The German Animal Welfare Federation recommends that all dog owners keep an eye on their pet's needs during the current peak travel season and gives tips on what to consider when booking at short notice, traveling and packing for a vacation.
“Dogs prefer to be with their humans everywhere and can often be taken on vacation without any problems. Ideally, the vacation destination is only a few hours' drive away and poses no risk to the dog in terms of so-called travel sickness. When booking, you should also make sure that the animal is welcome in the hotel or vacation apartment,” says Lisa Hoth-Zimak, specialist for pets at the German Animal Welfare Federation.
If the dog does not yet have valid rabies protection, only a destination within Germany should be considered when booking a trip at short notice. “A valid rabies vaccination is a legal requirement for crossing the border - as is microchip identification - so you need more time in advance,” says Hoth-Zimak. During the car journey, breaks should be planned every two to three hours so that the dog can have a drink, go for a walk and relax. Once you arrive at your vacation destination, the familiar dog basket and food will help your dog to settle into the new surroundings more quickly.
TRAVEL PLANNING AND LUGGAGE FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND
According to the German Animal Welfare Association, the dog's luggage should also include a water bottle for the journey, a brush or comb, toys, tick tweezers and a first aid kit. When crossing the border, it is obligatory to take the EU pet passport with you, in which the rabies vaccination is noted. If a lead or muzzle is compulsory at your destination or on public transport, you should also bear this in mind when packing for your vacation with your dog. It is also advisable to register the number of the microchip with FINDEFIX, the pet register of the German Animal Welfare Federation, and to keep the contact details up to date. This way, if the dog runs away on vacation and is found, it can be quickly traced back to its owner.
Since there are also dogs that feel most comfortable in their familiar surroundings or for whom driving a car is stressful, it is better to spend the vacation at home for the sake of the animal in such cases. “With the help of an environmentally friendly dog pool or a visit to a lake or stretch of beach approved for dogs, the summer can also be enjoyed very well here,” says Hoth-Zimak. “For your next vacation, it is advisable to plan ahead so that your dog is well looked after. It's difficult to find a knowledgeable pet sitter spontaneously and at peak travel times.”
