Taking your dog on vacation sounds simple. Bring a bed, bring food, bring a leash, and off you go. However, a relaxing vacation with your dog doesn't start at the campsite, in the vacation home, or at the beach.
That already starts the moment your dog gets into the car.
For many dogs, a long car ride is quite intense. They feel every turn, hear unfamiliar sounds, smell all sorts of things, and often have to sit still for longer than they're used to. Some dogs become restless, others start panting, drooling, or becoming nauseous. And that's not even considering warm rest stops, busy parking lots, or a dog that doesn't have a designated spot in the car.
Good preparation really makes a difference. Not just for your dog, but for you too. Because a dog that travels calmly and comfortably ensures a much more relaxed start to your vacation.
In short: Are you taking your dog on holiday by car? If so, check the pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination in good time. Also, check the rules for your destination and any transit countries. Gradually prepare your dog for longer car journeys, plan for plenty of breaks, never leave your dog alone in the car, and give him a designated, safe spot inside the front seat, backseat or in the trunk.
Which DogSeat is right for your vacation?
Not every dog travels the same way. One dog likes to sit close by in the front seat, while another dog finds more peace in the back seat or in the trunk.
Do you already know where your dog usually travels? Then you can go directly to the right collection.
For larger dogs or when you want to keep the rear seat free for passengers or extra luggage, for example in combination with a roof box.
Are you taking your dog abroad? Then, well in advance of your departure, check the rules that apply to your destination and any countries you will be traveling through.
For travel within the European Union, your dog will typically need at least:
✓ A European pet passport
A chip
✓ A valid rabies vaccination
Chip Registration
Pay special attention to the rabies vaccination. A first vaccination is not immediately valid, so don't wait until just before departure.
Some countries have additional requirements. These include deworming treatments, health certificates, or rules for certain dog breeds. Are you going on vacation outside the EU? Then it becomes even more important to carefully check what is needed in advance, including for the return trip to Europe.
Practical tip:
Take a photo of the pet passport, vaccination record, and microchip number. Save it on your phone. Not as a replacement for the original, but as a handy backup on the go.
Don't forget anything on vacation? From documents and vaccinations to breaks, the heat, the beach, and travel essentials. With the DogSeat vacation checklist, you can take your time checking everything off before you leave.
Also check the traffic rules for dogs in the car
Not only do entry requirements differ by country, but the rules for transporting your dog in the car can also be different from what you're used to. In several European countries, your dog must be safely secured, for example with Luna Cruise, Rover Breeze or Harvey Lounge. In countries such as Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, stricter attention is paid to this. Even in countries where there is no specific crate law, your dog must not hinder the driver or obstruct their view.
In the Netherlands and Belgium, the rules are less specific, but that doesn't mean transporting a loose pet is wise. A dog moving freely around the car can distract you and get injured itself in a sudden braking situation. Therefore, always check the current traffic regulations of your destination before departure and the countries you drive through. The ANWB and the LICG provide practical information per country for traveling safely with your dog.
“Dogs allowed” sounds good, but it doesn't tell the whole story. A place can be officially dog-friendly, while in practice it's not very pleasant for your dog at all.
Therefore, check in advance:
✓ Can your dog go in the room, cottage, or on the campsite?
Are there extra charges for dogs?
Can your dog be left alone in the accommodation?
Are there any hiking trails nearby?
Are there leash rules on the premises?
Is there sufficient shade or cooling during hot weather?
Are there stairs, slippery floors, or other practical obstacles?
Especially if your dog is sensitive to heat, crowds, or new environments, you'd rather know this in advance than upon arrival.
For you, the car is primarily convenient. For your dog, it's a small, moving space full of stimuli.
He feels turns, brakes, and vibrations. He hears traffic, voices, and unknown sounds. And he doesn't always understand why he suddenly has to lie still for a long time.
Therefore, don't start on the day of departure. Let your dog get used to his permanent spot in the car beforehand. Start with short trips, reward calm behavior, and gradually increase the duration. This way, the car becomes more predictable and less exciting.
Watch for signals along the way such as:
✓ Panting
Drool
✓ Trembling
Chirping
✓ Restless arising and turning
✓ Swallow often
✓ Bracken
✓ Refusing to get in
These can be signs of stress, car sickness, or discomfort. Your dog can't explain it, but their behavior often says enough.
Do you recognize this behavior in your dog?
Then a fixed, comfortable spot in the car can make a big difference. Your dog will have more stability and you'll drive with more peace of mind.
Use this list as a basis.
✓ European Pet Passport
✓ Proof of rabies vaccination
✓ Health declaration if required
✓ Chip number and registration information
✓ Copy of important documents on your phone
Drinking water
✓ Drinking bowl
✓ Food on the go
✓ Belt and extra belt
✓ Poop bags
✓ Towel
✓ A favorite blanket or toy
✓ Medication as needed
✓ First-aid kit for dogs
✓ Pen Mark Remover
✓ My own food
✓ Food and water trough
✓ Sleeping place or blanket
✓ Brush or grooming products
Collar with contact information
✓ Photo of your dog for emergencies
✓ Fixed travel destination
✓ Protection against dirt and hair
✓ Comfortable support
✓ Extra towel for rain, the beach, or mud
✓ Of course, a DogSeat, such as Luna Cruise, Royal Deluxe or Bella Adventure.
Do you want to check this off without forgetting anything?
Download the complete vacation checklist for your dog. It’s handy for documents, car rides, breaks, hot weather, the beach, and things to bring along.
Many people prepare well for the destination, but forget the journey itself.
The hotel is booked. The campsite has been chosen. The beach has been checked. The documents are ready. But your dog still has to sit in the car for hours.
That's often where most of the unrest arises.
Therefore, ask yourself before departure:
Does my dog have a designated spot in the car?
Can he lie down comfortably?
Is he safe enough when braking or cornering?
Can he relax enough during the trip?
Have I scheduled enough breaks?
Have I taken heat into account?
Do I know which rules apply at my destination?
If you don't have clear answers to these questions, you're not ready to leave yet.
Make the journey as well-prepared as the vacation itself Choose a fixed, comfortable spot for your dog before you leave. This way, the vacation starts in the car.
This guide is based on current information from official bodies such as the NVWA, LICG and Animal protection. Always re-check the rules for your destination, any transit countries, and your specific situation before departure.
