I often dream about the open road. My dog, Buddy, usually dreams about squirrels. We both wanted a change of pace last year. I sat at my desk and typed a question. What countries can i bring my dog to for a real mountain adventure? I did not want a simple park walk.
I wanted ancient stones and high peaks. I searched for which countries can i take my dog to without a six-month wait. That is how I found Dog Friendly Armenia. This country is a hidden gem for people who love their pets. Is it the easiest place to reach? Maybe not. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely.
First of all, I had to look at the rules for entry. Armenia is very open to pets. You can bring up to five dogs or cats into the country. You do not need a special permit if you only have one or two pets. However, you do need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture if you bring more than two.
I only have Buddy, so we were in the clear. I checked a list of armenia friendly countries to see who else was going. It turns out that travelers from all over the world visit this place. I even wondered, does north italia allow dogs as easily as this? Italy is great, but Armenia has a special kind of freedom.
The paperwork was my first big task. Buddy needed a microchip first. It must be a 15-digit ISO-compliant chip. At that time, I also made sure his rabies vaccine was up to date. The vaccine must be given between 21 days and 11 months before you travel. On top of that, he needed shots for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus.
I had to visit my vet for a health certificate. This document is very important. A licensed vet must sign it within five days of your travel. Therefore, you cannot do this too early. I felt like a secret agent with all these papers. A dream trip requires a bit of work? You bet.
Later, I had to book the flight. We flew into Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. This is the only place where pets can enter by air. I checked with Armenia Airways and Air France. Buddy is a big boy. He weighs more than 7 kilograms.
Because of his size, he had to travel in the cargo hold as checked baggage. Smaller dogs under 7 or 8 kilograms can sometimes sit in the cabin. I bought a hard-shelled carrier that follows IATA rules. It must be big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around. I even taped a photo of Buddy to the outside so the workers would know his name.
Exploring the Capital: Dog Friendly Armenia Yerevan
We arrived in the city and felt the energy right away. Yerevan is a very walkable place. I did not need a car most of the time. The sidewalks are wide in the center. However, you must be careful with the traffic. Drivers in the city can be very fast. I kept Buddy on a short leash near the busy roads.
Where do we play? This was my next question. The city government has built seven dog parks so far. These parks are special areas where dogs can run without a leash. First of all, we visited the park in the Kentron district on the circular boulevard. It has separate spots for large and small dogs.
Similarly, the park in the Arabkir district is very nice. It is located at the Kanaker Hydroelectric Power Station Park. We also spent time in Tumo Park. This is a great green space for families and pets. Plus, the views of Mount Ararat from the city are stunning.
Food is a big part of any trip. Dog friendly armenia food experiences are easy to find. Many restaurants with outdoor tables will let your dog sit with you. I enjoyed a meal at Abovyan 12. It has a beautiful courtyard. Also, the Beer Academy and Dargett Craft Beer are excellent choices for a drink and a snack.
The staff at these places were very kind. They usually brought Buddy a bowl of water before I even asked. Additionally, you can find fresh meat and produce at local markets to cook at home. Everything tastes better in Armenia because it is so fresh.
I must mention the armenia stray dogs. You will see them in every neighborhood. Most of these dogs have colorful tags on their ears. This tag means the dog is vaccinated and fixed. Generally, these dogs are very peaceful. They often just nap in the sun. However, some strays might get upset if you are on a bicycle. I always give them a bit of space. On the contrary, some are very friendly.
I met a few that wanted to join our walk. Groups like the Dingo Team do great work for armenia dogs. They help about 700 animals every year. They rehome around 300 pets annually. It made me happy to see people caring for the local animals.
Heading to the Mountains: The Real Adventure
The city is fun, but the mountains are the soul of the country. Armenia is a heaven for hikers. I wanted to see the Transcaucasian Trail. This trail is about 79.3km long in this section. It has an elevation gain of over 4,316 meters. My dog was ready for the challenge. Are you ready for the climb? I sure was.
We started our hike in Dilijan National Park. This area is often called the Armenian Switzerland because it is so green. First of all, we walked from the village of Khachardzan toward Gosh Lake. The distance is about 11km. The trail follows a river and goes through deep forests. I found a freshwater spring near Gosh Lake. This is a popular spot for locals to camp and have parties. Therefore, it can be a bit loud on the weekends.
Later, we moved from Gosh Lake to the village of Gosh. This walk is only 4.2km. The monastery of Goshavank is right there. It is a famous tourist spot. Buddy could not go inside the old buildings, but he enjoyed the walk around the complex. We found a path that goes past a 300-year-old beech tree.
The trunk was huge. On top of that, we reached a meadow called Gyolort. People say the name means “place of wolves”. I did not see any wolves. However, I saw a lot of wildflowers.
Hiking in Armenia requires some safety knowledge. You will meet shepherd dogs in the highlands. These are breeds like the Armenian Gampr or the Caucasian Shepherd. They are very large animals. Some weigh 80 kilograms. These are not pets. They have a job to protect the sheep and cattle. Armenia has a lot of livestock. In 2024, the country had 491,594 cattle and 690,565 sheep. Therefore, you will see many flocks.
A shepherd dog will run toward you and bark if you get too close. They are like border guards for their animals. Do not run away! This will make them chase you. Instead, you should stand your ground and act confident. If you are in a group, stay close together. I carried pepper spray just in case.
It is the best way to defend yourself from a distance. Stun guns are not as good because you must be very close to the dog to use them. Usually, the dog just wants you to move away from the sheep. Once you leave their area, they will stop barking and go back to work.
Wild Camping and Life on the Trail
One of the best things about this trip was the camping. Wild camping is allowed and very safe in Armenia. I pitched my tent near Gosh Lake and later near Lake Sevan. The stars were so bright. Buddy loved sleeping in the tent with me. He felt like a wild wolf for a few nights.
Water is very easy to find in the cities. Yerevan has free water fountains called pulpulaks everywhere. The water comes from the mountains and is very clean. Similarly, the tap water is safe to drink. This made my life much easier. I never had to carry too many heavy bottles. Buddy could just stop at a fountain and get a fresh drink. In the mountains, you must look for springs. I always filled my bottles whenever I saw one.
Health and Supplies for Your Dog
I was worried about what to do if Buddy got sick. Yerevan has some very good vet clinics. First of all, there is Vetline. They are open 24 hours every day. They offer surgery, MRI, and even laboratory tests. I also visited Vet Express. They have a pet taxi service. This is great if you do not have a car. They will even deliver medicine to your door.
You can find good supplies in the city too. Vet Express has a pet store and a pharmacy. I found high-quality European vaccines there. They also do grooming and teeth cleaning. Additionally, you can buy international brands of dog food in the larger supermarkets. If you are staying for a long time, you might want to look at a pet care plan to save money.
The costs are quite fair. A microchip might cost between $50 and $100. A health certificate can be around $150 to $300. Compared to many other pet friendly armenia neighbors, the prices for vet care are very reasonable. Plus, the doctors were very professional and often spoke English.
Statistical Data and Facts for the Traveler
If you are a mature traveler, you probably like to know the facts. Armenia is a safe country with a growing economy. The GDP grew by 6% in the first three quarters of 2025. The number of tourists is increasing every year. People are realizing that this is one of the most dog friendly armenia spots in the region.
Here are some numbers to keep in mind:
- Total distance of the Dilijan section of the Transcaucasian Trail: 79.3km.
- Number of official dog parks in Yerevan: 7.
- Maximum number of pets you can bring without quarantine: 5.
- Time window for the health certificate: 5 days.
- Age of the oldest beech tree on the Dilijan trail: At least 300 years.
- Livestock in Armenia: Over 491,000 cattle and 690,000 sheep.
These facts help you plan a better trip. For example, knowing the number of sheep helps you understand why there are so many shepherd dogs. Therefore, you can be better prepared for your hike.
The Return Journey: Going Back to the United States
Every trip must come to an end. Going home with a dog can be tricky if you do not follow the rules. Armenia is considered a high-risk country for rabies by some nations. Therefore, if you are going back to the U.S., you must follow the CDC rules.
I had to fill out a CDC Dog Import Form online. This form is valid for six months. I also needed Buddy to have a microchip. On top of that, he had to look healthy when we arrived at the U.S. port of entry. If your dog was vaccinated in the U.S., you need a special certificate from your American vet. If you did not get the U.S. vaccine, you might need a rabies titer test or a stay in a quarantine facility. I made sure to check the latest rules on the official websites before we left.
Additionally, I had to get a clinical examination for Buddy within 14 days of our flight. The authorized body makes a note in the dog’s international passport. This shows that he is fit to travel. The airport staff at Zvartnots were very helpful. They checked my papers and wished us a safe flight.
FAQ
Can I bring my dog to Armenia?
I can tell you that you can bring up to five pets into the country. You do not need a special permit if you have only one or two dogs. No quarantine period is required if you meet all the health rules.
Where is the most dog friendly country?
I found that Armenia is one of the easiest places to visit with a pup. The country is very permissive and allows dogs in many outdoor spaces. On the contrary, some people think of Europe, but this land offers a unique freedom for pet owners.
Are there street dogs in Armenia?
You will see many stray dogs in the city and the provinces. Most of these dogs have tags on their ears to show they are vaccinated. Generally, these animals are peaceful and just want to nap.
What to be careful in Armenia?
You must watch out for fast drivers in the city who do not always stop for pedestrians. Additionally, the air in Yerevan can be quite polluted at times. Therefore, you should be careful if you have breathing problems.
What is the 7 second rule for dogs?
I know this rule from my own experience as a dog owner. You should place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Plus, this helps you avoid painful burns on your pet.
What countries don’t quarantine dogs?
Armenia does not require a quarantine if you follow the paperwork rules. I also learned that many countries in the European Union have similar rules for healthy pets. At that time, I felt much better about traveling abroad.
Is rabies common in Armenia?
The country is classified as a high-risk area for rabies. Therefore, you must follow strict rules when you return to places like the United States. You should always keep your dog’s rabies vaccine up to date.
Is Armenia a rich or a poor country?
The country has a moderate cost of living and is seeing growth in its economy. You might see some poverty in the suburbs or rural areas. However, the city center of Yerevan is very lively and modern.
What is the national dog of Armenia?
The national dog is the Armenian Gampr. These are large shepherd dogs that protect livestock in the mountains. They are very strong and take their jobs seriously.
Which is safer, Armenia or Azerbaijan?
I found that Armenia has a very low crime rate and is safe for tourists. You should avoid the border areas between these two nations because of historical conflicts. Most travelers feel very secure in the heart of the country.
Which country has the highest stray dog problem?
I must look at outside data to answer this. Countries like Thailand, India, and Turkey often report very high numbers of stray animals. Armenia also has a visible stray population, but local groups work hard to help them.
Is LGBT legal in Armenia?
It is legal in the country. I noticed that some spots in Yerevan, like the club Poligraf, are known for being very welcoming. However, some people in more traditional areas might still have conservative views.
Final Thoughts on My Armenian Journey
Armenia is a land of big mountains and even bigger hearts. I felt very welcome as a pet owner. The people were curious about Buddy and often wanted to pet him. They are very chatty and love to make connections. I made a few new friends just by walking in the park.
However, you must be a smart traveler. Do not expect everything to be like it is at home. The air in Yerevan can be a bit polluted sometimes. Also, some people do not use leashes or pick up after their pets. You just have to be patient and flexible. Gradually, you will get used to the local rhythm.
Is Armenia the right choice for you? If you love nature and history, then yes. Your dog will have the time of his life sniffing the ancient forests of Dilijan. You will enjoy the fresh food and the warm hospitality. What countries are dog friendly enough to offer all of this? Not many. Armenia is special.
To sum it up, our trip was an incredible success. Buddy came home tired but very happy. He has a new bandana from Yerevan and a lot of memories. I have a camera full of photos and a heart full of joy. Armenia is a place that stays with you long after you leave. So, pack your bags. Grab the leash. A wonderful world is waiting for you and your best friend.
To make your trip easier, here is a quick checklist:
- Get the microchip first.
- Update all vaccines at least 21 days before travel.
- Book an airline that allows dogs in the hold or cabin.
- Get your health certificate 1 to 5 days before the flight.
- Research dog-friendly hotels or Airbnbs in Yerevan.
- Carry a first aid kit and pepper spray for hikes.
- Check the return rules for your home country early.
Armenia is ready for you. Buddy says the mountain air is the best in the world. I have to agree with him. Enjoy your adventure!
Traveling with a dog is like having a key to a secret club. You see the world through their eyes. You meet people you would never talk to otherwise. In Armenia, that club is full of friendly faces and beautiful views. It is not just a vacation. It is a way to bond with your pet in a place that feels truly wild and free. That is the best gift you can give yourself and your dog. Plus, the stories you will tell later are priceless. Happy trails!
