How to Travel the World With a Dog

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For some, traveling domestically with a dog can reach a point of enjoyability that at some point, you may ask yourself “Can I travel the world with a dog?” Yes! And we like to think that we’re living proof of this answer.

Of course, traveling with a dog isn’t always easy but if you really want your dog to join you on global adventures, the hurdles are worth it. 

Dog travel can be challenging enough but for us, it’s twice as difficult with our large dog. On top of our dog’s size, he’s also a Rottweiler which purely based on stereotypes, can be a deterrent when travelling with him.

Still, we have successfully navigated through the obstacles of bringing our dog everywhere with us and created memories we’ll cherish forever.

Against many odds, our large dog has managed to travel throughout the United States, flown internationally and travels with us throughout Europe. We’ve picked up a few tricks along the way which have allowed us to continue and travel the world with our dog. This means you can too!

In this post, we’ll go over the top tips on how to travel with a dog. Although this guide is primarily focused on international dog travel, most of the tips can be generally utilised.

Is It Possible to Travel the World With a Dog, Really?

The idea seems so far fetched that it’s extremely easy to quickly dismiss it. This is the first mistake of those genuinely interested in travelling with a dog. Do not assume that the answer is always going to be “no.”

If there is a will, there is surely a way! Naturally, there are nuances and we’ll be completely upfront about these so your expectations are accurately set.

If you’re planning on many back and forth trips abroad within a short timeframe, you should not travel with a dog. Travelling with a dog is most ideal for those exploring a continent or country for a longer period of time.

For example, if you are headed to Europe for a 3-6+ month trip, taking your dog with you is a realistic expectation. Or, if you work remotely (like us) and are fortunate to reside anywhere in the world, taking your dog with you is also plausible.

Personally, our Europe trip extended into years and that is why our dog continues to travel with us throughout the continent (and more!). Still, we had to make the initial move of flying our dog internationally in order to get him from New York to Europe.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Once you are on the continent or in the country that you intend to explore, it is straightforward and easy to travel the world with a dog. However, multiple and frequent back and forth flights with a dog is not recommended.

FAQS: How to Travel With a dog

Where Should I Travel With a Dog?

For the sake of the easiest transition, Europe is a fantastic option for where to travel with a dog.

Western European countries in particular have the most similar westernised dog culture, meaning pets are common. Bringing a dog on a road trip, to a cafe or on a train won’t raise an eyebrow.

Accessible land borders are another benefit for large dog travel, allowing you to drive from one country to another and avoid flights.

However, if you have a small dog, flying among European countries isn’t just quick, it’s also affordable.

Traveling throughout Europe with a dog also means there is sea access to neighbouring continents such as Africa. If you are interested in traveling the rest of the world with a dog, the possibilities are truly endless.

Is Traveling With a Dog Expensive?

To travel with a dog can be translated to travelling with another human in your party. Of course, an addition to your group will result in extra costs.

Do not overlook the additional and recurring amounts you’ll pay for food, health and transportation by travelling with a dog.

The initial international flight for a dog will be the most costly expense and can range anywhere from $200 to $2,000 for a one-way flight. This cost widely depends on many details but is the most important aspect of a dog travel budget.

Aside from the flight cost, expect other types of additional charges to apply when travelling the world with your dog. These expenses include hotel surcharges, unexpected vet bills and transportation tariffs.

It’s possible to avoid pet fees at hotels and Airbnbs entirely if you pay close attention to details while booking accommodation or by simply asking. Although dog travel can get expensive, there are ways to keep it affordable if you’re mindful of your options.

What Kind of Dog Can Travel?

Unsurprisingly, the smaller the dog, the easier it is to travel with. Not only are there less challenges but it is also much cheaper to travel with a small dog.

If you are thinking about travelling the world with a dog and you’re able to transport this dog in a handheld carrier, that dog can easily be a globetrotter. General costs are lower, restrictions are looser and overall logistics of getting around are much smoother.

Now, travelling with a small dog may be the ideal scenario but it certainly isn’t the rule. Although it wasn’t always easy, we’ve managed to travel with our 100+ lb (45+ kg) dog to numerous European countries, islands and even the Asian continent.

As with everything, it only gets easier with time and experience. We have never run into restrictions around travelling with our dog because of his larger size or even breed. There was always a solution.

In conclusion, there is no best dog for travelling. You can travel the world with any type and size of dog but it has to have the correct characteristics (more on this below).

For health reasons, you should always consult with your vet to confirm if your dog is in reasonable shape to travel.

How Can I Fly Internationally With a Dog?

The different options for flying internationally with a dog will depend on a few factors. The most notable variable of this equation is the size of the dog. For any dogs that fit into a travel carrier, flying internationally with a dog in cabin is achievable.

Essentially, any dog that doesn’t fit underneath an airplane seat, is considered large. If your dog is part of the latter category, the only option is to fly your dog as cargo or baggage. 

A full guide on how to fly with a large dog can be found here.

Can I Bring a Dog on Trains and Ferries?

For travellers looking to explore a country or continent without a car, train travel is the next best thing. Especially in Europe, travelling by train is affordable, efficient and best for the environment.

We have not come across any train system in Europe which doesn’t allow dogs. There may be certain regulations you must follow like putting a muzzle on your dog. Or, you may be required to sit in a specific area with the dog or transport them in a travel kennel for long journeys.

Travelling by ferry with a dog is similar to train transportation. There hasn’t been one ferry operator we’ve encountered during our adventures that doesn’t have some sort of pet option. In fact, most ferry companies make an effort to comfortably accommodate dogs.

Depending on how long the ferry ride is, you can opt for a berth or cabin which allows your dog to sleep in the room with you. If you do not choose this option, there is always a dog area on the deck of the ship which is comprised of individual kennels.

This solution is not ideal if the kennel is not temperature controlled or sheltered. If you’re heavily concerned for your dog’s well being, it’s best to ask for a pet friendly cabin.

Shorter ferry rides will allow your dog to roam with you on the outdoor (yet covered) parts of the ship. They must stay out of dining areas and private seat sections.

The additional fees for bringing a dog on a ferry can range from €10 –  €50.

The Top Tips You Need to Know About Dog Travel

Suitable Dog Behavior

In order to travel the world with a dog, the dog must be well trained. This is the first and most important piece of the puzzle. Before you plan on seeing the world with your dog, you’ll need to assess if your dog is trained well enough to handle traveling.

Your dog should at bare minimum know basic commands. This includes but isn’t limited to “stay,” “come,” and “sit.” 

Your dog should be able to walk next to you (even without a leash) without pulling, have focus and most importantly, not run away.

Traveling means you will be out of the groove of daily life so you and your dog need to be prepared in handling unfamiliar situations, something a poorly trained dog cannot handle well.

Before setting out into the world with your dog, ensure sufficient training has been put into place. If you’re not able to get your dog trained, we don’t recommend taking them with you on international trips.

Know the Rules

Knowing the pet travel guidelines for any destination you are travelling to is vital. Although this mostly applies to flying, it can be said for domestic travel as well. Personally, we tend to quickly research a country’s rules about dogs on beaches since we take our dog along to many summer destinations.

For flights specifically, each country will have their own regulations and rules for bringing a pet from a foreign land. If you do not follow these rules exactly, you risk your dog being quarantined upon arrival.

Requirements for pet transportation include proper documentation, vaccinations and treatments. If just one trivial component is not compliant, getting to travel the world with your dog no longer becomes possible. 

In Europe, traveling with a dog among the EU states is uncomplicated thanks to the EU passport. If you’re issued the pet passport (by a vet) in one EU state, it’s valid in every EU country.

We’ve also presented the pet passport in non EU countries and it’s been accepted as a universal travel document for our dog.

Safety First

Your dog’s health and overall safety is hopefully a top priority for you. With all the excitement of being able to travel the world with your dog, it can be easy to lose track of what really matters.

If you’re travelling in the summer time, make sure your dog has access to water and does not overheat. Remember, if you’re hot, chances are they are too. When visiting beaches, always think about adequate shade for your dog.

Try to limit your time spent in crowded cities where your dog can get hit by a car, accidentally stepped on or cut their paw on glass.

Medical assistance in Europe tends to be cheaper overall and the same applies for vet visits. Still, don’t take the chance with a hefty emergency vet bill if you’re travelling with a dog and something does happen.

Come prepared with travel insurance which covers your pet as well. 

Handle Situations Calmly

Since dogs cannot speak, they feed off their owners’ energy instead. Be mindful of how your actions and tone come across in a stressful situation because your dog is reading your feelings and actions.

For example, if you’re walking your dog and foresee a difficult scenario ahead (maybe your dog doesn’t like motorcycles), do not freak out. Control the situation in a way where your dog cannot tell what you’re really thinking.

This tactic takes some time to master but you’ll be surprised by how much it can resolve challenging circumstances. 

Treats & Familiarity

No dog is a saint, as much as we like to think so. For those times where you need your dog to cooperate extra well, be prepared with treats. For our own dog, having treats on hand usually does the trick but we typically don’t play this card unless absolutely necessary.

We will always let our dog know we have the treats, so he keeps it in mind before he decides to rush after a stray cat in the middle of the road. 

It may sound silly but bringing a comforting item for your dog will also help them adjust while travelling. This may come in the form of a toy or old sock and in our dog’s case, a blanket he’s slept on since he was a puppy.

Whatever it may be, something familiar will calm a dog’s nerves in new scenarios, something that travelling is full of.

Keep Your Dog On a Leash

When travelling, you are essentially a guest in someone’s home country. To avoid any potential disrespect, maintaining a level of common courtesy goes a long way.

Even if your dog does not need it, keeping your dog on a leash is the surest thing you can do when traveling with a pet. Of course, there may be times and reasons where it’s absolutely not necessary but specifically if you are around other people, leash your dog.

Although our own dog is unquestionably way too lazy to run off, we keep him on a leash when travelling to cities as a benefit to other people’s peace of mind.

If we come across a park or area where we see multiple dogs off-leash, then we tend to reflect this behaviour and let our dog run loose as well. 

Know Your Dog & Their Limits

Step #0 to all of this is actually identifying if your dog enjoys travelling with you. If your dog’s personality simply does not match what you’re looking to do, it’s best to not force it upon your dog or yourself.

There are plenty of dogs out there that want nothing more than to be with their owner, every second of the day and don’t care where they are. Then there are dogs who prefer to stay at home, lounge on the couch and go about their every day routine.

Just like humans, travel may not be for everyone.

If you are lucky enough to travel the world with your dog, it’s still important to keep in mind certain limits. Every dog is different and has lines they don’t want to cross.

For example, we’ve learned how to handle walking our dog through the busiest streets on the planet, but we know our dog hates standing on small balconies. It’s not that weird, is it?

If you don’t feel comfortable with a situation you’re about to enter with your dog, it’s best to not go forward with it. Some experiences may be completely new to your dog and not all dogs are welcoming of an unknown situation or environment. 

The Right Travel Gear

We live in a world where there are equally as many products for dogs as there are for humans. If you’re going to prepare yourself with some awesome travel gear, your dog deserves the best too! Below is some of the most useful equipment for dog travel.

Car Seat Cover – An absolute must for the backseats of your car if you plan on road tripping with your dog.

Dog Travel Bag – Similar to a diaper bag for babies, but for your dog! A compact place to keep all of their necessities like food and bowls.

Collapsible Bowls – Can be utilised for both water and food if you purchase ones with lids.

Dog Wipes – Gentle wipes to wash away anything your dog gets into while travelling, without having to hose them down.

First Aid Kit for Dogs – This travel kit comes with everything you may need in the case of an emergency while travelling.

Paw Cleaner – Since dogs can’t wash their hands, this nifty tool helps keep the germs away after a day of travelling.

Poop Bags – Don’t be that guy that doesn’t pickup after their dog. 🙂

Cooling Pad – Helps keep your dog cool during extra hot days while on the road.