Traveling Europe with a Dachshund: Sadie’s Year‑Long Adventure

Mike and I founded DJANGO after years of sharing a deep passion for dogs and the outdoors. Our mission has always been simple: make every adventure a family affair, no matter how far‑flung the destination.

In 2016, fresh out of business school, we gave up our NYC lease, packed two suitcases, and flew west with our long‑haired dachshund, Django. A year later, we were trekking the Pacific Northwest and California, then marrying and heading to Europe for a honeymoon that included Django—because our dogs are family, not pets.

Fast forward to 2025, and we were thrilled to meet Stacy and Donny, who had just traded their Charlotte apartment for a year‑long European odyssey with their dachshund, Sadie. Their story echoed DJANGO’s ethos: a love for dogs, a life built around them, and a commitment to share the world’s beauty with four‑legged companions.

Why This Journey Resonates

Stacy and Donny’s leap—shifting all belongings to storage and stepping into the unknown—mirrored the adventurous spirit we celebrate. Their feature interview reveals the day‑to‑day realities of traveling internationally with a small dog, from USDA‑approved health certificates to dog‑friendly trains, castles, cafés, and Christmas markets.

Meet Sadie, the Long‑Haired Dachshund Exploring Europe

Sadie, a five‑year‑old dachshund, is the heart of Stacy and Donny’s adventures. Originally a shy, anxious pup, she blossomed into a confident explorer thanks to consistent training, a supportive backpack, and an environment that encouraged gradual exposure to new sights and sounds.

Her favorite travel gear is the DJANGOPack Dog Carrier Backpack. The backpack’s horizontal design and breathable mesh give her a safe, eye‑level perch that calms her in bustling cities and on long train rides.

Why Anxious Dogs Thrive in the Right Carrier

For many dogs, the world feels overwhelming at street level. A well‑designed carrier acts as a portable sanctuary, keeping them close while shielding them from noise and crowds. Sadie’s confidence grew as the backpack became a familiar, secure space—especially when she was eye‑level with strangers.

Some of her quirks include a love for snug spaces, a sixth sense for the fridge, and an uncanny belief that every bench is hers. These playful traits make her a beloved travel companion.

Why Stacy and Donny Chose a Year Abroad with Sadie

Stacy’s childhood fascination with European history and Donny’s adventurous spirit converged into a bold decision: leave the familiar and travel Europe and the UK for an entire year. Their timing was perfect; their lease ended in late 2025, so they purged belongings, stored what they couldn’t bring, and committed to the adventure.

Stacy’s early loss of her father instilled a sense of urgency: “I vow to chase the adventures my dad dreamed of.” That motivation underpins every decision—from choosing flexible flight options to meticulous paperwork.

Traveling with a Dog Does Not Mean Waiting Forever

Many dog owners assume large‑scale travel must be postponed. Stacy and Donny prove otherwise: with research, the right gear, and a proactive approach to pet travel, a year‑long European journey is not only possible but profoundly rewarding.

How to Bring a Dog from the U.S. to Europe

For U.S. owners, paperwork often feels daunting. The key steps are:

• Microchip (ISO‑compliant) + rabies vaccination that meets EU timing rules
• USDA‑endorsed EU animal health certificate completed by a USDA‑accredited veterinarian
• Destination‑specific requirements (first EU country of entry)
• Airline pet policy & carrier dimensions
• Travel flexibility to accommodate potential delays

Stacy began by researching USDA requirements for France, her first EU entry point, and selected a vet who handled USDA paperwork in-house, supplemented by a third‑party review to ensure accuracy.

Key Paperwork Tips

• Avoid the last minute—schedule the vet appointment at least 8‑10 days before departure.
• Use a one‑year rabies booster if the EU’s 12‑month window is tight.
• Ensure the vet signs and the owner’s declaration is completed on the endorsed certificate.
• Ship the certificate via reliable courier (FedEx) to avoid USPS delays, especially during government shutdowns.

Airline and Carrier Insights

Stacy flew with French Bee, researching seat pitch, width, and cabin restrictions. She discovered bulkhead seats are unsuitable for in‑cabin pets and that many airlines exclude pets from Business/First Class. She chose Premium Economy and opted for flexible tickets to manage any paperwork hiccups.

When traveling from the EU to the UK, she noted that pets must fly in cargo, and extra deworming treatments were required before arrival.

Quick Checklist for U.S. to EU Dog Travel

• Start with your first EU country of entry.
• Contact a USDA‑accredited vet early.
• Don’t assume an EU pet passport; use a USDA‑endorsed health certificate.
• Confirm airline in‑cabin pet policy before booking.
• Avoid bulkhead seats for pet carriers.
• Build in flexibility for flight changes.
• Check UK rules separately for EU‑to‑UK travel.
• Pack for the “what‑ifs” (wet wipes, food, pee pads).

Related guides: How to Take Your Dog to Europe From the U.S., EU Pet Passport Rules 2026, International Airline Pet Policies for In‑Cabin Travel.

Getting an EU Pet Passport for a Dog: The Rules Changed in 2026

After the interview, EU pet passport rules shifted: they now apply only to EU residents. U.S. travelers must rely on a USDA‑endorsed EU animal health certificate for each trip.

Key Points for U.S. Dog Owners

• US‑to‑EU entry requires a USDA‑endorsed EU animal health certificate.
• Paperwork must align with the first EU country of entry.
• Microchip and rabies vaccination must be synchronized.
• Certificates support onward EU travel for up to 6 months or until the rabies shot expires.
• Some countries (Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Northern Ireland) require tapeworm treatment.
• Always confirm details with USDA APHIS, your vet, and airline before travel.

Stacy was surprised by the microchip‑rabies timeline and the owner’s signature requirement on the endorsed certificate. The government shutdown was an unexpected challenge, but careful planning mitigated risk.

Dog‑Friendly Europe: Markets, Trains, Pubs, Castles, and Coastal Towns

Europe proved exceptionally dog‑friendly. From France’s cafés to UK pubs, most establishments welcome dogs, often offering water bowls and “dog bars.” Public footpaths, especially in the UK, allow dogs near historic sites.

Notable dog‑friendly destinations highlighted by Stacy and Donny include:

• York, England – shops, pubs, and restaurants with dog‑friendly stickers.
• Whitby, England – a seaside town famed for its welcoming atmosphere.
• Edinburgh, Scotland – dog‑friendly cafés and pubs throughout the city.
• Lincoln, England – even the cathedral allows dogs on guided tours.
• Isle of Skye, Scotland – spectacular dog‑friendly beaches and hiking routes.
• Lausanne, Switzerland – well‑planned waste‑bag dispensers for pet owners.
• Chamonix, France – dog‑friendly restaurants and winter cafés.
• Alsace, France – charming streets and historic Christmas markets.

Train travel was seamless; small dogs travel for free in carriers on most European rail operators, though rules vary. Frequent updates on pet policies are essential before booking.

Exploring Europe with the DJANGOPack Dog Carrier Backpack

The DJANGOPack’s horizontal design, breathable mesh, and ergonomic straps made it a game‑changer for Sadie’s long walks and train journeys. It provides a secure, eye‑level perch that keeps her calm in crowds and rugged terrain alike.

Stacy notes that the backpack’s structure is especially important for dachshunds: it supports their long backs and avoids the strain of upright carriers. For more guidance, see our Are Dog Backpack Carriers Safe? guide.

What’s Next for Sadie’s European Adventure?

After exploring Germany, France, Switzerland, England, and Scotland, Stacy and Donny are looking forward to the South of France, Montenegro, Italy, and Paris. They anticipate charming lavender fields, Mediterranean beaches, and dog‑friendly grocery carts in Italy.

The Best Part of Traveling with Your Dog

Stacy’s story underscores that the real reward is shared moments: more time, richer memories, and life alongside the dogs we love.

Shop Sadie’s Travel Essentials

Essential gear for small dogs on the move:

• DJANGOPack Dog Carrier Backpack – breathable, supportive, ideal for dachshunds.
• DJANGO Pet Carriers – thoughtfully designed carriers for small dogs.
• Dog Travel Accessories – premium harnesses, leashes, and essentials for everyday adventures.