Traveling with a Dog - The List

Every season is travel season

We love traveling with Bea, and since you've already read our Our dog-friendly travel packing list you know we like to really get around while being prepared. We like to plan while not overthinking things. We like thinking of ourselves als the Q of dog traveling. And I don't mean Q as in John de Lancie but Q as in Lipstick Bomb.

Of course I want to pass on, what we've learned while traveling with Bea, and I am doing it in this here list of stuff you should think of when traveling with a dog.

Even if you don't like to plan every little detail, be sure to at least follow all the rules in the country of choice. Nothing worse than cutting your trip short because your dog is not up to date with all vaccinations or something like that. Customs will be rigid and ruin your day.

Bea watching a swan in Steyr, Upper Austria.

The list

1. Health Check-Up:

Ensure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations before traveling. Be aware that outside the EU there might be some crazy strict rules. Here are some examples:

• Traveling from the European mainland to the UK there are loads of rules, ie the tapeworm regulation. Check everything you need to know out here.

• Traveling to Sweden there are fewer rules and the Board of Agriculture is the competent authority. Find more here!

• Traveling to the US is whole thing, read about it here. You can find out about your country's rabies assessment here.

• Traveling to Austria from the US is no less tricky. This website offers a great overview. You can also find more info here.

2. Identification:

Make sure your dog has a collar with an ID tag and consider a microchip for extra security. In Vienna we don't have ID tags anymore, so the chip is sufficient.

3. Comfortable AND safe Carrier:

Use a well-ventilated and comfortable carrier or crate, especially for long trips. Make sure it is also safe. There are a lot of substandard crates or absolutely unfit ways to "secure" your dog.

4. Travel Documents:

Carry necessary health certificates, vaccination records, and any required permits. See number one for further infos.

5. Packing Essentials:

Bring food, water, bowls, a leash, waste bags, medications, and a first aid kit. We used to carry a spray with us that was supposed to calm Bea down. It did nothing. Don't waste your money. Buy some quality treats instead.

Young Bea exploring the river Danube.

6. Accommodations:

Confirm that your accommodation is pet-friendly and check their specific pet policies. Recently we tried to go to a specific area in Northern Germany and I kid you not, I wasn't able to find accommodation that welcomed dogs in three different towns.

7. Regular Breaks:

Plan for regular breaks during car trips to allow your dog to stretch, relieve itself, and hydrate. It's good for you to. The journey is the reward after all.

8. Comfort Items:

Bring familiar items like a favorite blanket or toy to help your dog feel secure. And snacks!

9. Exercise:

Ensure your dog gets enough exercise before and during the trip to reduce anxiety.

10. Weather Considerations:

Never leave your dog in a parked car, especially in extreme temperatures. Especially especially in hot temperatures. Your dog will die.

Bonus

11. Emergency Plan:

Know the location of nearby veterinary clinics at your destination and along your route. Or be super sure that Google Maps will work the entirety of your trip.

The three of us in the north of Sweden.

Save travels!

So, here you are! Have an awesome time wherever you go with your dog! Enjoy and let me know what you think of the list and how your last trip was! Comment below!