Relaxing with your dog: where to go and what to pay attention to?

Dog beaches by the sea, city gyms, holiday homes with dog parks: animal friendliness is very important in many German resorts – there are only a few rules that to be followed.

Even a dog needs a holiday: he jumps in the forest and across the meadows, splashes in the lake, chases the ball on the beach! Dogs are welcome everywhere in German resorts – for example on the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Many of the Frisian islands have their own beaches suitable for four-legged friends, usually away from the busy bathing areas.

The coast, the low mountains and the Wadden Sea

Otterndorf: A mud guide and his dog in the mud
© GNTB (Jens Wegener)

There are more than 15 dog beaches on Sylt alone, and many islands and seaside resorts have established outdoor areas and playgrounds for dogs. And many restaurants have a bowl of water and dog biscuits available for their four-legged guests. Only a leash requirement is mandatory in many areas, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea. You can take your dog on a guided mud tour.

There is more freedom outside of the high travel season, when the dogs are allowed to roam the beaches which are otherwise difficult to do: then the sand flies under their bridges and the shell each is very interesting. Not so pleasant are the low mountain areas and the Alps, where dogs and their owners can take long walks.

City tour with your four-legged friend

City shops St. Paul
©Adobe Stock (Westend61)

A city trip, for example to Berlin, which is considered to be very dog-friendly, is also uncomplicated: many parks have special areas for dogs, four-legged friends can go on boats of travel and “man’s best friend” travels freely on the subway. he buys a day ticket in. Dogs are also allowed around Hamburg’s many parks – if you want to meet other dog owners, the best place to go is to go for a walk along the banks of the Elbe.

You can find dog-friendly accommodation in all German resorts: Many hotels allow dogs in the room – sometimes for a small extra fee – and they are often tolerated in restaurants as long as they know to behave. Or would you prefer the privacy of a holiday apartment or holiday home? Many have their own gardens with pets.

Practical tips: Microchip, vaccination and dog tag

To make sure that the trip to the resort is not difficult, there are several procedures that must be taken into account: The four-legged friend must have a microchip, he needs a rabies vaccination (at least days 21 before arrival) and a valid EU vaccination card – this is especially required when entering the country by controlled flight. A few species that are considered dangerous are not allowed to be imported.

If you’re traveling with Deutsche Bahn, your dog needs its own ticket – these are available at half price. As long as it stays in the dog carrier, it is considered hand luggage and travels free. Large dogs must be muzzled and on a leash. Have you thought of everything? Now the holidays can begin!