We all know how sad it is to leave your pet at home while you go on a holiday… Luckily, certain holidays can be enjoyed together with your four-legged best friend! One of such, Camino de Santiago, is a fantastic way to explore beautiful landscapes together. This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about walking the Camino with your dog.
Choosing the right route
The most important part of planning this trip will be selecting the right route for you and your furry companion. The French Way, or Camino Frances, is one of the most popular routes, however, it can be very crowded, particularly during the warmer months. If your dog tends to get overwhelmed with too many people, perhaps you want a quieter trail.
Portuguese Way, on the other hand, is a good option that is less crowded, yet still very well-serviced. The Camino Portugues Coastal route alternative is certainly one to consider if your dog loves the beach! Of course, when picking a route, think about the terrain too. Coastal routes are located on cliffs and so it may be a stressful experience for you, if your dog is not well-trained.
Similarly, Camino Primitivo is full of remote nature that your furry best friend will love, but the steep ascends and descents make it a challenging trail. If your dog is older or has health issues, it may be too tiring. With any route, however, you can choose to complete the final 100 km of the trail only, as this will be a more manageable distance for pets.
Dog-friendly accommodations
As a dog owner, you know that not all hotels or guesthouses allow pets. Therefore, it’s very important that you research your options and pre-book each night well in advance. Not just that, ensure that the accommodation is located strategically, based on how much distance you want to walk each day.
If planning all this too difficult, you can also seek the help of a travel agency. Santiago Ways is a leading Camino agency, boasting 4.7-star reviews on Google. They will help you plan a dog-friendly itinerary and organise all the other logistics, according to your specific needs. Not just that, you will be provided with 24/7 support in case of any issues.
Physical preparations
Prior to your journey, it’s always a good idea to do some physical preparations for both, you and your four-legged buddy. The daily walks on the Camino will range from 20 to 25km, which can be challenging for those who aren’t accustomed to such distances.
Start training at least a few weeks in advance, going for regular long walks with your dog and gradually increasing the distances. A check-up with your vet is also recommended, to ensure that your dog is healthy enough and has all the necessary vaccinations.
Packing list
The exact items to pack will vary, as only you know what your dog needs. However, here are some things to remember:
- Required documentation: Your dog’s travel passport, vaccination records, microchip details, and health certificates;
- Everyday gear: A comfy harness and a leash, a portable water bowl, dog treats, identification tag, and a first-aid kit;
- Protection: Paw pads or dog shoes for hot asphalt, and a raincoat for rainy days;
- Comfort items: Small toys that your pet cannot live without and a quick-dry towel.
Last word
Completing the Camino with your dog will undoubtedly be one of the most unforgettable experienced in your life, providing lots of quality time together and a rewarding goal!
