Yes, you can often take your dog on holiday without any problem, but only if the trip really suits their health, character, age and energy level. A relaxed family dog may react very differently to a long car journey, heat or a busy holiday park than they do at home. That is why going on holiday with your dog does not start with booking accommodation, but with the question: will my dog actually be happy with this?
Good preparation also goes beyond packing a lead and food. Make sure in good time that you have the microchip, EU pet passport, a valid rabies vaccination and the current rules for the country you are travelling to and any countries you are driving through. In this guide, you will read how to decide whether your dog should come with you, what to pack, how to travel safely by car, what to watch out for in hot weather and what matters extra for puppies, senior dogs or several dogs.
Does this holiday really suit your dog?
Taking your dog on holiday is not automatically the best choice. First, take an honest look at how your dog normally reacts to new places, unfamiliar sounds, crowds and changes in routine. A dog that becomes stressed quickly, eats poorly in an unfamiliar environment or struggles with car journeys may find travelling more difficult than enjoyable. Health, age and fitness matter too. A young, energetic dog needs something different from a senior dog with less stamina.
For a first time, a short, calm trip often works better than going far away straight away or choosing a very active holiday. A trial weekend close to home will quickly show how your dog copes with sleeping somewhere else, walking in a new area and settling down while away. Do not expect your dog to be completely relaxed straight away either; some dogs genuinely need a bit of time to settle in.
Sometimes the kindest choice is not to take your dog away with you. A familiar pet sitter, home boarding or a good kennel can be calmer for some dogs than days of travelling and adjusting to an unfamiliar holiday address.
Which paperwork, microchip and vaccinations do you need to arrange?
Are you taking your dog abroad on holiday? Start the official side of the trip well in advance. For many destinations, an identification microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination are the basics.
| Item | What you usually need | What to check extra carefully |
|---|---|---|
| Identification microchip | Your dog must be correctly identified with a microchip. | Check that the microchip can still be read and that the microchip number matches the passport. |
| EU pet passport | For travel within many European countries, a valid EU pet passport is the starting point. | Check that all details have been completed fully and are up to date by the vet. |
| Rabies vaccination | For cross-border travel, a valid rabies vaccination is often required. | Pay attention to the validity, any waiting period and the rules that apply to your destination. |
| Additional country requirements | Some countries ask for extra treatments or documents. | Think of worming treatment, transit rules, extra declarations or restrictions for certain breeds. |
| If the paperwork is not correct | Incomplete or incorrect documents can have major consequences. | Your dog may be refused at the border, have to go into quarantine or be sent back at your own expense. |
Wondering what the rules are from 2026 onwards? Do not assume information from an old blog or forum is still correct. Always check the latest official requirements just before you leave with the NVWA and with the authorities of your destination country and every transit country you travel through.
What should you pack? Your holiday checklist for your dog
A good checklist prevents stress both on the road and at your holiday address. Take not only the required documents, but also everything that helps your dog get through the journey comfortably, safely and with familiar things around them.
- EU pet passport, your microchip registration details and a copy or photo of important documents on your phone.
- Contact details for your own vet and, if you already know it, a vet near your holiday destination.
- All your dog's daily medication, plus a little extra in case you are delayed or stay longer than planned.
- A simple travel first-aid kit for your dog, agreed with your vet if your dog is sensitive or needs medical attention.
- Enough familiar food for the whole trip or at least for the first few days, so you do not have to switch straight away when you arrive.
- Water for the journey, a water bowl and, if needed, a foldable food bowl for stops during the drive or on walks.
- Lead, harness or collar, poo bags and an extra lead as a spare.
- A towel, blanket, bed or crate and something that smells of home, so your dog settles more quickly in a new place.
- Familiar treats and chews your dog already knows. That can make a big difference during rest breaks, training or while travelling. Take enough with you, for example natural dog treats from Braaaf that your dog already happily enjoys at home, including trainingssnoepjes voor onderweg.
- Tick treatment and a tick remover, especially if you are going to a wooded or warm area.
- A cooling mat or another safe way to keep cool if you are travelling in warm weather.
- A muzzle if it may be compulsory at your destination, on public transport or in certain places.
- A recent photo of your dog on your phone, useful if your dog unexpectedly escapes or goes missing.
Tip: pack your dog's things in a separate bag. That way you have documents, food, water and travel essentials straight to hand, and you do not have to turn the whole car upside down at every stop.
Set off safely: how to help your dog travel comfortably in the car
The holiday drive should not be your dog's very first proper car journey. So let your dog get used to the car well before you leave with short trips to something positive, such as a nice walk, and if needed look at crate training van je hond if you are travelling with a crate or travel kennel. Teaching calm behaviour helps tooβsee je hond leren βsettleβ (tot rust komen). That way the car is less likely to be linked to stress or travel sickness. If your dog already struggles with travelling by car, discuss it with your vet beforehand rather than improvising on the day you leave.
Safe transport is not optional. Never let a dog travel loose in the car. Use a well-fitting crate, travel kennel or dog seat belt that is suitable for dogs. That is safer for your dog and for the people in the car. Also make sure the place where your dog is sitting gets enough air and is not in full sun.
How long can a dog stay in the car? There is no sensible fixed maximum, because temperature, stress level, age and fitness all make a big difference. It is better to plan regular stops to offer water, allow some sniffing and let them stretch their legs briefly. Keep things calm and predictable, especially with a dog that gets overstimulated quickly. Offering a long-lasting chew during breaks or once you arrive can help your dog relax; consider lange kauwsnacks voor tijdens de reis.
Most important of all: never leave your dog alone in a parked car, not even for a moment. A car heats up incredibly fast and can become dangerous in a very short time.
A good destination starts with the right place to stay
Not every dog-friendly holiday is automatically suitable for your dog. When choosing a destination, first look at the travel distance, climate, crowds and walking options. A quiet nature holiday often suits a sensitive dog better than a hot city break with lots of stimuli. On the other hand, an active, sporty dog may become bored in a small place without good opportunities for exercise.
When checking accommodation, look at more than just "dogs welcome". Pay attention to how many dogs are allowed, whether the layout is safe, whether the garden is securely enclosed and how close you are to walking areas, the beach or somewhere suitable for toilet breaks. The local rules matter too: lead rules, access to nature areas, dog beaches and conditions on public transport vary widely by region, especially if you notice that your dog pulls on the lead in a busier or unfamiliar environment. If you plan to eat out, read more about met je hond naar een restaurant before you go.
If you are travelling with children or like to be out all day, think extra carefully about whether that pace really suits your dog. The best holiday with your dog almost always starts with a realistic match between your travel style and your dog.
Warm weather and a new environment: keep a close eye on health and stress
Heat is one of the biggest risks when you take your dog on holiday. Hot tarmac, little shade, high humidity and exercise can become too much much faster than they would at home. Especially in a warm country or during a heatwave, an ordinary walk in the middle of the day may already be too much. Heat can also build up quietly on the beach, on a terrace or at a campsite.
Prevention really is smarter than recovery here. Walk early in the morning or later in the evening, keep offering fresh water and plan rest spots in the shade. Adapt activities to the weather and do not force long walks or intense play if your dog is clearly becoming tired or hot. A cooling mat, wet towel and enough rest breaks can make a big difference while travelling.
Abroad, you may also have to deal with ticks, mosquitoes and local health risks that you are less likely to come across at home. So before you leave, discuss with your vet which prevention is suitable for your destination and your dog.
While travelling and once you are there, watch out for signs of stress and check our tips for angstige hond helpen, but also for signs of overheating or dehydration, such as excessive panting, becoming lethargic, restlessness, lots of drooling, refusing to walk, vomiting or disorientation. If symptoms continue or your dog gets worse quickly, find a vet straight away.
Taking a puppy, senior dog or several dogs? The trip needs a little extra planning
Not every dog travels in the same way. If you are taking a puppy on holiday, a senior dog, or have a household with several dogs, a bit of extra planning is really worth it.
- Taking a puppy on holiday? Keep in mind that puppies can become overstimulated quickly, have short bursts of energy and that a young dog may not yet meet all vaccination or age requirements for travel abroad.
- If you are taking a senior dog on holiday, plan shorter travel days, less intensive activities and plenty of cooling. Make sure medication and any aids are always within easy reach.
- If you are going on holiday with 2 or 3 dogs, check in advance whether the accommodation accepts more than one dog. In the car, arrange safe, preferably separate restraint spaces and consider each dog's walking and rest needs.
- Use the 3-3-3 rule as a helpful guide for your expectations: some dogs first need a few days to decompress, and only after that do they adjust better to a new routine and environment.
Travelling with a cat or another pet? Different rules may apply
If you are going on holiday not with a dog but with a cat or another pet, you cannot simply apply general travel tips one to one. For cats, the basic requirements for crossing borders sometimes partly overlap with those for dogs, but behaviour, comfort and tolerance for transport are often very different. A cat that is relaxed at home may experience much more stress while travelling.
Cats and other pets therefore often need different preparation. Think of a suitable carrier, extra rest, a safe space at the holiday address and being even more alert to the risk of escape. With cats, predictability is usually especially important: a familiar blanket, a quiet spot and limited stimuli can make a big difference. A car journey with a cat also usually requires a different approach from travelling with a dog.
Also always check whether a holiday home, campsite or apartment accepts your type of pet. Just because dogs are welcome does not automatically mean cats or other animals are allowed too. In some places or some countries, species-specific rules, restrictions or even bans may apply.
If you are going on holiday with pets, always look up the official information that fits your animal and your route before you leave. That is the safest way to prevent surprises at the border and stress during the journey.
