Four Paws packed: How Travel with Dogs and Cats Goes Smoothly

Summer holidays are just around the corner, and then comes the question every dog or cat owner asks themselves sooner or later: what actually happens to our four-legged friend once we head off on holiday? Boarding them with friends or at a pet hotel is a perfectly valid option, since travelling with a pet can sound like a mountain of paperwork – and maybe more excitement than your four-legged travel companion really wants.

The good news if you prefer to take your pet with you: with a bit of preparation, it turns into a relaxed holiday for everyone. At flowzoom, we've put together the most important questions around travelling with dogs and cats – from the legal basics to choosing the right mode of transport and finding the right place to stay. That way, both the two-legged and the four-legged members of the family arrive relaxed.

1. Legal Framework: What Your Pet Needs for the Trip

Before you set off, it's worth taking a look at the paperwork – it sounds more complicated than it is if you start in good time.

• EU pet passport: Required for travel within the EU with a dog, cat or ferret. It's issued by an authorised vet and records the microchip number, vaccination status and owner details. Once issued, it's valid for life – as long as vaccinations stay up to date.

• Microchip & rabies vaccination: Your pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip (important: it must be implanted before the rabies vaccination) as well as a valid rabies vaccination. After the first vaccination, there's a 21-day waiting period before you can travel – this doesn't apply if it's a timely booster instead.

• Tapeworm treatment: Dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or the UK/Northern Ireland also need tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before entry – to be documented by the vet in the pet passport.

• What changed in 2026: Since 22 April 2026, slightly stricter EU rules have applied – among other things, a maximum of five pets may now travel per vehicle, and pet passports require an additional origin code. For most holiday trips this changes little, but it's worth being up to date when you prepare.

• Don't forget: insurance. It's worth checking your policy before you go: make sure your pet liability insurance also applies abroad, and check whether any pet health insurance you may have covers the trip. That gives you extra peace of mind in case something does happen.

Tip: Plan your preparations at least four to six weeks before departure – for vaccinations, waiting periods, and, if needed, a vet appointment, which isn't always easy to get on short notice.

2. Choosing the Right Way to Travel

Whether by car, train, plane or ferry – every mode of transport has its own rules. Conveniently, many of the most popular destinations for people travelling from Germany with a dog or cat are the neighbouring countries anyway: the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, the Czech Republic or Poland can often be reached by car or train in just a few hours – no flight required, and with far less hassle.

Car

For most pets, the car is the least stressful option. A few things to keep in mind, though:

• Legally, your pet counts as cargo and needs to be secured – with a carrier, a dog guard, or a special safety harness (ideally attached via Isofix). Without proper securing, you risk a fine.

• Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car – especially in summer, a car can heat up dangerously within minutes, even with a window cracked open.

• Plan regular breaks for water and a stretch, ideally in the shade.

• Sun shades for the windows and a cooling mat help further on hot days.

Train and Public Transport

Small dogs and cats usually travel free of charge in a carrier, while larger dogs are often allowed on board for a reduced additional fare. The exact rules – for instance whether a leash and muzzle are required – vary from provider to provider and can change over time. It's always worth checking directly with the relevant transport company beforehand to see what applies, so you have a leash (and muzzle, if needed) ready, and so your fellow passengers feel comfortable too. This is especially true for international connections and long-distance coaches, where pets are sometimes not allowed on board at all.

Plane

Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin with many airlines, while larger pets travel in the climate-controlled cargo hold – the exact weight limits, prices, and whether a pet is even allowed to fly at all vary a lot from airline to airline. It's best to check directly with the airline before booking – additional restrictions often apply for short-nosed breeds like pugs or French bulldogs.

And let's be honest: it's completely fine to decide against flying in the end. For many pets, flying is far more stressful than travelling by car or train, and it's usually only worth the effort for longer stays. If your four-legged friend spends the time relaxing with family, friends, or at a trusted pet hotel instead, that's not a bad decision at all – and you certainly don't need to feel guilty about it for a week at the beach.

Ferry and Eurotunnel

Here too: rules vary by ferry operator or provider. On the Eurotunnel, pets usually stay in the car, while ferry crossings sometimes offer special cabins or areas for pets. Before booking, it's worth checking the provider's website or giving them a quick call.

3. Equipment That Actually Helps

Not every carrier is right for every mode of travel:

• For the car: A well-fitting, sufficiently large carrier or a safety harness with Isofix attachment. Before buying: don't skip the fitting – your pet should be able to lie down comfortably, but not have endless room to wander.

• For flying: Stricter IATA requirements apply here – the carrier must be made of sturdy hard plastic or fibreglass, double-latching, well ventilated, and large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. That's quite a bit more than a standard car carrier, so look into it well before you buy one.

• Practical extras: A spill-proof water dispenser, a light blanket with a familiar home scent for comfort, and, if needed, a GPS tracker on the collar – especially reassuring in unfamiliar places.

4. Well Prepared: Training Before the Trip

A little practice beforehand makes the trip more relaxed for everyone:

• Getting used to the carrier: Start by feeding your pet inside with the door open, then gradually close the door while they're distracted – and open it again before they want to leave on their own. Slowly increase the time inside, without any rush.

• Short test drives: A few short car rides before the actual trip help make sure the long drive isn't the first time your pet has been in the car.

• Vet check-up: Especially for older pets, it's worth checking their general fitness to travel, in addition to vaccinations and paperwork.

• Take extra care in hot weather: Schedule long walks and car rides for the cooler morning or evening hours, always bring enough water, and remember to check hot pavement before your pet walks on it – a quick hand test is usually enough.

5. Finding the Right Accommodation

When looking for accommodation, it's worth checking several platforms, since selection and fees vary:

Tip: Regardless of the platform, it's worth a quick check with the host before booking about the maximum number of pets, size limits, and any additional fees – that information isn't always shown prominently in the listing.

Conclusion

Travelling with a dog or cat takes a bit more preparation than travelling alone – but with the right paperwork, the right gear, and a little practice beforehand, the trip will be relaxed for both of you.

And now that your four-legged friend is well prepared: don't forget to think of yourself too, and bring your flowzoom pillow along – so you both arrive well rested. 🐾

flowzoom – Your partner for relaxed travel