Vacationing with a dog. How to prepare your dog for vacation?

More and more people want to take their dogs on vacation. We're sharing tips on how to prepare for a dog-friendly vacation that's truly comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your pet.

How to prepare for a vacation with your dog?

Vacations usually begin by planning a destination and accommodations. These days, more and more places are open to pets, and accommodation search engines offer this option. However, here's a key tip: don't rely solely on search engine information. Especially if you're looking to stay at a small resort, guesthouse, or cottage. It's best to contact the owner beforehand to confirm whether your dog is truly welcome and what the rules are for dogs. Hotels often have these rules on their websites. Check if there's an additional fee for dogs and whether the property will accept all dogs (some hotels have weight restrictions and only accept small dogs). Inquire if the hotel restaurant is dog-friendly (this isn't always the case). There are also many hotels and other accommodations that even advertise themselves as pet-friendly. In such places, dogs can often count on a welcome gift, even a bed, bowl, or separate towel.

When planning your travel destination, consider how you want to spend your vacation. Check if the attractions you're interested in are dog-friendly. Contrary to popular belief, there are a growing number of dog-friendly destinations: some museums, some national parks, and towns have designated beaches for tourists with dogs. A growing number of restaurants also welcome guests with dogs, and during the summer season, most patios allow pets.

If you're planning a trip abroad with your dog, be sure to check the requirements for transporting your dog across borders in the country you're traveling to. A passport, which you can obtain at selected veterinary offices, a valid rabies vaccination, and a microchip are required. Regulations regarding transporting animals to specific countries can be found on the website of the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate.

What to take on holiday with a dog?

If you're traveling by car, make sure your dog is transported safely. It should be in a special, properly secured carrier, and if it's sitting loose, for example, in the back seat, it should be secured with a seat belt (there are special car harnesses and harnesses for dogs).

Dogs can also travel on public transport. In Poland, dogs can travel by train. Most carriers charge a separate ticket for transporting dogs – this is a fixed amount regardless of the distance of the route, and the ticket price ranges from a few to a dozen złoty (the highest price is at PKP Intercity – 15.20 złoty per dog). Before choosing this form of travel, it's worth reading the carrier's regulations for transporting animals (usually a leash, muzzle, and a valid rabies vaccination are required). If you're planning to travel by bus or local buses, check whether you can take your dog. Not all transport companies offer this option.

Important: Prepare your dog for travel! Anything new to your dog can be frightening, whether it's a car trip, a visit to a crowded station, or even a train ride. Take your dog for a short ride and see how he reacts. Anxiety can and should be addressed to make the trip comfortable for everyone. If you notice any problems, it's worth seeking help from a behaviorist.

What to take on holiday with a dog?

The most important documents are a health booklet or passport with a valid rabies vaccination. When going on vacation, be sure to have a list of veterinarians in your area handy. Trust me, if you need urgent help, the last thing you want to do is frantically search for the nearest vet. It'll take you a few moments before your vacation.

The dog should have a solid identification tag with the owners' number, and make sure the chip is registered in the appropriate database and assigned to your phone number.

If you're assembling a first aid kit for your family, remember to also consider what's worth taking for your dog. You can consult your veterinarian about the contents of your dog's first aid kit, but it should definitely include bandages, disinfectants, a vet-recommended diarrhea medication, and something to remove ticks.

In addition, take two sets of leashes and harnesses (or collars), it is worth having a muzzle, and pack your dog's favorite toys, a blanket or a bed.

What to feed your dog on vacation?

Contrary to popular belief, feeding your dog while on vacation is a crucial matter. A sudden change in food can cause an upset stomach, which is the last thing you need on vacation. This isn't the time for changes or experiments. Make sure your dog's food is available where you're going, and if not, bring a supply with you. If it's a longer trip, ordering food to your vacation address is also an option. If you plan to change food, do it well in advance.

Where to leave your dog on holiday?

When planning a vacation, it's worth remembering another rule: you can take your dog on vacation, but you don't have to. It's okay to go without your dog; it's only bad if you abandon your pet (which is a common occurrence during vacation). Regardless of the reasons your dog can't travel with you, make sure it's properly cared for during this time: the easiest way is to entrust your dog to someone close to you, and if that's not possible, consider using a pet sitter or a special pet boarding facility.