I have read somewhere that traveling with a dog is similar to traveling with children. No matter you are going on a vacation, a short business trip, hiking, or planning a cross-country move, if your Belgian Malinois is involved, the whole travel operation requires good preparation:
- means of transports + dog carriers
- necessary documents like doggy passport, vaccination status
- things to put in dog’s travel bag
- appropriate accommodation ( dog-friendly )
- destination information (dog-friendly locations/activities)
- problems during the trip – travel anxiety, motion sickness
Table of Contents
How To Transport a Belgian Malinois?
Belgian Malinois are medium size dogs. Adults Mals are 22-26 inches high ( depends on the gender) and weigh 40-60 pounds ( females) 60-80 pounds ( males)
The point I am dealing with numbers here is to explain to you that hardly any airline company would welcome your Mal on board.
Other means of transportation like buses, trains and boats also have many restrictions based precisely on the dog’s size and weight. So what options do you have?
Traveling by Car With Your Belgian Malinois
This is the most comfortable way to travel with your Belgian Malinois but do think about some things before you hit the road :
- Has your Mal ever taken a car ride before? If not, make sure your Mal gets used to the short car rides first, and then you can go for a longer trip together.
- Note that first time trip is always the worst experience. According to Dr. Patty Khuly ( VMD), a lot of people refuse to travel with their dogs after they had a stressful experience their first time out. That’s why make a shorter trip for the first time plus good preparation is crucial.
- If your Mal is a puppy, then travel with it might be a challenging one. Do think about travel anxiety and stress, as well as housebreaking issues and excessive chewing ( which is so characteristic for puppies)
Where To Put My Belgian Malinois in The Car?
If you have a puppy and younger adult you might consider the option to place your Mal into the dog crate. There are crates big enough to accommodate adult dogs as well but adults know to be a bit stubborn and resistant to the idea of going inside.
You can put the crate either on the back seat or in the trunk of the car just make sure that create is properly positioned and cannot move for the safety of your pet.
Crates are great things as driver can be relaxed as his dog cannot move so he can focus on the ride only.
If you don’t have a crate, you can purchase one in the pet stores or online. The basic single or double door folding metal dog crate is a good choice (Here is the Amazon link).
Very easy to fold, no angles or hard edges that could hurt your Mal. Doors are secured with locks. This crate is very easy to install in a couple of seconds. Crates are not practical only for car rides, they can be very useful for hotel rooms once you reach the final destination.
Make sure the crate is large enough so your dog can stand, turn around and lie down.
The bottom of the crate should be waterproofed and covered with some absorbent material. Put some comfortable mat on the bottom and don’t forget to put your Mal’s favorite toy in there.
Of course, your adult Mal can take a car ride without a crate as well. Again you need to think about where you want to place him.
You can put him in either the front/back seat or in the trunk of your car. If you have a car with an open trunk, forget about it, as can be very dangerous for your pet.
Traveling in the trunk can be suitable for larger Malinois. It’s also very relaxing for the driver, as the dog cannot jump into the passenger’s compartment and make a mess there.
If there is no some kind of barrier between the boot and the rest of the car, it’s recommended to buy some kind of net or grid that can block access to the front of the vehicle.
There is also an excellent solution that provides both barrier and comfort for your dog plus keeps your trunk clean – SUV Cargo Cover for Dogs (Amazon link)
A good trunk cover should be water-proof, non-slip, quick to install, and easy to clean.
In case you don’t have a trunk that is large enough or you have Mal with anxiety that needs to be more closer to you, place him on the back seat.
Again think about a proper backseat cover that will keep your car clean ( protect it from accidents, dirt, scratches, hair, etc ) and your pet safe ( non-slippery surface and built-in openings for a seat -belt. Your dog should be attached to the seat belt by the harness, not the collar. Amazon link for dog seat cover
There is a similar solution if you want to put your Mal on the front seat as well. This is more like a hammock/ bag seat cover that comes with an adjustable leash which will keep your furry friend safe during the ride.
Important Notes About Traveling with Belgian Malinois By Car
So that day has come! You are going to travel together – you and your Belgian Malinois ( and maybe some of your family members or friends).
- Make sure your car is well ventilated but never open the window near the seat where Mal is. Dogs like to stick out of an open window which may lead to an eye injury.
- Don’t let your Mal travel with a full stomach. If your Mal has just eaten, it’s more likely that he will suffer from car sickness
- Stop frequently for potty breaks and some exercise. If you have a healthy adult Mal properly potty trained then you should make a 15-20 min break every 2-4 hours ( the potty schedule on the road should correspond to his normal routine). Water should be offered every 2 hours. Of course, if you have a puppy or an older dog, you will have to stop more often.
- It’s a good idea to bring water from your home. Water in other places can contain some chemicals and minerals which may influence the taste and can upset your dog’s stomach.
- Car rides might be very boring for your Mal ( same as for your kids). Make sure your kids don’t tease your dog during the trip. Also, bring plenty of toys and treats to make the travel time more attractive. If you add some pillows or blankets that smell like home, even a Mal with an anxiety problem will have a pleasant trip.
- Never leave your Mal alone and unattended in the car no matter how short you plan to be out of it. If you need to leave the car for whatever reason make sure your Mal stays with your adult travel companion.
Traveling By Air With Belgian Malinois
Before you plan a trip that includes a flight, you need to check which airline company would accept your Mal on board. Once you find one, make the reservation for your dog as soon as you book the flight for you.
Airlines have the number of animals onboard restrictions and this system works on a ”first come, first served” basis.
Every company has its own pet policy but most of them accept small dogs( under 20 pounds which can travel in 19” x 13” x 9” carrier. This weight and carrier size absolutely cannot suit adult Mal.
If you plan to travel with a Mal puppy, note that the majority of airlines won’t accept puppies younger than 8-16 weeks ( depends on the company).
There are two places where a dog can be placed during flight. It’s either in the cabin in front of your seat or in the cargo. Adult Mal cannot fit in front of your seat so forget about this option. Many people ask if they can purchase a full ticket and place their dog on the seat next to them. It’s not possible.
If the airline accepts your Mal to travel in cargo, you need to provide an IATA travel certified crate Check the airline company policy on this as well. However, this crate must be labeled with your contact details, final destination, and ID number of your Mal.
If you Mal is going to travel in the cargo of the plane, don’t worry, this part of the cargo is heated ( but still it’s recommended to put some nice blanket in the crate to keep your dog warm) and well ventilated so it shouldn’t be a big issue for adult, healthy Mal ( but avoid it if your Mal has stress and anxiety problems).
Travel by air may cause stress in dogs so you may want to consider sedating your Mal. Just be very careful with this and don’t do anything before you speak with your vet.
Malinois may fall asleep because you gave him sedatives and most airline companies won’t accept sleeping dogs on the flight.
In case you have a stopover, you need to take your Mal out and check it on the second flight. Some airlines might offer the additional service to do this instead of you.
Having this on your mind, don’t plan connection flights with less than 4 hours between as you need this time to collect your Mal, to take him for a walk allowing him to do his potty business, and then to check him on another flight.
In any case, if you travel with your Mal, you need to pay an additional fee. If your Mal is a puppy and his travel carrier meets the airline requirements for traveling in the cabin, the fare will be between 30-70$ one way.
If your Mal will travel in cargo, the fare is a bit higher. You can expect to pay somewhere between 50-120$ one way.
Traveling By Train, Bus or Boat with Belgian Malinois
If you are considering another mode of transportation the situation for Belgian Malinois is not so bright.
AMTRAK accepts only small dogs under 20 pounds in their trains.
GREYHOUND doesn’t accept dogs in their buses at all. Of course, you should always check local bus and rail companies, it might happen that they have a different pet policy.
Regarding ships, cruise ships usually won’t accept any dogs on board except for service dogs that are allowed. I found that the only ship that accepts dogs on board is Queen Mary 2, Cunard line company.
So if you plan this type of vacation, you can bring your Mal along. Just note that there is no vet available onboard. Another thing- since this is the only ship that accepts pets ( dogs and cats only ) make sure you book the cruise on time ( normally one year ahead)
As per ferries, many of these companies are pet friendly, so you should check if the ferry company you want to use, accepts medium-sized dogs.
What Paperwork Do I Need To Travel With a Belgian Malinois?
If you travel abroad ,especially by air, you do need to documents for your Belgian Malinois.
First, you need to see the vet before the trip, so he can double-check your Mal’s vaccination status and issue a European passport if you are going to travel to Europe.
If you are not going to Europe, you still need a paper the confirms that your Mal is properly vaccinated. Even if you travel around the USA, check the state requirements for importing pets and also pets quarantine rules, as for example, Hawaii does have more strict rules than others, if you go there, please check
A couple of days prior to the trip, you need to see the vet again so can check your pet once again and issue a travel certificate that confirms that your Malinois is healthy. This document is obligatory for most world destinations.
If you travel abroad, you should contact the embassy of the destination country and ask for specific pet policies and documents for entry. Maybe they require some specific document, additional vaccine, or have a quarantine policy.
The airline company can also give you a lot of information on necessary documents. They also may require some forms to be filled so do check on time what paperwork you need to have done.
Make sure your Malinois is microchipped (it’s obligatory by law, no matter you travel or not). The microchip contains a specific number ( ID) and the full contact details. This is very important in case your dog is lost.
Don’t forget to bring one photo of your furry friend. It’s not really a document but it can help in case your Mal gets lost.
What Should I Put In My Dog’s Travel Bag?
- Crate or travel carrier
- Your Mal’s favorite bedding and some blanket that smells like home
- Your Mal’s favorite toys
- Leash and harness + additional pair
- Food and treat + collapsible bowl
- Water that your Mal is used to
- Litter box and waste bags
- Dog’s medications
- Grooming and care kit including flea comb, tick remover and sunscreen cream
- Dogs first aid kit
- Extra towels and pets wipes
- Necessary documentation ( vaccination and health certificate)
Booking a Dog-Friendly Accommodation
If you go on vacation with your Belgian Malinois you should look for a pet-friendly hotel and lodgings.
Most pet-friendly accommodation facilities accept dogs up to 80 pounds so your Mal should perfectly meet those requirements.
Some pet-friendly hotels charge only a small fee for your pet’s stay but some others will also charge refundable damage deposits.
There are a few hotels that won’t charge you for a pet’s stay. Those hotels are
- Kimpton Hotels. This brand allows the stay of any type of pets including dogs of course.
- Aloft Hotels in which dogs up to 40 pounds stay for free.
- Graduate hotels
- Motel 6 -perfect for road trips and overnight. Kids stay for free as well
- Red Roof Inn – same as Motel 6 offers kids stay for free. As per dogs, one canine up to 80 pounds per one guest room is welcome.
If you travel to Europe, it’s less likely to find free accommodation for your Mal but still, there is a great variety of pet-friendly hotels for a fee.
You can check this terrific website Bring Fido and get info about hotels, hostels, villas, B&B that will be delighted to welcome your Mal but also about nearby dog attractions, dog-friendly beaches, hiking trails…
Another website Paws abroad can suggest you the best places to stay with your Malinois in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Austria.
Even though pet-friendly hotels don’t require vaccination certificates, you should always have one with you along with a health certificate just in case.
Many people think that they can leave their Malinois in the hotel room but be careful with this.
First, you need to check the hotel’s policy if the hotel allows the guests to leave their pets unattended. Even if it does, bear in mind that the hotel room is something very new to your dog, he is not prepared to stay alone right away.
What Can I Give My Belgian Malinois For Anxiety or Motions Sickness When Traveling?
Travel Anxiety may appear if your Mal is not used to car rides or associates them with something negative.
For many dogs, the vet visit is almost the only reason they get to ride in the car. If they don’t like what happens at the vet’s then they usually associate a car ride with that bad experience.
When it comes to travel, they start to show signs of anxiety from the very first moment of a car ride. They pant heavily, cannot settle down…
On the other hand, many puppies experience motion sickness during car rides. That bad feeling increases anxiety. What you can do about it?
First of all, make sure your Malinois is completely used to the car rides before you start the trip. The best option is to expose your Mal from an early age to cars.
You can start by playing with your dog near the parked car. As soon as your puppy moves towards the car or wants to explore it, praise him and give him some treats.
Continue with the play but this time, the door of the car should be open. Again, praise and give the treats to your pet when he approaches the car.
Some Mals are less anxious if they feel secure in the car, so you can put them in the crate for example. Their favorite toy or a simple old t-shirt with your smell may have a relaxing effect.
Some dogs will find soothing classical music very relaxing. Apart from classical music dogs prefer reggae and soft rock as well. So nice atmosphere and well-ventilated car ( just be careful not to open the window near your dog) may also have a calming effect on your anxious Mal.
If you think that your Malinois anxiety is powerful you should ask your vet for advice. There are some supplements on the market like Solliquin or Zylkene .
However, don’t give any of these before speaking to your vet first. If you prefer more natural options like homeopathic remedies, Rescue Remedy for pets might help Rescue remedy for pets
There is also a certain number of medications that only a vet can prescribe like Sedatives, Antihistamines, Neurokinin Receptor Blocker ( this drug is especially useful in preventing vomiting )
Bottom line, make sure your dog associates car rides with something positive. Bring plenty of toys and treats.
Place your Mal is secure place in the car, make him feel comfortable and cozy. If you meet all these needs it’s less likely that your Mal will be nervous or anxious during the road trip.
Where To Take My Belgian Malinois – Dog Friendly Locations and Activities on the Destination?
No matter what is the purpose of your travel – is it a cross-country move, vacation, or short business trip you have to decide to take your Mal with you, you need to plan activities with your dog and locations you will visit.
First of all, before you go to your destination find a vet near the place you’ll stay. It’s not a bad idea to find dogs grooming place as well. Malinois doesn’t need a professional groomer that often but still just in case, it’s good to know where it is if you need any.
After you have found those essentials ( vet and grooming ), try to find other things you might need such as dog-friendly restaurants, beaches, hiking trails, dog parks… Website Pet-friendly travel may help you when traveling around the USA and Canada
If you want to travel around Europe with your dog, the sightseeing part might be a tricky one. Even though dogs are more than welcome to join you in exploring European old cities and national parks, most museums, churches, palaces won’t accept your Mal inside.