Finally vacation! Hundreds of thousands of Austrians will be going on their summer vacation in the coming weeks – including many dog ​​owners.

In order for the most beautiful time of the year to be a great experience for the four-legged friends too, some preparations have to be made in advance and questions clarified. The Animal Welfare Ombudsman Vienna has summarized the most important points for dog owners.

Prior to travel

"Before each trip, you must ask yourself whether the planned type of vacation is suitable for taking the dog with you," advises Eva Persy, head of the animal welfare ombudsman in Vienna. A strenuous city trip or a flight are not suitable. In such cases, the following applies: change travel plans or organize trustworthy and reliable care for the four-legged friend.

What seems banal, but is often forgotten, is the question of whether and under what conditions dogs are allowed in the holiday home at all. In hotels, holiday apartments and on campsites, additional costs of around 5 to 30 euros per animal and day can be expected. While special dog hotels cater to the needs of their four-legged and two-legged guests, there are many vacation rentals where pets are not allowed.

Regardless of whether the dog goes on holiday with you or stays with holiday care: its travel bag must be packed just as carefully as that of the human traveler. "Check in good time whether the dog has all the mandatory vaccinations that are noted in the EU pet passport. Consider packing an emergency first aid kit with medical supplies and medications. And remember to pack the things that the dog needs at home, such as a dog bed, muzzle, towel, etc., in addition to the usual food,” says Persy.

While driving

If you go on holiday by car, in addition to professionally securing the dog while driving in summer, special attention must be paid to the sun's rays and heat build-up in the car. “The air conditioning often cools the trunk insufficiently or not at all. Sun protection films or screens that are attached to the pane with suction cups can bring relief,” says animal protection ombudswoman Eva Persy. Nevertheless, long journeys in the midday and afternoon heat should be avoided if possible.

Regular breaks are not only important for the two-legged friends, but also for the animal passengers. Attention: Dogs are not always permitted in service stations abroad. "In such cases, one person should wait outside with the animal in the shade," Persy points out.

At the resort

If the dog is left alone in the hotel room during the day, precautions should be taken to avoid potentially unpleasant encounters between the animal and the hotel staff. "Let reception know or put a notice on the door that there is a dog in the room. When in doubt, it's best to hang up the "do not disturb" sign to avoid entering the room," advises Persy.

For activities at the holiday destination, the same consideration for the dog and fellow human beings applies as at home. "Don't go on strenuous trips or activities in the heat. Even if playing together on the dog beach is fun, please make sure not to overwhelm your four-legged friend by throwing balls in the sand and water. Dogs are forbidden, for example at the pool and beach or at the evening buffet in the hotel, please absolutely comply”, says Persy. If the tips are heeded, nothing stands in the way of holiday fun together.

Checklist vacation with dog

Prior to travel

• Plan a dog-friendly holiday OR organize reliable holiday care for the dog
• Register four-legged friends in the accommodation, clarify additional costs
• Check vaccinations and refresh if necessary
• Check entry regulations, have documents ready (EU pet ID card, liability insurance)
• Obtain a dog tag with a phone number from the owner (with international area code!)

For emergencies: find a veterinary clinic at your holiday destination

Packing list: dog bed, bowls, harness and leash (insert changing set), usual food, towel, toys, muzzle, articles for grooming, Gacki bag and first-aid kit with necessary medicines, tick tweezers, first-aid kit and other preparations and accessories as required or consultation with the veterinarian.

While going on vacation

• Make sure your dog is properly secured in the car
• Avoid driving in the hot midday and afternoon hours
• Possibly reduce solar radiation in the rear with sun protection film or mobile protective screens
• Provide enough water in the travel water bowl
• Take regular breaks
• Never leave the dog alone in the car!

At the resort

• In the hotel: Inform the staff that the dog is in the room
• Respect local rules and customs
• Adapt activities to the weather