Travelling with a dog can be a wonderful adventure. However, there are some things that you should consider to have the best possible worry-free holiday. Here are some tips to keep in mind so that you and your dog can enjoy a happy and hassle-free holiday together.
Before you get going
Before you start planning your holiday, make sure you are ready for a trip with your dog and your dog is fit enough. If your canine gets nervous just getting into the car, a long car journey might just be too much for him. Try to get your dog used to the car before a long journey. Drive short distances at first and gradually increase the duration of the trip.
Also remember that not all holiday destinations are suitable for dogs. If you are planning a beach holiday, find out whether dogs are allowed there. After all, you want to make sure that there are no restrictions. You can find a map overview of pet-friendly beaches in Croatia here.
Preparation is key
In order for you and your dog to enjoy a relaxing holiday, preparations in advance are very important. Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents for your dog and find out about the entry regulations of the country you are travelling to. It is best to check with a trusted source for the latest regulations. Your dog must have a valid pet passport according to a standardised model and be identifiable by microchip or tattoo. A vaccination certificate is also essential.
Also find out whether there are any health risks for your dog in the destination country. In some cases, an additional vaccination can provide the necessary safety. More information and tips on traveling with pets are available here.
Especially when travelling abroad, it is also advisable to attach your contact details and telephone number to the dog’s collar so that you can be contacted easily in an emergency or if the dog gets lost.
Well prepared, nothing stands in the way of a happy trip with your dog
What you should bring with you
Due to heavier traffic in high summer, travelling with a dog may take longer than planned. Keep this in mind and make sure you have enough food and water for the trip. You should bring food for the entire stay so that your dog doesn’t need to get used to new dog food. You should also pack his favourite toy and blanket so that he feels just as comfortable as he does at home.
In case something unexpected happens, you should also take a first-aid kit with you that contains all the necessary medicines and bandages. Excrement bags and a leash also belong in your luggage.
If the journey takes a little longer, be sure to plan enough breaks so that your dog can move around and relieve himself. Give him a drink regularly and check that he is comfortable. Remember that your dog’s safety and well-being are your top priority during the trip – plan ahead and make sure your dog has everything he needs.
Choose the right accommodation
Dog-friendly accommodation is an important aspect to consider when planning your trip. A villa is an excellent choice as it often offers more space than a hotel room, giving you more room for your dog.
You can also enjoy more privacy in a villa, which is especially beneficial if your dog likes to bark from time to time. However, make sure that the accommodation is actually pet-friendly.
Some accommodations have special areas for dogs to play and rest, while others may charge extra for pets. If you are renting a villa, you should also make sure that the garden is secure and that there are plenty of places to run around. A secure fence and enough space for your dog to run and play will help keep your pet happy and healthy during your holiday.
Also remember that dogs often need more exercise on holiday than at home to meet their energy needs. A villa with a large garden or near dog parks can therefore be a good choice to ensure your dog gets enough exercise. Click here for our range of pet-friendly villas in Croatia!
Villa Stancija Katarina di Maladel*****, Istria – ideal for a dog holiday thanks to the large garden
Explore the surrounding area
Something you should also consider when choosing your accommodation is the surroundings. A nice and large garden is of course an advantage, but also look around the surrounding area. Where is the villa located, is there perhaps a park or a wooded area nearby where you can also take a nice walk in the morning. And what about restaurants or other places of interest that you would like to visit. Find out in advance if you can visit with your dog and you will have many unforgettable memories.
A welcome guest
When travelling with a dog, it is important to keep the accommodation clean. There are a few things you can do to ensure a comfortable stay with your dog. For example, take a blanket with you so your dog can sleep on it and not jump on the bedding. It is also important that your dog does not jump on the furniture or into the pool. It is best to ask what is allowed and what is not allowed when you arrive – this way you can avoid any misunderstandings.
Also make sure that your dog does not destroy flower beds or run into neighbouring houses. If you follow these rules and keep the accommodation clean, nothing will stand in the way of a relaxing holiday. For additional security, we recommend that you take out Allianz damage insurance when booking. This way you can enjoy your stay together with your four-legged friend without any worries.
Check in advance what is allowed
Just in case
If your dog is unwell while travelling, it is important to act quickly. Find out in advance about vets near your accommodation and take a list of important telephone numbers with you. Also remember to take an emergency first-aid kit for your dog.
If you are planning a longer trip, make sure you have enough medication and bandages with you. If you are staying in a foreign country, you should also find out about the veterinary costs there. It is also advisable to take out travel insurance and liability insurance to cover you in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
If you follow these tips, you are sure to have a worry-free holiday. Remember that good preparation is the best way to have a successful holiday.
Plan enough time for breaks and excursions and make sure your dog is comfortable. If you choose a villa, make sure that it is dog-friendly and that your dog has enough room to run around. Find out about the surrounding area and explore what you could do.
If you keep the accommodation clean, you and your dog will have a memorable holiday. You can also plan special activities such as a visit to the beach or a forest area where your dog can run and play freely. Play with your dog and pamper him so that he feels comfortable on holiday. After all, he is part of the family!
