For better or for worse, depending on your point of view, the Europeans are often far more relaxed about dogs and they are allowed in areas that you can't take them to in this country.However, before deciding about taking them it is well worth considering a few factors. Not all ports have the pet passport sceme in operation and it is not quite as straight forward as it may seem. The length of trip and time of year need consideration. Taking a dog abroad to an hot climate may cause a lot of stress both to the animal and to the owner in worrying about it. Older dogs would suffer in particular.If you are going on an extended visit I can see the financial benefits but....
Too many dog owners see their dogs world through their own eyes which is a big mistake. Most owners think putting their dog in a boarding kennels is like sending them to jail whilst they go and enjoy themselves on holiday.Consider your own dog, probably spends half the day fast asleep to alleviate the boredom. Imagine that you are given the opportunity for a total lifestyle change for a few weeks, plenty of company, lots going on all around, others to communicate with. Yep ( or should that be yap), for a dog going into kennels may be something akin to staying on a caravan park !