Be a Responsible Tourist - Tourism and Pets
According to the Institute of Tourism in Spain, there are more and more travel opportunities for pet owners. Both nationally and internationally, the number of establishments and travel companies which allow pets is on the rise.
Even so, it can be somewhat challenging to plan a vacation with a pet, and finding a hotel or transport company often takes time.
Sometimes, depending on the type of animal, the best option for the pet is to stay at home or some other safe place while their family enjoys their vacation. But not everybody has someone they trust who is able to help out, and finding the perfect pet boarding or dog-sitter is not a simple task.
The purpose of this section is to make vacation planning as easy and pleasant as possible for pet owners.
Traveling with a dog
This section provides information for traveling with pets. Make sure to:
- Check the entry requirements for the destination country. Animals traveling across borders are often subject to certain requirements or restrictions due to diseases, quarantines, legislation regarding agriculture, wildlife and/or customs. Each country has its own requirements, so you should check with the embassy of the country or countries you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information. Tip: ask them to send you this information in writing. You can find some of the requirements in our Documentation section. Make sure that these requirements have not changed between the time you started planning the trip and the time you depart.
- Check with the airlines, train, bus or ferry companies with whom you are traveling to find out their requirements for animal transportation. If you are traveling by car, read our helpful tips. Make sure that the pet carrier you will be using has a sturdy and secure door and latch.
- Make sure that your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with a name tag all throughout the journey. The tag must include your home address and telephone number as well as the contact details of where you can be reached during the trip and/or details for a contact person.
- Check which facilities, hotels, country houses, etc. accept pets.
- Make sure you have all the necessary supplies for your pet while away from home. When packing your bags, remember to pack your pet’s food, food and water bowls, bed, lead, collar, cleaning products, first-aid kit and any medication they need. Always have a container of drinking water to hand.
The following list of websites and companies might help make traveling with your pet as easy as possible:
TravelDog: national and international animal transport company.
PetRelocation: US company which organizes international animal transfers.
Dog Vivant: website to find dog-friendly accommodation, restaurants, businesses, shops, beaches, tours and many more plans suitable for dogs in Spain, Portugal and Andorra.
BringFido: accommodation, beaches, restaurants, tours and other attractions where pets are welcome throughout the US.
Your Dog Advisor: complete guide to planning a vacation with your dog.
Hot Dog Holidays: specialists in vacations in Spain with pets.
TodoPerro.es: country houses where dogs are welcome.
Hoteles Perros: site for finding hotels where dogs are welcome.
Viaja con tu mascota: guide for all types of accommodation where pets are welcome.
Viajes 4 Patas: leading portal for traveling with animals.
Turismo 4 Patas: travel tips and accommodation where animals are welcome in Brazil.
