Tips for going on holiday with your pet

Can’t you go on holiday or travel without your pet? This requires some preparation, as not all hotels or campsites allow pets and there are different customs rules for taking your best friend with you. Below you will find seven rules for taking your pet on holiday.

1. European pet passport obligatory everywhere

You can buy a European pet passport from your vet. In some countries, an additional health certificate is required.

2. Chip or tattoo

An animal must be identified by means of a chip. Is your four-legged friend a little older? A tattoo is only valid if you can prove that it was done before 3 July 2011 and if it is still clearly legible.

3. Compulsory Vaccinations

All animals must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The chip must be inserted before the vaccination.

4. Liability insurance

In many European countries (e.g. France, Spain, Denmark, Italy and certain regions in Germany, Switzerland and Austria), liability insurance is compulsory for dog owners.

5. Some dog breeds are prohibited

Do you have a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Mastiff, Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Ovtcharka or similar dog? Check before you leave whether you can take them with you to your destination and all the countries you travel through. In some countries, you will need a pedigree to prove that your dog does not belong to one of these breeds.

6. Dog harness, travel kennel or dog carrier

In Germany and the United Kingdom you are obliged to secure your dog in the car with a dog harness, a travel kennel or behind a dog stand.

7. Muzzle and leash

In Hungary, you must have a muzzle and a lead with you. In Italy and Austria it is compulsory to have a leash and muzzle on your pet in public places. In many places in Croatia, it is also compulsory to have a leash.