The compact PERRO checklist for a relaxed journey
Travelling with a dog
Travelling with a dog requires good preparation so that the holiday starts in a relaxed manner for both humans and animals. Whether it's a short car journey, a longer holiday or a holiday with your dog by the sea - safety, familiar routines and the right equipment help to avoid stress. Safe transport solutions, sufficient water, rest breaks and products that support the dog while travelling are particularly important. If you plan to travel regularly by car with your dog, you should get your dog used to travelling early on and always transport it safely.
Making the right preparations for travelling with a dog is half the battle
Being well prepared minimises stress for you and your dog:
- Check the legal entry requirements of the holiday destination
- Muzzle requirement: Clarify in advance where you are allowed to take dogs, whether there is a muzzle requirement and whether so-called "listed dogs" are allowed to enter the country at all. Are you new to muzzling your dog? Our guide will show you how to find the right muzzle.
- Season: Midsummer and high temperatures are stressful for most dogs. The low season of spring or autumn is usually very suitable for holidays with your dog.
- Means of transport: The car is the first choice for most people, as it is the most flexible way of travelling and the easiest way to adapt your schedule to your dog.
- Dog-friendly accommodation: Are dogs allowed in your accommodation or does it even offer practical and dog-friendly facilities? It is worth checking in advance whether and what facilities are available.
Important points before travelling
Before travelling, you should check whether your dog is in good health. Important points before travelling:
- Vet check before long journeys
- Check vaccination status
- Carry an EU pet passport
- Check the entry requirements of the holiday destination
- Make a note of the address of a local vet
- Plan travelling times outside of extreme heat if possible
Veterinary advice: Dogs with circulatory problems, older dogs or sensitive animals often react more strongly to heat and stress when travelling. Feeding also plays a role, so it is better to feed only small amounts immediately before departure.
Basic travel equipment from PERRO
- practical for storing food
- different sizes
- light & practical
- Snap lock & freshness protection lid
- ideal for storing dry food
- robust feed container
- keeps the feed fresh and dry
- airtight lid
- Snap lock
- robust
- integrated feed scoop
- light, warm and washable
- non-slip, tear and abrasion resistant
- for on the road and at home
- multifunctional dog blanket
- non-slip underlay
- high pile
- moisture and air permeable
- heat insulating
- cosy
- machine washable
- sturdy feed container
- airtight sealable feed container
- practical click closure
- 3 sizes
- with rubber seal
- ideal for dry food and flakes
- Warming wool mix - gives your dog cosy warmth and security
- FIR material - can promote blood circulation and aid recovery
- Compact 70 x 100 cm size - ideal for travelling, outdoor trips or at home
- Practical bag - easy to store and take with you wherever you go
- Versatile - can also be used for yourself or to share with your dog
- Easy to care for - simply hand wash with wool detergent for long-lasting durability
- Freshness clip for feed bags
- hygienic closure
- universally applicable
- made of sturdy plastic
- Dog mat
- Dirt trap & resting place
- non-slip floor
- special microfibres
- quick-drying
- available in 2 sizes
- machine washable
- padded dog mat
- ideal for car boxes
- with dimensionally stable foam
- machine washable
- Water dispenser for on the go
- Bottle with integrated bowl
- flexible silicone
- drip-proof and space-saving
Safe & stress-free travelling
Avoid stress when travelling
Please note: Not every dog is automatically relaxed when travelling. To take the stress out of the situation, the following measures can help in advance:
- Train car journeys before going on holiday
- sufficient exercise before departure
- don't rush when getting in the car
- take regular breaks
When Transporting dogs in the car the following applies: A dog should never travel unsecured.
At PERRO you will find safe solutions for your future car journeys and holidays, such as the Hurtta Travel Harness ECO car harness, which has been tested in official crash tests and can be connected directly to the seat belt. The dog can sit, lie down and turn round.
For larger dogs in the boot, the aluminium transport box offers a stable solution with a non-slip mat and a secure stand. The plastic Gulliver Deluxe 3 TOP FREE transport box is practical for small to medium-sized dogs , especially thanks to the additional top opening.
The car seat covers with integrated openings for safety harnesses are suitable for protecting the seats.
Travel checklist for holidays with a dog
A good packing list for your next holiday with your dog will make your trip much easier. We have created a checklist for you so that nothing is left at home:
- Usual dog food
- Travel bowl
- Water bottle & water bowl for travelling
- Leash & spare leash
- Collar or safety harness
- Dog blanket & dog bed
- Toys
- Treats
- Transport box
- Poo bag
- Muzzle (depending on holiday region)
- Grooming tools (brush, comb, curry comb,...)
- Depending on the holiday destination and planned activities: life jacket, towel, dog coat or jumper
- First aid kit
- If necessary: Medication
Foldable crates are suitable for longer holidays. They give the dog a familiar place to rest while travelling.
Practical tip: Address of the accommodation
It also makes sense to attach an additional dog tag with the address of the accommodation to the dog's collar during the holiday. If the dog gets lost, you can find the owners much more quickly.
Water toys & co. for dogs
- padded dog mat
- ideal for car boxes
- with dimensionally stable foam
- machine washable
- non-slip underlay
- high pile
- moisture and air permeable
- heat insulating
- cosy
- machine washable
- Soft foam rubber - particularly gentle on teeth and mouth
- Lightweight and easy to throw - ideal for dynamic retrieving games
- Floatable - perfect for playing by the water or in the garden pool
- Robust despite soft structure - withstands intensive use
- Highly visible neon colours - easy to find in the grass or by the water
- Optimum size (6 cm) - suitable for many dogs and easy to pick up
- For long throws - provides your dog with more movement and exercise
- With ball included - immediately ready for the retrieving game
- Hands stay clean - ball can be picked up without bending down and touching it
- Fun to play together - strengthens the bond between you and your dog
- Easy to handle - easy to throw without much effort
- Robust and practical - ideal for play, training and leisure time
- Floatable - perfect for fetch games in the water
- Made of robust natural rubber - durable and resistant during play
- With rounded ends - ensures a comfortable and secure grip
- Suitable for tugging games - enables joint, close-to-body activity
- Versatile use - retrieving, tugging and motivational training in one
- Developed by Prof Ekard Lind - practical toy with training benefits
- Extends the throwing arm - for long and power-saving throws
- Ergonomic handle with rubber inlay - non-slip and comfortable to hold
- With sponge rubber ball - floatable and versatile
- Two sizes available - suitable for 4.5 cm and 6.5 cm ball diameters
- Hands stay clean - ball can be picked up without touching it
- Ideal for fetch games - provides exercise and fun with your dog
- Dog ball
- made of soft sponge rubber
- resistant & gentle on teeth
- floatable
- in 4 sizes
- Design: random selection
- Retrieving & throwing toy
- Soft terry cloth microfibre - particularly absorbent and quick-drying
- Protects furniture & floors - prevents water splashes and dirt in the house
- Warms the dog - ideal after bathing or when taking a break in the car
- Easy to put on and take off - thanks to drawstring, click fastener & adjustable strap
- With bib & press stud - also dries the chest and rear reliably
- Machine washable & quick-drying - practical and easy-care for everyday use
- Cosy retreat - round cut for a natural sleeping position
- Warming & protective - down-like filling + reflective foil
- Particularly suitable for dogs with joint or muscle problems
- Practical side zip - makes getting in & out easier
- Waterproof, hard-wearing & low-noise thanks to
Houndtex® material - Sustainably produced - made from 80-100% recycled material
- Elastic neoprene material - durable, quiet and warm in the water
- Integrated buoyancy bodies - support the dog when swimming
- Warming properties - ideal for rescue and hunting dogs in cold temperatures
- Belly flap - reliably protects the sensitive belly area
- Versatile - perfect for swimming, stand-up paddling, water rescue and hunting
- Treated with permethrin - additional protection against ticks, horseflies and mosquitoes (not suitable for cats)
Documents for the dog abroad
Certain documents must always be carried.
Here is an overview of the most important documents for travelling.
| Document | Details |
| EU pet passport | Dogs require an EU pet passport when travelling abroad (in EU and non-EU countries). This can be obtained from your vet. |
| Rabies & titre determination | To be able to enter the country, the passport must contain a:
Other vaccinations that may be relevant for the holiday destination are also noted in the "blue passport". When travelling to some countries from the EU or entering the EU from certain third countries, a rabies titer test may be necessary. This requires a little more planning and lead time. Therefore, inform yourself in good time before travelling. You can find more information here |
| Various vaccinations / worming | Find out about the vaccination requirements in your holiday destination well in advance. For Great Britain, Ireland & Northern Ireland, Malta, Finland and Norway, a tapeworm treatment by the vet including entry in the pet passport is required. Five days to 24 hours before travelling at the latest. |
| Forms | In certain countries or for special circumstances, certain forms are required in addition to the EU pet passport, e.g. for animals under 12 weeks of age or with a rabies vaccination that is not yet valid. You can find more information here |
| Insurance | It makes sense to carry insurance documents with you, as you can react quickly in the event of a claim |
Holiday by the water with a dog
A holiday with your dog by the sea or lake is ideal if you pay attention to safety.
- Avoid direct midday sun.
- Shower your dog after bathing in salt water.
- Provide plenty of water to drink.
- Be aware of currents.
- Do not leave your dog swimming unattended.
For active dogs in the water, we recommend toys that float and remain easily visible. Cooling down after bathing also helps, especially on hot days.Heat is often the biggest burden when travelling. We have compiled a list of helpful products for you to cool your dog down while travelling:
- Cooling mats for dogs
- Drinking water in water bottles for travelling
- Shady areas / shade sails
- Cooling waistcoats for dogs
Our tip for hot days: Motivate dogs to drink! Not every dog drinks enough when travelling - especially when travelling, in the heat or in unfamiliar surroundings. However, this is when a good fluid intake is particularly important to avoid circulatory problems.Here's how you can help dogs that are lazy to drink:
- Offer water regularly in small portions
- use a familiar bowl
- Actively incorporate drinking breaks
- Cool the water slightly
Our tip: some PERRO bone broth into the water Bone broth can help to make water more flavourful and is readily accepted by many dogs. It is particularly suitable on warm days, when travelling or after long walks.
Dog in a hotel or holiday home
New environments can be unsettling for dogs at first. This will help your dog feel safe more quickly:
- take a familiar blanket with you
- create a fixed resting place
- maintain the usual feeding times
- Offer chew toys
A familiar blanket or crate significantly reduces stress. Keeping active dogs busy is also important to help them switch off in new surroundings.
First-aid kit for your dog
Even if you hope for the best - it is important to be well prepared for emergencies:
- Disinfectant
- Clinical thermometer (normal dog temperature: 38-39°C)
- Wound ointment or spray
- Tick forceps and tweezers
- Sunscreen
- Diarrhoea remedy e.g. charcoal tablets
- Electrolyte powder
- Mild ear cleaner
- Sterile saline solution for rinsing
- First aid kit (bandages, scissors, bandages, fixation plasters, etc.)
- Cool packs
- Remedy for travel sickness
- Emergency numbers of vets at the holiday destination
