Not one to be left behind.Not one to be left behind.

Many dog lovers know that there is plenty of truth in the saying that a dog is man’s best friend. If you and your dog are inseparable, then it’s only fair that you share your holidays together.

Nowadays, travelling with pets has become easier. However, having to look for pet-friendly hotels and restaurants might still be a daunting experience. It all depends on the country you’re planning to visit. Although certain countries have different rules and regulations, with a little patience, places to visit with your dog can be easily located.

Queen Adelaide Pub and Dining, London, UK

Situated close to Putney, this pub is a quiet pit stop from the hustle and bustle of central London. The pub has tables inside as well as on its patio, making it ideal for patrons with dogs who want to enjoy traditional pub food while still sitting outside with their dog.

Apart from the expected selection of beer and other drinks, the pub offers lunch, dinner and a traditional English Sunday roast.

The pub has a very homely feel – it’s comfortable, there’s a fire roaring all day, and board games and blankets are readily available.

At Queen Adelaide Pub and Dining dogs are even welcome in the pub area where a full menu is also offered. Bowls of water and dog biscuits can be found all over the pub, making it easier to indulge in a meal knowing that your dog is well taken care of.

Villa Sant’Andrea, Tuscany, Italy

Italians love their dogs. Out of 59 million pets in Italy, seven million of them are dogs. With such a large dog population, you can find hotels all over the country which welcome four-legged guests.

Your dog will love the 18th century Villa Sant’Andrea in picturesque Tuscany. Overlooking the Versilia Hills, the estate includes a swimming pool, garden and terrace, making it ideal for those travelling with dogs to enjoy the Tuscan sun.

Dogs stay at no extra cost – however, you will need to inform the estate that your dog is coming along with you.

The estate is perfect for families travelling together and is also ideal for couples and smaller groups. Wine enthusiasts will find a slice of heaven in the neighbouring vineyards while Pisa, Siena and Florence are just a couple of hours away.

Adina Apartment Hotel, Berlin, Germany

This hip and modern hotel is perfect for city lovers looking for a bit of urban living. The hotel is situated close to one of Berlin’s shopping hotspots, the Alexanderplatz.

Each room is equipped with a kitchenette and various room sizes are available. Dogs are allowed at an extra €20 per day per dog. Water and feeding dishes are available in the room upon request as is a dog menu and dog basket. The dog menu comes at an extra charge of €18 per dog per day.

The hotel does impose certain restrictions and dogs are not allowed in the restaurant, pool and fitness area and in the breakfast room. However, the terrace is open to guests and their dogs. If you’re travelling with kids, toy boxes, games and consoles are available.

Hotel Colón, Barcelona, Spain

Situated around the corner from the Barcelona Cathedral and a five-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya, Hotel Colón is ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy the rich culture of Barcelona. Dogs are allowed at no extra charge. The only no-go area is the restaurant.

Rooms are all spacious, which is ideal for travellers with bigger dogs. Furthermore the hotel imposes no weight restrictions on dogs and so dogs of any size are welcome to stay. The terrace is quite spacious, making it the perfect location for guests with dogs who wish to enjoy the lovely Spanish breeze in the evenings or simply relax in the sun during the day.

L’Oga Restaurant and Brunch, Paris, France

The French capital is a veritable haven for dogs. The parks are beautiful, the markets offer a menu of smells to explore, and restaurants welcome our four-legged friends. The only places where Fido is not allowed are museums – but then, dogs don’t tend to like culture.

L’Oga Restaurant and Brunch offers French as well as international cuisine. If you’re with your dog, a bowl of water will be offered. And while your dog enjoys a fresh drink, you can sit back, relax in the genuine bistro atmosphere, and invest some waist inches in the homely food.

Getting there

Taking a dog, or any other pet, abroad requires arrangements which you must see to before you depart from Malta.

In order to travel, a dog needs to be micro-chipped and given the right vaccinations, including a vaccination against rabies – this vaccination needs to be given 21 days after micro-chipping.

The European Pet Passport must be carried with the pet and it must contain all the relative information. You also need to fill in an application of pre-notification of arrival or transit of live animals tracking sheet.

Once you have everything in order, you can book your trip. Although airlines have become more accommodating, certain procedures still need to be followed. Air Malta offers three ways of taking pets on board a flight.

Pets can be taken into the cabin at a charge of €70 per container each way and the pet is to remain inside the container for the duration of the flight. The pet’s flight needs to be registered in advance and if booking less than 21 days before the flight, the pet needs to be booked up to 24 hours after the booking of the owner’s ticket. The pet and its container must not weigh more than 10kgs if it is to travel in the cabin and once on board, must not obstruct any passageways.

If the animal is too big to fit into a container in the cabin, Air Malta also offers the option of having pets as accompanied checked-in baggage. The fees for this option are the same as those for excess baggage. The pet must be in a suitable container and can be handed over at the check-in desk along with any other baggage. Upon arrival, the pet can be picked up from the airport’s baggage claim hall along with the rest of the belongings. Some airports have different policies and it is advised to check ahead what the airport’s policies are.

On certain routes pets cannot travel in the cabin or as accompanied checked-in baggage. In this case, pets can travel as cargo. Flights to Libya and the UK can only have pets travel as cargo and for non-EU countries, the pets must travel as excess baggage. If a guide dog is to travel on an Air Malta flight, the dog travels for free.

If you are travelling by ship, pets still need the right documents and vaccinations. Virtu Ferries charges €12 per cage each way and if the pet stays in the car, then these travel free of charge. Only two pets are allowed in each car and if you wish to carry more than two pets, then the same rate of €12 per animal applies. Pets must be kept in the garage area for the duration of the journey to ensure the safety of both passengers and pets.

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