🐾 Travelling with Pets (or Without):
What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know Before Jetting Off
Plus Our Real Experience Traveling with Our Dog in Gozo
By Deluxe Escape by SLO
As full-time travelers and proud dog parents, we’ve learned that traveling with pets takes a little extra love and a lot more planning! Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or an extended adventure, preparation is the key to making the journey comfortable and stress-free for both you and your furry family member.
We’ve experienced both sides of the coin, exploring beautiful destinations with our pup, and enjoying trips knowing he’s safe and cared for at home. That’s why we created our Pet Travel Checklist to help pet parents feel organized, confident, and guilt-free no matter how they travel. Whether you're bringing your pup along for the adventure or leaving them in trusted hands at home, this guide has everything you need.
Before you pack your bags, here’s everything every pet parent needs to know…
✈️ Traveling With Your Pet: What to Consider
Taking your pet along can be rewarding and fun! But smooth travels require careful planning.
Ask yourself:
- 🐶 Is your destination truly pet-friendly? Research pet policies and available amenities.
- 🐕🦺 Is your pet’s breed accepted in the country you’re visiting? Many countries have restrictions or bans on certain breeds, so verify breed acceptance before traveling internationally.
- 📄 Do you have the right documents and vaccinations? Ensure all paperwork is up to date.
- ✈️ Is your airline pet-approved? Check if pets are allowed in the cabin or must travel as cargo.
- 🏨 Have you booked a verified pet-friendly hotel? Look for accommodations that welcome pets warmly.
We personally use Expedia to find pet-friendly stays. Just tick the “Pets allowed” filter and book with confidence! 🐾
But that’s just the start. Our Pet Travel Checklist includes:
- Full packing list (food, toys, meds, bedding)
- Travel documentation guide
- Safety tips 🐾
🛫 Flight Pet Policies: What You Need to Know Before Booking
Flying with pets involves many rules and restrictions. Here are the essentials:
- Small pets (under ~8kg including carrier): Usually allowed in cabin with you inside approved carriers.
- Larger pets: Typically must travel in the cargo hold in secure crates, more preparation is needed.
- Fees: Pet travel fees vary widely by airline.
- Breed restrictions: Many airlines and countries restrict or ban flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds and others for safety reasons. Check carefully!
- Booking: Always reserve your pet’s spot early; many flights have limits.
- Health certificates: Usually required within 10 days before travel.
Important: Before traveling to any country, check that your pet’s breed is allowed to enter — not all countries accept all breeds, and some require quarantine or special permits.
Ferry Travel with Pets: Malta, Gozo & Sicily
Whenever possible, we prefer ferries to flights, they’re less stressful for our dog. Here’s what you should know:
Malta to Gozo — Gozo Channel Ferry
- Dogs on leash allowed on outdoor decks and designated pet areas.
- No extra pet fees.
- Pets enjoy fresh air and scenic views with you.
- Book your trip and check ferry schedules here: Gozo Highspeed Tickets & Timetable ⛴️
Malta to Sicily — Virtu Ferries Catamaran
- Small dogs (under ~10kg) travel with you in soft carriers.
- Larger dogs stay in crates; you can check on them during the trip.
- Pet fees may apply — check before booking.
🛳️ Virtu Ferries (Valletta ↔ Pozzallo)
Reliable daily service with multiple departures. 👉 Book here
🆕 Ragusa Xpress (Valletta ↔ Marina di Ragusa)
New route ideal for southern Sicily access. 👉 Book here
- Note: Check pet import rules and breed restrictions for Sicily/Italy before travel.
🧭 Prefer a Guided Day Trip?
These guided day trips include ferry and coach transport, and while service animals are generally allowed on board, pet policies can vary especially for the coach portion in Sicily. Always check with the tour provider in advance to confirm if your dog can join.
👉🗓️ Book These Tours:
👉🏖️ Syracuse & Marzamemi Day Trip
🐕 Pet-Friendly Beaches in Gozo
Gozo is a paradise for pets and their humans. These beaches welcome your dog for swimming, running, and relaxing:
- Marsalforn Bay: Calm waters perfect for swimming.
- Ramla Bay: Famous red sands with quiet spots to explore.
- San Blas Bay: Secluded and peaceful for relaxing.
- Xwejni Bay: Rocky shoreline ideal for paddling.
- Mgarr ix-Xini: Beautiful cove, leash-friendly swimming.
🏡 Where We Stay with Our Dog in Gozo
We choose accommodations that welcome pets and offer plenty of outdoor space to roam:
- Gozo Escape Farmhouses (Xagħra & Għarb): Countryside charm and private outdoor areas.
- Diamond Apartments in Xagħra offer budget-friendly, pet-friendly stays with rural charm — contact Jason Mintoff via Facebook.
- Il-Logga Boutique Hotel: Small dogs allowed on approval.
👉 For more pet friendly options, Expedia has a great selection
🐾 Our Real Experience Traveling with Our Dog in Gozo
We travel with our 32kg Boxer/Bully mix, treating an every year trip as a vacation for him too. Here’s what works best for us:
Why we prefer ferries over flights:
- Our dog gets anxious flying, so ferries offer fresh air, freedom, and a calmer environment.
Pet-friendly restaurants:
- Il-Kcina Ghawdxija (Xewkija): Traditional dishes, dog-friendly outdoor seating.
- Maldonado Bistro: Cozy with ample outdoor space.
- Ta' Karolina (Xlendi): Stunning sea views and dog-welcome vibes.
- McDonald’s: Surprisingly pet-friendly, plus dogs allowed in Arkadia Mall nearby.
Activities & walks:
- Early morning strolls at Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs and Ramla Bay, leashed walks in Villa Rundle Gardens, and countryside trails near Għarb and Xagħra keep him happy and engaged.
🐶✈️ Essential Pet Travel Resources
Traveling with your furry companion? Make sure you’re informed and prepared! Here are two essential resources to help you travel safely with your pet, covering everything from safety tips to international requirements:
1. Expert Travel Tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
The AVMA offers comprehensive advice on traveling with pets, including:
- Safe restraint and carriers
- Hydration and feeding schedules
- Medication management
- Preparing for emergencies
Whether you’re planning a road trip, flight, or pet-friendly vacation, their expert guidance helps keep your pet comfortable and safe every step of the way. 👉 Visit the AVMA website and search for “traveling with your pet” to find their latest resources and printable guides.
2. EU Pet Passport & Travel Info 🐾
Traveling within the EU with your furry friend? Ensure you're fully prepared by reviewing the official guidelines, which cover:
- Pet passport rules
- Microchipping and rabies vaccination requirements
- Cross-border travel laws for dogs, cats, and ferrets
It's essential to have all your pet's documents in order before embarking on your journey.
👉 Learn more on the official EU website
Ready to Travel Smart and Stress-Free?
We know how easy it is to forget crucial details from vaccination papers to “pet-friendly” places that aren’t. That’s why we created the Deluxe Escape Pet Travel Checklist, your ultimate companion for smooth travels with or without your pet.
What’s inside:
Full packing list for pets
Travel documentation guide
Safety tips and calming ideas
Carrier and airline requirements
Preparation advice for leaving pets at home
Grab your Pet Travel Checklist and travel light, organized, and worry-free!
Final Thoughts
Traveling with your pet adds a wonderful layer of joy and companionship to every adventure. With thoughtful planning, respect for your pet’s needs, and choosing truly pet-friendly places, you’ll create unforgettable memories, stress-free for everyone.
Here’s to happy tails and safe travels! 
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As someone who’s lived here for 30+ years, I only recommend tours and services I genuinely trust and use myself. 
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