I decided to take my four-legged friend on a journey to explore the heart of Europe. My search for Dog Friendly Cities in Belgium led me to discover one of the most canine-welcoming countries in the world. Is Belgium dog friendly? The answer is a loud yes. A total of 1 out of 10 residents in this nation owns a dog.
In the Flanders region, about 48 percent of families have at least one pet. On top of that, 58 percent of families in Wallonia share their homes with animals. I found that Belgium belongs among the best dog friendly european cities alongside places like Rotterdam with dog friendly parks or various spots in dog-friendly Holland.
First of all, I had to learn the rules. To enter the country, my dog needed a microchip and a valid rabies vaccine. I also carried an EU pet passport.
For those coming from the United States, an EU health certificate is a must. I learned that a primary rabies shot is only valid for one year under EU rules, even if the vaccine manufacturer says it lasts longer. Therefore, I checked all my paperwork twice.
The Best Way to Move Around
The train system became my favorite way to travel. Belgian Rail (SNCB) makes it very easy to visit the Best dog friendly cities in Belgium. I found that small pets in a basket or cage (no larger than 30 x 55 x 30 cm) travel for free. My larger dog required a Pet Supplement ticket.
This ticket costs just €3 per single trip. I kept my dog on a leash the whole time. A muzzle was not mandatory, but the train attendant had the right to ask for one.
Additionally, local transport is great for pups. In the Flemish part of the country, De Lijn operates buses and trams. Dogs travel for free on these vehicles. However, the driver can refuse a pet if the bus is too full. In the capital, STIB runs the public transport. Dogs of all sizes ride for free there now. A muzzle is required for larger dogs in Brussels.
Brussels: The Capital of Paws
I started my trip in Brussels dog friendly cities in belgium. This city is a mix of grand buildings and cozy parks. I spent a lot of time at the Grand Place. This square is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The multi-story buildings and the town hall looked amazing. My dog was welcome to join me in this open-air museum.
Later, I visited a beguinage in Leuven, which is very close to the capital. These are old housing complexes for religious women. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in these quiet streets. Brussels is home to about 105,432 dogs. A new law even says that landlords in Brussels cannot refuse pets in rental homes without a good reason. This makes it one of the top dog friendly places in belgium for long stays.
I stayed at a dog friendly hotel belgium called the pentahotel Brussels City Centre. They allow dogs and cats for €20 per night. The large lounge area was a great place to relax with a local brew. I noticed many people dining on outdoor terraces with their pets. When it rained, I went to EXKi. This healthy fast-food chain allowed my dog inside. I just had to keep him on the floor.
Bruges: A Fairytale for Furry Friends
A trip to Bruges felt like I stepped into a storybook. It is one of the dog friendly cities in the world that truly lives up to its fame. Many tourists visit because of the movie In Bruges. I saw the B&B Cote Canal, where a famous dog named Fidele used to lounge by the window.
I recommend a stay at The Doghouse B&B. It is a luxury spot made just for dog owners. They provide a doggy room tray and a woollen blanket. They even sell Belgian dog beer! Plus, they have a dog lounge and a private courtyard.
I walked along the canals to see the sights. The Rozenhoedkaai canal has the best views for photos. For a green escape, I went to Koningin Astridpark. It is a botanical park right in the center. It has a beautiful fountain and a bandstand. Later, I grabbed a drink at Cambrinus. This place has over 400 types of beer, and dogs are welcome inside.
Antwerp: Fashion and Fur
Antwerp dog friendly vibes were a pleasant surprise. It is the fashion capital of the country. I walked down the Meir, which is the main shopping street. Many retail stores there allow dogs. I even visited Het Modepaleis, the flagship store of designer Dries Van Noten.
I found some of the Best dog friendly places to stay in belgium in this city. I chose the B-Aparthotel Moretus. They charge a daily fee of €10 per pet. A large fenced dog park is right around the corner. On top of that, the Hilton Antwerp Old Town is a luxury choice. They allow small pets up to 11 kg for €50 per night.
For food, I loved Billie’s Beer Kafetetaria. It is named after the owner’s French Bulldog. Billie actually greeted my dog at the door! The Flemish stew there was incredible. Similarly, the Middelheim Museum is an open-air sculpture park that is free to enter and totally dog friendly. I saw a famous statue there of a boy and a dog under a stone sheet. It is a tribute to the novel A Dog in Flanders.
Ghent: The Magical Choice
My favorite city was Ghent. It feels magical and very welcoming to pets. I found it to be very pet friendly. Though it is a bit smaller than Brussels, it has its own charm. I spent time wandering the streets and enjoying the atmosphere. I did notice that some apps say there are no shaded dog parks in the center, so I planned my walks for the cooler parts of the day.
Dog-Friendly Beach Belgium: Sun and Sand
A holiday on the North Sea coast is a treat for any dog. I found that many resorts have off-leash dog zones. These rules change based on the season. From October to March, dogs are often allowed everywhere on the beach.
De Panne
This is the westernmost beach and one of the most friendly spots. It is divided into four zones. In Zone 4, dogs can run free from October to mid-May. During the summer, they can run free from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. During the day, they must stay on a leash.
Koksijde and Oostduinkerke
These towns are very well organized. Between June and September, dogs are allowed in three specific dog areas at any time. One of these is in Sint-Idesbald, covering about 350 meters. Another is in Koksijde, which is 1,170 meters long. Outside of the main day hours (10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.), dogs can be on the whole beach if they stay on a leash.
Ostend
I found Ostend to be very flexible. From October to March, dogs are allowed on the whole beach with no limits. During July and August, they can be on the beach before 10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m.. There is also a year-round leash-required area called Klein Strand.
Knokke-Heist
This area is perfect for large groups. From mid-October to mid-March, dogs can run free on the whole beach. In the area of Het Zoute, dogs can run free all year and all day. I liked the well-maintained dog park on Gustave Van Nieuwenhuysestraat.
Nature and Hikes in Wallonia
I wanted to see more than just cities. Wallonia, the south of Belgium, is perfect for nature lovers. I visited the village of Crupet. It is one of the most beautiful villages in the region. I hiked past stone cottages and a medieval castle with a moat. My dog loved watching the ducks. We finished the day with a local brown beer.
Additionally, I explored the High Fens nature park. It is a unique place with moors and peat bogs. Dogs are not allowed in the main Nature Reserve area because the plants are protected. However, the nearby forests are open to dogs. I took the 7 km walk from Baraque Michel. It offers 1.5 hours of relaxation. I saw the Chapel Fischbach and the Croix des Fiancés. I recommend a long leash for this area. A fine for letting a dog run free here can be €150!
Proper Care and Standards
I noticed that Belgians take animal welfare seriously. The Brussels Animal Welfare Council has set minimum standards. Dogs must have constant access to clean water. A dog needs about 50 to 70 ml of water for every kg of body weight daily.
I learned about Body Condition Scores used by vets. A score of 1 is too lean, while 9 is obese. The ideal score is 4 or 5. Dogs also need a comfortable place to sleep that is away from drafts. The best temperature for a dog is between 10°C and 26°C. I made sure my dog had toys and things to chew on while we were in the hotel.
If my dog showed signs of stress, I knew what to look for. These signs include yawning, blinking, or nose licking. More serious signs are a stiff body or growling. I always watched his body language to make sure he was happy.
Shopping and Dining Tips
Many shops in Ghent, Brussels, and Bruges allow you to bring your dog inside. I visited The Animal Store, which has a grooming center. For food, TheFork users recommend several spots in Antwerp. Baama has a high rating of 9.1 for international food. El Colombianito is another top choice for Caribbean dishes. I also liked Croquettenbar Smaeck, which is great for families and has a 8.3 rating.
I found that eating out with a dog is quite normal. Most places with outdoor terraces will welcome you. I often had a beer with my dog at my feet. I tried Belgian fries with mayonnaise. I also tried takeaway waffles in Bruges. These are perfect for a snack while walking around.
Health and Safety
I found many vets in Brussels who speak English. A typical visit costs between €20 and €30. Vets are usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. I kept a list of emergency services like Vet&Go just in case.
I also looked into pet insurance. It is not mandatory, but it helps with big bills. Basic plans can start at €12 per month. On top of that, third-party liability insurance is a good idea. It covers damage your pet might cause to others.
Comparison with Other Places
I have looked at dog friendly places in switzerland before, and they are also very welcoming. Similarly, my time in the Best dog friendly cities in Belgium felt just as good as trips to dog friendly Holland. The ease of using trains across these borders is fantastic.
A Quick 5-Day Itinerary Idea
If you have five days, here is how I would spend them:
- Day 1-2: Explore Brussels and visit the Grand Place.
- Day 3: Take the train to Antwerp for shopping and the museum.
- Day 4: Head to Ghent for a magical afternoon.
- Day 5: Finish in Bruges for a fairytale walk and chocolate.
FAQ
Is Belgium a dog-friendly country?
Yes, this nation is a leader in pet care. One out of every ten residents here owns a dog. The country provides special Pet Supplement tickets for trains and offers many off-leash zones.
Where to go in Belgium with a dog?
I recommend that you visit Bruges for its old-world charm. Ghent is another favorite because of its magical atmosphere. You should also check out beach towns like De Panne. Wallonia has great trails in the High Fens.
Is Brussels a dog-friendly city?
It is a great city for pups. Dogs ride for free on the local transit system. Additionally, a new law protects tenants with pets from unfair refusals by landlords.
Are brussels ok for dogs?
They are better than okay. The city is home to more than 105,432 dogs. Many local spots will gladly let your dog inside if you keep him on the floor.
Is Bruges dog friendly?
It is one of the top dog-friendly spots in the world. The city has plenty of dog parks and cafes. You can even visit a B&B that offers a doggy chill zone and dog beer.
What is the most dog friendly city?
Many travelers believe Bruges and Ghent are the best choices.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Belgium?
Yes, most restaurants with outdoor seating welcome dogs. I found that many places even let well-behaved pets stay inside.
Where is the most dog friendly place in Europe?
Belgium is often listed as one of the most welcoming countries on the continent. It is an easy country to travel in with your pet.
How dog-friendly is Ghent?
It is a wonderful place for pets. I found it to be magical and welcoming.
Final Thoughts on the Journey
Belgium is a top choice for any traveler with a pet. It offers beautiful cities, great beer, and world-class chocolate. Its dog-friendly status is the cherry on top. You can plan a trip here without any worry.
To summarize, this country treats dogs like family. You will find water bowls at restaurant doors and free rides on trams. Top 10 dog friendly cities in belgium like Bruges and Antwerp offer endless fun. I will definitely return to see the things I missed.
Traveling with a dog in Belgium is like a walk in a well-kept park. Everything is laid out for your comfort, the paths are clear, and there is always a friendly face waiting at the next turn. It is a place where every tail wag is met with a smile.
