Planning a 3-week trip across Europe with my rescue dog – advice on trains, hotels, and paperwork?

Hey everyone! My partner and I are finally planning our dream trip to Europe next spring and we really want to bring our 2-year-old mixed breed dog along for the adventure. We know we need the EU Pet Passport and rabies vaccinations, but we are feeling a bit overwhelmed about navigating high-speed trains in countries like France and Italy with a medium-sized dog. Does anyone have experience with pet-friendly accommodations, and are there any major pitfalls we should avoid when crossing borders?

This sounds like an amazing adventure! Just make sure your rabies vaccine is strictly up to date and given *after* the microchip, otherwise you'll run into huge issues at customs.

For trains in France (SNCF), dogs over 6kg need their own ticket, which is a flat fee, and they must stay on the floor. In Italy, Trenitalia allows medium dogs with a ticket, but you usually have to reserve a specific pet-friendly compartment.

If you need a break from the busy cities, we actually escaped to some quiet spots using this guide on the most peaceful European lakes for a truly relaxing summer holiday which were very dog-friendly!

Hotels are generally pretty easy in France and Italy—ibis budget and similar chains often allow pets for a small daily fee. Always double-check booking.com filters just to be safe though.

One major pitfall: do not forget the tapeworm treatment (Praziquantel) if you are entering certain countries like the UK or Ireland, though France and Italy don't strictly require it for entry from most EU zones, you might need it depending on your exact flight home.

We traveled with our rescue last year and muzzles are actually legally required on public transport in Italy! Even if your dog is an absolute angel, buy a comfortable basket muzzle and train them to wear it beforehand.

Planning is key, especially if you decide to head south towards the coast—check out these top coastal towns to visit in the Mediterranean that have great dog beaches where your pup can actually swim.

Make sure you get the EU Animal Health Certificate *before* leaving if you are coming from outside the EU, as the timeline for getting it endorsed by USDA or equivalent is very strict.

Restaurants in Italy are surprisingly dog-friendly; most places will bring your dog a bowl of water before they even take your order. France is also great, though upscale dining might frown upon it.

If any of you end up traveling alone for a day or need extra safety tips for navigating transit with luggage and a dog, take a look at essential tips for solo female travelers in Europe - first time! which helped me stay organized.

Be prepared for restaurant rules to vary by region. In Paris, dogs are everywhere, but in some southern Italian towns, they aren't allowed inside grocery stores or pharmacies.

Get a sturdy collapsible travel bowl and a waterproof mat for your hotel room floors. Rescue dogs can sometimes have accidents in unfamiliar hotel rooms due to stress, so being prepared saves your security deposit!