Going to the seaside with a dog or cat? Three things matter most: secure restraint during the journey, access to water, and breaks planned around the pet’s needs. For a journey lasting several hours, also get your pet used to the car, carrier, or public transport beforehand.
A car offers the most freedom—you can stop whenever your dog needs a walk or your cat is struggling with the journey. A train avoids traffic and hours of driving, but check the specific operator’s rules before travelling.
Importantly, PKP is not one railway operator. PKP S.A. does not run passenger services itself, so check the rules for dogs and cats with PKP Intercity, POLREGIO, or PKP SKM in the Tri-City.
Dog in the car—how to travel safely to the seaside?
A dog moving between the front and rear seats may seem harmless until something unexpected happens. Sudden braking, trying to climb onto the driver’s lap, or reacting to a dog seen through the window can create a real hazard.
So your pet needs a fixed, safe place for the journey.
Depending on its size and the car, this could be a properly secured carrier, travel crate, or car harness and restraint system. Larger cars may also have a separate boot area divided from the cabin. The key is to prevent the dog from moving freely around the car or distracting the driver.
How: legal dog car transport?
Polish road traffic law does not contain a specific rule requiring a dog to travel in a particular harness, carrier, or crate.
General safety rules do apply. You must not use a vehicle in a way that endangers people inside or outside it. Rules on transporting loads require them to be placed so they do not hinder driving, restrict visibility, or shift position.
In practice, do not look for a way to “avoid a fine”; secure the dog so it cannot reach the driver or be thrown forward during sudden braking.
Can you be fined for having a dog in the car?
Yes, if the dog is transported in a way that creates a hazard or hinders driving. However, there is no separate fine for an “unrestrained dog” or rule requiring a specific type of harness.
There is no fixed fine for having a dog in the car—the penalty depends on which rules were broken and the circumstances.
Long car journey with a dog—how to plan it?
If the journey to the seaside takes several hours, start preparing before you leave.
A dog that rarely travels by car should not start with several hundred kilometres. Begin with short trips and gradually extend them. This will also show whether drooling, anxiety, vomiting, or other signs of motion sickness occur.
Plan regular stops during the journey. About two hours may be a useful guide for a healthy adult dog, but do not treat it as a strict rule. A puppy, senior dog, or dog with health problems may need more frequent breaks.
Give the dog water and let it walk calmly at stops. On motorways, do not let it out loose—attach the lead before opening the door. Also, never leave an animal in a heating car, even briefly.
Cat in the car—a carrier is essential
A long car journey with a cat differs from travelling with a dog. You do not plan a walk at every stop, and opening the carrier in a car park could end with a frightened pet escaping.
That is why a cat should travel in a properly chosen, closed carrier that will not move freely around the car.
Place a familiar blanket or mat inside. If your cat dislikes the carrier, do not bring it out only on departure day. Put it out earlier at home, leave the door open, and let the cat enter on its own.
You can put treats or a favourite blanket inside. The aim is to stop the carrier meaning only a visit to the vet.
Where should you place a cat carrier?
Stability is essential. The carrier should not lie loose on a seat or move at every turn.
The securing method depends on the carrier model and the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the product manual and secure it so the carrier stays stable when braking or changing direction.
Never let a cat travel loose in the cabin. A frightened animal could get under the pedals, jump onto the driver, or escape when the door opens.
Dog on a train—check the operator first
Planning a long train journey with a dog? First check who actually operates your service. PKP Intercity, POLREGIO, and PKP SKM have their own rules and fares for animals.
POLREGIO is a good example. Small animals, including dogs, can travel free if kept in a suitable carrier or container. For a larger dog travelling outside a carrier, you currently need a PLN 5.50 ticket, regardless of journey length. On some services within Pomeranian Voivodeship, dogs travel free. This matters when travelling to the Baltic coast.
Dog in a carrier versus a larger dog
A small dog is easiest to transport in a closed carrier meeting the operator’s requirements. This is often treated similarly to carrying a small animal as hand luggage.
A large dog travelling outside a carrier is subject to different rules. Depending on the operator, a lead, muzzle, suitable ticket, and proof of a current rabies vaccination may be required.
So before buying your ticket, check the rules for animals too. This is especially important when changing trains and using two different operators.
Dog and cat by train—POLREGIO and PKP differ
Operator | Small animal in a carrier | Dog outside a carrier | What to check before travelling? |
POLREGIO | free of charge | PLN 5.50; free on some Pomeranian routes | current fare and rules for the specific service |
PKP Intercity | according to the operator’s current | check requirements and fare when buying the specific ticket | dog ticket, required documents, lead and muzzle rules |
PKP SKM Trójmiasto | small animals in a suitable container | detailed rules apply to transporting dogs | current terms - this version applies from 1 July 2026 |
Cat on a train - does it need a ticket?
For cats, a closed carrier is the most convenient option. With carriers that allow small animals to travel free as hand luggage, a cat in a suitable container can travel without an extra ticket. POLREGIO applies these rules, among others.
The carrier must protect other passengers and belongings; the animal must not disrupt the journey.
Motion sickness in dogs and cats - how to spot it?
Not every dog that dislikes car travel is simply “being difficult”. Drooling, licking, restlessness, frequent swallowing, panting or vomiting may indicate motion sickness. In cats, travel stress may also cause intense meowing, attempts to escape the carrier or, conversely, freezing and withdrawal.
If these symptoms recur during subsequent trips, speak to a vet before a long journey to the seaside. This is especially important for animals that vomit heavily or react very strongly to the sight of a car or carrier.
A vet can advise how to prepare your pet for travel and whether treatment is needed. Never give your pet human medicines without advice.
Should a dog/cat travel fasting?
There is no single rule for every animal. If your pet is prone to nausea, a vet may recommend changing the timing or size of its meal before departure. However, do not automatically impose a several-hour fast just because you found this advice online. This is especially important for puppies, kittens, senior pets and animals with chronic illnesses. Remember to take water for the entire journey.
Dog/cat travel: packing checklist
Pack for your pet just as carefully as you pack your own suitcase. If you prepare everything the day before, you will not be searching for the health record or travel bowl five minutes before departure.
Dog and cat travel checklist:
- health record and vaccination documents,
- regular medicines and your vet’s advice,
- carrier or suitable car restraint,
- lead, harness or collar; for dogs, a muzzle if required during travel,
- ID tag with a current phone number,
- enough food for the entire stay,
- water and travel bowl,
- waste bags,
- towel and hygiene pads,
- blanket or bed that smells like home,
- favourite toy,
- basic first-aid kit,
- for cats - litter tray, litter and
- paper towels and supplies for cleaning the carrier.
Long seaside trip: don't cut it close
Travelling several hundred kilometres? Add extra time to the sat-nav estimate. Travelling with a dog or cat should not be a race against the clock. Walk breaks, giving water, traffic jams or calming a cat may extend the journey.
With a dog, plan stops in advance. Do not wait until it starts restlessly moving around in the car.
With a cat, it is different. If it is sleeping calmly in the carrier, there is no need to take it out at every stop. On the contrary - opening the carrier in an unfamiliar place increases the risk of escape.
If you must open the carrier, do so only in a secure room or another space from which the cat cannot escape.
Car or train to the seaside with your pet?
A car gives you the greatest control over the route. You can stop when your dog needs a walk, take a larger carrier for your cat and easily pack a bed, food and other supplies.
A train, meanwhile, removes the need to drive for several hours. You can give your pet more attention, and the journey is not affected by traffic on roads leading to the seaside.
With a large dog, carrier rules, a ticket, lead and muzzle also apply. With a cat, consider how it copes with crowds, smells, announcements and other passengers.
There is therefore no single answer as to which transport is better. The best option is the one your pet handles well.
Dog abroad by car: what to remember?
If a trip to the Baltic coast is only the first stage of a longer journey and you plan to cross Poland’s border, preparation is different.
Safe transport in the car is not enough. Check the requirements for entering each country on your route with an animal - including documents, identification and required vaccinations.
Do not assume that Polish rules for transporting dogs in cars apply throughout Europe. Animal restraint regulations may differ between countries.
For international travel, prepare documents well in advance rather than checking the requirements the day before departure.
Rosevia: what awaits dog/cat after travel?
After several hours in a car or train, the last thing you want is to look for your pet’s basic supplies.
At Rosevia Resort & SPA, pets must be reported before arrival and approved by the property. The resort accepts small and medium-sized dogs of non-aggressive breeds, plus cats and other accepted pets.
See details of a seaside stay with your dog or cat
The current fee is PLN 100 per night. It includes a mat, bowl, welcome treat and toy. The resort also has designated walking areas with bins and waste bags.
Especially convenient after a long journey with a dog: instead of another trip immediately, first let it calmly explore the surroundings and take a short walk.
Pets stay in designated apartments on the ul. Rozewska side. With a cat, close the apartment’s doors and windows first, place the carrier in a quiet spot and let it out when it is ready.
First walk after arrival – no rush
After several hours of driving, a dog may be full of energy—or tired from all the new stimuli. So on the first day, you needn't plan a several-kilometre route. A short walk around the area lets your pet discover new smells and relieve itself after the journey.
Rozewie offers plenty of options for longer walks later. The area has cliffs, coastal forest and trails towards Jastrzębia Góra. Rosevia itself highlights the proximity of the Baltic Sea, cliffs and forest paths as a benefit of staying with a pet.
If you're travelling with a cat, the situation is different. Not every cat needs or wants walks. For many, the priority is calmly exploring the apartment and resting after the journey.
What if your pet feels unwell during your holiday?
Before a longer trip, save the contact details of a local veterinary clinic in your phone and check where the nearest facility offering help outside standard hours is located. This is especially important when travelling with a chronically ill, elderly or very young pet.
FAQ – travelling with a dog or cat
Legal dog transport by car?
Polish law does not specify one mandatory type of harness or carrier for dogs. However, the animal must be transported in a way that does not hinder driving or create a hazard. In practice, use a properly secured carrier, crate or car-specific dog restraint system.
How should a dog travel to avoid a fine?
There is no specific “dog without a seat belt” fine. The key is to secure the animal so it cannot distract the driver or create a hazard while driving or braking suddenly.
Can a dog cope with 10 hours in a car?
Ten hours should not be treated as one uninterrupted journey. Such a long route requires regular stops for water, rest and toilet breaks. Adjust their frequency to the dog's age, health and habits. If your pet has previously struggled even with shorter journeys, consult a vet before travelling so far.
How do you prepare a dog for a long car journey?
Gradually is best. Start with short trips, get your dog used to its restraint in the car and observe its reactions. Before the actual journey, prepare water, a lead, a bowl and documents, and plan rest stops.
Can a cat cope with 5 hours in a car?
A healthy cat accustomed to its carrier may manage a journey of several hours, but reactions vary greatly. More important than the number of hours are a suitable carrier, the car's temperature, access to water and getting the cat used to travelling beforehand.
If your cat reacts very badly to car travel, speak to a vet before leaving.
How much is a dog ticket on a train?
The price depends on the operator. For example, on POLREGIO, a larger dog travelling outside a carrier currently costs PLN 5.50, regardless of journey length. Small animals in suitable containers can travel free of charge.
Does a cat need a train ticket?
It depends on the operator. Always check the rules of the operator running your specific service before travel.
Can you stay at Rosevia with a cat?
Yes. Rosevia accepts cats with prior notice and the property's approval. The current pet fee is PLN 100 per night, and accommodation is provided in designated apartments facing Rozewska Street.
A good journey starts a good holiday
Several hundred kilometres with a dog or cat needn't be the most stressful part of your holiday. Good preparation makes the biggest difference: a safe carrier or restraint system, enough water, documents, well-planned stops and a little extra time.
Don't try to change all your pet's habits on departure day. Get it used to the carrier beforehand, practise car travel on shorter routes and check the rail operator's rules before buying a ticket.
Once you reach the Baltic coast, you can swap the car or train for a much more enjoyable means of transport—your own feet and four paws.
If you're planning a stay at Rosevia Resort & SPA, mention your pet when booking. Designated pet-friendly apartments, a basic welcome kit and walking areas await you, while Rozewie's coastal landscapes begin just a few steps away.
