Camping with dog in Europe

Sniffing the sea air, jumping in the surf or chasing after a ball on the beach - more and more dog owners don't want to deprive their little darling of these holiday pleasures. Whether the caravan is parked behind the dunes or at the edge of the forest in the mountains, when camping with a dog, owners and their four-legged friends benefit equally from a healthy life in the midst of the most beautiful landscapes. Conveniently, there are dog-friendly campsites all over Europe.

Special features of camping with a dog

Holidaymakers with dogs look for one thing above all: an environment that is perfect for running around. This is why dog-friendly campsites are generally located where there is a lot of forest or wide meadows. The dog campsites are also often located near beaches or bathing lakes. Special dog beach sections where your faithful friend can run free are a matter of course.

Camping directly in the city is not so favourable for your four-legged friend. However, if you and your dog want to camp close to the city, there are options here too: The pet-friendly city campsites are at least very spacious and have their own fenced-in dog exercise area. Alternatively, there is a large city park nearby, although dogs usually have to be kept on a lead.

Travelling

• In general, shorter journeys are more suitable for dogs than longer ones. If a holiday journey of several hours cannot be avoided, sufficient breaks should be taken into account. Sufficient water must also be available.
• A familiar environment such as a toy, a dog blanket or even a basket will help the animal to get used to the journey.
• When camping with a dog, it is important to consider how to transport the dog correctly during the journey. In order not to endanger fellow travellers in the event of an accident, the dog must be secured. This can be done with the help of dog harnesses or transport boxes.
• Campers travelling across the border with an animal should inform themselves in advance about entry requirements and vaccination obligations. Vaccination against rabies is mandatory in the EU.
• To travel from one EU country to another, dogs need a valid European pet passport, which is issued by a vet. The passport contains the dog's name, owner and home address. The passport also serves as proof of the obligatory rabies vaccination. The vet's address is also included in the passport.
• Since 2011, dogs should also carry a small microchip under their fur on the back of their neck. The dog's origin details are noted on this chip.

Top regions

The most popular regions for camping with dogs are on the coasts. There are great dog-friendly campsites on the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, in Denmark and in southern Europe. Pioneers in terms of pet-friendliness are the campsites on the Mediterranean.

At the Lido di Venezia in Italy, dog-friendly campsites where four-legged friends are more than welcome are impressive. The animal guests are pampered here with a few extra strokes: in addition to dog sitters for walking, there are trainers who ensure the right training on courses. Walking areas with meadows and vending machines with biodegradable bags for dog faeces are a matter of course. There is also a dog ambulance that is on hand in an emergency.

Croatia has a particularly large number of well-equipped campsites for four-legged friends. There are over 90 facilities in Istria alone . Many are located near dog beaches and also offer special features such as courses to let off steam with or without a trainer.

It's not quite as far and hot on the German coast. Camping with dogs on the Baltic Sea is just as popular as on the North Sea. The dog-friendly campsites often offer direct access to a natural beach or are located behind dykes. There are cycle paths and hiking trails right outside the campsite gates.

It's not only the seaside that is pet-friendly, but also the mountains. The Alpine region invites many dog owners to go hiking or walking. We recommend the places at the large Austrian lakes. At Wolfgangsee or Traunsee , not only dogs but also their owners can enjoy a refreshing swim.

Top tips

• Almost all campsites charge an additional daily fee for pets. The costs can vary greatly. A high daily rate does not necessarily mean that the operator is looking for a good deal, but has invested in pet-friendly facilities at the campsite. Depending on what additional services are offered, campers can decide whether the prices are justified.
• Dog-friendly campsites think along with you: dog food is available in the on-site grocery shop. There is a bowl of water in front of the snack bar and, of course, campers can get bags at reception or from vending machines to dispose of their small companion's waste properly.
• Although dog showers and dog toilets are not yet a matter of course, they are increasingly becoming part of the basic equipment of a campsite that is open to animals.
• It makes a difference whether a campsite's website and brochures say "dogs allowed" or "we have a heart for animals". Careful reading of the campsite description and house rules before booking will prevent disappointment on site.
• People and their four-legged friends are in the very best of company when there are not only dog playgrounds to let off steam on the site, but also dog schools with trainers and courses.
• Despite all the freedom for your animal friend, most places require dogs to be kept on a lead. To avoid trouble, dog owners should adhere to this rule.
• Pitches with small hedges and privacy should be preferred to open areas so that neighbouring dogs don't get into each other's way.

Activities and excursions

Whether it's hiking, cycling or swimming, dogs still feel most at home in the fresh air.

Hiking in the best company

At dog-friendly campsites, dog owners will meet many like-minded people, which makes exploring or hiking together a great idea. Some holiday destinations in Germany, such as Rügen, offer professionally organised pack walks.

Travelling on the water

Most tail-wagging four-legged friends are magically attracted to the water. Dogs can swim. But they also love travelling on boats. Campsites located on a river or lake often hire out canoes with plenty of space for Bello & Co. Guided canoe tours with dogs are also attractive.

Learning through play

On holiday, owner and dog have plenty of time for each other. You can combine the pleasant with the useful and attend a dog school. Some dog-friendly campsites organise professional trainers. On the courses, the woofers learn the right behaviour and conduct.

Sightseeing with a dog

Dogs also like sightseeing and enjoy strolling through historic old towns, castles and romantic gardens. Numerous sights such as castles, nature parks and open-air museums can be visited with a dog on a lead: from the English Garden in Munich to Pullman City - the western town in the Bavarian Forest - to the Pyramidenkogel in Carinthia. Dogs are allowed on a lead in almost all open-air museums, many zoos and animal parks.