Is Traveling to Europe With Your Dog Worth It? Pros, Cons, and Tips

The Pros of Traveling to Europe with Your Dog: 

Let’s be real—Europe kind of gets it when it comes to dogs. If you’ve ever tried to take your pup out in the U.S., you know the struggle of deciphering whether “service dog only” signs actually mean “we don’t want your dog here.” 

In Europe, things are a little different. Countries like France and Germany roll out the red carpet for your furry companion. Well, maybe not a literal red carpet, but it’s pretty close.

#1. Pet-Friendly Culture in Europe

Compared to the U.S. In places like France and Germany, dogs aren’t just tolerated; they’re welcomed. I have had wonderful experiences traveling alone in Paris and Germany with my dog Teddy. 

Now Teddy is a well-behaved small dog (pomeranian), which makes him easy to travel with. But in general, finding eateries and hotels that allow dogs wasn’t as difficult as it can be in other parts of the world. 

This is certainly a huge perk, making traveling with your dog the main pro.

#2. Companionship on the Road

As someone who has traveled solo for nearly 15 years, I admit that it can get lonely sometimes. Sure, it’s freeing and all that, but after a day of sightseeing, it’s nice to have someone (or in this case, some-dog) waiting for you. That’s where your furry friend comes in.

Traveling with your small dog means you’ve always got a built-in companion. They’re there for those quiet moments on a park bench alone in Paris or exploring a small idyllic town in Germany.

#3. Slower Travel Pace

When you are traveling with your dog, you need to move at a more leisurely pace. Your dog needs to be walked and fed and needs some downtime, which can be good if you are someone who needs to slow down as well. 

I know that I used to burn through the city, checking every hot spot off my list as if I were in a race. When I travel with my dog Teddy, I take it much easier these days, and it feels like a vacation vs a mission. 

#4. Meeting New People

When you travel alone, making friends can sometimes be a challenge. One major pro when you have your dog with you in Europe is that you have a better chance of meeting people. 

We get approached all the time by either other dog owners or dog lovers. It helps that teddy is so incredibly adorable and social. 

#5. Emotional Support and Bonding Time 

Traveling with my dog has provided me with a great amount of emotional support. Having him there to share and make special moments has been incredible. 

It can really strengthen your relationship with your dog as you explore new places together. 

The Cons of Traveling to Europe with Your Dog

One day, I hope traveling overseas with your pet becomes a seamless and common experience. I dream of the day when policies are streamlined, and procedures are straightforward for everyone.

But for now, navigating airline policies can feel like a headache—and every airline has its own rules, adding to the complexity. You’ll need to gather and organize all your paperwork meticulously, checking and double-checking every detail to ensure you’re fully prepared.

If you’re serious about traveling with your dog, don’t miss my guide. It covers everything you need to know, from airline requirements to how to obtain an EU pet passport.

#1. Restricted Access to Attractions & Restaurants

Unfortunately, if you travel with your dog, you will limit yourself in terms of attractions and things you can do. 

For example, dogs are not allowed in most museums and major attractions in Paris, with some expectations that I write about in my guide. 

You will also find it challenging when it comes to dining in restaurants. While Europe is 100 times more dog friendly than the US, there will be places that won’t let you eat with your dog. 

Now, if your dog is small enough to fit in a backpack like mine is, this will open you up to more places to eat. 

But some day tours and activities will just be off-limits. My advice would be if it is your first time in a city like Paris, you might want to save this trip with your dog till you return. 

#2. Increased Travel Costs & Preparations

The biggest con about traveling with your dog is all the added fees for flights and accommodations. However, some hotels are very dog-friendly and don’t charge fees, which is incredible. 

To give you an idea of what you can expect, I paid €80 to take my dog to Paris on Tap Air Portugal and paid a fee of €25 per night at the hotel.

Remember all the extra prep involved when planning to travel with your dog. Be prepared to get travel supplies like dog carriers, food, and bowls.

And don’t forget about all the paperwork and certifications that you need to prove your dog is well enough to fly. 

It can all add up fast. 

#3. Weather and Environmental Considerations

Please don’t take a solo trip to Seville in the summer with your dog. I was visiting in August, and the heat was unbearable for humans; your dog would suffer. 

If you are traveling in the winter with your dog, think about the gear he might need to stay warm and comfortable. 

While weather can be unpredictable, a solo trip to Lisbon, for example, is almost always a good safe bet. It rarely gets THAT hot where it’s dangerous, and it doesn’t experience extreme cold. 

#4. Managing Emergencies

One of the scariest moments of my recent solo trip to Valencia, Spain, with my dog, was when he needed an emergency vet.

As a confident dog owner, you usually assume the chances of something going wrong are slim. You know how to keep your dog safe, so the idea of needing a vet might not even cross your mind—or if it does, it feels like a distant “what if.”

For me, it was a total fluke accident that sent me into panic mode, frantically Googling for the nearest emergency vet. What I didn’t anticipate was the language barrier. None of the first four clinics I contacted spoke English, and trying to explain the issue through broken Spanish and hand gestures was beyond stressful. It wasn’t until my fifth attempt that I finally found a vet who could help.

Thankfully, my pup ended up being fine, but those few hours were some of the most nerve-wracking of my trip. It was a tough reminder to always plan for the unexpected, even when you think you’ve got it all under control.

Tips for a Successful Trip with Your Dog

Here are my top tips to set yourself (and your pup) up for success:

Preparation Before the Trip

• Read my full guide on traveling to Europe with a small dog.
• Research airline policies and the pet requirements for the countries you’re visiting (think microchips, vaccines, and pet passports).
• Invest in a comfy, airline-approved travel carrier and make sure your dog is ready for airport chaos. A little practice goes a long way!
• Train your dog for travel scenarios like public transport and crowded spaces to keep stress levels low.

Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations

• Look for dog-friendly hotels, Airbnbs, or even campsites. Many places in Europe love pets, but it’s worth confirming policies ahead of time.
• Download pet-friendly travel apps such as Bring Fido—your search will be so much easier.

Packing for Your Pup

• Don’t forget the essentials: leash, collapsible water bowl, food, waste bags, toys, and a first-aid kit.
• Bring copies of their medical records—you never know when you might need them.

Getting Around Europe with Your Dog

• Take advantage of Europe’s pet-friendly public transport, like trains and buses. Most only require a leash and sometimes a ticket.
• Research outdoor attractions that welcome dogs—parks, trails, and even beer gardens can be great stops for both of you.

Final Verdict: Is It Right for You and Your Dog?

Ultimately, it’s a personal choice, but for me, bringing my small dog along on solo trips has always been worth it. The pros definitely outweigh the cons.

If you’re feeling unsure, my best advice is to start small—try a local trip with your dog first and see how it goes. This way, you can figure out what works and what doesn’t without the added pressure of international travel.

Whatever you do, don’t make your first trip with your dog a big one to Europe. That could be a lot to handle and potentially risky for both you and your pup.

Still have questions? Reach out—I’d love to help! 🐾