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Not all dogs crave the road trip life—but these two look ready to take on the Alps. Credit: bepslabor via Canva.com
Always start with good intentions. The petsitter was available, and we had summer plans in place. So we did what thousands European families do each year: brought the dog. France and Spain have a reputation for being pet friendly. What could possibly go wrong with sunny road trips, scenic sights, and cafe stops? It turns out, quite a lot.
You might not think so. This isn’t about hotel bans or lost documents. What our pets want, what ‘dog-friendly’ actually means in practice, and how well-meaning plans can unravel if you forget to see the trip through four paws instead of two feet. The anxiety of car rides, cultural differences and other things every pet owner must know before packing their leash and food bowl.
The dog-friendly Myth
Europe is a pet owner’s paradise. Travel blogs rave about dog friendly beaches in Spain, walking in France, or even hotels that have water balls available in the lobby.
But behind the happy pictures is a complex web containing rules, cultural expectations and environment that may not be suitable for dogs. This is especially true for anxious or old dogs.
- Dogs are allowed in France’s public areas, but signs can suddenly restrict access. Staff at restaurants are hesitant, and some parks may not be fully welcome.
- Spain might appear to be more relaxed but it is not. Heat, noise and large crowdsFor dogs that prefer a calm, routine environment.
What your dog feels
The dogs cannot express their frustration, but they can display it. They do this often if we are paying attention. Experts such as behaviour therapists have found that this situation is more common than many owners realize.
The dogs rely on their senses and routine. New smells and beds can make dogs feel uncomfortable when they are removed.
Unlike us, dogs do not adapt to new situations for the sake or fun. Therefore, a sudden change in speed can be confusing. Every shift, stop and new pavement can cause anxiety.
Trip About the Dog
There’s a romanticised notion that bringing your dog on holiday is a bonding experience, complete with scenic hikes, terraces, and wagging tails in the sunset – what could go wrong? You have to plan for both people and pets. This means navigating restaurants which don’t usually accept pets. Heatwaves and sudden temperature changes. Noise levels.
You start to resent your pet and the stress of trying make everyone happy. When your dog is visibly uncomfortable and stressed, you are not relaxing, but managing.
Europe declares it pet-friendly
Google will reveal that Spain, France, and Portugal, along with Italy are all old dog-friendly locations. Hotel advertisements feature pet beds. Beach photos show golden retrievers running along the shore. Tourism boards promote parks and patios that welcome four-legged visitors.
- Pet-friendly means a lot of things. Does not guarantee Safety, comfort or even basic accessibility.
- Dogs are not allowed on public transport in many cities. Carriers or muzzles
- The beaches that accept dogs in a new way Ban them in the peak summer.
- Some restaurants that welcome dogs may ask you to sit. outside in the 35° heat.
Culture is the main thing, not rules. In northern Europe, the dogs are treated more like family. While in southern Europe they’re more of a pet.
Smarter alternatives
I’m certainly not saying that you can’t take your dog with you on vacation. It is possible, but not the only thing to do if you want to be an excellent owner. In fact, it’s better to leave your dog behind. Here are some alternatives that will let you have a great trip, and still return home to a dog who is happy to see you:
- Pet sitters, The familiarity and attention provided by local kennels like Rover or Gudog is often more stable than the multiple hotel beds, car rides, and other services.
- Home exchange This will reduce stress and eliminate travel trauma.
- If you are looking for a pet-friendly vacation, consider a rural weekend. Localities close by mean less logistics and the same experience.
- The best time to travel is during the off-season It is much more pleasant to travel in cooler weather, with quieter towns and fewer people, especially if you have a pet.
- Staycation To avoid paying tolls, you can explore dog-friendly parks, cafes, trails and other places in your own city.
Empathy and travel are choices.
It is wonderful to be told we can bring our dogs with us on our adventures, and that they are part of our family. But we often forget that this also includes listening.
It’s not all about you, it’s also about your dog. Listening to your dog’s stress signals is key. Prioritise comfort over appearance and make the difficult decision to keep them home.
Truthfully, you don’t need to take your pet on a trip to show that you love them. It’s not always about the pet. Sometimes it’s just about recognizing that your dog does not need a travel document; he needs peace.
