I recently found myself on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The water was so clear. The sun was warm on my back. My dog stood beside me. She wagged her tail at the gentle waves. This was Struga, a small town in North Macedonia that stole my heart.
I want to share my journey with you. Traveling with a pet can be a challenge. However, it is one of the most rewarding things a mature traveler can do. You just need the right information.
Pet Friendly Travel in Struga, North Macedonia is not just possible. It is a wonderful experience for anyone who loves slow tours and beautiful views. I spent weeks planning this trip. I looked at every rule. I checked every flight. Now, I have the full story for you.
First Steps for Your Furry Friend
Preparation is the key to a stress-free trip. I learned this the hard way. You can not just show up at the border. There are rules you must follow. First of all, your pet must have a 15-digit microchip. This chip must comply with ISO standard 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785. If the chip is different, you must bring your own scanner.
The next big thing is the rabies vaccination. Your pet must receive this at least six months before you enter the country. Though, if you have a current vaccination and just get a booster after the microchip is in, the wait does not apply. I made sure to bring every piece of proof. Three-year rabies vaccinations are accepted here.
Additionally, you need an International Export Health Certificate. A licensed veterinarian in your home country must complete this. If you are from the USA, a USDA accredited veterinarian must issue it. APHIS must then endorse it within 10 days of your travel.
Do you need a rabies titer test? It depends. If you come from a country that the EU calls rabies-controlled, you do not need it. On the contrary, if your home country is high-risk, you must get the test done.
This test must happen at least 30 days after the vaccine and three months before you leave. The result must show a level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. It is a lot of paperwork. Plus, you will need to give advance notice to the airport vets so they can meet you.
Getting to the Land of the Sun
I spent a lot of time researching which airlines fly to macedonia. This is important because not every company loves pets as much as we do. Skopje International Airport is the place where you will likely land. I found several options. Aegean Air, Air Serbia, Turkish Airlines, and Croatia Airlines all have pet policies. Austrian Air, LOT, and Edelweiss are also good choices.
However, you must avoid Wizz Air if you have a pet that is not a service dog. They do not permit animals on board. I chose Croatia Airlines for my flight from Zagreb. A user named lucyjune13 on Reddit said it was “super easy” and I agree.
You have to make a reservation early. They only allow two pets per flight. Later, when I arrived at the airport, I realized I needed to be there two hours before my flight. This is the rule even if you check in online.
The airport in Skopje is modern. It has a 24/7 information desk if you get lost. If you are driving, the parking is fair. It costs 100 MKD for one hour and 1,000 MKD for a full day. On top of that, there is free Wi-Fi called TAV Airports. My dog had to be on a leash and wear a muzzle if the law required it. Dangerous dogs must wear masks. My pup is friendly, so she just stayed on her leash.
Exploring the Capital: Pet Friendly Skopje
Before I headed to Struga, I spent time in the capital. Finding pet friendly skopje locations was easier than I thought. Many people are wary of dogs because of strays. However, the younger people are very kind to pets. You will find that pet friendly places skopje are usually outdoors. Most cafes and bars let you sit at the outside tables with your dog.
I wanted to find pet friendly restaurants in skopje where I could relax. While I was there, I saw people with their dogs at several spots near the center. You just have to ask. Similarly, if you stay in the city, there are hotels like the ones listed on Booking.com that welcome animals. North Macedonia pet travel is growing every year. People are getting used to seeing travelers with their furry best friends.
The Journey to Struga
Moving between cities is where things get interesting. I thought about taking the bus. Public transport is a bit of a gamble. Technically, pets are not allowed on public buses. Though, I heard stories of people carrying chickens, ducks, and even pigs on village buses. A user named MeanLittleMachine said, “if no one reports you, it is allowed”. I did not want to risk a fine from the ruthless ticket inspectors.
I decided to book a private transfer. It was the best choice for a mature traveler. I used a service for the ride from Ohrid to Struga. It was smooth and efficient. If you rent a car, you must read the fine print. Some companies charge a lot for pets. I brought a fitted single sheet for the back seat. This saved me from a big cleaning fee. Plus, it kept my dog comfortable.
Staying in Struga: Where Paws are Welcome
Struga is a quiet alternative to Ohrid. It is perfect for families and pet owners. I found some amazing pet-friendly vacation rentals on Airbnb. One top choice is the Artistic Villa Elen Kamen. It is right on the shore of Ohrid Lake. The house has an authentic style. It is a place to find peace in your heart.
Another great spot is Villa Zen in the Elen Kamen area. It has a private beach and stunning views of the sunrise. It is ideal for pet owners who want to avoid the city noise. If you want to be closer to the center, look at the Peaceful Struga Apartment – Villa Rosa. It is just across the street from the lake.
For hotel lovers, Hotel Belica is a good option. It has a garden and is recently renovated. I also liked the Central Modern Apt with Garden. It has a 9.8 rating and a lovely garden for the dog to sniff around. There are over 122 pet-friendly places in the area. You will have plenty of choices.
Dining with Your Dog in Struga
Eating out is a highlight of any trip. In Struga, I found that many restaurants are very welcoming. One of my favorites was Stanica Oaza. It is a family-owned place. The owners are so friendly. They even have a super cute dog of their own. The food is cooked with heart. I highly recommend the Macedonian Mezze.
Another spot I enjoyed was Restaurant Aquarius. It is right on the waterfront. It has a serene setting and plenty of parking. The beefsteak and risotto were divine. I also visited ANTIKA Restaurant by the Black Drin river. The portions are huge. The view of the river is stunning. They were very nice to me as an English speaker.
If you take a short drive to Vevchani, you must visit Kutmichevica. It is a charming guesthouse and restaurant. It is pet friendly and has amazing views of the lake. They serve the best cheese in Macedonia. The staff is very kind. Therefore, it is a perfect spot for a long, lazy lunch.
Adventures in Nature
Struga is famous for the Black Drin river. The water flows right out of Ohrid Lake. I walked along the shore with my dog. The water is incredibly clear and fresh. I saw boys jumping off a bridge into the river. They even use ropes to stay in the flow for a “Macedonian massage”.
We also went on a “bear hunt” near the Hotel Izgrev. I did not see any bears. However, I did see peacocks and chickens near the Monastery cave. The water there is super clear. I visited a religious shrine inside a cave. It was very steep and a bit “rickety”. My dog loved the hike. We even saw a tree that is 870 years old. It is huge and has a big hole in the trunk.
If you like hiking, the Jablanica Mountains are right there. You can hike from Vevchani to Gorna Belica. It is a moderate 15.7 km route. The views are breathtaking. You can even have a traditional picnic at Jankov Kamen. Just be careful of the shepherd dogs. Some of them can be quite protective of their sheep.
Essential Pet Services
Accidents happen. It is good to know where the help is. In Struga, there is Petar Vet on Proleterski Bb. There is also Z Pet Shop if you need food or a new leash. If you need a big laboratory or more help, Anima Vet in Bitola is the place to go. They have been around since 2000. They have an ambulance for pets and a team of professionals.
I found a great pet shop in Ohrid called Pet Shop Sirena. They have a website and are open most days. You can also find Pet Shop Mia on Pitu Guli 37. It is always better to be prepared. I kept the number for Anima Vet in my phone: +389 47 296 688.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Struga, North Macedonia worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. It is a treasure trove of food and culture. The town offers a tranquil escape from the noise of big cities. You will find peace in your heart while enjoying the lake views.
What is Struga known for?
Struga is famous for the clear, fresh water of Lake Ohrid. It is the place where the Black Drin river flows out of the lake. People also know it for its authentic style and a tree that is 870 years old.
Is Macedonia cheap or expensive?
It is generally affordable for travelers. You can find good food at reasonable prices. Though, tourist spots like Ohrid can feel a bit overpriced compared to other areas.
What is the currency in Struga?
The official currency is the Macedonian Denar (MKD). Some places might accept Euros. Most large restaurants let you pay with a credit card.
Is Macedonia a rich or poor country?
It is not considered a wealthy country. High prices in some restaurants are unaffordable for the general Macedonian living standard.
Which is nicer, Croatia or Montenegro?
Both have unique beauty. Croatia is praised for making pet travel super easy. Montenegro has breathtaking national parks, but you must be careful of aggressive stray dogs.
Can I bring my dog to Montenegro?
Yes, you can. You will need a health certificate from a vet. Your pet also needs a tapeworm treatment before you cross the border.
Concluding Words
My trip was a dream. The people of Struga are friendly and open. An elderly man who worked in Germany for 42 years told me his life story while I walked my dog. This is the kind of hospitality you find here. The town is not as crowded as Ohrid. It feels more authentic.
Traveling with a pet in North Macedonia requires some work. You have to handle the USDA certificates and the microchips. However, the reward is seeing your dog run on a private beach. It is sharing a traditional meat stew at a riverside cafe. It is exploring ancient caves and mountains together.
Do not let the paperwork scare you. Start early. Use the USDA accredited veterinarians. Book your Croatia Airlines flight. Find a cozy Airbnb with a garden. Your pet is welcome here. Struga is waiting for you both.
Summary Checklist for Your Trip:
- Microchip: 15-digit ISO compliant.
- Rabies Vaccine: At least 6 months before entry.
- Health Certificate: Issued by vet and endorsed by APHIS within 10 days.
- Airlines: Turkish, Croatia, or Austrian are great.
- Entry Point: You must land at Skopje International Airport.
- Leash/Muzzle: Keep them on at the airport and in busy public spots.
The fresh air. The clear water. The happy barks. This is what travel is all about. I hope my guide helps you plan your own adventure. Safe travels to you and your furry friend!
