On vacation with your dog, what should you pay attention to?

Yes! It's summer vacation! Of course, it's incredibly fun if you can take your loyal four-legged friend with you on vacation to enjoy your free time together. Going on an adventure in a new environment and enjoying the summer weather; that sounds like music to the ears of many dog owners. To ensure that your vacation is truly a success and you don't face any unexpected surprises, good preparation is very important. In the blog below, you’ll read about what to consider when taking your dog on vacation.

Vacation fun, or not?

Taking your dog on vacation sounds fantastic, but in many cases, it doesn’t have to be that way. For example, if your dog suffers from motion sickness, doesn’t tolerate high temperatures well, or is very attached to their familiar environment, you should ask yourself whether taking your dog on vacation will truly make them happy. You undoubtedly know your own dog best, so make a well-considered decision before booking a trip with your dog.

Where is the trip going?

If you plan to take your dog on vacation, it’s a good idea to check in advance with the accommodation and destination whether it’s allowed to bring your four-legged friend. For example, many beaches do not allow dogs, especially during the high season. It’s also recommended to ask about the rules regarding your dog’s presence.

When traveling abroad, you need to consider factors such as the climate, your dog’s condition, and the travel duration. Additionally, dogs must meet certain legal requirements when crossing the Dutch border. For instance, dogs must be microchipped, have a European pet passport, and have certain mandatory vaccinations (such as rabies). In some countries, it’s also mandatory that the dog has had a worm treatment shortly before departure, and it may happen that your dog’s breed is not allowed in the destination country. Each country has different rules and requirements regarding dogs. Therefore, always check the regulations in the country of your destination and the countries you will travel through before going on vacation with your dog.

Vaccinations

As mentioned above, dogs often must have a rabies vaccination when crossing the border. However, it’s wise to ensure your dog is vaccinated against all diseases that may occur in the destination country. It’s possible that diseases exist abroad that no longer occur in our country. For some vaccinations, they must be given well before departure and signed off by the vet in the passport. So keep in mind to start preparations for vaccinations in time.

Accidents can happen on vacation, of course. Therefore, always have your own vet’s phone number handy. Another useful tip is to look up and note the contact details of the nearest vet at your vacation location before you leave. This way, in most cases, quick action can be taken, saving a lot of stress for both owner and dog.