I spent three months traveling through twelve major cities with my Golden Retriever, Luna. I took twenty-seven trains. My journey was about more than just seeing famous sights. It was about shared meals and quiet moments on café terraces from Prague to Zurich. I found that the travel world is changing fast. Experts call this shift the “Pawprint Economy”. A study found that 56% of people now own a pet. The pet industry will likely reach a value of 500 billion US dollars by 2030. Therefore, our pets are finally traveling with more dignity. I want to share my list of the 17 Best Dog Friendly travel in europe based on my own boots on the cobblestones.
First of all, you need a solid plan. can dogs ride on trains in europe? Yes, they can, but you must follow the law. Most countries require an EU pet passport. Your dog must have a microchip. They also need a rabies shot at least twenty-one days before you leave. Some places like Finland or Norway require tapeworm treatment. Do not forget that rules vary by country. A little preparation goes a long way. Truly.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is my top choice for dog friendly destinations in europe. It scored a 9.5 out of 10 in my personal ranking system. The city has a perfect balance of nature and city life. Luna swam in Lake Zurich at Strandbad Mythenquai. She swam with swans while the Swiss Alps turned pink in the sunset. On top of that, the public transport system is unmatched. Dogs ride on every train, tram, bus, and boat. A day pass for your dog costs only 3.40 Swiss Francs. This makes it one of the most dog friendly places in europe.
Paris, France
Paris is where dogs live their best life. I spent many mornings eating croissants at Café de Flore with Luna. It is one of the best dog friendly places in europe for café culture. Waiters bring water without you even asking. However, the Metro can be a challenge during rush hour. The cars are often packed like sardines. Small dogs under 6 kilograms pay only 7.50 Euros on the TGV. Similarly, large dogs get a 50% discount on second-class fares. I had to use a muzzle and a lead for Luna on the regional trains.
Munich, Germany
I love Munich because it is the “outdoorsy friend” of European cities. Luna swam in the Eisbach River inside the Englischer Garten. This park is 900 acres of heaven. Bavarian law says that all beer gardens must allow dogs. I sat at the Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm and a waiter gave Luna a pretzel. He said, “Für den Hund!”. This means “For the dog!”. Therefore, Munich is one of the top dog friendly vacations in europe.
London, United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a nation of dog lovers. London has world-class parks like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. Luna even swam in the Serpentine Lake. Plus, dogs ride for free on the Tube and buses. Though it is expensive, the pet culture is amazing. I took Luna to a pub for a Sunday roast, and the bartender brought her a “puppuccino”. It was just a small cup of whipped cream. Pure joy.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin has an artsy vibe that welcomes everyone. I took Luna to the Tiergarten, which is bigger than Central Park. She ran off-leash for two hours in the forest. Later, we went to a food market called Markthalle Neun. It is a very cool place for dog friendly trips in europe. Berlin is easy because dogs are allowed inside most restaurants.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is my home base. The city is very relaxed about pets. I cycled the canal ring with Luna in a basket. We visited “brown cafés” which are traditional Dutch pubs. She was greeted like a regular regular at every stop. On the contrary, I had to watch her near the water. Canals are not fenced, and she once tried to jump in after a duck. pet friendly places in europe do not get much more tolerant than this.
Rome, Italy
The Italians love their dogs with a passion. Luna was stopped every 100 meters for head scratches and photos. We ate at a trattoria in Trastevere where the owner gave her a plate of prosciutto. He said, “È famiglia!”. This means “She is family!”. Rome is one of the pet friendly destinations in europe with the best food. At that time, I found many gelaterias offering “gelato per cani”. A history-lover’s dream. Truly.
Alta Badia, Italy
Hikes in the Dolomites are invigorating. I took a cable car up to Piz La Ila. There is even a pool at the top for dogs to cool down. We walked to Rifugio Ütia Bioch for local food. This region is perfect for dog friendly vacations in europe if you love high mountain trails.
Loire Valley, France
A walk through the grounds of a great château is a fancy experience. At Château de Chenonceau, dogs are welcome on leads. You can even take them indoors if you carry them. I saw one person give their Labrador a firefighter’s lift just to see the art inside. It is the jewel of the valley.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a fun city for pets. Luna played in the fountains at Parc de la Ciutadella. We ate tapas at midnight on busy streets. However, city beaches have rules in the summer. I had to take a train to Sitges for her to swim during the hot months.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has beautiful pastel buildings and vintage trams. People adore dogs here. I took Luna to Cascais beach on the train. She swam in the Atlantic while I ate grilled sardines. It is one of the dog friendly destinations in europe with the best sea views. On top of that, it is very affordable for travelers on a budget.
Ötztal, Austria
I visited the Ötztal valley in Tirol. It is a popular spot for two- and four-legged friends. I used the summer mountain lifts to save my legs from the hard climb. Dogs can ride on 11 out of 12 lifts there. There are over 500 dog friendly hotels in europe located in this valley alone.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is very happy and very cozy. I rented a Christiania cargo bike and Luna sat in the front box. We cycled past the Little Mermaid statue and through Nyhavn. pet friendly hotels in europe here are expensive, but the quality is high.
Harz Mountains, Germany
I took Luna to the Harz mountains south-west of Berlin. We rode the Harz Railway. It is a steam train that goes to the top of the Brocken peak. The forest there is rewilding itself. Native saplings of oak and birch are starting to thrive.
Valencia, Spain
The Jardín del Turia is a huge green artery in the city center. It has enclosed dog parks and even an agility area. Luna loved sniffing around the old town. Many bars have terraces where you can enjoy a refreshing sangria with your pup.
Pinhão, Portugal
The Douro River valley has terraced vineyards. I took a dog-friendly boat tour from Pinhão. It is a great place for a slow road trip through the hills. I visited Croft Winery for a tasting where Luna was welcome.
The Baltic Coast, Germany
The island of Usedom is a handsome place on the border with Poland. Heringsdorf has a seven-mile promenade for walking. The air is cool, which is good for dogs in the summer heat. There are many forest walks around the lake at Wolgastsee.
Gradually, I learned how to handle the logistics of such a long trip. European trains with dog travel are mostly efficient. German ICE trains allow small dogs for free in a carrier. Large dogs need a half-fare ticket. Plus, they must wear a muzzle and stay on a lead. You cannot reserve a seat for a dog in Germany. SBB in Switzerland also requires a half-fare ticket or a special Day Pass Dogs for larger pups. is europe dog friendly? For train travel, the answer is mostly yes.
I also combined sail and rail travel. Superfast Ferries go between Italy and Greece. They have special cabins where you can sleep with your pet. It costs about 50 Euros for a pet in a cabin. Alternatively, they have kennels for 20 Euros. Luna felt right at home in our cabin. It was much better than the 30-hour ferry from Athens to Cyprus where dogs must stay in kennels the whole time. I do not recommend that long trip.
Flying is another option if your dog is small. Most European airlines have an 8-kilogram limit for the cabin. This weight includes the carrier bag. Vueling and Volotea are more generous and allow up to 10 kilograms. KLM and Air France are also popular choices for pet parents. However, dogs are never allowed in the cabin on flights to the UK. You must send them as cargo if you fly into London.
I often had to choose between dog friendly hotels in europe and Airbnbs. I usually prefer Airbnbs because they have more space for Luna to run. Many hotels do not let you leave your dog alone in the room. Some might even charge you a fee twice. But some luxury hotels now have “Canine Clubs”. They give your pet a special bed and a guide to the best local walks. I even heard of a hotel in Rome with underfloor heating and aromatherapy for dogs. That is true luxury.
Technology is making travel planning much easier. In 2026, I expect travel to be even more high-tech. People will use “Travel Mixology” to plan their trips. I use AI to get big-picture ideas, then I check Reddit or YouTube for real human stories. Only 46% of people trust AI systems today. It helps me see if a destination is truly pet-welcoming.
Health and safety must be your top priority. I always carry a pet emergency kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a thermometer. I check Luna’s hydration by pressing her gums with my finger. Additionally, you must watch out for Leishmaniasis in Southern Europe. This disease comes from sandflies. Use a Scalibor collar to stop bites. Also, be careful with processionary caterpillars in pine forests. They line up in long trains on the ground. Their hairs are toxic and can be fatal to dogs.
Finally, I want to mention the future of travel. Qantas is planning “Project Sunrise” flights from Sydney to London. These flights will have a movement area and healthy snacks. They even use LED lighting to help with jetlag. In San Francisco, you can already take a driverless taxi with your pet. By 2036, we might even have hypersonic travel that goes five times the speed of sound. 60% of travelers are interested in this new technology.
Europe is waiting for you and your best friend. Whether you are swimming in Lake Zurich or eating gelato in Rome, it is an adventure you will never forget. Luna taught me to slow down. I saw more of real life because I spent time in parks instead of just museums. Locals warm up to you instantly when you have a dog. It is the ultimate icebreaker. Truly.
Safe travels and happy adventures!
FAQ
What is the most dog-friendly country in Europe?
I found that Germany and Italy are excellent because dogs are welcome in almost every café and beer garden,. However, Switzerland is the top overall winner for me because the city of Zurich is nearly perfect for pets,.
Where to travel in Europe with your dog?
You should visit cities like Zurich, Paris, and London because they have the best parks and transit systems. Additionally, coastal spots like Lisbon and the Baltic Coast in Germany are great for dogs who love the sea,.
Can I travel within Europe with my dog?
Yes, you can move between countries easily if you follow the standard EU rules. Most borders allow pets to cross as long as they have the right paperwork and shots.
What is the easiest country to travel to with a dog?
Switzerland is the easiest place to visit because the entire country is immaculate and very welcoming. Dogs can ride on every train, tram, and boat with a simple day pass.
Is it hard to travel Europe with a dog?
It is not hard if you prepare well in advance. The continent is very pet-welcoming, and fifty-six percent of people there now own a pet.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
Zurich is the best place because it offers a perfect balance of city life and alpine nature. Pas-de-Calais in France is also a top choice because they design travel specifically for dogs.
Which country loves dogs most?
Italy is the nation that loves dogs the most in my experience. Locals often say that a dog is part of the family and they will treat your pet with huge respect.
Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?
You can buy an adjacent seat for your pet on certain airlines like Aeroflot, Rossiya, and S7. This allows your dog to stay in a rigid carrier on the seat next to you if they weigh up to twenty-three kilograms,.
Which airlines allow dogs in cabin in Europe?
Aegean Airlines, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and Vueling are some of the most popular choices,,,. Most of these airlines allow small pets that weigh up to eight kilograms.
Where can I go abroad with my dog?
You can go to any country in the European Union and territories like Andorra or Monaco. Just ensure you have a valid pet passport or health certificate before you leave.
Is Italy dog friendly?
Yes, Italy is incredibly dog-friendly. I took my dog to fancy restaurants in Tuscany and Sardinia, and the staff treated her like a regular guest,.
What is the most dog friendly city in the world?
Zurich, Switzerland, holds the title for the most dog-friendly city in my ranking. It scored high marks for transit, parks, and general pet culture.
What airline lets you fly with your dog?
Lufthansa and KLM are two of the best airlines for pet parents. They have very clear rules and help make the process simple for you,.
Where is the most dog friendly place in Europe?
The Ötztal valley in Austria is a top location because it has over five hundred dog-friendly hotels. Plus, dogs can ride on almost all the mountain lifts to reach high trails.
What is a dog passport?
A dog passport is an official document that contains your pet’s microchip code and health records. It is mandatory for travel between EU countries and stays valid for life as long as shots are current,.
Concluding words
My journey through the seventeen best dog-friendly spots in Europe shows that the “Pawprint Economy” is real and growing. I learned that cities like Zurich and Munich offer the best mix of nature and easy transit for our four-legged friends,. Train travel is the most relaxed way to get around, though you must always check the local muzzle and ticket rules,.
High-tech changes like AI trip planning and driverless taxis will make our future trips even smoother,. Proper preparation with an EU pet passport and a solid health kit is the key to a stress-free adventure,. Europe is ready for you and your best friend to create memories that will last a lifetime.
