Costa Blanca Magazin

Travelling with dogs and cats - tips for stress-free trips

Auf Reisen mit Hund und Katze

How to get your dog and cat safely to their destination: by car, plane or ferry - plan your EU pet passport, transport box and breaks correctly.

A change of scenery, a trip to an island or a visit to family back home - for many people, a pet is a natural part of their luggage. But travelling with a dog or cat is rarely as uncomplicated as it sounds.

If you want to get your four-legged friend to your destination safely and stress-free, you need to know the rules and procedures - from the obligation to wear a seatbelt to the EU pet passport.

In the car: belts, boxes, breaks
Having your own vehicle offers freedom, but demands responsibility. The law states that animals may not travel unsecured. Whether it's a transport box, a seat belt or a safety gate - everything is permitted as long as it guarantees safety. Spontaneous jumps onto the driver's seat or unsecured dogs in the back seat are not only risky, but also subject to fines. Regular breaks, water and a cool interior are mandatory.

In the aircraft: cabin or cargo hold
Airlines have their own rules - and pet owners should check them carefully before booking. With most airlines, small dogs and cats weighing up to around eight kilograms, including bag, travel in the cabin. Heavier animals must be placed in the cargo hold.
It is air-conditioned, but not for spontaneous decisions: Seats are limited and must be booked in advance.
Without a microchip, EU pet passport and valid rabies vaccination, the ticket remains invalid anyway.

Auf Reisen mit Hund und Katze
Auf Reisen mit Hund und Katze

On the ferry: deck or cabin
The ships between the mainland and the islands now offer pet cabins - they are popular and quickly booked out. Alternatively, there are kennel areas or designated zones on deck where pets must be kept on a lead and muzzled. If you prefer it quieter, book early. On long journeys, walking areas provide exercise, but the same applies here: be considerate and follow the rules.

Paperwork: mandatory for all routes
No matter whether by road, air or sea - pet owners must always carry them:
- the EU pet passport,
- a microchip (or old tattoo before 2011),
- a valid rabies vaccination.
- Depending on the country of destination, deworming may also be required - especially when travelling from non-EU countries.

For less stress: preparation counts
- Take a familiar blanket or favourite toy with you.
- No big feed before departure on the day of travelling.
- Don't forget water, especially on long journeys.
- Practise smaller rides before the big tour.

Travelling with animals is not an adventure into the unknown, but a question of planning. If you know the rules and are prepared, you can ensure that your dog and cat arrive at their destination relaxed.