How to go on holiday with your pet

If you don't want to part with your dog or cat during the holiday season, you can travel with your pet. What applies to animal transport and entry when travelling by car, train or plane.

If you want to take your pet with you on holiday, there are a few things to consider. It depends particularly on where the journey is going and whether you are traveling by car, train or plane.

What rules apply within the EU

For travel within the European Union, animals need a pet passport, which is issued in advance by a veterinarian. This card must contain information about the animal owner, the identification of the animal, the rabies vaccination and - depending on the country of travel - the tapeworm treatment.

Many animals also need a microchip to travel within the EU. In EU countries, the chip requirement applies to all animals that were marked for the first time after July 3, 2011.

Dog owners in particular should know that the regulations for leash and muzzle requirements, the lists of prohibited dog breeds and the necessary treatments against parasites can vary from country to country.

What to consider outside the EU

In general, non-EU countries have issued their own entry and exit regulations, which travellers should always find out about before starting their holiday, for example at the respective embassy.

Anyone who wants to return to the EU from certain countries must provide antibody proof for rabies upon entry.
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Thomas Müther, ADAC North Rhine

This applies to countries such as Turkey, Tunisia or Thailand, among others, explains Thomas Müther of ADAC North Rhine. Holidaymakers must therefore remember to have a rabies antibody test carried out on their pet before departure - and this no earlier than 30 days after the rabies vaccination.

Travelling by car: the correct way to transport animals

Dogs, cats, but also rodents, rabbits or birds may only be transported safely in the car. It is important to get the animals used to their transport box, which is then fixed in the car. Large dogs should be transported in the rear of the car with a fixed protective or safety grid.

According to the Highway Code, animals in cars are considered cargo that must be adequately secured.
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Thomas Müther, ADAC North Rhine

In the event of non-compliance, a fine "between 35 and 75 euros could be due," says Müther. In the event of endangerment, a point in Flensburg is added to the fine. In the event of an accident, the comprehensive insurance could also reduce benefits due to gross negligence, according to the ADAC expert.

Travelling with your dog on the train

For small dogs and other small pets (up to the size of a domestic cat), Deutsche Bahn does not require an extra ticket. For larger dogs, half the fare of a normal ticket must be paid and leashes and muzzles are compulsory.

Air travel with pets: Pay attention to information from the airline

Not every airline allows animals. Travelers must inform themselves in detail before booking and the animals should be accustomed to the travel conditions. Larger animals are transported in the cargo hold in a fixed flight transport box.

Dogs and cats weighing up to eight kilograms (including the weight of the transport bag) can travel in the passenger area under the seat of the person in front. The four-legged friends must be able to stand and turn around in the bag without any problems. Depending on the distance and size of the animal, the cost of a flight is several hundred euros.

Parakeets, rabbits and iguanas stay at home

To avoid stress for small animals and exotics, they should not travel with them, but be cared for at home. "There are no uniform EU regulations for these animals," says Thomas Müther. The regulations of the respective travel countries apply to them, about which one would otherwise have to inform oneself individually.

source : Reisen mit Hund oder Katze: Was für Haustiere im Urlaub gilt