I love to travel. However, the thought of going on a trip without my dog is just too much to handle. We recently added a huge golden retriever to our family. Because he is part of the pack, he goes everywhere with us. I think he enjoyed visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris as much as we did! You might wonder if it is truly possible to bring a pet on a long trip across the sea. The answer is a definite yes. There are many Dog Friendly holiday parks in europe that welcome every family member, including the four-legged ones.
I have learned that planning a europe vacation with dog takes a bit of work. You must think about the costs and the rules. For example, a trip abroad with a pet might cost an extra €300 to €800. This covers things like rabies vaccines, which cost about €70, and travel bags that can range from €40 to €200. Additionally, you will need an EU pet passport or an Animal Health Certificate. Plus, you must ensure your pet has a microchip. Though it sounds like a lot of steps, the memories you make are worth every penny.
First of all, I want to share my list of the 10 Top Dog Friendly holiday parks in europe. These are places where I have found great joy and comfort.
La Croix du Vieux Pont, France
This is a large and beautiful park. It has 623 pitches. It sits just over an hour and a half away from the center of Paris and Disneyland Resort Paris. We stayed here during the Easter holidays. The park offers dog friendly accommodation in europe that feels just like home.
There is so much to do here. The park has four pools. One even has a retractable roof for any type of weather. There is also a beach lagoon for families to enjoy. I found plenty of areas for dog walking around the park. On top of that, the park provides a shuttle bus into Paris. We pre-arranged this with the bus company so our dog could ride with us. We also visited Disneyland. They have a pet-sitting service for 25 euros a day. It is a first-come, first-served service near the main entrance.
Atlantic Club Montalivet, France
If you love the ocean, this is the place for you. It is a large park with 842 pitches on the Atlantic coast. This site has direct access to a beach. It is a gorgeous beachside spot with pools and a wellness area.
You will find many food options here. There is an ice cream parlor, bars, a snack bar, and a restaurant. They allow dogs in selected accommodation types. However, you must keep your dog on a lead at all times while you are in the park. Similarly, the park runs its own kids’ clubs, which is great for the little ones. The nearest town is Montalivet, and it is a lovely place to explore.
Saint Avit Loisirs, France
I absolutely loved it here. It is a medium-sized park with 320 pitches. It sits right in the heart of the countryside. This park is perfect for families who enjoy an active europe vacation with dog.
There are six pools to choose from and many water slides. You can also play tennis, jump on trampolines, or play football and basketball. Dogs are permitted in selected houses. The nearest airport is Bergerac, and the nearest port is St Malo. Later, you can take long walks through the quiet country paths with your furry friend.
Le Pin Parasol, France
We visited this park just before the pandemic. I wish we had stayed longer. It sits in a woodland area on the banks of a lake. It is a large park with 512 pitches.
The park is perfectly placed for fishing or hiring a pedalo on Lac du Jaunay. For us, the pool complex and the restaurants were the main draw. Dogs are welcome in certain rooms. You must keep them on a lead in the park at all times. Additionally, the bar areas are very nice for a relaxing evening.
Camping Village Bella Sardinia, Italy
Now, let us talk about european dog friendly holidays in Italy. This park is in a beautiful part of Sardinia. It sits directly on the sea and has a pool. The guest reviews for this place are very high.
The mobile homes here are perfect for pets. For example, the Klassik A model has two rooms and can fit up to six people. The park also has a mini club, a restaurant, and a supermarket. You can even rent a bike to explore the coast. First of all, you will love the fresh sea air. Later, you can relax in the shade of the pine trees with your dog.
hu I Pini Village, Italy
This is an outstanding park near Rome. It has a pool and a restaurant. The staff is very friendly, and they love animals.
The “hu Stay Easy” houses are very smart. They have two bedrooms and separate bathrooms. One guest, Claudio, said these houses are “beautiful” and “ingenious” for their small space. You can also find a kids’ club and entertainment here. Therefore, it is a great choice for a family trip. Plus, you are close enough to visit the historic sites of Rome.
Landal Wirfttal, Germany
Germany is one of the europe dog friendly countries I enjoy most. This park is in the Eifel Nature Park. It is surrounded by deep forests and rolling hills.
The modern holiday homes offer everything you need. Each house has a well-equipped kitchen and a cozy living room. There is an indoor heated pool and a sauna for the humans. For the dogs, there are many hiking trails that start right at the park. On top of that, there is a sports field and a playground for kids. Finally, you can sit by the clear waters of the Wirftbach stream and relax.
Landal Twenhaarsveld, Netherlands
This park is a true dog friendly travel europe dream. It is located right on the edge of the Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park. It is perfect for families and dog owners who want a break in nature.
The best part is the special dog paradise. It has an agility course and dog showers! This makes it one of the best dog friendly holidays parks I have ever seen. There is also a heated indoor pool for you to enjoy. They have special dog bungalows with enclosed gardens. This means your dog can run wild in the garden while you have a BBQ.
EuroParcs Hoge Kempen, Belgium
This is a cozy park in Flanders. It is near the Hoge Kempen National Park. You can choose to stay in a luxury camping tent or a modern holiday home.
The park connects to a large cycling network. You can take long walks or bike rides through the woods. Additionally, there is an outdoor pool and a large playground. They offer a sandwich service so you can have fresh croissants every morning. Dogs are welcome, but you should check the rules for each type of room.
Ferienpark Kreischberg, Austria
This park is in the mountains of Styria. It provides fully furnished holiday houses that feel like a home-away-from-home. It is only 500 meters from the ski slopes.
Directly from the houses, you can set out on walks and hikes. The Mur river is nearby for a refreshing dip. Also, dogs are allowed to stay in the holiday homes even when the owners are away. The park has a wellness area with an indoor pool and several saunas. You can also take your dog to the Dörflwirt restaurant on site. Therefore, it is a very welcoming place for pets.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
Planning a dog friendly travel europe trip requires some rules. You must be a responsible owner. First of all, make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccines. This is very important when you cross borders.
Many dog friendly holidays in europe require pets to be on a lead at all times. This protects the local wildlife and makes other guests feel safe. For example, in Center Parcs, dogs must stay on a lead except in two special play areas. Also, you must always pick up after your dog. Most parks provide free poop bags.
On top of that, think about the weather. Cars and tents can get very hot in the summer. Never leave your dog alone in a hot vehicle. Similarly, check the rules for local beaches. Some have seasonal bans on dogs.
What to Pack for Your Dog
Do not forget the essentials for your furry friend. You will need:
- Water and food bowls. I like the ones that fold up because they are easy to carry.
- A lead and a spare one just in case.
- A muzzle, as some public transport in France requires it for large breeds.
- Any medicine your dog takes.
- A first aid kit made for dogs.
- A dog bed or a favorite blanket to help them feel at home.
- Toys and balls to keep them busy.
Supermarkets in Europe are very good. You can find many pet stores too. However, you cannot take meat-based dog food from the UK into the EU anymore. Therefore, you must research where to buy food once you arrive.
The Benefits of Taking Your Dog
Taking your dog camping is a great way to bond. You will create memories that last forever. Your dog will love exploring new smells and sounds in nature. It is a very rich experience for them, especially if you live in a city.
Plus, you will meet many other people who love dogs. You can share tips on the best trails or parks. There is no better way to see the world than with your best friend by your side. Dogs have a pure love for exploration that makes every walk feel like a new adventure.
FAQ
Do holiday parks charge extra for dogs?
Yes, most holiday parks require an additional fee for pets, such as Center Parcs which charges £89 for one dog and £109 for two. Some Eurocamp locations also require dog charges to be paid locally at the park.
Can dogs be left unattended in the holiday accommodation?
This depends on the specific park’s policy; some allow pets to stay alone if they are settled and do not disturb others, while others strictly forbid it. At Center Parcs, some owners find their dogs can stay alone for an hour or two once they have adjusted to the lodge.
What specialized pet facilities are commonly available?
Many top-rated parks offer dog-specific showers, enclosed private gardens, and dedicated exercise areas. Some Italian campsites even feature “dogs’ bars” where pets can enjoy a treat or a “Puppuccino”.
Are there size or breed restrictions for dogs?
Certain parks, such as Grotta del Saraceno, limit pets to small and medium sizes with a maximum weight of 25 kg. Additionally, some countries like France and Germany have specific entry bans or muzzle requirements for certain dog breeds.
Concluding words
Europe offers an extensive range of high-quality, dog-friendly holiday parks across France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria. These destinations provide specialized accommodations such as dog bungalows with enclosed gardens, ensuring pets can play safely while owners relax. Facilities often go beyond basic acceptance to include dog showers, play areas, and even pet-sitting services near major attractions like Disneyland Paris.
While travelers must navigate specific park rules regarding leashes and mandatory travel documentation like the Animal Health Certificate, the variety of natural settings and tailored amenities makes a European park holiday a rewarding experience for the entire family.
