Travelling is always more fun with loved ones - especially for pet owners. But not every pet likes to travel and there is also the question of whether they are welcome. Many places have recognised this demand for animal-friendly accommodation and allow guests to being their pets along too. Here are some tips on travelling with pets from the experts at specialty chain Maxi Zoo.

At some hotels and guesthouses, pets are not just welcome - they also have special offers to ensure the well-being of four-legged guests. And this is not just limited to dogs and cats: Small animals and even horses should get their money's worth on holiday too. But do our pets even like travelling? Dogs like to stay with the pack and make good travelling companions. But for cats, which prefer to keep to their own territory, every journey is a great ordeal. If at all, you should take them to a familiar place where you always spend your holidays such as a caravan, holiday house or a particular hotel. Small animals are not so dependant on one person and are best left at home or with friends or family. Spending several hours in the car represents an enormous stress for them. Horses also like having a familiar environment but like with any animal, whether your pet is a good traveller depends on their character, likes and dislikes, and health.

What's the next step once you have decided to take your four-legged friend with you on holiday? Find out about where pets are welcome in travel agencies, in catalogues, online or at tourist offices. You can often take your pet with you camping or stay a holiday house for a fixed, moderate additional charge. Hotels and guesthouses offer a higher level of comfort, including for furry travelling companions. Some offer pet sitting services for dogs, cats or small animals, outdoor enclosures, toys, dog kennels, wellness treatments etc. Keep in mind that not every place that accepts pets allows them in rooms!

Our tip: Ask your hotel or guesthouse to send you written confirmation that your pet is welcome and under what conditions. Usually, you pay an additional charge for your pet of up to ten euros per day. If you are travelling with a dog, find out beforehand if there are enough places to go out together in the area (dog parks, dog beaches etc.).

Maxi Zoo has a special online holiday planner for all animal lovers (www.fressnapf.de/tierratgeber/urlaub-mit-haustier). You can find a wide range of especially animal-friendly hotels and guesthouses in Germany, Croatia, Austria and the Czech Republic, as well as holiday houses in 21 European countries where pets are welcome and other important information such as entry requirements for international travel at www.fressnapf-reisen.de.

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Fun in the sun It is important to make sure that your holiday destination and accommodation is animal friendly so that pets enjoy their holiday too. 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.)