Traveling with Dogs: From Snowy Trails to Sandy Beaches

There’s something magical about traveling with a dog. The suitcase is barely zipped, and those watchful eyes already know: adventure is coming. I often joke that packing for Hana is almost the same as packing for my teenager—just swap the headphones for squeaky toys and the snacks for chew sticks.

But here’s the truth: traveling with dogs does take a little extra preparation. Not complicated—just thoughtful. And trust me, the tail wags at the end of the day are worth every added step.

📑 Paperwork Matters

Before we even think about the packing list, there’s one thing I always double-check: paperwork. For international trips, I pack Hana’s vaccination booklet and her passport right next to my own. It’s especially important to check that the rabies vaccination is still valid—trust me, you don’t want to be turned back at the border because of an expired date. A foreign vet will also feel much more confident if they can see her medical history in black and white.

And one non-negotiable: the microchip. It’s required for travel, and it’s your dog’s ultimate ID.

❄️ When Snow Meets Paws

Take winter trips, for example. Maybe you’re wandering the streets of Kitzbühel or snowshoeing through alpine trails. Even the fluffiest coat doesn’t make a dog immune to cold. Snow clumps between paw pads, ice burns after too much walking, and that dramatic shiver? It’s real. A warm blanket in the car, maybe even dog booties if your pup will tolerate them, can make all the difference.

☀️ Summer Heat and Paw Patrol

Fast-forward to summer. A coastal holiday, maybe with a spontaneous detour up to a glacier—why not? The trick here isn’t the gear but the timing. Walks in the midday sun are a no-go. Before stepping out, I always do the “hand test” on the asphalt. If I can’t hold my palm down for a few seconds, Hana’s paws definitely can’t handle it. Burnt paw pads are no joke. And while humans sweat, dogs cool down differently—through panting and tiny sweat glands in their feet—so shade and fresh water are non-negotiable.

💊 The Health Corner

If your dog takes medication, never forget it. And because dogs have a talent for eating things they shouldn’t (hello, mystery snacks found in parks), I always pack a small emergency kit: tummy medicine, bandages, and the vet’s number saved on my phone.

Also worth packing: tick prevention (a collar or drops), especially if you’re hiking in the woods or heading to warmer coastal areas.

🧠 Know Your Dog

Every dog reacts differently to travel. Some are born explorers, others get anxious when the environment shifts. It’s up to us to notice the signs—panting, flattening themselves against the floor, ears pinned back, or a tail tucked too tightly between their legs. These little signals tell us when something’s off.

That’s when I step in, offering comfort, a break, or simply a quiet space until Hana feels safe again. Sometimes it’s as simple as a gentle stroke when we’re in a noisy place—she knows that touch means “you’re safe, I’m here.” Recognizing and responding to these cues is just as important as packing food or water.

🎒 Gear & Safety

On the practical side, I like to pack more than just the basics. A spare leash and collar always come with us—you never know when one might snap or get lost. For hiking-heavy trips, I rely on a waist-belt running harness. It frees up my hands for trekking poles while keeping Hana safely attached. We went with the Musher brand; it ticked all the boxes for both function and style.

For extra peace of mind, I clip a Tractive GPS onto her collar or harness. It’s not just about knowing where she is—it’s also part of a bigger community. The app is used in many countries, and owners often share warnings about discarded food or even deceased animals spotted in certain areas.

And don’t forget the muzzle. In some countries and on public transport it’s mandatory, even if your dog is the friendliest fluffball. It’s better to have one in your bag than to be stopped at the entrance of a train or ferry.

👉 To make packing easier, you can also download my Dog Travel Essentials Checklist — print it, tick items off, and you’re good to go! Download the checklist here:

dog-travel-essentials-checklist.pdf

Download PDF • 689KB

🏠 Why Kennel Training Helps

From the time she was a puppy, Hana got used to resting in a kennel during the day when we weren’t at home. It’s never more than six hours, and at night she has free range—sometimes she even curls up in her kennel by choice, because she knows it’s her space where no one disturbs her. This habit has turned into a blessing when we travel. Whether in a hotel or apartment, leaving her in a kennel means peace of mind for everyone: the host knows their furniture is safe, and we know Hana feels secure in her familiar little den.

🚗 Road, Rail, or Air?

No matter how we travel—by car, train, or plane—safety comes first. A secure crate or a special seat belt harness isn’t just for peace of mind; it’s for survival. The ASPCA also recommends keeping pets inside the vehicle (never in the back of an open truck) and never leaving them alone in a parked car, not even for “just five minutes.” Temperatures inside can soar dangerously fast.

And here’s my favorite trick: bring something familiar. A blanket that smells like home or that squeaky toy with only one ear left. Dogs get comfort from these little reminders, and they make new places feel less strange.

🐾 The Takeaway

Traveling with dogs is like traveling with kids: sometimes messy, occasionally unpredictable, but full of joy. With the right prep—from paperwork to paw checks—you don’t just get through the trip, you create memories together. And isn’t that the whole point?

👉 Don’t forget: grab your Dog Travel Essentials Checklist before you go!