The summer sun lures us out of the house and to faraway destinations. Dedicated pet owners often take their four-legged friends with them. To take your pet on holiday, you first need a good way to transport them. The experts from specialty chain Maxi Zoo explain what to keep in mind.

Usually, bike tours are only accompanied by pets of the canine variety. Large dogs can run along aside the bike and smaller animals should go straight into the basket, at least on public roads. You can get different types of bags and baskets depending on the size of your dog that you can attach to the handlebars or the pannier rack. The front is a good idea if you like to be able to keep your eye on your pet. Some people find that this interferes with steering and prefer the "back seat". This is also recommended if your four-legged friend is a bit on the heavy side. Otherwise, this can easily lead to accidents e.g. when braking. It is also important to attach the basket firmly to your bicycle. Secure your dog with a harness or karabiner, or use a bike basket with an open grille so that they can’t just jump out. You can also get special bike trailers for larger dogs.

Travelling by car or train
If your dog or cat is travelling with you by car or train, they need a transport box. This must be ventilated and large enough to stand upright, lie down and turn around in. Plastic boxes or kennels are popular as they are stable and easy to clean. Some cats don’t like transport boxes - in this case, we recommend a container you can put your pet in from the top, or special nylon travel bags. If you’re travelling by car, make sure that the box can be firmly secured. Your insurance is not liable if you cause an accident because your pet has not been properly housed! Put large dogs crossways to the direction of travel in the boot. If you are travelling by train, ideally take your pet with you to your seat in their transport container. Don’t leave them alone in a draughty luggage car.

Travelling by plane
If you're flying to your holiday destination, you need a transport box that meets the requirements of your airline company. This must be stable, waterproof, escape and injury-proof, ventilated on two sides and large enough to stand up, turn around and lie down in. Food and water has to be able to be provided on longer flights. Some airlines let you take smaller dogs or cats (up to around 5 kg) on board and stow them under your seat. You need a hand luggage-sized transport box (approx. 20 x 40 x 55 cm) if you plan on doing this.

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Safe travelling A transport box keeps dogs and cats safe when on the road. Photo: Maxi Zoo/Ulrike Schanz (Photos may only be reproduced with permission and in connection with editorial text. High-resolution photos can be requested from the Fressnapf press office.)