Transport by car: Securing and legal obligation
In the car, your dog is considered cargo. According to StVO §22, every load must be secured so that it cannot shift during emergency braking or evasive manoeuvres. Without securing, the dog is a danger to itself and all passengers. The fines are tiered.
A dog not correctly secured costs 35 euros. If other people are endangered, it is 60 euros plus one point in Flensburg. In case of property damage, 75 euros plus a point become due. The law does not prescribe how you secure the dog, only that it must be secured. Transport crate, dog guard or safety harness are all permissible. Which variant makes sense depends on the car and the dog.
Train travel with a dog: DB, ÖBB and SBB regulations
Travelling by train with a dog is permitted in Central Europe, but the costs differ significantly. With Deutsche Bahn (DB), a small dog travels free of charge in a transport crate as hand luggage. All other dogs require a dog ticket at half the price of a regular ticket. Without a transport crate, the dog must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead. It sits in front of, under or next to your seat.
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) calculate more simply: up to 98 kilometres costs a flat rate of 2 euros, above that 10 percent of the full price. On the ÖBB Nightjet, you need a separate compartment for the dog, which costs an extra 29 euros. Swiss dogs travel all day free with the SBB Dog Day Ticket for 35 francs. Small dogs up to 30 cm at the withers may travel free in the crate under the seat.
Airplane: Cabin, cargo and size limits
Small dogs up to approx. 8 kg are allowed by most European airlines to fly in a transport bag under the front seat. The bag may measure a maximum of 55 x 40 x 23 centimetres. Larger dogs can, if at all, only be transported in the cargo hold. The cargo hold often has unfavourable conditions for breathing and circulation.
Short-nosed breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs or Boxers are particularly at risk during air travel. Lufthansa and other airlines explicitly recommend not flying these breeds if the temperature at the airport is above 27 degrees. Their restricted breathing makes them susceptible to circulatory problems and oxygen deficiency. Some countries ban cargo transport for short-nosed breeds entirely. Sedation in an airplane is not recommended from a veterinary perspective, as it increases the risks.
Reducing stress during transport
The dog experiences transport routes as a stressful situation. New surroundings, noise, vibrations and loss of control put it under pressure. An untrained dog can become panicked during the journey, barking, panting or collapsing. Short journeys with rewards, an open crate for sniffing in and familiar objects in the transport area help with getting used to it. The earlier you start, the less stress there will be later.
Checklist for safe dog transport
Car
- Use a transport crate, dog guard or safety belt
- Regular breaks (every 2–3 hours)
- Offer water, but not too much at once
- Never leave the dog alone in a hot car
Train
- Research in good time: Which railway, what costs
- Make a reservation (especially ÖBB Nightjet)
- Take a muzzle (if necessary) and get used to it in advance
- Transport crate or short lead (depending on the rules)
- Familiar objects such as a blanket or toy
Aeroplane
- Contact the airline directly – not all accept all breeds
- Have flight fitness certified by the vet
- Buy an IATA-compliant transport bag
- Brachycephalic breeds: flights are too risky for them
- Check alternatives (car plus ferry or onward transport)
FAQ: Dog transport
How do I transport my dog safely in the car?
The safest option is a transport crate in the footwell or boot, which is securely installed directly behind the rear bench. ADAC crash tests show: This combination performs best. Fabric crates and belt systems fail during emergency braking. Metal crates are more reliable than plastic ones.
Can the dog travel on the train for free?
Only if it is very small and fits in a transport crate under your seat, then it counts as hand luggage and travels for free. All other dogs cost money. With DB it is a reduced ticket, with ÖBB a flat fee, with SBB the day ticket is usually worth it.
Can I take my dog into the cabin on the aeroplane?
Only if it weighs under 8 kg and its transport bag does not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Brachycephalic breeds should not fly. The risks are too great for these dogs.
How much does dog transport in the car cost?
A good transport crate costs 200–600 euros, depending on quality. Once purchased, only fuel costs are incurred for each journey. Dog transport by train or aeroplane involves additional fees every time.
How do I prepare my dog for longer journeys?
It is best to start with short, everyday journeys. Present the car or crate neutrally, reward, never punish. The earlier your dog trains for this, the calmer it will become. With adult dogs it requires patience, but it works.