Travelling With a Pet

Going on holiday with your pet (dog or cat)?
How do you prepare? What should you think about?

Going on holiday with your pet (dog or cat) isn't something you can improvise — it takes proper preparation. Here are a few tips to help you get ready so your trip is as comfortable as possible for both you and your pet.

Choosing your destination

• Find out about local temperatures. An animal won't cope with heat or cold the way a human would.
• Check the local facilities: does your accommodation (campsite, private house, residence, hotel, ..) accept pets? What are the rules? Are certain breeds excluded? What comforts will be available for your pet there?

Formalities

• Check the administrative formalities (passport, identification) and required vaccinations (especially rabies). Arrange a vet visit before you leave if needed.
• Ask your insurer about the cover provided in case your pet causes an incident or accident, in Belgium or abroad (family liability insurance).
• Take out a travel assistance contract that covers bringing your pet home in case of repatriation.

Is your pet ready?

• How are you planning to travel? By car, train, plane? Choose the best means of transport for you and your pet.
• For an "active" holiday: assess whether your dog is fit enough to come along (e.g. hiking or trekking). Ask your vet for their opinion. Just like you, your pet needs to build up physical fitness several months in advance!
• Is your pet "socially" able to travel? A poorly trained, disobedient animal will cause trouble for you and for others once you're there.

Equipment

• Go through the equipment you'll need (lead, harness, muzzle, food, water, bedding, carrier, medication, towels, …) and make sure your pet can easily be identified if lost, if it runs off, or in case of an accident (microchip, tag, collar, photo, …) so that you can be contacted quickly. Some specialist pet shops also sell GPS trackers that can locate a lost animal.

Beware "dangerous dogs"!

Dog breeds considered "dangerous" or "at risk"

In Belgium, some municipalities ban the keeping or acquiring of certain breeds considered "dangerous" or "at risk". Other countries, including France, apply similar rules.

If you're planning to travel to another country with a dog whose breed is considered "dangerous" or "at risk", we recommend checking the local rules in force with that country's official or tourism authorities.

Pets staying at home...

If your pet isn't coming on holiday with you and stays at home, find out well in advance what care options are available:

• A host family: if you choose to leave your pet with a host family or someone you trust, make sure your pet and its future carers get to know each other beforehand. Give as much information as possible about your pet's habits and behaviour to whoever will be looking after it.
• A boarding kennel: book several months in advance and visit it beforehand to check it's reliable and comfortable.
• Dog-sitting: this means someone staying at your home to look after your pet. Choose someone trustworthy and explain the animal's habits and behaviour.

One last tip: don't leave your dog alone for a long absence, even if someone drops by once a day to feed it.

Above all, don't abandon it!

Read also our other articles about holidays with a pet in our "Dogs, Cats & Co" feature.