Dog in the middle on the roadway in our presence
A recent survey has revealed that a majority of dog-owning families in Germany choose to travel with their beloved pets, with 93.5% of families taking their dogs on vacation. The survey did not provide information about the length or frequency of these vacations, but it did show that a majority of families prefer vacation rentals or vacation homes, and 4 out of 5 dog-owning families traveling with their pets prefer to travel by car.
Interestingly, only 6.5% of families travel without their dogs, usually for health or organizational reasons. The absence of a dog on vacation suggests that the dogs are well-trained and an integral part of the family.
Germany offers a broad range of dog-friendly vacation options, from urban city breaks to countryside and castle stays. In cities like Berlin and Hamburg, families can enjoy large parks like Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld, many cafés and restaurants that allow dogs, and several dog parks with swimming areas in lakes. Hamburg provides ample outdoor space such as Alster meadows, Stadtpark, and Elbstrand beach where dogs can play.
For those seeking a more rural experience, the Allgäu region offers dog-friendly vacation apartments that accommodate up to two dogs, making it convenient for families wanting to enjoy nature together. The Rhineland area, with its castles like Burg Rheinfels and Burg Horn along the Rhine River, is suitable for families traveling with dogs. Many castles and their grounds allow dogs on leashes, offering a unique historical experience for both owners and pets.
Bavaria’s Eibsee lake near Zugspitze offers a peaceful alpine escape with outdoor activities suitable for families and dogs, including hiking and boating.
Germany has a growing sector of dog-friendly accommodations, including hotels and vacation homes that welcome pets. For example, the Romantik Hotel Schloss Rheinfels permits dogs throughout the hotel except in the spa and restaurant. Similarly, many vacation rentals in the Allgäu offer pet accommodations, sometimes with small additional fees for a second dog. In cities like Berlin and Hamburg, many hotels and hostels explicitly cater to guests with dogs, often providing amenities that support pet stays.
However, it's worth noting that not every hotel is prepared to accommodate pets, which is a reason for the preference of vacation rentals or vacation homes. Thuringia leads in the number of dog owners who travel by car and prefer vacation rentals or vacation homes, but prejudices about it often being the least popular vacation region with dogs are unfounded.
The survey did not specify the number of households with multiple dogs, but it's clear that many households have a dog. The article does not provide details about the types of vacation destinations preferred by dog-owning families, leaving much to explore for future surveys and adventures.
Pets play a significant role in the home-and-garden and lifestyle choices of many families, as evidenced by the fact that 93.5% of dog-owning families in Germany take their pets on vacation. Moreover, when traveling, most pet-owning families prefer vacation rentals or homes, and four out of five choose to travel by car with their furry companions. This shows that pets are an integral part of their travel lifestyle.
In Germany, pet-friendly travel options are abundant, ranging from urban city breaks in pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals in cities like Berlin and Hamburg, to rural escapes in regions like Allgäu and the Rhineland, where castles and nature parks offer a unique experience for both humans and their pets.
