I finally made it to the Adriatic coast with my furry best friend. You might wonder, is Montenegro dog friendly? I asked myself the same thing before I packed my bags. This Ulcinj travel guide will show you that while it takes some work, the rewards are beautiful. The sea is blue. The history is deep. The food is delicious. Most importantly, your dog can be right there with you. This is my Ulcinj travel blog about the ups, the downs, and the sandy paws.
First things first: Preparation and Paperwork
You cannot just hop on a plane and go. Montenegro has strict rules for pets. First of all, your dog must have a microchip. This chip must follow ISO standards. I made sure my vet used a 15-digit chip. Additionally, you need a rabies vaccination. Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old before they get this shot. You must wait at least 21 days after the first shot before you can travel.
However, the most difficult part is the rabies titer test. This test measures antibodies in the blood. You must get this test more than 30 days after the vaccination. Plus, you must wait three calendar months from the date the blood was drawn before you enter Montenegro. It is a long wait. Do not leave this for the last minute.
You also need an International Export Health Certificate. A licensed vet must sign this within 10 days of your arrival. Similarly, if you are coming from the United Kingdom, an Official Veterinarian must sign and stamp the health certificate. They must use any ink color other than black. This sounds small, but it is a big deal at the border.
On top of that, your dog needs treatment for parasites. This includes tapeworm treatment containing praziquantel. The vet should do this between 24 and 48 hours before you arrive in the country. I kept all these records in a pet passport. It makes the border checks much smoother.
Finally, do not forget the residence registration. You must register your stay within 24 hours of arrival if you are not in a hotel. Hotels usually do this for you within 12 hours. Every municipality requires a new registration if you stay more than 24 hours.
Getting to the Southern Tip
How do you get to Ulcinj? You have a few choices. First of all, you can fly into Podgorica Airport or Tivat Airport. Podgorica is about 30 miles away from Ulcinj. Tivat is about 42 miles away. If you fly, your dog must be in a crate that follows IATA standards.
Alternatively, you can drive. I drove through Croatia and Bosnia. The border crossings like Debeli Brijeg are common. Sometimes the officers do not even look at the dog. However, you should always have your papers ready. Is it safe to holiday in Montenegro? It felt very safe to me. The roads are a mix of modern paths and old, bumpy routes.
Buses are another option, but they are tricky. The rule for dogs on buses usually depends on the individual driver. Some drivers are happy to see a dog. On the contrary, others might look very upset. Small dogs in carriers have the best chance. Plus, trains usually allow small dogs for free. Large dogs might need a leash and a ticket at a lower price.
Later, I found that taxis and rideshares are often okay with small dogs. I always asked for approval first to avoid a fuss. The best way to see the coast? Definitely by water. I took a cruise around Kotor Bay and another near Sveti Stefan. Many tour companies are lenient because they want your business.
Is Ulcinj worth visiting?
The answer is a loud yes. Ulcinj is one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic coast. It has over 2,500 years of history. You can feel it when you walk through the Old Town. The narrow cobblestone streets are like a maze. First of all, I saw the Ulcinj Fortress. It sits on a rocky point with amazing views of the sea.
At that time, I learned about the pirates of Ulcinj. They were famous sailors in the Middle Ages. The Museum of Local History is inside an old church that became a mosque. It only costs about 1.50 Euro to enter. However, there are no safety rails on the high walls. Keep your dog on a short leash there.
The town has a very special energy. You will see many mosques, like the Pasha’s Mosque built in 1719. It even has an old Turkish bathhouse. Similarly, the Lamit Mosque from 1689 has beautiful green wood ceilings. These landmarks make the city feel different from the rest of Europe.
Staying in Ulcinj: Pet Friendly Hotels
Finding a place to sleep was easier than I expected. Villa Oleander is a top choice. It has an exceptional rating of 9.4 out of 10. The owners are very friendly to families and pets. It is near the Kryepazarit Mosque and offers great sea views.
Another great spot is Apartments Bazar. It is a 3-star property with a rating of 8.8. It has a kitchen in each room, which is perfect for storing dog food. Plus, it is near a vineyard that offers tours. It is also very clean.
If you want to stay in the Old Town, check out Palata Venezia. It is a 4-star hotel in a historic building. They allow both dogs and cats for free. They even have a terrace where you can relax with your pet.
Additionally, here are some other pet-friendly options:
- Villa Dulsinea: A 2-star property with very helpful landlords.
- Apartments RONDO: Rated 10 out of 10 with great air conditioning.
- B&B Lovac: This place allows dogs of any size for no extra fee.
- Hotel Montefila: It has a children’s pool and a playground.
Finally, for a more natural stay, try Ada Bojana. There are houses like Lazar House right on the river island. It is a famous spot for kitesurfing and eco-tourism.
Dining with Your Dog
I never went hungry in Ulcinj. Most restaurants and bars with outdoor patios welcomed my dog. In fact, I often sat my dog on a human chair. No one gave me a nasty glare. The staff was usually very professional.
Sapore di Mare is a beautiful fish restaurant. It is right by the sea and has stunning sunset views. The food is elegant, and the service is great. Though it is a bit more expensive than the city center, it is worth it.
I also loved the local bakeries. I made a habit of getting börek. This is a flaky pastry with meat that locals love. Most bakeries let me walk in with my dog to grab a quick snack.
However, dogs are generally not allowed inside grocery stores. If you have a small dog, you might be able to carry them in. Most people do not want to leave their dogs tied up outside. I certainly do not.
Sun, Sand, and the Ulcinj Dog Beach
Everyone comes here for the beaches. Velika Plaža, or Long Beach, is the star. It is a huge 12-kilometer stretch of golden sand. The water is shallow for a long way, which is great for kids and dogs.
Is there a specific ulcinj dog beach? Yes. It is called Mojito Beach. It is located in the center of Long Beach. It is the only official spot in Ulcinj where pets are welcome on the sand. I saw people kitesurfing with their dogs running nearby. It is a very happy place.
On the contrary, Mala Plaža, or Small Beach, is very different. It is right under the Old Town. During the summer, it is shoulder-to-shoulder packed. It can be quite dirty with cigarette butts and trash. Plus, the noise from nearby bars like Big Ben can be very loud until 1 AM. I would avoid this beach with a dog during the peak season.
Other interesting spots include:
- Valdanos Bay: This is a pebble beach surrounded by ancient olive groves. It used to be a military resort. The water is very clean.
- Liman Beach: A small, rocky beach good for snorkeling. It is quiet and serene.
- Ladies Beach: This is a very special place. It is only for women. Legend says the sulfur water helps with health and fertility. Men and dogs are not allowed. It is a place for women to feel free and nude without the male gaze.
Gradually, I realized that the best beach days are away from the city center. The open space of Long Beach is much better for a dog.
A Stroll Through the Pine Forests
If you need a break from the sun, go to the pine forests. They stretch from Small Beach all the way to Cape Djerane. This walk is about 4 kilometers long. At that time, I felt the air was very fresh. People call these forests the “lungs of Ulcinj“.
These forests have a long history. I heard stories about the old Galeb and Jadran hotels that were destroyed in the 1979 earthquake. Today, the forests are a bit messy because of storms and erosion. However, the scent of the pine trees is still wonderful.
In Japan, they call this shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. It is meant to ease stress. I certainly felt relaxed. I met a few locals walking their dogs there. It is a picturesque path with views of blue coves and grey cliffs. This is a must-do for any dog friendly travel in Ulcinj, Montenegro.
Health, Safety, and Local Vets
I always worry about my dog’s health when we travel. First of all, do not let your dog drink the tap water. I stick to bottled water only. Locals told me the tap water is not safe, especially after it rains.
Additionally, watch out for ticks. I found a blood-sucking monster on my dog’s belly. Make sure your dog is on flea and tick medicine before you arrive. Montenegro also has wildlife like wolves, bears, and snakes in the mountains. Keep your dog close on the trails.
If you need a doctor, the main vet clinic in Ulcinj is called Veterinum. It is on Ulica Majke Tereze. Dr. Khemal Ravja is the vet there. They handle routine checkups and common problems like stomach concerns.
Other vets in Montenegro include:
- Vet Medica in Budva: They have x-ray and blood analysis tools. Blagoja speaks excellent English.
- VetPort in Kotor: Relja Cetkovic is known for being great with emergencies and surgery.
- Mont Vet in Podgorica: A very clean practice that works with the local shelter.
- Vet Medic in Herceg Novi: They are very professional and efficient.
Finally, be aware that many locals see dogs as guard animals. You might see large dogs chained up in yards. They might bark loudly as you pass. Also, there are many stray dogs in the countryside and less developed areas.
Is Montenegro friendly?
The people of Montenegro are very welcoming. I got a positive vibe from most locals. They seemed especially charmed when I rode my bike with my dog in the basket. However, their attitude toward animal welfare can be different from what we see in the West. Some people feel they do not do enough for strays.
There are laws to protect animals, like the Law on the Protection of Animal Welfare from 2008. It forbids torture and killing animals without a reason. It even forbids using animals in circuses if it causes pain. Gradually, things are changing, but it takes time.
Similarly, be careful with groomers. I had a bad experience where a groomer was too rough and accidentally hurt my dog. It cost about 20 USD, which is cheap, but the experience was not good. Do your research before you leave your dog with someone.
Essential Travel Tips for Ulcinj
Here is a quick list of things to remember:
- Walking Routes: Choose your paths carefully. Some blocks are perfectly paved, but the next might be full of gravel and construction. This is hard on dog paws.
- Shopping: You can bring your dog into pharmacies and clothing stores like those in the CTC Shopping Center.
- Climate: Summer is the best time for beaches. However, it is very hot in August. January is the coolest month.
- Currency: They use the Euro. Many places, like the Big Ben Open Bar, do not take credit cards. Carry cash.
- Safety: It is very safe to walk around, but always watch out for cars on roads without pavements.
Later, you might want to leave Montenegro. If you go back to the EU or the UK, you need more paperwork. You will definitely need that titer test certificate and a health form from local authorities. If you fly into Switzerland, you need advance permission from their authorities three weeks before you land.
FAQ
Are dogs allowed on beaches in Montenegro?
Yes, dogs are welcome on many beaches in Montenegro. You will find seven specific locations along the coast that allow pets. In Ulcinj, the Mojito beach on Long Beach is the designated spot for your furry friend.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
The area along Long Beach (Velika Plaža) in Ulcinj is the best choice. It offers miles of open sand and shallow water. This space is great for pets to run and play without crowds. Ada Bojana is also a wonderful spot for nature lovers who travel with pets.
Is Kotor dog-friendly?
Yes, Kotor is very friendly to dogs. It has a pet-friendly beach called Benovo. You can also find professional vets there, like VetPort, to help with any health needs.
Can I bring my dog to Montenegro?
You certainly can bring your dog. You must follow the rules for non-commercial transport. Your pet needs a microchip, a valid rabies shot, and a health certificate. Additionally, you might need a titer test depending on where you come from.
Are dogs allowed on buses in Montenegro?
The rules for buses are not always clear. Often, the decision is up to the individual driver or the bus company. Small dogs in carriers usually have no problems. Plus, most drivers are more lenient if you ask nicely.
Can I take my dog on a trip?
Yes, you can take your dog on a trip to Montenegro. It is a beautiful place for a vacation. You just need to prepare the right paperwork and find a pet-friendly hotel.
Where to leave a dog when travelling?
If you cannot take your pet everywhere, you can use a pet hotel or a pension. These facilities provide care and pampering while you are away. Montenegro has several licensed shelters and pensions for this purpose.
Concluding words
Ulcinj is a beautiful destination for anyone who loves the sea and history. You can enjoy long walks on Long Beach or explore the ancient Old Town with your dog by your side. Though the paperwork for rabies titer tests and health certificates is a lot of work, the trip is worth it.
You will find many pet-friendly hotels and welcoming restaurant patios. Just remember to pack bottled water and keep your pet on a leash in the forests. Montenegro is a hidden gem for dog lovers who are ready for an adventure.
