Whether you want to immerse yourself in breathtaking nature, charming cities, or along picturesque coastlines, here are some tips for an unforgettable vacation with your furry companion in Germany.
1. Choosing the Destination & Accommodation
Before planning your trip, you should choose a suitable destination. Germany has many dog-friendly cities, coastal regions, national parks, and hiking trails. Once the destination is chosen, look for dog-friendly accommodations. Many hotels, vacation homes, and campgrounds in Germany welcome dogs. Make sure the accommodation is well-suited for your dog and has ample space and walking areas. I personally have had very good experiences with Best Western Hotels in terms of dog-friendliness. You can find a list of all dog-friendly Best Western Hotels here. hier.
All these hotels offer the following services during your stay:
- Dog exercise area within a 5-minute walk from the hotel (park, green space, dog off-leash area)
- Welcome treats
- Dog food bowl in the room
- Loaner first-aid kit specifically for dogs
- Loaner cuddle blanket at the reception
Here are some recommendations for you and your four-legged companion:
Best Western Premier Parkhotel Kronsberg in Hannover
Cost per day (per room): €15.00 (maximum 2 dogs per room)
Dog-friendly services: Food bowl, treats on the day of arrival, poop bags, cozy fleece blanket, walking routes, emergency first-aid box available upon request at the reception (bandages, aluminum spray for wound care, carrot soup, Frubiase Calcium for emergency treatment of allergic shock from insect stings)
The hotel is not without reason at the top of the list for me in terms of vacation with dog. In addition to all these services, you will find a great overview of dog walking routes in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, as well as some other exciting tips!
Best Western Plus Hotel Erb in München/Parsdorf
Cost per night (per dog): €10.00
Dog-friendly services: Information on walking routes, information about nearby veterinarians, dog poop bags at the reception
Best Western Plus Kurhotel Obermaintherme in Bad Staffelstein
Cost per night (per dog): €10.00
Dog-friendly services: Walking route description by Terrier “Lukas” from his last visit, 2 dog poop bags per room, “Do Not Disturb!” signs – as I am alone in the room
Best Western Hotel Trier City in Trier
Per stay: €20.00
Dog-friendly services: Complimentary doggy bags
Best Western Macrander Hotel Dresden in Dresden
Per night: €12.50
Dog-friendly services: “Dog-In Station” at the reception (food & water)
Best Western Hotel Peine-Salzgitter in Peine
Per night: €5.00
Dog-friendly services: Dog towels for drying off, dog poop bags available, dog mat for the floor and plastic and metal food bowls
Hotel Hofgut Sternen im Schwarzwald
Per night: €10.00
Dog-friendly services: Dog poop bags available, food bowl with dry food and water in the hotel’s entrance area
Best Western Hotel Ambassador in Kassel
Per night: €8.00
Dog-friendly services: Dog bistro in the hotel’s reception area, dog welcome letter including bags for picking up waste
Best Western Hotel Am Straßberger Tor in Plauen
Per night: €8.00
Dog-friendly services: Welcome letter, cozy basket, dog room
Best Western Plus iO Hotel in Eschborn (Frankfurt)
Per night: €10.00
Dog-friendly services: Addresses (veterinarian, groomer, physiotherapist, swimming, dog playground), storage for brought food, towels upon request, dog food available upon request
Best Western Premier Parkhotel Bad Mergentheim in Bad Mergentheim
Per night: €10.00
Dog-friendly services: Dog wash station, dog poop bags, dog toys such as frisbee or ball
Best Western Premier Alsterkrug Hotel in Hamburg
Per night: €15.00
Dog-friendly services: Dog etiquette with suggested walking routes, “Do Not Disturb” dog sign
Best Western Hotel Kantstrasse Berlin in Berlin
Per night: €17.85
Best Western Aparthotel Birnbachhöhe in Bad Birnbach
Per night: €7.00
Dog-friendly services: Dog refueling station with water and dog food opposite the reception, welcome note for the dog with important information, welcome gift for the dog
Best Western Hotel Helmstedt am Lappwald in Helmstedt
Per night: €20.00
Dog-friendly services: Dogs are allowed in our restaurant as well.
Best Western Plus Parkhotel Velbert in Velbert
Per night: €10.00
Dog-friendly services: Complimentary food bowl with a placemat and dog snacks, welcome letter for pet owners with information, information about emergency veterinary services and veterinarians nearby
And many more! Feel free to browse a bit, and you’ll surely find the perfect hotel in the perfect location for both two and four-legged guests!
Once the destination is sorted out, you can move on to trip preparation.
2. Preparation – the Key to a Successful Vacation with Your Dog
Before departure, ensure that your dog is healthy and fit for travel. It may be a good idea to visit the veterinarian before your trip to make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date and to check if your dog is microchipped and has an identification tag. Don’t forget to pack a travel kit for your dog containing medications, bandages, and basic grooming products.
3. Safe travels
Safety is paramount during the journey. Use a secure transport container or a dog harness with a seatbelt to restrain your dog while driving. Also, ensure that your dog is comfortable, well-ventilated, and make regular stops for your dog to move around and take care of business.
4. Activities with your dog
There are plenty of activities and excursions you can enjoy with your dog. Take pleasure in shared hikes in nature, explore dog-friendly cities, and visit parks and lakes where your dog can frolic. Don’t forget the leash, water, and dog poop bags!
5. Traveling with a dog in Germany – My Personal Conclusion
Traveling with a dog in Germany can be an unforgettable experience for both you and your furry companion. With proper planning, dog-friendly accommodations, and respect for local regulations, you can ensure that your vacation goes smoothly and you bring back wonderful memories. So, what are you waiting for?
