Tips for city breaks with your dog
If you own a dog, the question before every holiday is whether your beloved four-legged friend can come along or has to stay at home. A holiday in the mountains, a walk or a trip to the seaside can be a fun adventure for your dog. But what about a city break? What are the special things to keep in mind? To make planning a little easier, we have put together some helpful tips to make your city break with your dog an unforgettable experience for both you and your animal companion.
Travelling with a dog
By train, car or plane? There are many different ways to travel with a four-legged friend, and different options are recommended depending on the animal and the distance. Travelling by car is the most independent option, as you can take breaks whenever you like and easily transport extra luggage. Large dogs should travel in a carrier in the boot, medium-sized dogs in a harness and small dogs in a secure crate. Too far to travel by car or prefer to fly? Small dogs up to 8 kg (kennel included) can travel in the cabin on major airlines such as Lufthansa and Swiss Air.
You can also travel with your dog by train. However, they will need their own dog ticket or kennel. If your dog is not travelling in a kennel, it must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle. We recommend that you do not book too long a journey in one go and allow extra time for a short walk when changing trains.
Packing list for your four-legged friend
A good tip to make a city break or weekend away with your dog easier is to have a packing list. This way you won't forget anything, and you won't have to go shopping at the last minute. We'll show you what to pack for your four-legged family member:
- Pet passport/vaccination card
- Leash, collar
- Muzzle
- Dog waste bag
- Water, treats, food
- Perhaps a blanket or favourite toy
- Suncream
- Tick tweezers
We also recommend that you take out dog insurance. This is compulsory in most of Germany anyway, and it generally doesn't hurt to have one. That way a small mishap won't turn into a big drama.
If you are planning a trip to Zurich, you should also check the entry requirements for dogs in Switzerland. These are current (as of 06/2024):
- EU pet passport and microchip
- Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old)
- Dogs with docked ears or tails are not allowed into the country
Dog friendly experiences
As we all know, anticipation is the spice of life, and a little holiday planning adds to the fun. Especially if you are going on holiday with your dog, it can be very helpful to think about possible activities and local conditions in advance. To make sure your dog has a great time on your holiday, check if there are any dog training areas, dog playgrounds or woods and other green areas where your furry friend can really let off steam.
It is also a good idea to check beforehand which activities your dog will be able to join you in. While museums and amusement parks are less suitable for dogs, a trip to the countryside is a real treat for your four-legged friend. After all, what do dogs love more than playing, sniffing and going for long walks? Even if you want to stop off at a restaurant in the evening or during the day, there are plenty of places you can take your dog with you.
Very important: plan breaks
Holidays are great, but they can also be exhausting and tiring. This is true for both humans and dogs. Give your dog a short break every now and then, not only during the journey but also at the holiday destination, so that it can recover and process all the impressions. Let your dog have a nap or spend a few hours alone in the evening - if your dog can cope with this.
Our dog-friendly hotels
Fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice comfort on a city break with your dog. At our THE FLAG hotels and serviced apartments, dogs are welcome, and you can stay in our modern rooms with your four-legged friend. Thanks to the fantastic location of our hotels, green spaces such as Munich's Olympic Park or the banks of the River Main are just a stone's throw away, perfect for long walks with your dog. At the West M. and in Zurich itself, we provide your furry friend with a bowl and a dog bed or blanket to make sure they feel comfortable. At our hotel on the Costa del Sol, your dog will find a cosy bed, bowls and even a little treat. The amenities are also cleaned daily.
So book your city break with your dog now and stay in one of our excellent hotels – you'll get a service that will please both man and dog.