Heading off on a multi-day European walking holiday with a canine partner can be incredible. A morale boost when you need it most, dogs have a way about them to pick us up from our lows and help us march on.
Pets can get in the way of us going on well-needed breaks, and so bringing them along is perhaps the best way around the issue. Of course, sitting in a resort or beach all day isn’t ideal for them, but going for walks is where humans and dogs truly overlap in their interests!
Pre-trip essentials for your canine companion
Being successful in your European canine travel hangs on some pretty important adherence to regulations. An EU Pet Passport, or an Animal Health Certificate for entries from Great Britain, is needed, requiring an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip and a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days prior to travel.
Entry into Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, Finland or Norway actually requires specific tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 24-120 hours before arrival too.
Beyond legalities of course is a simple, honest assessment of your dog’s physical stamina. Just because it’s a dog, it doesn’t mean they’re always naturally fit. Instead, you should go for some longer days out and see if the dog can cope and recover the next day just fine. It’s also worth taking into account their nerves to unfamiliar stimuli, as they’ll be in a very different environment.
Getting the most out of the experience
Choosing a long-distance path involves a few more considerations than just going with what’s most scenic. You’re going to need consistent access to water, adequate shade (e.g. forests are better than beaches in this regard), and a manageable number of livestock encounters.
The primary challenge often lies in securing genuinely dog-welcoming overnight stops, rather than establishments that merely tolerate pets. This is where services, like with booking company Santiago Ways, can help organize accommodation for you to give you less to worry about.
Generally, though, Camino de Santiago routes have plenty of towns and amenities along the way, along with plenty of accommodation options. Just make sure the dog responds to recall perfectly, because you may come across nesting birds or wild game.
Keeping your dog safe
Beyond standard leads and collars, it’s worth bringing some extra stuff to protect your canine from multi-day trekking which can take its toll. Paw protection in the form of balms or even boots can be worth considering, along with a canine first aid kit (including tick removal tools). But most important of all is to really keep an eye out for subtle indicators that they’re withdrawn or overexerted.
The reward of a well-planned canine trek
Going for a walking holiday can be made both easier and harder with a dog. There can be obstacles in the way of accommodation and restaurants, but on your own low days, they can give you a well-needed morale boost to keep going. In the end, it’s not just a logistical solution to the problem of who will look after the dog when you’re on vacation, but a profound bonding experience to see the world together.
0 Comments