Vacation with your Sighthound: The ultimate guide with tips, destinations, and essential items

Vacationing with your Sighthound is a wonderful experience. It offers the opportunity to share unforgettable moments with your four-legged friend and explore new places together. In this blog post, we provide you with a comprehensive guide for a sighthound-friendly vacation. We will discuss preparation, choosing sighthound-friendly accommodations, travel tips, and much more.

Sighthounds are known for their speed and elegance. They are generally calm and gentle dogs that form a close bond with their humans. Despite their athletic abilities, sighthounds do not require as much exercise as some other breeds, but they enjoy being able to run freely in a safe area. They are sensitive to cold due to their low body fat and therefore need appropriate clothing in colder climates.

Preparation for a Sighthound-Friendly Vacation

Essential Documents and Supplies

Before traveling with your Sighthound, it is important to ensure you have all the necessary documents and supplies. This includes the EU pet passport, issued by your veterinarian, which contains information about rabies vaccination and the pet’s microchip registration. Additionally, you should bring a copy of your dog liability insurance, enough food and treats, a food and water bowl, a blanket or bed, a special Sighthound Harness, a Sighthound Collar, a leash & toys.

📒 Checklist:

1. EU pet passport
2. Copy of dog liability insurance
3. Enough food and treats
4. Food & water bowl
5. Blanket or bed
6. Special Sighthound Harness or Safety Harness for Sighthounds
7. Sighthound Collar
8. Leash
9. Car Safety Belt
10. Toys

Packing List for a Sighthound-Friendly Vacation

Food and Water

It is important to bring enough food and water for the duration of the trip. You should also consider how to store the food during the vacation to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Bedding and Comfort

Your dog should have a comfortable place to rest during the vacation. It can be helpful to bring familiar bedding and comfort items for your dog to help them adjust to the new place and relax. Rest breaks are just as important for dogs as they are for people. Recovery phases keep your Sighthound fit and healthy.

Sighthound Harness or Safety Harness Specifically for Sighthounds

A Sighthound Harness or a special safety harness for sighthounds is essential to keep your dog safe and comfortable, especially during travel. These harnesses are designed to accommodate the unique body shape of sighthounds and provide a secure and comfortable fit. This way, you can set out on outings effortlessly and stress-free, allowing you and your Sighthound to enjoy the day.

Sighthound Collar

A Sighthound Collar is specially designed for the narrow and long neck shape of sighthounds. It is important that the collar fits well but is not too tight to avoid choking or discomfort. A well-fitting collar also helps keep your dog safe during the vacation or to quickly leash them. For short walks, the Sighthound Collar is often the more comfortable and quicker choice.

Car Safety Belt

A car safety belt is a must to keep your dog secure during the drive. It prevents your dog from roaming around during the trip and getting injured in case of sudden stops or accidents. Make sure the safety belt fits well and is comfortable for your dog. The safety belt should only be attached to the harness.

Toys and Entertainment

To keep your dog entertained during the vacation, you should bring some toys and entertainment options. There are many interactive toys and activities that can keep your Sighthound occupied and help them adjust to the new environment. There are toys that stimulate the dog mentally (e.g., snuffle mats) and those that provide physical exercise (e.g., frisbee).

Choosing Dog-Friendly Accommodations

Choosing dog-friendly accommodations is another important aspect when planning a vacation with your Sighthound. It is important to find a place that meets your dog’s needs and where your Sighthound will feel comfortable. There are many online options to find accommodations and support you in searching for dog-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, or campsites. As a tip, use the filter “Pets allowed” from the start on booking platforms. This way, you will only see accommodations where your dog is welcome. Another option is to use websites specialized in accommodations for dogs.

Tips for Traveling with Your Sighthound

Traveling by Car

When traveling by car with your dog, you should ensure the trip is as comfortable and safe as possible for your Sighthound. We recommend keeping your dog securely attached to a special dog safety belt on the harness throughout the journey. Additionally, it is advisable not to drive more than ten hours per day to avoid stress for you and your dog. Take regular breaks and allow your dog enough exercise during long drives. Important: Attach the safety belt only to the harness, not the collar. In case of sudden braking, even slight pressure on the collar could cause serious neck injuries.

Going to the Beach with Your Sighthound

When going to the beach with your Sighthound, you should observe the rules and restrictions for dogs at the beach. Generally, dogs are only allowed on specially designated beach sections, called dog beaches, from April to the end of September or October. It is important to clean up after your dog and bring enough waste bags, because it is never the dogs who leave places dirty, but always us humans.

Going to the Mountains with Your Sighthound

If you want to travel to the mountains with your dog, make sure they are fit and healthy enough. Start with shorter hikes and gradually increase the length to give your Sighthound the chance to adjust to the altitude changes. Bring enough water and snacks and check the rules and regulations regarding dogs in the mountains. Here, a special Sighthound Harness or safety harness for sighthounds is definitely indispensable. It can also be helpful to bring a first aid kit for dogs.

Dog-Friendly Travel Destinations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Germany: A Paradise for Sighthounds

Germany is known for its dog-friendly culture and offers many places perfect for a vacation with your Sighthound. One of these places is the Fischland-Darß-Zingst on the Baltic Sea. With its vast beaches and dog-friendly accommodations, the Baltic Sea is a paradise for sighthounds. Remote wild beaches can be accessed freely with dogs and offer breathtaking nature. A nice side effect is that these beaches are mostly spared from mass tourism.
Another excellent place for a vacation with your Sighthound in Germany is the Black Forest. With its numerous hiking trails and lakes, the Black Forest is an ideal place for outdoor activities with your four-legged friend.

Austria: Mountains and Lakes That Will Delight Your Sighthound

Austria is another dog-friendly country offering a variety of activities for you and your Sighthound. The Kitzbühel Alps are an ideal place for a vacation with your dog. With numerous hiking trails around the Wilder Kaiser and dog-friendly accommodations, this region is a paradise for dogs. However, please be mindful of the cows grazing in the pastures. Most accidents in the Alps involve cows. Cows are curious and lovable animals, but you should always keep a safe distance and avoid provoking them.
Another great place for a vacation with your dog in Austria is Lake Wörthersee. With its dog-friendly beaches and parks, Lake Wörthersee is an ideal place for a relaxing vacation with your Sighthound.

Switzerland: A Land Full of Adventures for Your Sighthound

Switzerland is known for its picturesque landscapes and specialties. One of the best places for a vacation with your dog in Switzerland is Valais. With countless hiking trails and dog-friendly accommodations, Valais is an ideal place for a vacation with your dog. Another great place for a vacation with your dog in Switzerland is Lake Geneva. With its dog-friendly beaches and parks, Lake Geneva is an ideal place for a relaxing vacation with your dog.

So, when do we start?!

Vacationing with your Sighthound is a wonderful way to spend quality time together and explore new places. With the right planning, preparation, and equipment, your vacation with your Sighthound can be the most beautiful and enjoyable experience of your lives. The right gear is crucial. At elmorio®, we offer you the perfect and suitable equipment for your Sighthound. From safety belts to Sighthound harnesses and collars, you will find everything with us. We accompany you during the best time of the year.
We hope this guide helps you plan and enjoy a sighthound-friendly vacation.