Sustainable travel with your dog: Our tips for a relaxing trip with your four-legged friend Marilou Cabatingan, 10/17/202510/18/2025 More and more people want to take their four-legged friends with them when they travel. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably one of them 😉 After all, there’s hardly anything better than exploring new places with your dog and enjoying your free time to the fullest. In everyday life, between work and household chores, there’s often little opportunity to do so. When it comes to vacations with dogs, people often suggest traveling in a motorhome or camper van or staying in a vacation home. Both options have undeniable advantages: space, flexibility, and perhaps even a fenced-in property. However, more and more hotels are offering dog-friendly vacations where you will want for nothing. Sustainable Travel with your Dog – What you should know beforehand In general, the same rules apply to a sustainable vacation with a dog as to a sustainable vacation without a dog, with a few exceptions: Choosing the Location: Climate and Surroundings It does not matter whether you are traveling with a camper or planning a hotel vacation with your dog; choosing the right destination is key. You have already been on vacation with your dog, right? If so, then you know that it requires a different kind of preparation, which starts already with the said choice of destination. Not only should you consider what your preferences and wishes are, but above all, those of your four-legged friend. In the summer, to the beaches of Italy? That’s absolutely not cool (ha ha) for most dogs. A winter vacation in the high north with the rescue dog from Spain? Depending on the dog’s temperament, he will not feel comfortable here (or will only want to lie in the hut in front of the fireplace). Distance also plays a role, and not just from a sustainability perspective. Your dog is probably just as reluctant to fly halfway around the world for a ten-day vacation in Thailand as the climate of our planet is. That’s why we took a look at a few destinations in terms of their “dog-friendliness.” There you’ll find travel tips for great and sustainable vacations with your dog in Austria and Germany, as well as in Italy and Switzerland. When researching, you should also check whether the destination is generally dog-friendly. For example, is there a dog beach? Are dogs allowed in restaurants? Are there walking and hiking trails nearby where you can take your daily walks? What about activities you can do together with your four-legged friend? Are dogs allowed at the main attractions in the area, and if not, are you willing to forego them if necessary? Health Checks and Entry Requirements Once you’ve decided which destination to visit, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty. Familiarize yourself with the entry requirements. For example, does your dog need to be quarantined upon arrival? (This is sometimes the case on islands!)Does he need certain vaccinations? Are your pet passport and vaccination certificates at hand and up to date? Especially when traveling to the Mediterranean, you should check with your vet and get information about Mediterranean diseases. Now is also the right time to stock up on medicines (if your dog requires them) and check your first-aid kit. Finding an Accommodation and Questions you ought to clarify Besides the formalities and health issues, the search for suitable accommodation for a sustainable vacation with a dog is a big part of the vacation preparation. As we have already indicated above, increasingly more hotels are opening up to dog people and their four-legged friends. Naturally, a few additional rules will apply so as not to disturb guests without dogs. However, a dog-friendly hotel is an ideal choice for all dog people who don’t want to sacrifice comfort and amenities. Important: you should always announce your dog at the time of booking. That way, the staff can prepare for it and make everything ready. Some hotels allow you to bring your dog along without advertising it on their website. It is always worthwhile to simply ask. The often set additional fee for your dog is mainly for the subsequent cleaning of the room, as this is more time-consuming due to the dog hair. You know this from home. You should be honest about the size of your dog: a St. Bernard is not medium-sized. 😉 To ensure a relaxing hotel vacation with your dog, clarify the following in advance: Whether there is a place for your dog to sleep in the room. Whether a blanket or dog bed is provided. Ask if bowls are provided. Ask about places to walk your dog in the surrounding area. Ask where in the hotel you can take your dog. Ask if the dog is allowed to stay alone in the room. Are there poop bag dispensers in the area? Knowing all this in advance allows you to pack accordingly! For example, you should always bring your own poop bags. However, you can skip the thick dog mat if the hotel provides a dog bed. This saves luggage space. Hotel Search made easy: Dog-friendly Green Pearls® Many of our Green Pearls® are delighted to welcome guests with dogs (and sometimes even have their own four-legged friends). So, if you don’t feel like clicking through numerous booking portals and comparison sites, we’ve compiled a small but fine list of sustainable accommodations and destinations for you where you and your dog are welcome. Sustainable Vacation with your Dog in Franconia, Germany Franconian Switzerland is best explored on foot, making it a super place for extended hikes with your dog. The nature reserve Tennenloher Forst and the Erlanger Wiesengrund also provide lots of walking and hiking opportunities. From the Hotel Luise, all this is just a short distance away, so after a delicious (zero-waste) breakfast, you can start right away. Dogs are very welcome at the Luise. Not just some employees, but also the managing director, Ben Förtsch, himself is a dog lover. No wonder that hotel dog Rocko has been part of the team since 2020. Rocko’s tip for a special, dog-friendly excursion: a visit to the Bad Windsheim open-air museum. The museum is beautifully and widely designed and can not only be explored wonderfully with the dog, but you will also learn a lot about the Franconian way of life. Yet another heartfelt recommendation from dog people for dog people: Be sure to stop by the store “Hundsgemütlich” in downtown Erlangen. There you’ll find everything your (dog) heart desires, and you’ll get the best advice. Northern Italy with your Dog At Relais del Maro, not only are dogs welcome, but also cats, rabbits, canaries, and co. You, or rather your four-legged friend, can expect a small welcome kit in the room when you arrive, including a welcome treat, a mat, and bowls. You can also borrow cooling mats to prevent your dog from overheating. In northern Italy, it can be very warm even outside of summer, and if your four-legged friend already has their winter coat, they will appreciate the cooling mat. Your dog may join you everywhere in the Relais del Maro. Only the pool is off limits. Instead, there are some beautiful dog beaches on the Ligurian coast, and during hikes through the hinterland and the mountains around Borgomaro, you will find one or the other natural swimming pool for your dogs and you. With your Four-legged Friend in Switzerland The forest behind the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt offers numerous hiking and walking trails for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re looking for a short evening stroll or an all-day excursion, you’ll find the perfect route here. When you arrive, you’ll find a dog bed and bowl in your room, and the entire staff is very dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed on Zermatt’s mountain railways and even travel free of charge! Please note that leashes and muzzles are mandatory on the Italian side. Dog-friendly and Sustainable Hotel in Croatia Dogs are warmly welcomed at Hotel Korinjak. The team consists of many dog lovers, so your four-legged friend is sure to be petted by someone. The small island of Iz offers plenty of hiking opportunities in pristine nature, and the sea right in front of the hotel invites you to enjoy long swimming and bathing sessions. It’s a paradise for you and your dog. Sustainable Vacation with your Dog in Lower Saxony In Warpe, Lower Saxony, Germany, there is an especially dog-friendly hotel. The Hotel Okelmann’s welcomes your four-legged fellow traveler with bowls and a dog blanket to use during your stay. There are also welcome treats that have been tested and approved by Mala and Frieda, the owners’ dogs. Subject to availability, you can use the garden and the terrace. There is also an outdoor shower, in case your dog comes back dirty from a walk through the Warp forest. For dirty paws, you could borrow a “dirty towel” at the reception. Tip: In the Heimatliebe Café, you can also find selected treats, care products, and accessories for your dogs. And of course, your four-legged friend is allowed in the café and restaurant. Sustainable Vacation with Your Dog: Tips and Tricks for a Relaxed Stay To ensure a relaxing vacation for everyone, especially during your hotel stay, there are a few things you can and should prepare and keep in mind. This will make things easier for you, your dog, and the hotel staff. You won’t disturb guests without dogs, either. Furthermore, by ensuring that your stay is positive, you’ll pave the way for future travelers with dogs. 😉 This should be in your dog’s backpack for a sustainable vacation Before the trip, it’s time to pack! And not just for yourself! Even if the hotel provides a dog bed, you should bring your dog’s blanket so they feel more at home in the hotel room. Also pack their favorite toy, their usual food, and a travel water bowl. Make sure you have enough dog waste bags for at least the first few days, in case there are no dispensers around the hotel or they are constantly empty. You should pack the following for your dog: EU pet passport and/or vaccination certificate Any necessary medication First aid kit for dogs (including disinfectant, tweezers/tick remover, bandages, etc.) Sufficient food and treats (if you are going on long hikes, remember to increase the amount accordingly) Leash, collar, harness, and other equipment Muzzle, if you plan to travel by public transport Travel water bowl (foldable if necessary) and water bottle for your dog Dog waste bags Favorite toy Your dog’s own blanket An old towel for cleaning paws Dog boots, if you will be walking on a lot of gravel and grit, or if you are planning a tour with lots of grid bridges Tips for a relaxed journey Being stuck in traffic on the highway in 30°C summer heat is no fun for you or your dog. So, for longer journeys, it’s better to set off early or even drive through the night, and plan breaks and stopovers. You can also use your “dog stops” as an opportunity to see a few highlights on the way to your destination. This turns the forced walk stop into the first wonderful holiday experience. If you want to travel by train, you should also think about your dog: they must wear a muzzle on the train. In addition, when changing trains, you should make sure that you have the opportunity to take your dog for a walk in between. Welcome to the sustainable and dog-friendly hotel It is best to give your dog a good workout before check-in. Then he is at least a little calmer in the strange, exciting environment. In general, the following applies in the hotel: The dog belongs on a leash. In this way, you signal to other guests that they need to have no fears that your dog will suddenly come rushing towards them. Even if he would never do that. The arrival in the new environment is exciting for everyone. It is especially exciting for your dog, who perceives his surroundings in an entirely different way than we humans do. You can give him additional security by using the leash. Once in the hotel room, there are a few rules. Even if you handle it differently at home, your dog does not belong in the hotel bed and not on the upholstered furniture. After all, that’s why you have the dog blanket with you, and often the hotel will also provide you with a dog bed. Let your dog explore the room extensively. Show him the bathroom, closets, and the balcony or terrace. At the same time, you can also identify and eliminate possible sources of danger. 😉 Bello alone in the hotel room Your four-legged friend shouldn’t be left alone in the unfamiliar room, even after you’ve shown him around. If you plan to leave him in the hotel room for a while during your stay, for example, if you want to visit the spa or go for a spin in the indoor pool, then start slowly. Leave the room for just a few minutes at first and keep extending that time. Your dog should be used to being left alone at home. If possible, you should also practice leaving your dog alone in unfamiliar surroundings (e.g., at friends’ homes) so that it is less stressful for your dog. And you can enjoy your spa treatments without worrying. 🙂 Sustainable Vacation with Your Dog – Our Conclusion For many dog owners, vacationing with their dog is an important part of the experience. It goes without saying that this should be done sustainably. After all, there’s nothing we love more than walking with our four-legged friends through nearly untouched nature. All the nicer that more and more sustainable hotels, including some Green Pearls®, offer dog-friendly accommodations in beautiful surroundings. Unlike in a vacation home or on a campsite, however, many more people come together in a hotel in a smaller space. So, there are different requirements for you as a dog owner and your dog. But well-prepared, a sustainable (hotel) vacation with your dog will be a relaxing and comfortable experience for everyone. Frequently Asked Questions about Sustainable Vacations with Your Dog How can I find a sustainable, dog-friendly hotel? Search for hotels that explicitly welcome dogs and clearly state their sustainability practices. Also, check to see if they provide a sleeping place or bowls, and if they offer walking options in the area. It is also a good idea to filter reviews by the term “dog.” Platforms such as Green Pearls® Unique Places exclusively feature sustainable accommodations and offer dog-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. Which destinations are best for a sustainable vacation with your dog? Ideal destinations offer dog beaches, hiking trails, dog-friendly restaurants, and a temperate climate. Popular destinations include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, northern Italy, and parts of Croatia. How can I travel stress-free and sustainably with my dog? Plan breaks, avoid traveling in extreme heat, and use train connections with sufficient transfer time. Use stopovers for walks and short trips. These steps will make the journey relaxed and eco-friendly and will also make it part of the vacation itself. What should I pack for a vacation with my dog, and what health preparations are necessary? Be sure to pack your pet’s passport, vaccination records, medication, food, a water bowl, a leash, and poop bags. Clarify the vaccination requirements and quarantine rules in advance, and consult your veterinarian about regional diseases, especially if you are traveling to the Mediterranean region. What rules and considerations should I keep in mind when vacationing with my dog at a hotel? Your dog should always be kept on a leash so as not to disturb other guests and ensure safety. Find out in advance about leash requirements in other areas of the hotel and the surrounding region. Only enter permitted areas with your dog, and ensure that you are not disturbing other guests. If you plan to leave your dog alone in the room, discuss this with the hotel staff beforehand and make sure the cleaning team is aware (e.g., place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door or inform the reception desk). How can I make my vacation with my dog as sustainable as possible? Travel in the most climate-friendly way possible, take advantage of local offers, avoid single-use products, pack sustainable dog food/treats of regional origin, and dispose of waste (including dog waste!) responsibly—this way, you can protect nature and local communities. Travel