TOUR from hotel to hotel
1. What does the hotel provide for my dog?
Private Selection Hotels welcome your dog with a dog bed, a bowl and a treat, plus countless kilometres of walking and hiking trails right from the hotel. Some houses offer extras such as a dog shower. Exactly which services are included depends on the individual hotel.
2. What do I need to bring my dog to Switzerland?
Dogs entering Switzerland need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport or pet health certificate. The vaccination must be given a set number of days before entry. As requirements depend on your country of origin, always check the current rules of the Swiss authorities before you travel.
3. How do I get around Switzerland with my dog?
Switzerland is easy to explore by public transport with a dog. Small dogs up to 30 cm in a carrier travel free as hand luggage; larger dogs need a half-fare ticket or the Day Pass Dogs (about CHF 25), valid all day on trains, buses and boats. Many mountain railways carry dogs too.
4. Are dogs allowed in restaurants and on cable cars?
Switzerland is very dog-friendly: in most places your leashed dog is welcome to settle quietly under the table, and cable cars and mountain railways usually carry dogs. Rules can vary by venue, however, so it is worth checking with the individual hotel or operator beforehand.
5. Can my dog swim in the lakes?
Many lakes have designated dog bathing spots, for example at Lake Constance, Lake Thun, Lake Lucerne or Lago Maggiore. A real highlight is the separate dog beach at the Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort on Lake Lugano. Note that public lidos are usually off-limits to dogs, so look for the marked areas.
Dog-friendly hotels by the lake:
6. In which mountain regions can I go on holiday with my dog?
Dog-friendly hotels can be found in regions such as the Bernese Oberland, the Engadin, around Lake Constance and Lake Lucerne, as well as in southern Italy, Liguria, and Sicily. This allows you to choose your destination according to the preferences of both dog and owner.
Dog-friendly hotels in the mountains:
7. Are dogs allowed in the wellness and spa area?
For hygiene reasons the wellness and spa area is usually not open to dogs. While you enjoy the sauna, pool or a treatment, your dog relaxes in the room. Shared walks in beautiful surroundings are very much part of the wellness experience for both dog and owner.
Dog-friendly wellness hotels:
8. When is the best time for a holiday with a dog?
Holidays with a dog work all year round. Summer is ideal for hiking and swimming, though you should watch out for heat; winter offers snow and crisp mountain air. Spring and autumn are mild and quieter, which many dogs and owners find the most comfortable for travelling.
9. What should I consider for a beach holiday by the Mediterranean?
By the Mediterranean, leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies can be dangerous for dogs. Discuss suitable protection, such as repellents or vaccination, with your vet in good time. Also provide shade and plenty of water, as not every dog copes well with heat and salt water.
Dog-friendly hotels by the sea:
10. Is there an extra charge for my dog?
Any dog fee is set by the individual hotel and handled differently from house to house; in some hotels the dog even stays free of charge, for instance at the Hotel Cailler, Charmey. It is best to confirm the exact amount when booking to avoid surprises on arrival.
