Travelling in Europe with your dog: pet passports, planning and packing

Few holidays beat one with your dog along: a ferry from Rosslare to France, a train ride along the Rhine, a week in a Tuscan farmhouse with a dog snoring on the terrace. Travelling in Europe with your dog is easier than it used to be, but it still takes planning. The paperwork has to be right, transport rules differ from one company to the next, and your dog needs to feel at home somewhere completely new. This guide walks you through each step.

What paperwork does a dog need to travel in the EU?

A microchip, a rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport are the basics for crossing borders inside the EU.

• Microchip. It has to be in place before, or at the same appointment as, the rabies vaccination. Ask your vet to scan it and check the number matches the passport.
• Rabies vaccination. Given by an authorised vet. A first vaccination needs time to take effect before your dog can travel, so do not leave it to the last week. Keep boosters up to date so it stays valid.
• EU pet passport. Issued by an authorised vet in an EU country. It records your dog's microchip number and rabies vaccination, and it travels with your dog.

Some countries add extra requirements. Ireland and Finland, for example, ask for a tapeworm treatment given by a vet shortly before arrival. Very young puppies may not be able to travel to some countries until they are old enough for a rabies vaccination. Trips to or from countries outside the EU can involve different documents again.

For the current rules, the EU's official page Your Europe: travelling with pets is the best starting point. Your vet can tell you exactly what applies to your dog and your route.

When should you start planning a trip abroad with your dog?

Start a couple of months ahead if your dog has never travelled, and earlier if they still need a first rabies vaccination.

How do dogs travel on European ferries and trains?

It depends on the operator, so check before you book: some let dogs stay with you, others use kennels or ask that dogs remain in the car.

On ferries, the usual options are pet-friendly cabins, onboard kennels, or staying in your vehicle on the car deck. On many ships, access to the car deck is limited during the crossing, which matters on a long overnight route from Ireland to France or across the Baltic. Pet cabins are often limited in number, so book early, especially for summer sailings to the Greek islands or Spain.

On trains, rules vary by country and company. Small dogs in a carrier are often treated like hand luggage, while larger dogs may need their own ticket, a lead and, in some countries, a muzzle. If a muzzle might be needed, practise at home with treats for a few weeks so it feels normal. For flights, airline rules on cabin and hold travel differ widely, so ask the airline and your vet before you commit.

How do you find dog-friendly accommodation in Europe?

Filter for pets when you search, then ask direct questions before you pay.

• Is there an extra fee, and are there limits on size or the number of dogs?
• Can your dog be left alone in the room or house for a short time?
• Is the garden or terrace fully fenced?
• Are there quiet walks nearby, and are dogs allowed on the local beach?
• Is there a freezer, and how big is it?

Beach rules, lead rules and access to national parks vary from region to region and often change in summer, so look for local signs when you arrive. Bring your dog's own bedding. It smells of home and protects the holiday rental's sofa.

What should you pack for your dog?

Pack for paperwork, health, food and comfort, and keep it all in one bag you can reach easily.

The Freez Doughnut is flat and compact, which makes it easy to slip into a cool bag. It comes in a small size for dogs of 5 to 10 kg and a large size for dogs of 10 to 20 kg, and it is dishwasher safe if your holiday home has one.

Which health risks are different in other parts of Europe?

Ticks, heat and a few regional hazards can be very different from home, so ask your vet what applies where you are going.

Ticks are common across much of Europe, so check your dog after every walk, and read our guide to checking for and removing ticks. In southern Europe, pine processionary caterpillars are a serious risk, and a dog who touches one needs a vet straight away; our article on pine processionary caterpillars and dogs explains what to look for. Summer heat in Spain, Italy or Greece can also catch out dogs used to cooler weather, so walk early and late, and read our tips on common hot-weather mistakes.

How do you help your dog settle on arrival?

Bring a little bit of home with you: a walk, water, their own bed and something calm to do.

Before you unpack, take your dog for a slow, sniffy walk around the block. Sniffing helps them learn the new place. Then set up their bed in a quiet corner, put water down and keep feeding times the same as at home. Once the bags are in, give your dog a frozen lick toy. Licking is settling, and it buys you time to unpack in peace. Stay with your dog on the first evening rather than leaving them alone somewhere unfamiliar.

Holiday rental freezers are often small, so a flat toy makes life easier.

“All the dogs love the spiral! It’s easy to fill and fit in a crowded freezer. Even just simple broth keeps them entertained.”
Alyssa C., verified buyer

The FreezSwirl measures 170 mm across and suits dogs of 10 to 40 kg. You can fill it with your dog's usual wet food or a little dog-safe broth, and the Freezbone recipe videos have more ideas for holiday fills.

Planning to drive? Our guide to a road trip with your dog covers breaks, heat in the car and packing for long journeys across Europe.

General information, not veterinary or legal advice. Travel rules change, so check official guidance and talk to your vet before you go.

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