The Kempinski Guide to Travelling with Pets

There’s no doubt that any pet owner’s least favourite part of their holiday is saying goodbye to their animals at home. It can be heart-wrenching to have to leave behind our beloved companions – even just for a weekend. That’s why I rarely do it – instead,  my Manchester Terrier Arty travels almost everywhere with me, from the mountains and dynamic cities of Germany to the beaches of southern Spain. 

FLYING WITH DOGS: THE RULES 

While travelling with dogs is getting easier on the ground, flying with our pets remains a relatively complicated and rules-ridden endeavour. Not only does each airline set their own rules, but so does your country of departure and your destination, making the experience a slightly daunting affair. For example, while in the US flying with dogs in the cabin is accepted on many major airlines such as Southwest, Delta and American Airlines, in the UK, the government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has forbidden any animal aside from an assistance dog (excluding emotional support animals) from flying into or out of the country within the cabin. Instead, if flying to or from the UK, they must be checked into the hold as cargo, which can be a stressful and traumatic experience for many dogs. 

Flying with dogs in Europe is a little easier. Many destinations on the continent allow dogs to be flown in and out of their international airports, such as in Lisbon and Paris, but it’s usually down to the individual airlines to set the rules. Generally, dogs below 8kg (17lbs) can fly inside the cabin, including on airlines such as Vueling which even has an inflight menu for dogs, as long as they’re kept inside a carrier and stored under the seat in front of you. No dog other than an assistance dog is allowed to fly outside of a carrier in the cabin. 

Ready to fly? Browse all Kempinski destinations in Europe here. 

WHICH AIRLINES ALLOW YOU TO FLY WITH PETS?

Below is a list of popular airlines and their basic rules for flying with pets within their regions; note that some of these may allow cross-continent travel with pets also, but specific country rules may apply. Always check with the airline and your destination before you travel. Click the links for further details. 

Popular European airlines 

—   KLM
—   AirFrance
—   Vueling
—   Lufthansa 
—   TAP Air Portugal 

Popular North American airlines 

—    American Airlines 
—    Delta 
—    Air Canada 
—    JetBlue 
—    Southwest 

Popular Asia and Middle East-based airlines 

—    Asiana Airlines 
—    Qatar Airways 

For a far more luxurious experience with almost no restrictions on your pets inside the cabin of the plane, BarkAir and K9 Jets are small-jet, private charter airlines offering flights within North America and across the Atlantic into the UK and Europe. 

TAKING DOGS ON OTHER MODES OF TRANSPORT

Ferries are often a brilliant way to travel with dogs, especially as many dog-friendly ferry providers offer on-board kennels, dog-friendly cabins or pet lounges, like P&O or Stenaline in Europe. If you’re crossing between the UK and Europe, though, the easiest way is often on the LeShuttle car train: you board in your own car, keeping your dog with you for the less-than-40-minute crossing.

Travelling with dogs on public transport can often offer a richer experience than travelling alone – they’re a great conversation starter, after all. But it’s not without its stresses – especially if you’ve got a larger animal that takes up a little more space. For a smoother journey, bring along a settle mat so your dog has a safe place to lie down that’s clear for all to see, and consider bringing a puzzle toy or long-lasting chew to occupy them on longer journeys.

When it comes to the rules around dogs on public transport, this very much varies from country to country, and sometimes even from town to town. It’s always best to check with the local transport providers, but generally in most places dogs are allowed on trains at the very least, with some destinations also allowing travel on buses. You may be required to muzzle your dog in some countries, so prepare to train your dog to wear one if need be. 

VACCINES AND PAPERWORK: WHAT YOUR DOG MAY NEED 

Vaccinations required for animals vary from country to country, and in some places your dog may need to be quarantined on arrival if crossing a border. While each country has its own rules, the most common vaccinations required are rabies, plus the regular boosters your pet has for things like distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus and leptospira. 

In most countries, dogs will need proof of their relevant and required vaccinations before entering, but other documentation may be needed. The UK has the Animal Health Certificate scheme, while the EU has a pet passport scheme. In the USA, dogs entering the States by plane will need an air waybill or bill of lading from the airline, as well as evidence of their relevant vaccinations.

ARE DOGS ALLOWED IN HOTELS?

Although most hotels do welcome dogs, legislation varies from country to country. As with any special requests you might have for your accommodation, it always pays to ask in advance: checking their pet policy online or calling the reception desk will mean you can know exactly what to expect before you arrive – and the hotel can prepare to welcome your beloved pet.

Which Kempinski hotels welcome dogs? 

Some say that a pet makes a house a home, and the same can be said for many Kempinski properties, some of which have their own pets welcoming guests daily. Here are just a few pet-friendly Kempinski highlights. 

Kempinski Hotel Bahía, Marbella Estepona

—   Home to Paco and Lolita, resident parrots who can sometimes be heard mimicking the bell boys’ telephone in an attempt to play a practical joke.
—   Beds and bowls are provided to give your dogs a taste of the finer things in life. 

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

—   There’s a pair of friendly resident pooches belonging to the hotel’s managing director. 
—   Dine with your dog by your side in two-Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, for a real treat.

Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz

—   Pets are spoiled with homemade pet-friendly snacks and meals. 
—   Sweet dreams come as standard, with custom sleeping mats and food bowls. 

Kempinski Palace Engelberg, Titlis Swiss Alps

—   Look out for Mojito the cat preening herself in her own mini palace a the foot of the staircase.
—   Let the hotel team guide you on the best nearby walking routes. 

Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden, 

—   Dog walkers are available should you need a few dog-less hours to yourself. 
—   Chefs can make up an entire pet-friendly à la carte menu.

WHAT TO PACK WHEN TRAVELLING WITH DOGS 

Dogs don’t pack light. Along with their lead, collar, harness and bed or blanket, you’ll need to bring a few other bits of essential kit. A longline is often the most useful: this can be used for giving your dog a little extra freedom when on busy beaches or walking in areas where dogs aren’t allowed off-leash. A settle mat for public transport or to use in restaurants while you’re dining is also a great investment, as well as long-lasting chews to keep them entertained while you enjoy a glass of something special. 

STAYING SAFE WHILE TRAVELLING WITH DOGS

Culture shock – we’ve all experienced it somewhere in the world. But what about dogs? Do our pets experience culture shock, too? It’s unlikely they do in the same way, but when we travel with our pets it’s highly likely they’ll experience entirely new environments, animals and climates. That means we may need to think about keeping them safe while travelling. Bring a cooling mat and shade parasol for those hot, sticky beach days, and perhaps consider having a special tag engraved for your dog with the contact details of your hotel so if they get lost, they can be returned to your accommodation. 

The best way to keep them safe in new places is by keeping them on a short lead so they can’t accidentally tumble down a steep cliff on the coastline, dive into a toxic plant or encounter poisonous creatures such as snakes, or even the processionary pine caterpillar that’s prevalent across much of Europe. 

CAN I TRAVEL WITH OTHER ANIMALS? 

While thousands of people choose to travel with their pets, some of us may wish to take our feline friends away, or even our budgies or parrots. Travel with cats is certainly more common, and most airlines accept cats under their pet travel policies, but birds and other animals such as snakes, lizards or fish often come under different rules. It’s essential to check with the travel operator and accommodation providers before you book. 

Wherever you decide to take your pet, what matters is making memories together and strengthening your bond. Go forth and adventure, paws and all – you’ll never regret it. 

If you enjoyed this, why not read Tim Johnson’s pick of cultural destinations that could be perfect for exploring with four-legged friends?