I spent years dreaming about taking my dog across the ocean. My Golden Retriever, Luna, deserved more than just the local park. However, I soon realized that planning Dog-friendly holidays Europe is not as easy as booking a normal flight. It is a puzzle of paperwork, airline rules, and hotel policies. A total mess. That is why I went on a quest to find the Travel agent for dog-friendly Europe trips.
I want to share my journey with you so that you can avoid the stress I felt. A trip with your best friend should be a joy. It should not be a headache. First of all, you need to know that Travel tours with dogs require massive amounts of prep work. You cannot just pack a bag and go.
The Secret to the Paperwork Maze
The rules are very strict. Your pet must have a microchip for clear identification. This is usually a small chip under the skin with a unique number. I learned from experts like Rosie K at Starwood Pet Travel that you must do this before the most recent rabies shot. If the vet scans the chip and one number is wrong, it becomes a huge drama at the border.
The rabies shot is the most important part. It must be at least 21 days old before the day you leave. Similarly, it cannot be older than one year when you arrive in the European Union. This rule used to be more relaxed, but it changed recently. Additionally, some places like Ireland, Finland, Malta, and Norway require a special tapeworm treatment. A vet must give this to your dog one to five days before you arrive.
I felt overwhelmed by these dates. However, services like GlobalVetLink’s Pet Travel Concierge handle the heavy lifting for you. They track everything from USDA paperwork to vet appointments. They even offer on-call support during your appointments. This is helpful because 99% of rabies certificates actually need edits to meet travel standards.
How to Fly Without the Cargo Crate Nightmare
The biggest fear for any dog owner is the cargo hold. I refused to put Luna in a crate under the plane. I saw a video from Brodie That Dood where he mentioned that air travel for large dogs is scary if they are not service animals. Most airlines make you trust that staff will treat your dog better than luggage. I was not willing to take that risk.
Then I found BARK Air. This is the only dog-first travel service in the world. They built the whole experience around the comfort of the dog. There are no crates and no cargo holds. Luna sat right in the cabin with me. The cabins are spacious and zero-stress. They even have a “Companion Concierge” to plan every detail of the trip.
Barbara & Sven shared that their pup, Freya, saw old friends from her last flight during check-in. They gave the flight 10 stars. On top of that, another traveler named Angelina called it a 5-star experience from London to New York. It is expensive, but the peace of mind is worth every penny.
If you choose a normal airline, you must be careful. Airlines like Lufthansa and KLM are very strict about kennel size and space. You must check in much earlier than humans. Lufthansa requires you to be there 5 hours before the flight. KLM asks for 6 hours. That is a long time to wait at an airport.
Luxury on the High Seas
You might prefer the water over the air. Organised holidays with dogs can also happen on cruise ships. I looked into the Cunard Queen Mary 2. It is the only ocean liner with real kennels. They have 24 climate-controlled kennels on Deck 12. Your dog even gets a “pet butler” called a Kennel Master who feeds and walks them.
A spot on this ship starts at around $1,000 per dog. You have to book more than a year in advance because it fills up fast. They even have a Liverpool lamp post and a New York fire hydrant for the dogs to use for “walkies”. Gradually, more options are appearing. A new cruise called Tails of the Sea will launch in November 2025. It will allow up to 250 pups on board with dog-friendly cabins and grooming services.
For a slower pace, I tried the MS Normandie. This ship offers river cruises through Germany and the Netherlands. Dogs can stay in the cabins and join you in the restaurant as long as they are on a lead. It is a storybook adventure.
The Best Dog-Friendly Places in Europe
I wanted to know which cities are truly the best. I used a scoring system from 1 to 10 based on parks, transport, and culture. Travel agent for dog-friendly Europe trips.
Zurich, Switzerland is the grand champion with a score of 9.5 out of 10. It is dog-perfect. Nature and city life are in perfect balance. Dogs can swim in the lake right downtown alongside humans at places like Strandbad Mythenquai. The public transport is spotless. A day pass for your dog only costs 3.40 CHF, which is about €3.50.
Paris, France came in second with a 9.3. I felt like a VIP there. Dogs are royalty in the cafés. Waiters at places like Café de Flore brought Luna water before I even asked. However, the Metro is very crowded and stressful for a large dog.
Munich, Germany took third place with a 9.0. Every single beer garden in Munich allows dogs by law. It is the best city if you want to mix city life with mountain hiking.
London, United Kingdom scored an 8.9. The parks are world-class. Luna loved the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park. Plus, dogs ride the Tube and buses for free. On the contrary, London is very expensive. A hotel can cost between €120 and €200 per night.
Group Travel and Walking Holidays
If you do not want to plan everything yourself, Group travel with dogs is a great choice. I found Hounds Travel, which is a dog-centric company. They plan every detail, from off-leash hikes to luxury hotels. You can join a small group of 10 to 12 people or a larger pack of up to 20. They have special tours in the Swiss Alps and the French Riviera.
For active people, Walking holidays with dogs Europe are the way to go. Eurohike has tours that are “paw-friendly”. They check every route for safety. I looked at their 8-day tour from Garmisch to Meran. It crosses the Alps and has amazing mountain views.
They even give you a packing list. You should bring:
- A transport box or basket.
- A muzzle and leash (some countries require muzzles on trains).
- Dog shoes for rough trails.
- Local vet details and emergency medical kits.
The Struggle of Ground Transport
Ground travel can be the hardest part. Brodie That Dood had a nightmare in Milan. He had three giant suitcases and a large dog on a packed Metro. He tried to get a taxi or an Uber in Italy, but no one would let the dog in the car without a crate.
I found that Frankfurt, Germany was one of the least dog-friendly cities for transport. Uber drivers there asked the owner to put the dog in a closed trunk. That is insane. I would never do that.
That is where a Luxury Pet Taxi comes in. Companies like Luxury Pet Taxi Ltd offer door-to-door service across the UK and Europe. They use executive cars like Mercedes V-class vans. You and your dog sit together on the back seat. Reviewers like Zack and Lilli said the service was stress-free and highly professional. They handle the Eurotunnel crossings so you do not have to worry about the border.
Tailored Pet Travel is another great team. They are fully certified by DEFRA and IATA. They have traveled over 500,000 miles and handled 3,000 happy pet journeys. They provide live GPS tracking so you always know where your dog is.
Budget and Costs: What to Expect
Travel with a dog is not cheap. Here is a breakdown of what I spent per day in different cities:
- Prague: €65 (Great for budget travelers).
- Lisbon: €75 (Best for beach lovers).
- Berlin: €90 (The most fun and alternative city).
- Paris: €120 (Worth it for the culture).
- London: €140 (Very expensive).
- Zurich: €180 (Most expensive but highest quality).
You should plan for these costs early. Gradually, you will see that the quality usually matches the price in places like Switzerland.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey
I learned a few hard lessons on the road.
- Avoid the heat. Rome in the summer is 35°C+, which makes dogs miserable. Go in April or October instead.
- Watch the trains. Some scenic trains like the Glacier Express in Switzerland are not dog-friendly unless you plan months ahead.
- Check the breed rules. Germany and France do not allow certain breeds. Some airlines also ban “snub-nosed” dogs like Pugs because of breathing issues.
- Keep them on a lead. Not everyone loves dogs. Some people have allergies or fears.
- Bring a muzzle. Even if your dog is nice, the Prague Metro and some trains in Austria require it.
Finally, do not forget to take photos. Luna at the Eiffel Tower is a memory I will keep forever. Use the “Portrait mode” on your phone to get the best shots. Get down to the dog’s eye level for the best angle. Read More, Travel agent for dog-friendly Europe trips.
Europe is waiting. Bring your best friend. It takes work to plan, but seeing your dog run through a Swiss meadow or walk the streets of Paris is a gift. A travel agent or a concierge service can make this dream a reality without the stress.
FAQ
Where to travel in Europe with a dog?
You should visit Zurich, which is ranked as the best overall city for its perfect balance of nature and transit. Other top choices include Paris for its famous café culture, London for world-class parks, and Munich for its dog-friendly beer gardens.
Can I travel through Europe with my dog?
Yes, you can move your pet between European Union countries for non-commercial reasons as long as you follow Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. You must ensure your dog is clearly identified with a microchip and carries a valid EU Pet Passport or official health certificate.
What airlines in Europe allow dogs?
KLM, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air are highly recommended for pet travel. Additionally, Aer Lingus and Air France provide services, though specific rules for check-in times and kennel sizes are very strict.
Which country is most dog friendly?
Switzerland is considered the most dog-friendly, with Zurich scoring 9.5 out of 10 for its pristine parks and cleanliness. The United Kingdom is also noted as a top destination because the British are a nation of dog lovers.
Is it hard to travel Europe with a dog?
It is quite challenging because it requires massive amounts of preparation, including strict rabies vaccination timelines and complex USDA paperwork. Ground transport is also difficult, as many ride-share drivers in cities like Frankfurt or Milan may refuse large dogs without a crate.
Can I take a dog on Eurostar?
Certified assistance dogs are permitted on all cruise lines and similar transport services, but regular pets face more restrictions. While some agencies suggest using the Eurostar, other travelers have found it impossible to use for non-service animals like large huskies.
How much does it cost to fly a dog to Europe?
Costs vary wildly, but a spot in the dedicated kennels on the Queen Mary 2 starts at roughly $1,000 per dog. Flying a large dog as cargo is often expensive and stressful, leading many to choose premium “dog-first” airlines or private charters instead.
Which airline is most pet-friendly?
BARK Air is the only airline built entirely around your dog’s comfort, offering a 10-star experience with no crates or cargo holds. For commercial options, KLM and Lufthansa are noted for their professional animal lounges and “hotels” during layovers.
Is it stressful for dogs to fly?
Yes, flying in a cargo hold can be frightening and traumatizing for animals because you must trust staff to treat them better than luggage. Choosing a service with spacious cabins and zero-stress environments helps keep pets relaxed.
Where is the best place to holiday with a dog?
Zurich is the ideal spot if your dog loves swimming in alpine lakes and riding spotless public transport. If you prefer a slower pace, a river cruise through Germany and the Netherlands on the MS Normandie offers a storybook-style adventure.
Concluding Words
Planning a dog-friendly holiday in Europe is a rewarding experience that requires expert coordination to handle the maze of health certificates and travel rules. By working with a specialized travel agent or concierge, you can skip the stress of cargo holds and navigate strict border crossings with ease.
Whether you choose the luxury of a dog-first airline like BARK Air or the comfort of a private pet taxi, these services ensure your best friend travels safely to world-class destinations like Zurich and Paris. Your dog deserves to see the world, and with the right help, the journey becomes just as joyful as the destination.
