My wife and I love to travel. We are always on the hunt for a new place to see. This year, we chose a tiny spot on the map. It is a country between France and Spain. Have you heard of Andorra? It is the 16th smallest country in the world by size. Only about 85,000 people call it home.
You can drive across the entire nation in just over an hour. Is Andorra worth visiting? Absolutely! It is like a more affordable Switzerland. The best part is that it is a dog friendly Andorra paradise. We took our furry friend along for the ride. I want to share our guide for Exploring Andorra with a Dog.
How We Got Started
First of all, you need to know how to get there. Andorra has no airport. No trains go there either. We flew into Barcelona. Is Barcelona dog friendly? It is quite welcoming, but the border into Andorra can be slow. The drive takes about three hours from the airport. However, the border can be very busy.
At that time, it took us a long while to move just a few kilometers. You must have snow tires or chains in the winter. Additionally, you must prepare your paperwork.
Can I visit Andorra with any andorra dog? Yes, but you must follow the rules. Your pet needs a 15-digit microchip. This chip must follow ISO standards. A rabies vaccine is also a must.
You have to wait at least 21 days after the first shot before you enter. If you live in the EU, you need a pet passport. For people from other places, an official health certificate is required. Plus, you can only bring up to five pets for a personal trip.
Finding a Place to Sleep
We found that dog friendly accommodation andorra is easy to find. Many places love pets. First of all, we looked at the Roc Blanc Hotel & Spa. It is right in the center of the city. They charge 19 € per night for a pet. They even give you a dog bed and a water bowl for free if you ask. On top of that, there is no weight limit there. All sizes are welcome! Similarly, the Acta Arthotel in the capital allows dogs up to 30 kg. They even let you have breakfast with your dog.
Later, we checked out the Els Llacs Mountain Apartments. These are perfect if you want to be near the Grandvalira ski slopes. They are open all year. Additionally, we saw the Hotel de l’Isard. It costs 15 euros per day there. They even let you leave your dog in the room if you tell the front desk first. Finally, if you want a cozy B&B, Cal Batlle is a 500-year-old stone house. It is for adults only, but they love dogs! Gradually, you will see that dog friendly hotel andorra options are everywhere.
Where to Eat with Your Furry Friend
You will get hungry after all that fresh air. Finding restaurantes dog friendly andorra was a treat. First of all, we visited Vertical Ordino. They have a great patio where your dog can sit with you. Also, La Sangria Restaurant & Grill in Canillo is very welcoming. Your leashed friend can join you on their outdoor patio for some barbecue. Dog friendly andorra restaurants often have water for the pups too.
On the contrary, some places are plant-based. We loved Veggie’s World in the capital. They use local food and the staff is very kind. Additionally, Odei Cafe is great for a healthy brunch. It is owned by a pro cyclist. Plus, you can try Borda Eulari for traditional food. However, always remember that most places want your dog on a leash. Therefore, keep them close while you eat.
Hiking and Nature Trails
The mountains are the real reason to come here. Andorra pet friendly trails are world-class. First of all, we tried the Camí de l’Obac in the Incles Valley. It is about 2.94 km long and very flat. It only goes up 53 meters. Similarly, Sorteny Natural Park has a beautiful 2.3 km loop. It is perfect for observing butterflies. Gradually, we moved to harder paths.
The Ruta del Ferro or Iron Route is a must. It is just over 4 km long. You can see old iron sculptures along the way. Additionally, the Tristaina Lakes circuit offers stunning views. It is about a 5 km walk and is rated as easy. Finally, for very active people, the Canillo Circular Route is 24 km long. That one is very hard. Therefore, only take fit dogs on that trail.
Fun Activities for Dogs
Andorra is not just for walking. Did you know there is a doggy spa? It is called GosSwim. It has a big pool heated to 88 degrees. This helps dogs relax their muscles.
Our dog was a bit nervous at first, but she had a blast. Later, she got a bath and a blow-dry. She was so tired that night! Also, you must visit the Mirador Roc del Quer. It is a walkway that hangs over the valley. Part of the floor is made of glass. It is dog friendly and offers the best photos.
On top of that, you can go shopping. The illa Carlemany shopping center allows dogs. They even have an exclusive dog space on the second floor. However, do not use the escalators with your dog. They can hurt their paws. Use the lift instead. Additionally, you can find gourmet dog treats at Barkery Andorra. They make biscuits with local honey. Plus, you can even take a helicopter tour with a small dog in a carrier!
Safety and Local Rules
You must be a responsible owner. First of all, always use a leash in public. Also, you must pick up all poop. In some towns, you even have to spray water on dog pee to keep the streets clean. Therefore, carry a water bottle for this task. Additionally, there are fines for loud barking. You could pay €200 to €300 if your dog barks too much at night. Plus, some Andorra dog breeds are labeled as dangerous.
If you have a breed like a Rottweiler or Pit Bull, you need a special license. They must always wear a muzzle and a short leash. Similarly, be careful with dangerous animals in andorra. There are brown bears in the mountains. Though they usually avoid people, you should never follow their tracks. If you see a bear, walk away slowly. Do not run! On top of that, keep your dog on a lead in bear areas. A dog might chase a bear and then run back to you for help. That is a bad situation.
Getting Around Town
Moving around is simple. First of all, having your own car is the easiest way. However, parking in the city can be hard. Similarly, you can use the CityXerpa app. It is like Uber for Andorra. They have a service called CityXerpa Move that allows pets. Additionally, taxis are usually okay with dogs if you call ahead. On the contrary, public buses only allow small dogs in carriers. The carrier cannot be larger than 45x35x25 cm. Therefore, plan your transport carefully.
Seasonal Fun
Andorra changes with the seasons. First of all, winter is for snow. You can try dog-friendly snowshoeing. Some ski resorts even offer free paw waxing to protect against the cold.
Gradually, the snow melts and spring arrives. At that time, you might find “Doga” or dog yoga sessions at the spa. Similarly, summer is great for the VIP dog pools at certain hotels. Finally, autumn brings truffle hunting tours where you can join trained dogs to find black truffles.
Additionally, if you ever have an emergency, there are many vets. Centre Veterinari d’Andorra offers 24/7 care. Also, Vets Fontblanca in La Massana is a great clinic. They have state-of-the-art gear for your pets. Therefore, you can feel safe knowing help is nearby.
FAQ
Is Andorra dog friendly?
Andorra is a paradise for pets. You can take your dog to national parks and many restaurants. Most places allow leashed dogs inside. Therefore, the answer is a big yes!
Where is the most dog friendly country?
However, they say Andorra is a paradise for nature-loving pet owners. It offers special services like doggy spas and heated pools.
What is the most dog friendly place in the world?
Though, they say the Els Llacs Mountain Apartments are some of the best dog-friendly spots in the world. This place is open all year for you and your pet.
Is Andorra a strict country?
The rules are simple but firm. You must have a microchip and a rabies shot for your pet. Additionally, you must clean up all waste and keep your dog on a lead. If you follow these steps, the country is very welcoming.
What is the 3-3-3 rule with dogs?
I am providing this from outside knowledge. I suggest you verify this on your own. This rule describes how a dog needs three days to decompress, three weeks to learn a routine, and three months to feel at home after an adoption.
Final Thoughts
Our trip was a dream. Is andorra worth visiting? Yes, a thousand times yes! It is a tiny land of big adventures. Though it is small, it has a big heart for dogs. Gradually, you will fall in love with the stone villages and the tall peaks. Finally, you will leave with a tired but happy dog. Exploring Andorra with a Dog is something every pet lover should do.
Andorra is like a giant, open-air playground where the mountains are the slides and the rivers are the water fountains. Just like a good playground, it has a few rules to keep everyone safe, but once you know them, the fun never ends.
