Travelling with pets? Absolutly

What is it like to travel with pets? Dogs, cats, and even rabbits are generally fine, as long as they’re clean and quiet. Maximum two per person.

Sometimes you need a seat reservation, sometimes a child ticket; in Sweden you must sit in a designated pet compartment. With most train companies you can now book online, under “Pets” or “Dog”, except on Eurostar, that does not permit other pets on board the train. Guide dogs can travel for free on any train.

There are, however, several things that are good to train your animal to do before the trip.

🐕 Peeing on command, ideally on the platform during a two-minute transfer. Grass is a bonus, and what looks green on the map is not always a lush park. Tivoli next to Copenhagen Central Station, for example—it’s a well-fenced amusement park. My friend Louise worried so much that she prepped an IKEA bag with soil and grass, which she dragged across Europe. Her dog Fia still wonders why.

🐈‍⬛ Lying still and sleeping on command, on the floor, in their carrier, or on their blanket on the seat.

🦮 Sitting on your lap. On many local buses, for example in Paris, dogs are not allowed on the floor. They must therefore travel in a bag or sit on your lap, regardless of size. Creative solutions work, as do long walks between stations. In Spain, carriers are demanded.

🐩 Wearing a muzzle. There are soft fabric ones, and they’re required on many trains. Mostly seen as a recommendation, but you should be prepared.

🐕‍🦺 Tolerating people who accidentally step on their tail in the aisle. And being squeezed under the seat, because the aisle must stay clear.

🐶 Note that carriers in some supermarkets are ment for the animals, not for your groceies.

🐈 Keep in mind: Bring passport for your pet and check necessary vaccinations. Always research each operator’s rules before booking a seat or hopping onboard. Be especially careful in Italy, where I do believe the train managers get a bonus for every fine they can give.

Thank you for all the advice and photos @huset_i_marseillan @lovis101 @sirithepoodle @editferenczi

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Buon viaggio!