Holidays with a Dog – A Comprehensive Guide for Swiss Dog Owners

Introduction

More and more dog owners want to spend the best time of the year with their four-legged friends. Whether by the lake, in the mountains or by the sea – many travel destinations in Europe welcome dogs. However, not every country is equally dog-friendly, and different entry and stay regulations often apply. This article provides a comprehensive overview of dog-friendly countries, entry requirements, special accommodations, and what to consider when traveling with so-called "listed dogs." A practical checklist for download helps with preparation.

 

1. Dog-friendly Countries & Destinations

The most popular and dog-friendly countries for Swiss dog owners are:
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Germany
- Italy
- France
- Netherlands
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Norway
- Spain
- Croatia

In these countries, you can find numerous dog-friendly hotels, hiking trails, lakes, dog beaches, or specially designed dog forests. Austria and Switzerland, in particular, offer a variety of hiking and nature experiences with dogs.

 

2. Entry Requirements for Dogs in Europe

- EU pet passport
- Microchip identification
- Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old)
- Max. 5 dogs per person
- In some countries, additional tapeworm treatment (e.g., Norway, Finland)
- In Switzerland, also a duty to register at customs

Section: "If dogs were travel bloggers…"

"Today we marked five trees, met three new dog buddies, and packed an entire sandy beach into my ears – successful day!"

 

3. "Listed" Dogs & Travel Restrictions

Some countries prohibit certain dog breeds:
- France: Category 1 dogs (e.g., Pitbull) prohibited, Category 2 with restrictions only
- Denmark: 13 breeds (e.g., Pitbull, Tosa) prohibited
- Spain, Croatia: Regional restrictions, sometimes with muzzle and leash requirements
- Switzerland: No national lists, but cantonal differences
- Italy: No longer has breed lists since 2009
Anyone traveling with a prohibited dog risks: entry refusal, confiscation, fines, or worse.

 

4. Tips for Travel Planning with a Dog

- Book accommodation early and register your dog
- Use a transport box, seat belt, or partition net in the car
- Bring your EU pet passport
- Pack enough food and a travel first-aid kit
- At the hotel: bring dog blanket and bowl, check in calmly
- Take regular breaks during car journeys
- Remember muzzle and leash requirements (e.g., on trains or cable cars)

5. Emergency Behavior & Insurance

In case of illness abroad: consult a veterinarian, show EU pet passport. Insurances such as ADAC pet travel insurance or pet health insurance help avoid high costs. Dog liability insurance with international coverage is also recommended.

 

6. Recommended Websites for Holidays with a Dog

- Hundehotel.info (https://hundehotel.info): Search for dog-friendly hotels with filters (e.g., multiple dogs, fence, restaurant allowed)

- Ferien-mit-Hund.de (https://www.ferien-mit-hund.de): Holiday homes worldwide for dog owners, with entry information

- Hunde-Urlaub.net (https://www.hunde-urlaub.net): Holiday accommodations with dogs, many tips and filters

- Ferienwohnung-Schweiz.eu (https://www.ferienwohnung-schweiz.eu): Holiday apartments and farm stays in Switzerland with dogs

- Eurotrek.ch (https://www.eurotrek.ch): Active holidays with dogs (e.g., hiking holidays), Swiss provider

- Aldi Suisse Tours (https://www.aldi-suisse-tours.ch): Package deals with dogs

- Reka.ch (https://reka.ch): Holiday resorts in Switzerland, many dog-friendly

- BLV admin.ch (https://www.blv.admin.ch): Official information on entry and health

- AniCura.ch (https://www.anicura.ch): Pet health and pet passport explained

 

7. Dog-friendly Campsites & Caravan Rentals in Switzerland

Ticino

Camping Miralago (Tenero)

Website: camping-miralago.ch

Accommodation type: Rental caravans, bungalows, pitches

Dog rules: Dogs welcome (CHF 5.–/night), leash required on site

Special offers for dogs: Own dog beach, dog shower, agility park, dog playground

 

Camping Melezza (Losone)

Website: camping-melezza.ch

Accommodation type: Glamping, pitches

Dog rules: Dogs allowed (CHF 4.20/day), leash required

Special offers for dogs: Dog shower, dog beach, walking opportunities

 

Ca. Stella Camping (Meride)

Website: castellacamping.ch

Accommodation type: Glamping (Safari tents), pitches

Dog rules: Dogs allowed, leash required

Special offers for dogs: Quiet location, natural surroundings

 

Campingplatz Piccolo Paradiso (Avegno)

Website: camping-piccoloparadiso.com

Accommodation type: Chalets, pitches

Dog rules: Dogs allowed with registration, leash required

Special offers for dogs: Dog shower, Roby-Dog stations

 

Valais

TCS Camping Sion

Website: tcs.ch (Camping Sion)

Accommodation type: Bungalows, pitches

Dog rules: Max. 2 dogs, leash required

Special offers for dogs: Dog shower, dog exercise area

 

TCS Camping Martigny

Website: tcs.ch (Camping Martigny)

Accommodation type: Pitches, sleeping pods

Dog rules: Max. 2 dogs, leash required

Special offers for dogs: Basic facilities, no extras

 

Bernese Oberland

JungfrauCamp (Unterseen)

Website: jungfraucamp.ch

Accommodation type: Mobile homes, pitches

Dog rules: Well-behaved dogs allowed, leash required

Special offers for dogs: Dog toilets, walking paths

 

Central Switzerland

TCS Camping Sempach

Website: tcs.ch (Camping Sempach)

Accommodation type: Bungalows, pods, pitches

Dog rules: Max. 2 dogs, leash required

Special offers for dogs: Dog shower

 

Camping Vitznau

Website: camping-vitznau.ch

Accommodation type: Pitches

Dog rules: Dogs allowed, leash required

Special offers for dogs: Dog bathing area, RobyDog stations

 

Camping International Lido Lucerne

Website: camping-international.ch

Accommodation type: Rental caravans, pitches

Dog rules: Max. 2 dogs, leash required

Special offers for dogs: Dog exercise area on the lake shore (200m), fenced

 

Wohnwagen Mieten Schweiz (wohnwagen-mieten.ch)

Location: Ganterschwil SG

Website: https://www.wohnwagen-mieten.ch

Caravan type: Various models for 2–5 people with kitchen, toilet, shower

Dog rules: Dogs allowed in certain models – consultation recommended

Special offers for dog owners: Individual handover, flexible rental period, also for holidays on private land

 

Rolling Tiny House

Location: Biberstein AG

Website: https://www.rolling-tinyhouse.ch

Caravan type: Designer caravan with sustainable equipment for 2–4 people

Dog rules: Small and medium-sized dogs allowed (by arrangement)

Special offers for dog owners: Wood stove, organic bedding, natural surroundings, partially fenced

 

Camper Dogs Switzerland

Location: Online platform

Website: https://www.camperdogs.ch

Caravan type: Caravan & camper rental specifically for dog owners

Dog rules: All dogs welcome – equipment tailored for dogs and owners

Special offers for dog owners: Dividers, dog crates, bowls, blankets, recommendations for dog-friendly pitches

 

MyCamper.ch

Location: Throughout Switzerland (private rental)

Website: https://www.mycamper.ch

Caravan type: Various caravan & camper rentals by private individuals

Dog rules: Allowed depending on the provider – filter function available

Special features for dog owners: Some listings offer dog blankets, feeding stations, or dog crates

 

PaulCamper.ch

Location: Throughout Switzerland

Website: https://www.paulcamper.ch

Caravan type: Private caravans & motorhomes bookable with dog filter

Dog rules: Only allowed in approved models

Special features for dog owners: Many providers offer bowls, blankets, or dog harnesses

 

 

9. PDF Checklist for Holidays with a Dog

The checklist includes:
- EU pet passport
- Microchip & rabies vaccination
- Travel first-aid kit & food
- Transport box/restraint
- Favorite blanket & toys
- Water bowl, poop bags, muzzle
- List of veterinarians at the holiday destination

Download packing list for holidays with a dog (PDF) for free

For further additions, simply send me a message to: info@smoffy.ch