Traveling with pets: complete guide summer 2025
Planning a holiday with your pet may seem complicated, but with the right preparation you can enjoy summer 2025 without giving anything up. Whether you have a dog, a cat, or a small pet, many airlines and accommodations are becoming increasingly pet-friendly. However, it is essential to know the rules, required documents, and best practices to ensure safety, comfort, and peace of mind throughout the journey.
Flying with pets: what to know before departure
Each airline has its own rules for transporting pets. In general, small dogs and cats (usually up to 8–10 kg including the carrier) can travel in the cabin, while larger ones must be checked in the hold in approved containers.
It is essential to:
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Book your pet’s spot in advance (limited availability)
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Check health requirements (vaccinations, microchip, EU pet passport)
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Use a carrier that meets the required dimensions
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Bring water, snacks, and useful accessories for the trip
Low-cost airlines have stricter rules. Ryanair, for example, does not allow pets in the cabin or in the hold, except for guide dogs. easyJet has a similar policy. In contrast, airlines like Volotea and Vueling allow cabin transport, subject to reservation and weight limits.
Other means of transport: train, car, and ferries
Those who prefer to avoid flying can consider more flexible alternatives such as car or train. Trenitalia and Italo allow travel with pets, provided they are kept in a carrier (free if under 10 kg) or on a leash with a muzzle if larger (ticket required).
The car is often the most convenient choice, but still requires care:
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Never leave the pet alone inside the vehicle
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Take regular breaks
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Ensure fresh water and ventilation
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Use harnesses, nets, or carriers for safety
Ferries are a good option for islands, but it is also essential to check the company’s rules in advance: some allow cabin access, others only external decks or dedicated areas.
Pet-friendly accommodation: how to choose
More and more hotels, B&Bs, and holiday homes accept pets, but not all offer the same level of hospitality. When booking, it is important to:
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Request written confirmation of the pet-friendly policy
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Check if there are green areas or dedicated spaces
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Ask about extra fees or breed/size restrictions
Some facilities even offer extras such as bowls, beds, pet-sitting services, and dedicated menus. Booking platforms often allow you to filter accommodations based on pet-friendliness.
Practical tips for a smooth trip
Traveling with a pet requires some extra preparation, but with good organization everything is possible. Here are some tips:
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Get your pet used to the carrier in advance
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Bring its blanket or a familiar object
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Prepare a small travel kit with bowls, food, water, wipes, and documents
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In summer, avoid traveling during the hottest hours
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Identify your pet with a microchip and a tag with your phone number
Finally, before leaving, check if your destination has specific rules for bringing pets: in some EU or non-EU countries, customs documents or quarantine periods may be required.
If the trip doesn’t go as planned: protection and compensation
Even trips with pets are not immune to disruptions. If your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, canceled, or you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you are entitled to compensation under EU Regulation EC 261/2004.
To handle the claim quickly and receive up to €600 in compensation, you can rely on a claim company such as DelayFlight24, which offers:
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Free eligibility check
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No upfront fees: you only pay if successful
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Professional legal assistance without stress
Whether you travel alone or with your four-legged friend, knowing your rights is essential, click here to claim your compensation
