Driving Through Europe with a Dog: The Ultimate Guide
Are you traveling in Europe with a dog?
We asked nomad expert Julie from WarrenJulieTravel for her top tips on how to get around with your pups.
Embarking on a European adventure is a dream for many people, and what better way to experience the diverse landscapes, cultures, and cuisines of this continent than by hitting the road with your faithful fur baby?
Driving through Europe by car with a dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering flexibility, freedom, and the opportunity to create unforgettable memories together. However, it requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry friends.
We have been doing this now for over three years and have first-hand experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of traveling Europe by car with dogs.
Paperwork for Driving in Europe with a Dog
Before setting off on your road trip, make sure you have all your paperwork ready for driving in Europe with a dog. Thorough preparation is essential. Start by meticulously researching the rules and regulations for traveling with a dog in the countries you plan to visit.
While most European countries welcome dogs, each may have different requirements regarding vaccinations, microchipping, and documentation. It’s crucial to comply with these regulations to avoid any complications during your journey.
Ensure your dogs are up to date on vaccinations, including rabies, as this is typically a requirement for entry into most European countries. The three-year rabies vaccination is not recognized in Europe, so opt for the one-year rabies vaccination prior to your travels.
Additionally, consider obtaining an EU Pet Passport, which consolidates your pet’s health records and facilitates travel within the European Union. We were able to obtain ours without residency in the European country of Bulgaria.
I highly recommend you contact the veterinarian’s office and inquire whether they will issue the EU pet passport. The issue most people seem to face is not having a European address. A suggestion to overcome this hurdle is to use the address where you are staying in the country.
Pro Tip: The country of Spain is known for having the easiest rules for obtaining the EU pet passport, so if your itinerary can include Spain, it may behoove you to consider traveling there first.
Most importantly if your travels have you entering any of the Balkan countries and then entering EU countries, obtaining the rabies titer test is mandatory.
Check the regulations for countries throughout Europe here.
Tips for Car Hire in Europe with a Dog
1. Dog-Friendly
Before booking a car for your trip, verify with the car hire company in Europe whether they permit dogs to accompany you during the ride. Numerous car hire companies have restrictions against allowing dogs inside their vehicles.
If dogs are permitted, carefully review all terms and conditions before booking, as there may be additional fees involved.
Pro Tip: Thoroughly review all terms and geographical limitations. Some companies impose significant fines for crossing international borders not included in the rental agreement.
2.Sliding Doors
If feasible, opt for a car hire equipped with sliding doors. Parking spaces in Europe tend to be narrow, posing challenges in opening traditional doors for dogs to exit or be lifted out. This choice can minimize the risk of inadvertently damaging adjacent vehicles.
3.Choose a Compact Car
In Europe, prioritizing smaller cars facilitates simpler parking and maneuvering through exceedingly narrow streets. Contemplate hiring the smallest car that accommodates both you and your dog comfortably, while still enabling parking in tight spaces and navigating through narrow alleyways and crowded streets with ease.
4.Fuel Efficiency
Fuel in Europe is extremely expensive. When selecting a rental car, look for a fuel-efficient vehicle that will still allow you to have plenty of cargo space to fit your gear and your dog.
Essential Packing for an EU Road Trip with a Dog
Packing for your dog is just as important as packing for yourself. Here are some essential items to bring along for your road trip with a dog.
1. Food and Water
Pack enough food for the duration of your trip, as well as collapsible bowls and plenty of water to keep your dog hydrated during long drives.
As we travel full time with our fur children, we carry a one month’s supply of kibble in our car from destination to destination. It is important that you research the brand that you are using for availability. We have opted for Farmina N and D because it is most often readily available throughout Western Europe as well as the Balkans.
Traveling by car allows us to also provide homemade dog food for our pups. We travel with a plug-in cooler that keeps the dog food cold and is also great for anything we need to refrigerate along the way.
2. Bedding and Comfort
Bring along your dogs’ favorite blankets or bedding to provide them with a sense of familiarity and comfort in unfamiliar surroundings. One of the perks of traveling by car is the ability to carry your personal possessions. Our dogs love their beds and ride far more smoothly on each adventure when these are placed in the back seat.
3. Safety Gear
Invest in a sturdy harness or seat belt restraint to secure your dog safely in the car. This is a mandatory requirement in several countries within the EU as well as the UK.
Check out this guide to help your pet feel more comfortable in the car.
Additionally, consider bringing a travel crate for times when your dogs need to be confined, such as during hotel stays. In the beginning of our travels, we used a crate in every place we stayed. After several months of traveling, we felt comfortable leaving them alone and unconfined. We tested them for short periods of time to ensure they were ready for this type of freedom.
4. Health and First Aid Kit
Pack a first aid kit specifically for your dogs, including items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. One thing is for sure, when you travel with dogs, the unexpected can and will always happen!
5. Toys and Entertainment
Keep your dogs entertained during long stretches of driving by bringing along their favorite toys or puzzle feeders to keep their minds stimulated. Our dogs appreciate the familiarity of their toys. When we arrive to a new place that is unfamiliar to them, their eyes light up when they see their toys. It is like home to them.
Plan Your Road Trip with Your Dog
When planning your route, consider your dogs’ needs and preferences and opt for scenic routes with plenty of opportunities for rest stops and outdoor activities.
One of our favorite strategies is to pack a picnic lunch in our plug-in cooler for long stretches between countries. It is the perfect way to give them a nice respite from monotony and saves us a bit of money too!
Research dog-friendly attractions, parks, and hiking trails along the way to ensure your furry companions get plenty of exercise and stimulation during your journey.
Dog Friendly Accommodation in Europe
Finding dog friendly accommodation is crucial when traveling with a dog in Europe. Fortunately, many hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals across the continent welcome dogs. However, it’s essential to confirm pet policies and any additional fees or restrictions beforehand.
Websites and apps specializing in dog friendly accommodations can be valuable resources for finding suitable places to stay. Make sure you read the fine print of each lodging option. On more than one occasion, we were surprised to find that the place we were staying in was imposing a daily dog fee.
If it is a long-term stay, consider reaching out to the host and negotiating before booking. We have found several places that restrict the size and quantity of dogs allowed in their rentals.
Be Respectful and Responsible and Clean Up After Your Dog
While exploring Europe with your dogs, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and regulations regarding pets. Always clean up after your dogs and dispose of waste properly. In many of the western countries in Europe, fines are imposed for failure to clean after your pet.
Keep your dogs leashed in public areas unless otherwise indicated, and be mindful of other travelers, wildlife, and residents.
How to Find a Vet in Europe
Finally, prepare for emergencies by researching veterinary clinics and pet hospitals along your route. Save emergency contact numbers for veterinarians and animal control agencies in each country you plan to visit.
During our travels, we had three emergency visits. The care we have received has been excellent and far less expensive than we had in the United States.
Pro Tip: Google maps has been very helpful for us during these situations. We simply type in veterinarian near me and look for the best reviewed.
Final Thoughts: Traveling in Europe by Car with Dogs
Traveling Europe by car with dogs can be an enriching and memorable experience for both you and your furry companions. With careful planning, preparation, and a sense of adventure, you can create unforgettable moments exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of this beautiful continent together. So, pack up the car, buckle up your pups, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!
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About the author: Julie and Warren have been traveling with their two dogs in Ecuador and Europe for 4 years. They purchased a car for their slow travels around their continent. If you are interested in slow travel or a nomadic lifestyle, subscribe to their YouTube channel to learn tons of tips and tricks. They also provide resources if you are looking for international health insurance.
