I love to travel the world with my dog. I have visited over 30 different countries in Europe with my miniature dachshund, Schnitzel. You will find that Europe is one of the easiest regions to explore with a pet. It is a dream for people like us who want to see beautiful sights without leaving our best friends behind. I have put together this guide to share my personal experiences and the best dog friendly destinations Europe has to offer.
First of all, you must prepare for the rules. Every country has different requirements. Most places in the European Union require a subcutaneous microchip and a certified rabies vaccination. You must get the vaccine at least 21 days before you travel. Additionally, some countries like Ireland and the United Kingdom require tapeworm treatment. You must get this from a vet between one and five days before you arrive. I always carry my EU Pet Passport because it makes border crossings fast and simple.
Paris, France: The Chic Capital for Canines
Paris is the number one city in Europe for a holiday with your dog. I was amazed to find 351 dog friendly hotels and 184 dog friendly restaurants there. It is a very short trip if you fly from London because the flight only takes 80 minutes.
The local attitude is very relaxed and sophisticated. You can walk with your pup along the Seine River or visit the Jardin du Luxembourg. I found that dogs are welcome in many boutiques and even under café umbrellas. However, you should stay in neighborhoods like Le Marais because they have many stylish outdoor cafés.
Plus, you can easily get around. Small dogs can often travel in carriers, and the city is very walkable. It is truly a pawsitively chic destination.
Berlin, Germany: A Haven of Green Spaces
Berlin is another top choice for dog friendly holidays Europe. It has a great reputation for being cool and welcoming to pets. You will see dogs on the U-Bahn trains and in traditional pubs everywhere.
The statistics are very impressive here. 64 percent of hotels in Berlin allow pets. On top of that, you can visit massive open spaces like Tempelhofer Feld, which is a former airport. My dog loved running on the old runways. We also enjoyed the Tiergarten, which has miles of shaded paths.
Therefore, you will never feel out of place with your dog in this city. You can even take a train to Sanssouci Park in Potsdam to see beautiful palaces together.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Canals and Culture
Amsterdam is famous for its easy-going lifestyle. It is one of the most dog friendly cities Europe offers. You can take your dog on canal boats or even on the trams.
Public transport is a huge plus here. Dogs often travel for free or for a very small fee. Although only 19 percent of hotels allow pets, you can still find great places if you book early. I recommend the Jordaan neighborhood for its cozy streets.
You should definitely visit Vondelpark. It has designated off-leash zones where your dog can make new friends. Later, you can grab a coffee at Café de Jaren, which is very welcoming to pups.
Vienna, Austria: The City of a Thousand Parks
Vienna often wins the prize for being the best for pets. It has over 1,000 parks. This provides so much green space for your dog to run and play. The highlight for me was the Donauinsel, or Dog Island, which is a paradise for off-leash play.
You will find that 51 percent of hotels in Vienna allow pets. The public transport is also very pet-accessible. You can even take your dog to famous coffee houses.
Similarly, the Prater Park has a huge area where dogs can roam freely. It is a wonderful place for a mature traveler to enjoy a slow afternoon.
Barcelona, Spain: Sun, Sand, and Sniffs
Barcelona is a dream pet friendly destination europe because of the weather. It has a dedicated dog beach called Llevant Beach. This beach is open year-round and has perimeter fences to keep everyone safe.
The city is full of terraces and wide walkways. You can join the locals for a sunset stroll along the waterfront. I found that many restaurants allow dogs on their outdoor terraces for tapas.
However, you should know that only 21 percent of hotels allow pets here. You must plan ahead. Additionally, hot weather means you need cooling mats and dog-safe sunscreen for your pup.
Helsinki, Finland: The Hotel Champion
Helsinki surprised me the most. It has the highest percentage of pet-friendly hotels in all of Europe. A whopping 82 percent of properties allow pets. This makes it so easy to find a place to stay.
Dogs are allowed on all public transport, including the Metro and commuter trains. You can even take a boat to the Suomenlinna Fortress, which is a World Heritage Site. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere there, including the cafés.
At that time, I realized how much the Finnish people love dogs. They even allow dogs inside some museums if you carry them. It is a very dog friendly place europe hikers will love.
Milan and the Northern Lakes, Italy: Pure Luxury
Italy is a very pet-loving country. Northern Italy is especially great for dog friendly resorts europe. In Milan, you can walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade with your dog.
The Northern Lakes region is even better. Lake Como and Lake Garda have beautiful waterfront paths. Dogs are welcome in shops, hotels, and bars. You can even find agriturismos or farm stays that cater to dogs.
Italian restaurants are very welcoming. I have never been turned away from a restaurant in Italy with my dog. They often provide water bowls and treats. It is a very romantic place for a couple and their dog.
Copenhagen, Denmark: A Dog’s Paradise
Copenhagen is consistently ranked as a top city for pets. It has a very strong pet culture. Dogs are allowed on public transport and in many shops.
You can take a boat ride on the harbor with your small dog. The city parks also have designated dog zones. 51 percent of hotels are pet-friendly here, which is quite good.
Additionally, you can take a day trip to the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas there. It is a very clean and safe city for a holiday.
Crikvenica, Croatia: The Best Dog Beach Bar
If you love the beach, you must visit Crikvenica. It is known for having Croatia’s first official dog beach. It is a haven where owners and pups can cool off under beach umbrellas.
The best part is Monty’s Beach Bar. This bar welcomes both humans and canines. They even serve dog-friendly beer called Snuffle. It is non-alcoholic and made from beef or chicken and malt barley. They even have ice cream for dogs.
Croatia can be strict about dogs on beaches, so look for the blue sign with a picture of a dog on it. This ensures you are in a designated area.
London, United Kingdom: Pubs and Parks
London is a delightfully dog-friendly city to visit. You can take your dog on the Underground and London buses for free. I loved taking a stroll along the Thames or through Hyde Park.
The best part of London is the pub culture. Most pubs and street food markets are very welcoming to dogs. You can even visit Tower Bridge if your dog is on a leash.
Though only 19 percent of hotels allow pets, there are still plenty of choices if you can afford the higher prices. It is a great city for an urban adventure.
How to Travel Around Europe With Your Dog
Train travel is a wonderful way to see dog friendly vacations europe. It is much more comfortable than flying for a large dog. Large dogs have more room to relax, and there is no turbulence.
Many major train operators are very pet-friendly:
- Trenitalia (Italy): Pets of all sizes can join you. Larger dogs need a ticket that costs only €5 most days.
- Deutsche Bahn (Germany): You can bring huge hounds as long as they are leashed and muzzled. You must buy a half-price ticket for them.
- SNCF (France): Large dogs can travel with a half-price ticket. Small pets in carriers cost only €7.
- Renfe (Spain): They now allow dogs up to 40 kg on certain routes like Madrid to Barcelona.
You should always bring a muzzle because many trains require them for large dogs. Also, remember to take a long walk before you board to tire your dog out.
On top of that, you can use ferries to travel between countries like Ireland and France. I have used Irish Ferries many times. On the W.B. Yeats ship, pets stay in pre-booked kennels. You can visit them and take them for a short walk. On the Isle of Inisheer, you can even book a designated pet cabin. This makes the long journey much more pleasant.
Dining Out: Restaurant Etiquette for Dog Owners
Mastering dog-friendly restaurant etiquette is very important. It helps keep these places open for all of us. First of all, you should call ahead to make sure they have space for a dog.
When you arrive, choose a corner spot or a table along the edge. This gives your dog a quiet place to lie down without blocking the servers. You should keep the leash short at all times. Your dog should be so quiet that other people barely notice they are there.
Do not feed your dog table scraps. This teaches them to beg and can ruin their behavior. Instead, bring your own dog treats to reward them for being calm. If your dog starts barking or showing stress, you should be prepared to leave. It is our responsibility to be good guests.
Adventure and Hiking in the Alps
If you love the outdoors, you must go hiking in the Alps. I spent six weeks hiking across the Swiss and Italian Alps with my dog. People often say dogs are not allowed, but they are.
You can find well-marked trails through alpine villages. Dogs are allowed on cable cars and mountain trains. Usually, there is no charge for dogs on cable cars. However, you must keep your dog hydrated. The weather can change fast, so carry enough water for both of you.
You should also watch out for Ibex, which are mountain goats. They will stand their ground, so keep your dog on a leash. Also, check with your vet about Leishmaniasis prevention if you travel to Southern Europe. This is a disease spread by sandflies. I use Scalibor collars or Advantix to keep my dog safe.
Winter Fun: Snowy Vacations
Some dogs love the snow. If you want a snowy vacation, consider Bern, Switzerland. It is a beautiful place for a dog to experience their first snow. Many hotels and bars there are very dog-friendly.
Luxembourg is another great choice. The Mullerthal area has huge forests with trails you can cut short if your dog gets tired. If you go to cold places, you might need booties and a jacket for your pup. Salt on the roads can hurt their paws, so boots are a must. I also use baby wipes to clean their paws when we come inside.
Finally, you should always check the local rules for the specific town you visit. Some places have leash and muzzle regulations for certain breeds.
Summary of the Best Cities by Hotel Friendliness
I found some very interesting data on the most dog-friendly cities in Europe based on hotel listings. Here is a quick list of the top cities where you can easily find a place to stay:
- Helsinki, Finland: 82% of hotels allow pets.
- Munich, Germany: 71%.
- Zurich, Switzerland: 71%.
- Berlin, Germany: 64%.
- Salzburg, Austria: 63%.
- Nice, France: 59%.
- Krakow, Poland: 59%.
On the contrary, cities like Dublin, Ireland only have 8 percent pet-friendly hotels. Lisbon, Portugal is also low at 11 percent. You should book your stay very far in advance if you visit these places.
FAQ
Where to go in Europe with a dog?
You should visit Paris, Berlin, or Prague because these cities are very welcoming to pets. I found that Paris is the top city for a dog holiday. Additionally, you can visit Amsterdam or the Northern Lakes in Italy. A true joy.
Which European country is most dog friendly?
Germany is widely considered one of the most dog-friendly nations on the continent. Similarly, I noticed that Finland is a leader because it has the highest percentage of pet-friendly hotels. Pure hospitality.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
Paris ranks as the best city for dog friendly vacations europe. It has hundreds of dog-friendly hotels and restaurants. Plus, the travel time from places like London is very short.
Can I travel within Europe with my dog?
Yes, the Pet Travel Scheme makes it very easy to move between member countries without quarantine. You just need a pet passport, a microchip, and a rabies vaccine. Simple and fast.
Which country is the most dog friendly?
Germany and Austria are excellent choices for pet friendly holidays europe. I found that these countries allow dogs in many public spaces like cafes and trains.
Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?
Regular airlines usually require small dogs to stay in a carrier under the seat in front of you. However, you can book a private jet for dogs if you want your pet to have a real seat and eat with you. Luxury at its best.
Where is the best place to holiday with a dog?
Paris is the number one spot for a trip. If you prefer the beach, you should try Noordwijk in the Netherlands or Crikvenica in Croatia.
Which country is kindest to animals?
Italy is famously pet-loving, especially in the northern regions. I rarely saw a restaurant in Italy turn away a dog. Also, Germany has a very strong culture of including dogs in daily life.
Is it hard to travel Europe with a dog?
No, it is not hard at all. Europe is one of the easiest regions in the world to visit with a pet. The transport systems and parks are designed to be very welcoming.
Where can I go abroad with my dog?
You can go to beautiful beaches like Le Touquet in France or Llevant Beach in Barcelona. Similarly, Sweden and Denmark offer great outdoor spots for dog friendly trips europe.
Which city is the most dog friendly?
Helsinki is the most dog-friendly city for stays because 82 percent of its hotels allow pets. For general activities, Paris and Berlin are the top choices.
Are vacations stressful for dogs?
Air travel can be stressful because of the altitude and the rules against sedation. On the contrary, train travel is very smooth and gives your dog more room to relax. Peace of mind.
Where to travel in Europe with your dog?
You should look at the 10 Best Dog Friendly destinations europe like Vienna, Copenhagen, and Milan. These pet friendly cities europe have plenty of parks and easy public transport.
Which airlines allow dogs in cabin in Europe?
Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines are good options for travelers. You must check the specific weight limits for carriers before you book.
What airline lets you fly with your dog?
Lufthansa is a very popular choice for dog friendly holidays europe. Swiss International Air Lines also provides helpful guides for pets on board.
Concluding words
Europe is a dream come true for anyone looking for dog friendly destinations europe. I loved seeing the chic streets of Paris and the off-leash parks in Vienna. You can easily find dog friendly resorts europe or enjoy pet friendly cities europe by using trains and ferries. Do not forget to keep your EU Pet Passport updated and follow local rules for muzzles on public transport. This ensures a happy and safe trip for your best friend. Pure bliss.
