I spent three months exploring the most beautiful corners of the continent with my four-legged best friend. I carried my luggage, she carried her favorite toy. I ate croissants, and she enjoyed endless dog treats. Europe is a dream for pet owners.
However, you must know where to go to find the most dog friendly europe vibes. My journey took us across twelve major hubs to find the ultimate champion of pet travel. I used a strict scoring system based on hotels, cafes, parks, and transport. The result surprised me. Paris is great, but it did not win the top spot.
I believe that traveling with a dog changes your perspective. You walk slower. You take more breaks. You sit in parks and watch the world go by.
Locals who usually walk past you will stop to talk because of your dog. A dog is the ultimate icebreaker. Dog friendly europe trips are not just vacations; they are ways to see the heart of a city through its green spaces and pet culture. Plus, most trains and many dog friendly european airlines make it easier than ever to move between countries.
The Logistics: Getting Your Paws on the Ground
First of all, you must handle the paperwork. If you are coming from the United Kingdom, things have changed since Brexit. You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain for travel to the European Union. You will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
An official veterinarian must issue this within ten days of your travel. It is a bit of a hassle. It costs around £200 per trip. Therefore, you should plan your dog friendly european holidays from uk with care.
Similarly, your dog needs a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. You must wait at least 21 days after the rabies shot before you can enter the EU.
Some countries like Finland, Ireland, Malta, and Norway also require a tapeworm treatment. A vet must give this between 24 and 120 hours before you arrive. Do not skip this. Border agents will check.
Additionally, you have to decide how to fly. Some of the best dog friendly european airlines include KLM, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air. If your dog is small, usually under 8kg, she can sit in the cabin with you. My dog Luna is a 30kg Golden Retriever, so she had to fly as cargo.
It was stressful for me, but she handled it like a champion. For those who want the ultimate luxury, you can even look into a dog friendly european cruise or private jet services that feed your dog on board.
Riding the Rails: The Best Way to See the Continent
I highly recommend the train for dog friendly europe travel. It is scenic and spacious. Most trains in Europe allow dogs of all sizes. In many countries, small dogs in carriers travel for free. Larger dogs usually need a half-price child fare ticket.
However, there is one major catch. The Eurostar train between London and Paris does not allow pet dogs. It is very frustrating. If you are planning dog friendly european holidays, you must find another way to cross the channel. I suggest the ferry or the Eurotunnel.
Once you are on the mainland, the rules vary by country. In Spain, larger dogs are only allowed on specific high-speed routes like Madrid to Barcelona. You have to arrive 40 minutes early to get a travel kit with a seat cover. On the contrary, Italy is very relaxed. Large dogs can ride almost any train if they have a muzzle and a leash. Similarly, in the Netherlands, you can buy a daily “dog ticket” for just €3.30.
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cities in Europe
I ranked these cities based on real experience and data. Here are the results of my 2025 tour.
1. Zurich, Switzerland (Overall Score: 9.5/10)
Zurich is the winner. It is dog-perfect. I did not expect this. The balance between city life and nature is unmatched. My best experience was at Strandbad Mythenquai. Dogs can swim in the crystal-clear alpine lake right alongside humans. It is normalized here.
The public transport in Zurich is also flawless. Dogs can ride on every train, tram, bus, and boat. A day pass for a dog costs only 3.40 CHF. Additionally, the city is immaculate. You will find dog poop bags everywhere. Finally, the mountains are just 30 minutes away by train for alpine hiking. Zurich is the ultimate dog friendly european city.
2. Paris, France (Overall Score: 9.3/10)
Paris is where dogs live their best lives. I felt like royalty walking with my dog through the streets. Waiters at cafes like Café de Flore brought her water without me even asking. Parisians love dogs. They stop to give compliments constantly.
Though it is nearly perfect, the Metro can be a nightmare during rush hour. It is packed. Also, some luxury hotels charge high pet fees. Nevertheless, for dog friendly european holidays, Paris offers the best cafe culture in the world.
3. Munich, Germany (Overall Score: 9.0/10)
Munich is the outdoorsy friend of Europe. It has the Englischer Garten, which is one of the largest urban parks in the world. My dog ran through the grass and even received a pretzel from a waiter at a beer garden.
The best part? Bavarian law says dogs are allowed in all beer gardens. Therefore, you never have to leave your friend behind when you want a drink. It is a fantastic hub for dog friendly europe trips because the Alps are only an hour away by train.
4. London, United Kingdom (Overall Score: 8.9/10)
I was amazed by the parks in London. They are world-class. Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are massive. My dog even went swimming in the Serpentine Lake.
Londoners are true dog lovers. Most pubs allow dogs inside. Some even have special “dog menus” with treats. Also, dogs ride for free on the Tube and buses. However, the cost of hotels is very high. Expect to pay €120-€200 per night.
5. Berlin, Germany (Overall Score: 8.7/10)
Berlin is incredibly easy with a dog. I took my dog to the Tiergarten, which is bigger than Central Park in New York. You can even bring your dog into some techno clubs if you are into that.
It is also very affordable. Hotels are much cheaper than in London or Zurich, often between €60 and €100. The city has an anti-establishment vibe that welcomes everyone, including furry friends. Plus, public transport rules are simple.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands (Overall Score: 8.5/10)
I loved the relaxed attitude in Amsterdam. People ride bikes with their dogs in baskets. I rented a boat on the canals, and my dog sat right at the front.
The city has great green spaces like Vondelpark. However, you must be careful. The canals are not fenced. My dog almost jumped in after a duck. Therefore, keep a tight leash near the water.
7. Rome, Italy (Overall Score: 8.3/10)
Romans do not just like dogs; they are obsessed with them. People stopped us every 100 meters for photos. One restaurant owner even gave my dog a plate of prosciutto and said, “È famiglia!”.
At that time, the summer heat was the only problem. It reached over 35°C. I had to wake up at 5 AM to walk my dog before the pavement became too hot. If you go, visit in the spring or fall.
8. Barcelona, Spain (Overall Score: 8.2/10)
Barcelona is full of energy. The Parc de la Ciutadella is a wonderful place for a Sunday morning stroll. Most tapas bars welcome dogs, especially if they have outdoor seating.
On the contrary, the city beaches have strict rules. Dogs are only allowed from October to May. In the summer, you have to take a train to a specific dog beach like Playa de Llevant.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark (Overall Score: 8.0/10)
Copenhagen is the happiest city, and that includes the dogs. I rented a Christiania cargo bike and cycled with my dog in the front box. She loved the breeze in her fur.
The city is very clean and efficient. Amager Strandpark is a great dog beach that is totally free. However, the prices are high. A simple coffee can cost €6.
10. Lisbon, Portugal (Overall Score: 7.8/10)
Lisbon is beautiful but very hilly. My legs felt like jelly after walking up to the castle. But the people are very kind to dogs.
I took the train to Cascais, which is only 20 minutes away. My dog swam in the Atlantic Ocean while I ate grilled sardines. It is one of the best dog friendly european countries for beach lovers.
Finding the Best Bed: Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains
When you are planning a dog friendly europe road trip, you need reliable places to sleep. Several major chains have excellent policies.
- Hyatt: A staggering 94% of their hotels are pet-friendly. They really celebrate dogs. The average fee is about £85.
- Hilton: About 80% of their properties welcome pets. They often provide luxury pet beds and even sitting services. The average fee is £67.
- IHG: This group includes 14 brands, and 76% allow dogs. Their fees are more affordable at around £47.
- Marriott: Only 58% of their hotels allow pets, and the fees are the highest at an average of £95.
Always check the rules before you book. Some hotels only allow small dogs under 5kg. Others might have a limit of one pet per room. It is best to call the hotel directly to confirm your “furry guest” is welcome.
Dining Out with Your Dog
One of my favorite things about a dog friendly europe trip is eating out. In France, Germany, and Italy, dogs are welcome inside most restaurants. It is very normal to see a dog napping under a table.
However, in Spain and Portugal, things are different. Dogs are usually only allowed on outdoor terraces. If you try to walk inside, the staff might panic. Similarly, in Norway and Iceland, dogs are strictly prohibited from being inside eateries by law.
On top of that, vegan restaurants are often the most pet-friendly spots in any city. If you are struggling to find a place to eat in a less friendly country like Romania or Albania, look for a vegan cafe. They usually have a very open attitude.
Important Tips for a Smooth Trip
If you are planning dog friendly europe trips, you should remember these tips.
- Bring a Muzzle: Many countries like Italy and Austria require dogs to wear a muzzle on public transport. Even if your dog is friendly, you must have one in your bag.
- Escalator Safety: Stations can be dangerous. Always carry your dog on escalators to avoid injuring their paws.
- Water is Key: Summer in the south is hot. Always carry a portable bowl. Also, in some Spanish cities, you must carry a water bottle to clean up after your dog pees on the street.
- Check Breed Bans: Some countries like the UK, Norway, and France ban specific breeds like the Pit Bull Terrier or American Bully XL. Check the list before you go.
- Train Discipline: Dogs are usually not allowed on the seats. Bring a blanket for them to lie on.
FAQ
Can my dog get sick from bugs in Southern Europe?
Yes. Leishmaniasis is a serious illness spread by sandflies in southern regions like Italy or Spain. You should use a Scalibor collar or Advantix treatment to keep these bugs away. Additionally, avoid walking your dog near woods or gardens at dusk or dawn when these flies are most active.
Are certain breeds banned from entering some countries?
Yes. Countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have strict lists of banned breeds. Breeds like the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, and the American Bully XL are often prohibited. Therefore, you must check the specific rules for your destination before you book your flight to avoid a disaster at the border.
What is the “five-day rule” for pet travel?
This rule requires you to arrive in the country within five days of your pet. This is very important if you use a professional relocation service to move your dog. If you arrive much later, the travel might be seen as commercial, which brings much harder rules and higher costs.
How can I help my dog stay calm during a long flight?
You should start crate training at least two months before you leave. Your dog should feel like the travel crate is a safe “travelling den” rather than a scary box. Also, put a familiar blanket or a favorite toy inside the crate to provide comfort during the journey.
Are US service dog laws recognized in Europe?
No. The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) does not apply outside the United States. European countries have their own specific rules. Your dog must often be trained by an accredited organization to receive free travel or access to the cabin.
What should I do if my dog gets motion sickness on a train?
Motion sickness is common for dogs who are not used to moving carriages. Symptoms include whining, drooling, or vomiting. You should talk to your vet about medications like Cerenia before you start a long journey. Plus, a light meal three hours before travel helps with digestion.
Are there dangerous animals while hiking in the Alps?
You might encounter Ibex or poisonous snakes like adders while on a trail. Snake bites are very rare, and the poison is usually weak, but you should still carry a first aid kit. “I panicked when I found out there were snakes, but I never saw one,” says one traveler. Keep your dog on a lead if you see Ibex to prevent a chase over a cliff.
My Final Verdict
Europe is waiting for you and your best friend. Every city has its own magic. Whether you are swimming in Lake Zurich or eating pasta in Rome, the experience of traveling with a dog is something you will never forget. Zurich is my top choice for its perfect blend of nature and efficiency. Paris is the best for romance and cafe culture. Prague is the best for those on a budget.
Gradually, you will find your own favorite spot. Do not let the paperwork scare you. Get that pet passport or health certificate. Book that flight or train. Europe is the most dog-friendly place I have ever seen.
Imagine a city as a giant living room where your dog is the guest of honor; that is how the best parts of Europe feel. Pack your bags and start your adventure today. Safe travels!
