"Dogs and cats are not allowed." Vacationing with a pet is a real challenge.

For many of us, a dog or cat is an integral part of the family, and we can't imagine a vacation without their company. Traveling by private means is usually quite simple and doesn't involve additional costs, but if we want to use a train or plane, we should be aware of transportation restrictions.

If you've ever seen photos of people holding their dogs on their laps while traveling by train or plane, you should know that traveling with a pet is more trouble than it seems. The rules for transporting animals on public transport are much more complicated; owners must provide not only a leash and muzzle, but also complete the necessary documentation and pay for the dog or cat's transportation.

The train is one of the few pet-friendly modes of transport. According to PKP (Polish State Railways) transport rules, small pets can be transported free of charge in a carrier , provided they are not a nuisance, for example, due to noise or odor, and occupy space designated for carry-on luggage. Larger pets that cannot be accommodated in a carrier can be transported for a fee, provided they are kept on a leash and muzzled. The flat fee is PLN 15.20 , but purchasing a ticket from a conductor on the train incurs an additional PLN 20 boarding fee.

Pets cannot be taken into the dining car or kept in a seat or sleeping car. Owners must have a current certificate of their pet's rabies vaccination and provide appropriate accommodations for the animal during the journey. It's also important to bear in mind that other passengers may not consent to their pet being placed in the compartment – in such cases, you must move to another seat or ask the conductor to provide one.

If you transport a dog, cat, or other pet without a required ticket or in violation of the regulations, you will be charged an additional fee of PLN 300. Paying the fine on the train reduces it to PLN 150, while paying it within 14 days of travel will result in a PLN 200 fee (instead of PLN 300).

While train travel is usually hassle-free for vacationers, air travel is more complicated. Budget carriers like Ryanair, WizzAir, and easyJet generally don't allow pets to be transported in the cabin or in the hold . Major airlines like LOT Polish Airlines and Lufthansa allow small dogs and cats to be transported in the cabin , but they must be placed in a carrier. The weight of the pet, including the container, cannot exceed 8 kg, and the container's dimensions must meet the carrier's requirements:

• LOT – 55x40x20 cm for B787 Dreamliner and B737 aircraft, 45x30x20 cm for the rest,
• Lufthansa – 118 cm in total (55x40x23 cm).

Airlines require advance registration for pets and note that the number of animals allowed on a single flight is limited. The owner must have all required documentation for the pet : a passport (issued by a veterinarian), a current vaccination record, a health certificate from a veterinarian, and the pet must be microchipped. Carriers also specify a minimum age for the pet and emphasize that specific countries may have their own rules for import and export . This is the case, for example, in the USA, where pets must be registered and a form completed, while in Japan, pets must undergo a special inspection upon arrival.

Both LOT and Lufthansa also allow the transport of animals in the hold. The carrier must be properly prepared (no wheels attached), have the required equipment, and meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) guidelines. Due to possible respiratory problems during flight, brachycephalic (short-snouted) dogs and cats, such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, or Himalayans, must be transported only in the passenger cabin. Regardless of the method, pet owners must always pay an additional fee for their pet's transport.

The only animals that can be transported free of charge on board are guide/assistance dogs . They don't need to be placed in a carrier, but the dog must wear a harness, be muzzled, and fit within the passenger seat. As with other pets, guide dogs should be registered in advance to ensure their carriage is possible on the route in question: Ryanair does not accept dogs on flights between Poland and Morocco, Israel, Sweden, Norway, or the United Kingdom.

Transporting a guide dog also requires appropriate documentation . This includes:

• A certificate confirming the dog's training, issued by an appropriate training institution or accredited by an international organization, e.g. ADI (Assistance Dog International), IGDF (International Guide Dog Federation),
• A certificate of disability, a disability ID card or a medical certificate from the passenger indicating the need to have an assistance dog,
• Pet passport,
• Passenger's declaration that the dog meets the requirements for traveling as a certified assistance dog,
• Certificate of veterinary vaccinations.

When planning a vacation, it's also worth checking hotel chains' policies regarding accepting pets in rooms. While most properties in Poland declare themselves pet-friendly , individual hotels may have their own rules, introducing, for example, weight or breed restrictions. Pet owners must register their pets when booking accommodation and provide them with a bed during their stay, ensuring they have a leash and muzzle in common areas, such as hallways and restaurants.

Hotels also require guests to pay a fee for their pet's stay. Prices range from 50 to 90 PLN per night depending on the property and its location, but can also be a one-time fee of 100-200 PLN for the entire stay. Upon check-in, pet owners may be asked to provide proof of their pet's current vaccinations, so it's worth contacting the hotel in advance, especially if you're bringing more than one pet.

Finally, let's mention an often-overlooked aspect of traveling with a dog or cat: the owner's liability for damage caused by the animal . It's the passenger's responsibility to supervise the pet, provide appropriate transportation and accommodation conditions, and meet its physiological needs. It's possible for an animal to damage a train seat, soil the hotel floor, or bite or scratch another person, leading to serious injury. In such a situation, the owner must repair the damage at their own expense , also bearing in mind civil and criminal liability.

Private liability insurance , which can be included as part of a travel insurance policy, can be helpful in protecting yourself against the consequences of damages caused by your pet. While this insurance will cover the costs of compensation and damages, it's always worth checking the terms and conditions of coverage and determining the appropriate amount for which the insurer will be liable for damages.