lap. If you are traveling with a larger dog, you can purchase a "dog ticket" for €3.30 online. This "dog ticket" is mandatory for larger dogs and is only valid in domestic NS and Arriva trains. Large dogs must also be leashed.
How to travel with a dog by train between the UK and France, Italy
Option 3, London to Paris by train + taxi with Pet Travel Abroad. For France, Spain or Portugal you really need to go via Paris. As Eurostar won't take pets and most Channel Ferries won't let foot passengers take pets either, here is a solution which works well, although it's not cheap: Step 1, travel from London to Folkestone by train.
How to Travel with a Dog Between the UK and Europe
Taking the Eurotunnel with a Dog. The second option available if you have a car, and probably the more convenient one, is to take the Eurotunnel car shuttle train. Your dog stays in your car along with you, and the actual crossing only takes 35 minutes. There is an additional charge of £22 per pet, in each direction.
How to travel with your dog on European trains
If a dog is small enough to travel in a bag, basket or on your lap, there will be no charge for it. For larger dogs you need to purchase a Dog Day Ticket regardless of the train you will be taking and the distance you will be travelling, but they cost a reasonable €3.30. travelling by train in The Netherlands.
Best Dog Crates for Car Travel of 2024
Buy From Amazon. Finding a dog crate for car travel that suits big breeds can be tough, but Lucky Duck makes one of our favorite kennels ideal for medium to large dogs. With a capacity to hold ...
How to Travel By Car With a Cat
Step 2: Get your cat feeling comfortable in the car. Now that your kitty feels better in their carrier, it's time to help them feel comfortable in the car. Here are some steps to help you do that. Pro Tip: Car acclimation is best done with two people … one to drive the car, the other to pet, praise, and treat kitty.