Going on vacation with your dog

Going on vacation is a time for relaxation and discovery, a welcome break from the daily grind.

But for dog owners, the question of keeping or bringing their companion can sometimes be a source of stress.

In the first case, you need to find a satisfactory childcare system (see box at the bottom of the article ;).

In the second case, going on vacation with your dog requires a minimum of organization and preparation to guarantee your four-legged friend’s comfort and safety.

Of course, you’ll also need to find a vacation rental that accepts pets.

Whether it’s to explore new landscapes or simply to share moments of complicity, going away with your dog has a number of advantages. Not only does it strengthen the bond between master and pet, but it also means you can enjoy your vacation to the full without the worries of separation.

Here are a few tips to help you take your dog on vacation with you.

Tip 1 – Choose a dog-friendly destination

? Not all destinations are dog-friendly.

Choose places where pets are welcome, such as dog-friendly beaches, nature parks or accommodations.

Check local dog policies to avoid unpleasant surprises.

☝️ For those wondering why certain tourist areas are dog-free, here are the main reasons:
– Hygiene and allergies: The presence of animals can cause hygiene problems and trigger allergies in other guests, requiring more rigorous cleaning.
– Safety: Animals can pose a risk to other customers, due to fear or aggressive behavior.
– Nuisances: Noise, such as barking, can be a nuisance in quiet areas.
– Regulations and insurance: Some regulations and insurance policies prohibit animals for reasons of legal liability in the event of incidents.

Tip 2 – Prepare the necessary documents

? Before you leave, make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, especially if you’re planning a trip abroad.

You’ll need your European pet passport, if necessary, as well as your pet’s health record.

Tip 3 – Take precautions for your trip

? Going on vacation with your dog in the car

Install a safety harness or transport crate.
Take regular breaks to allow your dog to stretch its legs and rehydrate (and relieve itself).

✈️ Travelling with a dog by plane or train

Find out about company policies on transporting animals.
Prepare a comfortable transport cage that complies with company standards.

Tip 4 – Pack the essentials for your dog

Food and water: Bring enough food for the duration of your stay, as well as a water bowl.
Leash and collar: Choose a collar with an ID tag bearing your contact details (or a microchip, even more effective!).
First-aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics and medications specific to your dog.
Toys and blankets: To reassure your pet in a new environment.

Tip 5 – On site: look after your dog’s well-being

Avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, and make sure your dog always has water available.

Here are a few precautions for the well-being of your dog in summer and at the seaside:

Risk of heat stroke

Summer temperatures rise rapidly, especially in the south of France.

It’s essential to adjust the timing and duration of activities with your dog to avoid overheating and ensure his comfort.

Danger of hot floors

Tarmac roads and paths become scorching hot in the sun. For example, at 25°C, asphalt can reach 52°C, risking serious burns to the paw pads.

Avoid walking in the middle of the day, especially when temperatures exceed 30°C, or take along suitable slippers.

Watch out for processionary caterpillars

These caterpillars are numerous in the south of France and represent a major hazard due to their stinging hairs, especially in spring.

Their contact causes an immediate reaction: inflammation, redness and pain. If your dog is affected, seek emergency veterinary care to avoid anaphylactic shock or tongue necrosis.

Caution with salt water

When swimming in the sea, make sure your dog doesn’t drink salt water, which could be harmful.

After swimming, we recommend rinsing with clean water to remove salt.

A good idea: go camping with your dog!

Camping is an ideal way to take your dog on vacation. It offers a natural setting where your companion can enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors.

Before you leave, make sure the campsite you choose accepts pets and has suitable facilities, such as green spaces and water points.

Make sure you have a spacious tent or other accommodation that allows your dog to sleep comfortably by your side.

Don’t forget to respect the rules of the campsite, keeping your dog on a lead if necessary and picking up after it.

To ensure his well-being, bring along a rug or blanket so he has a clean, cozy place to rest.

Focus: original activities to share with your dog

For a memorable vacation with your four-legged friend, discover some original activities :

Cani-randonnée
Many of France’s nature parks offer marked trails specially adapted for cani-randonnée, where your dog is fitted with a harness and helps you progress along the trails. The Jura, the Alps and the Vosges all offer trails suitable for this outdoor sport.
Cani-paddle
More and more campsites and watersports centers are offering tandem stand-up paddle lessons with your dog. The Landes or the Gorges du Verdon region are perfect for this type of activity.
Dog yoga (Doga)
Some destinations, such as Brittany or Provence, offer yoga classes in which dogs can participate. A soothing activity that strengthens the master-dog bond in a Zen setting.
Discover truffles with your dog
In regions such as Périgord and Drôme, workshops introduce dogs to truffle hunting. A unique experience that combines nature, gastronomy and complicity.

Where can you take your dog on vacation in France?

As you can see, going on vacation with your dog requires a bit of planning.

But with the right reflexes, you can share memorable moments with your faithful companion.

Some ideas for vacations in France with a dog

Dog-friendly beaches

Côte d’Azur: Some beaches are dog-friendly, such as Plage de l’Escalet in Ramatuelle or the beaches around Saint-Raphaël. Ideal for morning swims and seaside walks.
Brittany: Many of Brittany’s beaches are dog-friendly, such as Plouharnel and Saint-Malo, where pets are accepted outside peak hours.
Landes: Biscarrosse beach is an excellent choice, with dog-friendly areas and vast natural spaces.

Mountain walks

The Vosges mountains offer dog-friendly trails. Those at Lac Blanc or in the Munster valley benefit from generous natural surroundings and shady trails.
The Pyrénées ariégeoises regional nature park has animal-friendly trails, with water points to keep animals hydrated.
The Massif Central: Cantal, Puy-de-Dôme and the Aubrac mountains are perfect spots for quiet hikes with a dog, away from the big crowds.

Forests and natural parks

Close to Paris, the forest of Fontainebleau offers numerous trails where dogs can roam freely in a natural setting.
Parc Naturel du Morvan: In Burgundy, this natural park abounds in rivers, lakes and forests, perfect for a vacation with a dog, thanks to its varied and often shady trails.
For lovers of breathtaking scenery, the Gorges du Verdon allow you to hike with dogs on specially adapted trails.

Lakes and rivers

Beaches around Lake Annecy are dog-friendly, and it’s possible to go canoeing with them.
Lac de Gérardmer (Vosges): Some areas are dog-friendly, and the trails around the lake make for refreshing strolls.
The banks of the Lot and Dordogne rivers offer bathing opportunities and peaceful walks in magnificent rural landscapes.

Rural and unusual destinations

Lubéron: This Provencal region is home to many dog-friendly gites and rentals, with lavender fields and small villages for quiet walks.
Alpes de Haute-Provence: Many farm inns welcome dogs, and you can explore hilltop villages and wild landscapes together.
The châteaux of the Loire Valley: Some châteaux, such as Cheverny and Chambord, allow dogs in their parks (on a leash). You can discover our heritage with them!

Camping holidays

The campsites in the Landes are often dog-friendly and offer easy access to beaches and pine forests.
Campsites in the Périgord: With green spaces and numerous footpaths for walks, many campsites offer dog-friendly services.
Ardèche campsite: Close to rivers for swimming, with easy-access hiking trails for all levels.

The example of dog-friendly Cottage Parks campsites

Cottage Parks campsites are generally dog-friendly, under certain conditions:

La Clape Village in Agde accepts one dog per furnished accommodation, with no limit for pitches (tents, caravans, motor homes).
Adoggy bar with water is available, as are dog showers and waste bags.
Dogs must be kept on a leash, but certain breeds are prohibited (categories 1 and 2).
Nearby sites such as Parc Lano allow dogs to swim.
The campsite also offers dog-friendly activities such as cani-paddle and bike rides with a dog trailer.

Camping La Tamarissière also imposes rules on the breed and number of dogs per pitch. Dog showers and waste disposal areas are also available. Its pine forest and beach make it a real paradise for pooches!

? As a dog-friendly family group, Cottage Parks :

give your pooch a present on arrival;
offers roadbooks on a digital welcome booklet, specially designed to take your companion on a nature getaway;
special off-season doggie promotions (in 2024, 3 euros instead of 6 euros per night).

? Please note

For the well-being of all holidaymakers, the Cottage Parks rules require compliance with a few simple rules:

up-to-date health record and vaccinations,
Dogs must be kept on a leash on the campsite premises,
compulsory droppings collection.

Family vacations also mean vacations with your dog. And that’s what Cottage Parks is all about!

What if I can’t take my dog with me?

If you can’t go on vacation with your dog because your destination doesn’t allow it or because your dog can’t stand the commute, there are several solutions to ensure his well-being while you’re away:

1. Entrust your dog to a relative

Family or friends: If someone close to you is available and knows your dog well, this is a reassuring option. Your dog will stay on familiar ground with someone you trust.

2. Hire a dog-sitter

Dog-sitting at home: A pet-sitter can come to your home to take care of your dog, maintaining its usual environment.

Dog-sitting: Some pet-sitters welcome pets into their homes, offering personalized attention in a family setting.

3. Boarding kennels for dogs

Boarding kennels are specialized establishments where your dog will be cared for by professionals. Make sure you choose a boarding kennel with a good rating, and visit it in advance to check the conditions.

4. Custody exchange service between private individuals

Online platforms allow you to find other dog owners willing to look after your pet in exchange for similar services.

This can be an economical and user-friendly option.

5. Regular visits from a neighbor or friend

If you’re away for a short time, a neighbor or friend can drop by regularly to feed, walk and play with your dog.

By choosing the right solution, your dog is in safe hands and you can go on vacation with peace of mind.

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Going on vacation with your dog : dog-friendly tips and tricks