I spent many years traveling the globe with my furry best friend, but few places captured my heart like Finland. It is a country where nature and city life blend together in a way that makes every dog owner feel at home. You will find that a Dog Friendly Finland is not just a dream. It is a reality.
From the 188,000 lakes to the 88 dog parks in Helsinki alone, the welcome is warm for both humans and their pets. In this guide, I will share my personal experiences and everything you need to know to explore this Nordic paradise with your dog.
The First Step: How to Import Dog to Finland
You must prepare well before you cross the border. To Import dog to Finland, specific rules exist to keep the country safe and healthy. First of all, your dog needs a microchip for identification. A valid rabies vaccination is also a strict requirement. You must wait at least 21 days after the first shot before you can enter the country. Additionally, your pet needs an EU pet passport or a health certificate from a vet.
On top of that, Finland has a special rule about tapeworms. Every dog must have a treatment against Echinococcus parasites. A vet must give this medicine between one and five days before you arrive. They must also record it in the pet passport.
Though, you do not need this if you come directly from Norway, Ireland, or Malta. Finally, remember that the age of your pet and the country you come from might change these rules.
Later, you might wonder about flying. Helsinki Airport is a fantastic place for pets. It is the first airport in Europe to have proper pet relief areas.
You can find one near the entrance of Terminal 2 and another past security near Gate 51. Finnair is very helpful too. They allow pets up to 8kg in the cabin for a fee of about €60 on short flights. Larger pets travel in the hold. Therefore, your journey starts with comfort the moment you land.
Getting Around: A Dog’s View of Public Transport
A dog paradise? Absolutely. Helsinki makes it so easy to move around. Dogs travel free on all HSL public transport. This includes buses, trams, trains, and even the metro. Larger dogs should be on a lead. Small pups can sit in your arms, especially on escalators. On top of that, all metro stations have elevators to make things easier for those with paws.
However, you must follow some rules. You should sit in designated pet areas, which are often marked with stickers near the doors. Similarly, if you take a long-distance VR train, pets are welcome. There is a small charge of €4 to €8 depending on the distance.
I found that the InterCity trains even have family cars with space for pets. If you want a bit more luxury, you can book a whole sleeping compartment for you and your dog on night trains.
Gradually, you will notice how quiet the trains are. VR even provides a water bottle and a towel for pets in sleeper cabins. Plus, there is no need for a muzzle on most public transport. But you should always give priority to people with allergies. If you take a taxi, just tell the driver you have a dog when you book. In Tampere, pets also travel free on the tram in the multipurpose areas. Therefore, travel is a breeze.
Where to Stay: Dog Friendly Finland Hotels
Finding a place to sleep is never a worry here. Helsinki has the highest percentage of pet-friendly hotels in all of Europe. Out of 98 hotels, 80 allow pets. This is a huge win for us travelers. Many Dog friendly finland hotels even give your pet a welcome gift.
For example, the Lapland Hotels chain welcomes pets at every location from Helsinki to the far north. They charge a fee starting from €20 per stay. This fee covers extra cleaning and includes a treat, a water bowl, and a towel.
Similarly, Scandic hotels in Tampere provide a welcome package for their furry guests. The Courtyard by Marriott does the same. On top of that, the Omena hotel chain is a great self-service option. You just get a code for your room, and you are in. But always remember to book a pet-friendly room in advance.
Additionally, I highly recommend staying in a log cabin. In Lapland, log cabins are the best choice for dogs. They offer private space and direct access to the snowy forest. Wildmaker Lapland has cabins near Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park that are perfect.
Your dog can explore the yard while you watch for the Northern Lights. These cabins have practical floors that can handle wet paws. Plus, having your own kitchen makes it easy to feed your dog.
Dining with Your Best Friend: Restaurants and Cafes
Helsinki locals love their dogs, and the food scene shows it. You will find dozens of Dog friendly finland things to do that involve eating. Many restaurants and cafes welcome dogs indoors. They might even offer a bowl of water or a treat. For example, Story in the Old Market Hall is a wonderful spot. In the Kruununhaka district, you can visit Via Tribunaali for artisan pizza. Similarly, the Bar & Grill Paseo in Lauttasaari gives out sausage snacks.
- “Dining out is always better with a furry best friend by your side,” says Annika Lassila, a local expert.
However, size can matter in some places. A few spots like Ravintola Salutorget or Ravintola Santa Fe only allow small dogs. On top of that, you should mention your dog when you make a reservation. This helps the staff find a quiet corner for you. In the summer, terraces are the best spots. You can enjoy a drink at Mattolaituri while your dog relaxes by the sea.
Additionally, the social scene is very creative. At Teurastamo, a place called Jädelino makes sugar-free and lactose-free ice cream just for dogs.
Similarly, Beaky Basterd bar in Katajanokka hosts monthly “afterwork” events for dogs and their humans. They even have a pet photographer there. Plus, if you need to work, many cafes like Café Mutteri are happy to host remote workers and their dogs. Therefore, you never have to eat alone.
Exploring the Great Outdoors: Dog Friendly Finland Beaches and Parks
Nature is the heart of Finland. You and your dog will love the freedom here. Helsinki has 88 dedicated dog parks where your dog can run free. Some even have separate areas for big and small dogs. One of my favorite spots is Rajasaari, which is an entire “dog island”. It has forest trails and rocky shores for high-energy dogs.
Similarly, Dog friendly finland beaches are a summer highlight. Tervasaari has a swimming beach specifically for smaller pups. For dogs of all sizes, Tuorinniemi in Herttoniemi is the place to go. Though, you must remember that dogs are not allowed on general public beaches. Always look for the signs.
Additionally, you should explore the national parks. Finland has 41 of them. Pets are generally allowed, but they must be on a leash at all times to protect wildlife. This is especially important in reindeer areas. Reindeer see dogs as predators, and barking can stress them out. On top of that, everyman’s rights allow you to walk and camp in most forests. But you must not disturb the peace of others or the animals. Gradually, you will learn to enjoy the quiet of the woods together.
The Magic of Lapland and the North
To see the real wilderness, you must head north. Lapland is a winter wonderland for dogs. The snow is deep and the air is clean. It is an ideal destination for those who love quiet surroundings. I suggest visiting the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. It has trails where your dog can enjoy the scents of the forest.
However, the cold is serious. Temperatures can drop very low. You should get your dog a good insulated jacket. Similarly, boots are a great idea to protect paws from the cold and ice. On top of that, you might see the Northern Lights. Your dog might just sleep through it, but it is a memory you will keep forever.
Additionally, you can stay in a lakeside cottage. This is a huge part of Finnish culture. Many are affordable and very dog-friendly. You can spend your days fishing and your nights in the sauna. Finally, remember that some wilderness huts do not allow dogs inside because of allergies. Always bring a tent just in case. Therefore, you will always have a place to sleep.
Meeting the Local Breeds: Finland’s Native Dogs
Finland has eight of its own dog breeds. They are expert working dogs and loving family members. First of all, there is the Finnish Spitz. It is the national dog of Finland and was bred to hunt small game. They are known to be “talkative” because they bark when they find prey. Similarly, the Finnish Lapphund is very popular. These dogs used to herd reindeer for the Sami people.
On top of that, you might see a Karelian Bear Dog. They are considered a national treasure. These dogs are brave enough to hunt moose and even bears. Additionally, there is the Lapponian Herder, which is full of energy and needs lots of exercise. Plus, the Finnish Hound is an expert at tracking scents for hours.
Later, I learned about the rarer ones. The Norrbottens is a small spitz-type dog that is very friendly. Similarly, the Karelo-Finnish Laika is closely related to the Finnish Spitz. Finally, there was the Lapponian Shepherd, though it is now extinct. Meeting these local dogs is one of the best Dog friendly finland things to do. It connects you to the history of this beautiful land.
Health and Safety: Tips for a Smooth Trip
I want your trip to be perfect, so pay attention to these safety tips. In the winter, city paths are often treated with salt or chemicals to melt snow. This can really hurt your dog’s paws. You will see many dogs wearing boots for this reason. Similarly, the winter months are very dark. You must use reflectors or small flashing lights on your dog’s collar so they can be seen.
Additionally, summer brings its own challenges. Ticks are common in coastal and forest areas. They can carry diseases like Borrelia. You should use a good tick treatment from spring to autumn. On top of that, be aware of vipers. The European adder is the only poisonous snake in Finland. If your dog gets bitten, go to a vet immediately. Do not give any medicine yourself.
Plus, mosquitoes can be very thick in the summer, especially in the north. They do not carry serious diseases, but the itch can be awful for your pup. You can use baby-safe mosquito spray on your dog, but be careful around their face. Finally, never leave your dog in a hot car during the summer. The heat can kill very quickly. Therefore, safety should always come first.
Everyday Joy: Shopping and Culture with Your Dog
Life in Finland is simple and pet-positive. You do not have to leave your dog outside when you go shopping. Many grocery stores and shopping centers now allow dogs inside. Some even have special dog carts so your pet can ride along while you buy food. Pharmacies often allow dogs too. Though, remember that liquor stores only permit guide dogs.
On top of that, Finnish libraries have a wonderful tradition. Some have “reading dogs“. These are calm, certified dogs that help children and adults relax while they read out loud. You can book a 15-minute session to sit with a dog like Gustaf, a local dachshund. It is a beautiful way to see how much this society values animals.
Additionally, there are unique classes you can take. Have you ever heard of PuppyPilates? Yoga Club Lauttasaari hosts classes where dogs and humans work out together. While you focus on your core, your dog explores the studio and offers support. This pet-positive culture is why I think Finland is one of the best places for any dog lover. Therefore, every day is an adventure.
FAQ
Is Finland a dog-friendly country?
Yes! It is a paradise for pets. Helsinki is especially welcoming and has 88 dog parks for your furry friend to enjoy.
Can I take my dog to Finland?
You certainly can. You must follow the health rules like having a microchip, a rabies vaccine, and tapeworm treatment before you arrive.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Finland?
Many cafes and restaurants welcome dogs indoors. However, the owner of each place always decides the specific pet policy.
A Few Final Rules for a Happy Visit
To keep Finland beautiful, we must all do our part. You should always pick up after your dog. In cities, you must use bags and put them in waste bins. In the deep forest, you can use a branch to sweep waste away from the trail. Similarly, dogs must be on a lead in all built-up areas. From March 1 to August 19, this rule applies almost everywhere to protect nesting birds.
However, you can let your dog off-leash if you have the landowner’s permission and it is not breeding season. But in national parks, the leash is a must at all times.
On top of that, remember that Finns value their privacy. Do not let your dog run up to strangers or other dogs without asking first. This respect for others is what keeps the peace.
Additionally, if you stay longer than three months, you must register your dog with the official registry. This costs about €10 to €19. Plus, if you need a vet, every region has an emergency service available 24/7. Most vets speak excellent English, so you can always get help. Therefore, you are in safe hands.
Exploring Finland with my dog was a journey of discovery. The quiet forests, the friendly cafes, and the easy transport made every moment a joy. You will find that the bond between a person and their dog is truly respected here. It is a place where four paws are just as welcome as two feet.
In the end, traveling through Finland with your dog is like a long walk through a familiar park; the paths are easy to follow, the air is fresh, and there is always a friendly face around the next corner.
