Holiday-makers love to bring their beloved four-legged friends with them. The Swiss tend to choose familiar territory when travelling with their dogs. This is the result of a study by Interhome.

An analysis of the travel habits of Swiss travellers by the holiday home provider Interhome shows that, of all pets, dogs are the most popular to take on holiday. According to Google keyword data, there is an average of almost 1,400 searches per month for “holiday with dog” in Switzerland. Switzerland is at the top of the wish list for holidays with four-legged friends.

Favourite destinations of Swiss Interhome guests
In a ranking of bookings by guests with pets at Interhome, Switzerland takes first place on the popularity scale as a top destination. Neighbouring countries and Spain follow in second place. The five most popular holiday destinations for a break with a dog at a glance:

1. Switzerland
2. Italy
3. France
4. Spain
5. Austria

The most popular travel months for people and dogs
And when do the Swiss like to go on holiday with their dogs? According to Interhome data, August and July are the most popular months for travelling with Fido and Rover, closely followed by September and June.

Further study results – for example where Switzerland ranks among the top destinations for holidays with dogs in Germany, France and Holland – and useful information about travelling with dogs can be foundhere.

The most important tips for holidays with a dog

• Plan the destination, accommodation, activities and journey in such a way that the welfare of the animal is taken into account. Dogs are sensitive to heat and will seek out shade at temperatures as low as 25 degrees. Especially when travelling to countries with high summer temperatures above 30 degrees, walks should take place in the early morning or evening, ideally on shady paths. Where possible, it’s best to walk on the grass with your four-legged companion. Hot tarmac can quickly become painful for sensitive paws. And if you’re planning a hiking holiday with your beloved furry friend with long daily stages, you should check in advance whether your dog is fit enough for the daily physical exertion.
• When travelling abroad: check customs documents and regulations regarding mandatory vaccinations in good time. In addition, inform yourself in advance regarding local regulations such as compulsory use of a lead or muzzle and restrictions for certain breeds.
• Prepare travel documents: entry, exit and transit documents as well as health and vaccination certificates, pet passport.
• Take sufficient breaks while travelling to and from the destination. Good climatic conditions in the means of transport and sufficient food and water for your four-legged friend are essential.

Interhome offers travellers with dogs over 13,000 pet-friendly holiday homes and flats throughout Europe where four-legged friends are welcome. Further information at Interhome holidays with dogs.

Study methodology
The study is based on Interhome booking data from the last 12 months for bookings with dogs, which was collected in April 2024 and includes all reservations with pets.

The data on online interest and search volume for “holidays with pets” comes from an analysis of the Google Keyword Planner. Data for the period April 2023 to March 2024 was analysed. The data from the Google Keyword Planner shows that most Swiss people who want to go on holiday with their pet do so with their dog. Moreover, Interhome only allows dogs. The article therefore focuses on the topic of “holidays with dogs”.