More and more travellers are choosing to bring their pets on holiday. Understandable — leaving a dog or cat behind is neither emotionally nor logistically easy. But travelling with a pet brings its own challenges: which accommodation genuinely welcomes dogs, what 'pet friendly' actually means in practice, and how to prepare for the trip without unpleasant surprises.
1. Find the right stay — not just a 'pet friendly' label
The biggest problem when booking accommodation with a pet isn't a lack of pet-friendly options — it's that the label doesn't always mean the same thing. Some apartments only accept dogs under 5 kg. Others have a hidden pet fee that appears on arrival day. Others 'accept pets' but with no balcony, yard or space for a walk.
- Check the explicit pet policy: how many pets, what size, what deposit
- Ask about the pet fee upfront — it shouldn't be a surprise
- Check whether there's a yard, balcony or park nearby
- Look for stays with a verified pet policy (like listings on PawRent Balkans)
2. What to pack when travelling with a pet
Good preparation makes a big difference. These are the basics when packing with a furry companion:
- Health booklet and pet passport (required for border crossings)
- Regular food — don't change their diet on the road, it can cause stomach issues
- Water and a bowl — especially important during summer trips
- Their bed or a familiar-smelling blanket — helps them settle faster in a new space
- Lead, ID tag and optionally a GPS tracker
- Medication, tick protection and a calming remedy if your pet is prone to anxiety
3. During the journey — car, ferry, plane
A car is the most comfortable and flexible mode of transport for pets. Use a transport crate or dog car harness — for both your safety and theirs. Plan stops every 2-3 hours for water and a short walk.
For ferry travel (especially to the Montenegrin and Adriatic coast), check the carrier's policy in advance. Most ferry lines accept pets on deck or in designated areas.
4. At the accommodation — the first few hours
A new space can be stressful for pets. Give them a little time to explore before you unpack. Set up their bed in a quiet spot, offer water and take a short walk before settling in.
- Check the balcony or terrace — make sure your pet can't escape or fall
- Find the nearest park or walking path on Google Maps before you arrive
- Let the host know you've arrived and ask for local tips
- Don't leave your pet alone for more than 3-4 hours in a new space
5. Why a verified pet-friendly stay makes all the difference
The difference between accommodation that 'accepts pets' and a stay that's genuinely adapted to them is enormous. At PawRent Balkans, every listing goes through internal verification — the host explicitly confirms pet rules, stay conditions and all fees. That means you don't have to write the same email ten times and wait for a reply that might never come.