One of the biggest concerns when buying a Dog is what to do with it when we want to go on a trip. There are several options that can be considered, such as leaving it with a friend or relative, in a kennel or hiring someone to care for it.

However, many people find it difficult to part with their furry friend for several days, so they ask themselves the big question: Where to go on vacation with a dog?

In this article, we will talk about what you need to know before traveling with your pet, as there are some legal aspects that must be taken into account.

In addition, we will mention some ideal places to disconnect from the day with your dog or dogs.

Where to go on vacation with your dog? – Aspects to consider

Currently, in Spain, dog owners have to follow rules to keep their pets. These include vaccinations, microchips and registration at town halls.

If we have all these in order, we can easily travel across the country with our trusty friend.

However, if we want to leave Spain, we must inform ourselves in advance about the existing laws in the country of destination.

To begin with, the health record must be up to date and stamped by a veterinarian. The mandatory vaccinations in Spain are as follows: polyvalent and rabies.

The latter depends on the community you live in, but others may be required to enter or travel outside of our country.

If we don’t have up-to-date vaccinations, we put our pets, other animals, ourselves, and our friends and neighbors at unnecessary risk. Also, you can’t be fined €300.

As for the microchip, it is a very small chip that is inserted subcutaneously in the dog’s neck. This process is painful for the animal and does not cause rejection by the body.

Each microchip has a number that appears in the animal’s health record and is registered in a database with the owner’s name, address and contact information. This is very useful if one day we lose or our pets run away.

Where to go on vacation with your dog?-International travel

In order to legally leave our country of residence and travel through the European Union with our dog, we must first apply for a pet passport.

This document contains a code that contains owner data and all information related to your pet such as breed, sex, health status, vaccinations and treatments.

Additionally, since October 1, 2004, it is mandatory to request a certificate of good health a few days before travel All of these can be obtained by our veterinarian.

However, if our intention is to travel to a place outside the European Union for a holiday with a dog, we must contact the consulate of the country we wish to visit, as it depends on the place, the rules vary.

We need to do all this in advance since some countries require certain vaccinations, quarantine and even blood tests six months before traveling.

Some examples of destinations that require months in advance are Japan, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Malta.

Where to go on vacation with your dog? – Communication media

Like humans, dogs can go on any mode of transportation as long as certain requirements are met and the company accepts the pet.

Before going on any trip, it is recommended to take a long walk with the dog so that it goes more calmly. They should not be fed before we put them in the car, as they may become dizzy and vomit.

If we know that our pet is suffering from dizziness while traveling, we should go to the vet in advance for advice.

Next, we’ll talk about different types of transportation and how to prepare your furry friend for a dog vacation.

Car
Taking a car trip with our pet can be the most economical and comfortable way for both of us.

Nevertheless, we must make sure that we comply with the regulations of the DGT and that our dog can go as comfortably as possible, especially if it is a long trip.

The most important thing is animal safety. It must be well secured and the driver must not be able to access it to avoid confusion at the wheel.

Otherwise, apart from being able to cause accidents, we can get high fines. There are several possibilities to secure our dog in the car:

Use Seat Belt: Pets are kept by a seat belt or Isofix device. We must always consider the length of the seat belt so that the dog cannot reach us while driving but at the same time has enough freedom to move a little.
Partition Grid: This is a grid that separates the trunk from the rear seats. This way, our dog can comfortably go behind without being disturbed. This option is recommended for larger animals.
Carrier: If it is placed in the trunk, it should go as close as possible to the seatback. Should be transversal in position.

For smaller carriers, it’s best to put the floor behind the front seats. Putting a seat belt on the seat is not effective at all, as tests have shown that the box breaks with impact go and the pet is dumped.

Recommendation for transporting several dogs.

Avion
We can also see places to go on vacation with dogs by plane. However, each airline has its own rules, so it is recommended to contact them beforehand to inform us.

Some allow small animals weighing less than eight kilograms to travel in the cabin, while others only allow pets to be carried in the hold of the aircraft.

The only exception they usually make is guide dogs, but in some cases they set conditions.

Also, it’s convenient to find out the additional fees for traveling with pets. Another important piece of information that we must consult is the maximum size of the carrier for the cabin and for the hold.

Usually, boarding an animal takes a long time since you have to fill out forms, so we must arrive at the airport in advance.

Once we board the plane, it’s worth asking to make sure our dog is on board and well-secured, if it’s in the hold.

In order not to cause more suffering to the animal, we should get used to the carrier. One trick to benefit her well-being is to keep an unwashed garment with her, so she can recognize familiar smells while traveling.

When leaving it to be sent to the warehouse, it is recommended to remain calm and not set a farewell scene, so that our dog leaves more calmly.

After landing, we must provide water for the animal and walk it to relax.
Train: Trains are another mode of transportation that pets take today. It’s even more: guide dogs can travel for free on all trains in Spain. For others, there are some differences depending on the route.

RENFE commuter regulations establish that small pets can travel for free as long as other clients do not oppose this.

In addition, they must go on a carrier or a groove and face. If they cause any damage, the owner has to take responsibility.

For medium-distance and Avant trains, the same conditions apply for commuter trains However, in this case, they must pay 25% of the ticket corresponding to the normal rate, but without seat reservation.

In case of saturation, the company may not accept pets. Additionally, only animals weighing no more than ten kilograms can travel and only one per person.

Our dog must be carried inside a cage with maximum dimensions of 60x35x35 cm. This carrier must include a device that allows the containment and removal of the waste.

For AVE and long-distance trains, the same rule applies for medium-distance trains In addition, in this case, they ask for documentation and that the animal is in sufficient sanitary-sanitary condition.

However, it never hurts to contact the train company in advance to confirm all its rules.

Bus
There are two bus companies that allow you to travel with pets. One of them is the “Avanza”, which allows pets as long as they are held in an approved carrier or in the trunk, on the other hand, guide dogs can travel inside the bus.

Another company is Alsa. They allow pets to travel in holds, baskets or suitable cages. They accept only one animal per service and weighing not more than ten kilos.

In addition, they can ask the dog to wear a muzzle. Regarding the price, the owner has to pay 50% of the ticket price as a supplement before starting the trip.

Boat
Another option for traveling with our dogs is by boat. However, each company has its own rules regarding pet fees and maintenance in this case.

For this reason, it is advisable to contact them in advance so that they can inform us well about your procedure.

Once our doubts are resolved, we can confirm that we are meeting all the requirements and boards with our pets. Here is a list of companies that accept pets:

Balleria
Trans Mediterranean
Navira Armas
Escobar
Grimaldi Lines

Where to go on vacation with your dog? – the beach

There are many places to go on holiday with dogs and enjoy sightseeing days with them. Still, we must take the rules into consideration and follow a civic duty protocol.

These include keeping the animal on a leash, not disturbing other people and picking up their feces.

In this section, we will talk about different places with a Beach where you can go on holiday with dogs in Spain.

Spanish coastal law does not clearly state that it is forbidden to take our dogs to the beach. Regulation of this standard falls on autonomous communities and some municipalities.

For this reason, in some areas, dogs are prohibited year-round or seasonally.

But they do allow us to take some of our furry friends ashore. Fines can reach 3.000 euros since it is advisable to inform yourself well about this matter.

Generally, beach entrances indicate with signs whether or not dogs are allowed. Below you will find a list of beaches where you can go on holiday with dogs throughout Spain:

Andalusian beaches
Playa de la Rana de Adra (Almeria): No restrictions, but it is not suitable for human bathing.
Playa del Castillo de Macenas in Mojácar (Almeria): We can only go during the low bathing season, from October 31 to March 31.
Camposotón Beach (Cádiz): It has an area set up for dogs.
Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz): Dogs are only allowed in the low bathing season. It is prohibited from June 1 to September 30.
Arroyo Totalan Beach (Malaga): No restrictions, but not suitable for human bathing.
Playa del Castillo de Sohel in Fuengirola (Malaga): it has an hourly area for dogs. PPPs cannot enter.
Piedra Paloma Beach in Casares (Málaga): no restrictions.
Canine beach in Torre del Mar (Málaga): This is an area with schedules for dogs, but the bathroom is not suitable for humans.
El Pinillo Beach in Marbella (Malaga): it has an area set up for dogs without restrictions. In addition, it has a snack bar.
Ventura del Mar Beach in Marbella (Málaga): it has an area set up for dogs.
Beaches in Asturias
El Cervigón or El Rinconín Beach (Gijón): No restrictions.
Plain de Bias or Sablon in Castrillon: No restrictions.
Cala Saliencia (Cudilero): No restrictions.
San Lorenzo Beach: Dogs are allowed only during the low bathing season from October 1 to April 30.
Beaches of the Balearic Islands

es Roquetes Beach (Ibiza): It has two sections that allow dogs.
Ses Figueretes Beach (Ibiza): It has an area set up for dogs.
Andraxte Cala Blanca (Mallorca): No restrictions.
Lenaire Beach in Port de Pollenca (Mallorca): it has an area set up for dogs.
Es Carnatge Beach (Mallorca): Restricted but not suitable for human bathing.
Punta Maroig in Palmanova (Mallorca): Hours are from 08:00 to 20:00.
Na Patana Beach (Mallorca): Leash mandatory both in and out of the water.
Cala des Gats in Costa de la Calma (Mallorca): Hours are from 08:00 AM to 20:00 PM.
Cala Binigaus (Menorca): In summer you can only go with your dog from 19:00 pm to 09:00 am.
Cala Fustum (Menorca): No restrictions but difficult access.
Cala Escorxada (Menorca): No restrictions but difficult access.
Cala Pudent (Menorca): without restrictions but with difficult access.
Beaches of the Canary Islands
Los Cuervitos Beach (Gran Canarias): No restrictions.
Bocabarranco (Gran Canarias): Free use, from 1 July to 30 September, excluding weekends and holidays from 13:00 to 17:00.
El Puertito (Tenerife): It has an area set up for dogs.
Playa El Socorro in Guimarães (Tenerife): No restrictions.
Callao Beach (Tenerife): No restrictions.
El Confital or Playa del Horno (Tenerife): It has an area set up for dogs.
Los Guires (La Palma): It has an area set up for dogs.
Las Coloradas (Lanzarote): It has restricted hours from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and from 19:00 pm to 21:00 pm.
Playa de la Guacimeta (Lanzarote): It has an area set up for dogs.
Beaches in Cantabria

La Riberuca Beach (Suans): No restrictions.
Playa de la Maza or de los Vagos (San Vicente de la Barquera): It has an area set up for dogs.
Muelle Oriñon Beach (Castro Urdiales): No restrictions.
Arcicero Beach (Castro Urdiales): No restrictions.
Cala Cargadero Mioño (Castro Urdiales): No restrictions, but difficult to access.
El Puntal Beach (Somo): It has an area set up for dogs.
Arenal del Jortin Beach (Bezanay Soto de la Marina): No restrictions.
Beaches in Catalonia
Levant Beach (Barcelona): It has an area set up for dogs.
Cala Vallcarca (Sitges): No restrictions.
Les Salines Beach (Cubelles): No restrictions.
Pineda de Mar: Dog-friendly area between Poblenou and La Riera beaches.
La Rubina (Castello D’Empúries): It has a section for dogs.
Els Griells Beach Canine Zone (l’Estartit): Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Rec del Molly Beach (Costa Brava): It has an area set up for dogs.
Playa de la Basa (Arena, Tarragona): dog-friendly area.
Bon Caponet Beach (L’Ametlla de Mar): without restrictions, but rocky. Dogs can hurt themselves on the pad.
Cala del Cementiri (L’Ametlla de Mar): No restrictions.
Rira d’Alforza Beach (Cambrils): It has an area set up for dogs.
Galician beach
Ares Canine Beach: Restricted area where dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Arenal Beach (a Proba do Caraminal): It has an area set up for dogs.
Pontevedra: O Espino and O Portino beaches (Council of O Grove).
Cunchiña Beach (Cangas): No restrictions and difficult access.

Valencia Beach
Playa del Xarco (Villajoyosa, Alicante): It has an area set up for dogs.
Punta del Rio Sec Beach (Campelo, Alicante): No restrictions.
Agua Amarga Beach (Alicante): Dog-friendly beach.
Caleta del Gossets (Santa Pola, Alicante): Only two dogs are allowed per person and training is prohibited.
Barranc D’Aigües Beach (El Campello, Alicante): No restrictions.
Escollera Norte Beach (Dénia, Alicante): It has an area set up for dogs.
Sea and mountain beaches (Altea, Alicante): no restrictions.
Cala de Aiguaoliva (Vinarós, Castellon): No restrictions.
Les Llanetes beach (Vinarós, Castellon): it has an area set up for dogs.
laya L’Estany (Punta Capicorb, Castellon): it has an area set up for dogs.
Belcare Beach (Moncofa, Castellon): It has an area set up for dogs.
Playa Cane on the beach of L’Ahuir in Gandia (Valencia): Dogs must always be on a leash.
Pinedo Beach (Valencia): It has an area set up for dogs.
Broskill Beach (Culera, Valencia): It has a section for dogs.
La Torreta Beach (Santa Elvira El Puig, Valencia): It has an area set up for dogs.
Beaches in Marcia
Playa de las Moreras (Mazarrón): No restrictions.
Playa del Gachero (Mazarón): No restrictions.
Kobaticus Beach (Mazaron): No restrictions.
Canada del Negro Beach (Aguilas, El Cocon): Spiked or spiked collars are not allowed.
La Calera Beach (Cartagena): Dog beach.
Beaches in the Basque Country
Unfortunately, there are no official beaches in the Basque Country where you can go on holiday with your dog.

However, some municipalities have amended some ordinances to at least allow us to walk with our pets.

Bizkaia
In Getxo, dogs are allowed to enter Las Arenas, Irega and Arigunaga beaches from 18:00 to 11:00 am, but they should not be used as recreation areas during the high summer season (May to September).
Throughout the year you can access the Puerto Viejo de Algorta landfill with dogs at the same time.
From June to September, walking with dogs is prohibited on all beaches named “Gorlies”.
Gipuzkoa
Accompanying domestic animals or releasing captive wild animals is prohibited on Dewa Beach. Exceptionally they allow entry of dogs between 1 October and 30 May.

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