The sun began to set over the Adriatic Sea as I sat on a wooden chair with my furry best friend by my side. It was a moment of total peace. I recently spent time exploring the coastal beauty of the Balkans, specifically focusing on Dog Friendly Travel in Bar, Montenegro. This city is a unique mix of new construction and very old history. It is a place where the mountains meet the water in a spectacular way. You will find that it is an up-and-coming destination with a lot of development. Many people only stay for one night before they move on, but I found that there is so much to love if you stay longer.
Bar is not just a transit point for the train or the bus. It is a hidden gem for anyone who wants to enjoy a Montenegro travel with dog experience. The vibe here is very relaxed because it is a holiday spot where people forget about their laptops and work. You can smell the trees and feel the cool breeze from the sea.
Bar offers a slower pace of life compared to some of the busier parts of Europe.
How to Get There and Cross the Border
You might wonder how to travel to Montenegro if you are coming from a nearby country like Croatia. Most travelers choose to use the road or the bus system. If you have a small dog, the buses are usually very accommodating if the pet is in a carrier. You must check with the driver first though. Many people also ask, can you take a hire car from Croatia to Montenegro? You certainly can do this. The border crossings at Debeli Brijeg and Kobila are the main points for road traffic from Croatia.
The process at the border is usually simple if you have all your papers ready. First of all, you must have a valid passport for your dog. On top of that, your pet must have a microchip so that officials can identify them. Montenegro has strict rules for the health of animals that enter the country.
Your dog must be older than 12 weeks on the day they receive their rabies shot. Later, you must wait at least 21 days after that first shot before you can enter the country. If you come from a country that is not in the European Union, you will also need a rabies antibody titration test. This test must happen at least three months before you move your pet.
Additionally, you need a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. Therefore, you should plan your visit at least a few months in advance.
Finding the Perfect Place to Stay
Once you arrive, you will need a place to rest your head. Bar has many options for people who travel with pets. I found that dog-friendly accommodations are quite easy to find because the city relies on tourism. Some places do not even charge an extra “pet fee,” which is a huge plus for the budget.
I saw several top choices for travelers. David Dobre Vode is a great 3-star hotel that allows pets. It has a guest rating of 7.0 and offers a beachfront restaurant where your dog can sit with you. It also has a terrace and a garden. Tony, a reviewer for another property called ApartHotel Stijovic, noted that the customer service is amazing. This hotel is an 8.0 out of 10 and it is a no-fee pet-friendly option. It has a kitchen which is helpful if you need to prepare special meals for your pet.
Similarly, the Spacious 2-bedroom apartment in Bar is a peaceful spot for about $71 a night. You can find hotels for as low as $65 if you look on travel sites.
Selecting a place near the Topolica area is a smart move. This part of town has wide boulevards and plenty of parks. It is also very close to the main walking paths.
Sun, Sand, and Paws: The Best Beaches
The highlight of any summer trip is the water. You will be happy to know that there is a specific dog friendly beach Montenegro travelers can use in Bar. The official dog beach Montenegro is located in Topolica. It is near the Željeznica Bridge. This spot is marked as number 8A in the official Atlas of Montenegrin beaches.
Your dog can run in the sand and splash in the shallow water here. Though the water can be a bit cold, it is very refreshing on a hot day. I recommend that you always bring shade and fresh water for your dog when you go to the beach. Plus, you must always clean up after your pet to keep the area nice for everyone.
The shoreline in Bar is very pretty with mountains in the background. However, some parts of the beach are very busy during the European summer. If you want a quieter time, you should try to go early in the morning or later in the evening.
Gradually, you will learn which spots your dog likes the most.
Exploring the History of Bar
Sightseeing is a must when you are in this part of the world. First of all, you should visit the promenade near King Nikola’s Palace. This area is wide and open, which makes it perfect for a leashed walk. The palace was once a holiday home for the king and it is now a museum. It costs only about one euro to enter the grounds.
Another spectacular site is the Saint Jovan Vladimir Church. It has grand gold domes that you can see from far away. The inside is filled with blue and gold colors and many beautiful murals. It was finished in 2016 to mark a thousand years since the death of the patron saint of the city.
Later, you must take the trip to Stari Bar, which means Old Town Bar. It is located inland, about three kilometers from the new city. It sits on a hilltop at the foot of Mount Rumija. You can hike there in about 45 minutes from the train station. The road is an incline the whole way, but the view is worth the effort.
The old fortress is a historic site that covers four hectares. It costs three euros to enter the ruins. While you might not be allowed inside the small indoor museums with a dog, leashed pets can usually explore the expansive outdoor grounds and old stone walls.
I saw a traveler named Anna who hiked up there with a local dog they nicknamed Guinness. The fortress feels like a different world.
Wining and Dining with Your Dog
Eating out is one of the best parts of a vacation. Bar has many outdoor cafes and restaurants where dogs are welcome. I found that most owners are very kind and will let you sit with your pet.
If you want a casual meal, you should try Corso. It is a restaurant right by the beach. You can get a Greek salad for about €7 or a chicken salad. The view of the water from the tables is spectacular.
On top of that, there are many Italian places because Bar is close to Italy. La Pulena is a local spot that is known for good pizza and pasta. It is a great place to get some carbs after a long day of walking. If you want something sweet, La Parisian is a bakery with amazing donuts and pistachio treats.
Gradually, I noticed that the prices in Montenegro are much cheaper than in Western Europe. For example, a large salad is quite affordable.
However, you must be careful with what you drink. A bark of warning is necessary here. Do not give your dog tap water in Montenegro. It is not always safe to drink, especially after it rains. Always use bottled water for yourself and your pet to avoid getting sick.
Health and Safety Tips for Your Pet
Your dog’s health is the most important thing. There are several good vet clinics in Bar if you have an emergency. Popović is a well-known clinic that has English-speaking doctors. They offer surgery, vaccinations, and even dental care. Another option is the Canis clinic on Rista Lekića street.
You should also watch out for ticks. These tiny monsters can hide in the grass and carry diseases. Therefore, you must use tick prevention medicine before you travel. If you find a tick, remove it right away.
Additionally, you should be careful when your dog meets other dogs. Montenegro is still considered a high-risk country for rabies by some international groups. Even if a dog looks healthy, it is better to be safe.
Also, keep an eye on the road conditions. Some blocks are perfectly paved, while the next might be full of gravel and construction debris. This can be hard on the paws of your dog.
The Growing Trend of Pet Travel
Statistics show that more people than ever are traveling with their pets. The global pet industry will be worth over $260 billion by 2025. About 53% of travelers now take their pets on vacation. On top of that, the “pet-friendly” filter is the third most used search tool on sites like Booking.com.
Mature travelers value the companionship of their dogs. About 37% of owners have given up a trip in the past because they did not want to leave their dog at home. This is why cities like Bar are becoming more popular. They offer a place where the whole family can stay together.
In the United States, about 67% of households own a pet. This trend is similar in Europe. There are now 470 million dogs kept as pets worldwide as of 2018.
Therefore, tourism must change to meet these needs.
Local Rules and Taxes
There are some legal things you must do when you arrive in Bar. Every tourist has to pay a small tax. It is usually €1 per person per day. I stayed for three nights and paid about €6 for two people. You must register at a tourism office to get the proper paperwork. This is important for border control when you leave the country.
If you are staying in a hotel, the host will often do this for you. However, if you are in a private Airbnb, you might need to go to the office yourself.
Gradually, you will find that the people of Bar are very welcoming to visitors.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed on beaches in Montenegro?
- Yes, dogs are allowed on beaches in Montenegro. There are seven designated pet-friendly beaches along the coast, including the Topolica swimming area in Bar near the railway bridge.
- What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
- Montenegro is a hidden gem for dog travelers, with resort towns like Budva, Kotor, and Bar being particularly welcoming due to their tourism-focused infrastructure. Bar is a great choice because of its coastal scenery, pet-friendly hotels, and spacious beach areas like Veliki Pijesak.
- Which is the most dog-loving country?
- America is one of the largest pet-friendly markets, but Germany is noted for a culture where pets are treated like royalty and are welcome in most public places.
- Is Kotor dog-friendly?
- Yes, Kotor is very dog-friendly. Most restaurants welcome dogs on outdoor patios, pets can join you on bay cruises, and there is a specific pet-friendly beach at Benovo.
- Can I bring my dog to Montenegro?
- Yes, you can bring your dog. You must ensure the dog is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and has a veterinary health certificate; travelers from non-EU countries also need a rabies antibody titration test.
- Are dogs allowed on buses in Montenegro?
- There is no fixed national policy, as acceptance usually depends on the individual driver or bus company. Small dogs in carriers are generally accepted, while larger dogs are a “hit or miss” based on the driver’s discretion.
- Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?
- While roughly 2 million pets fly commercially each year, standard pets typically travel in carriers. However, specially certified “emotional support dogs” in certain regions are permitted to stay in the cabin with their owners.
- Can I take my dog on a trip?
- Yes, you can. More than half of pet owners now plan trips with their dogs, and many travelers prefer driving to destinations to make bringing their pets easier.
- Where to leave a dog when travelling?
- If you cannot take your dog with you, you can use a pet pension (hotel) or a day-care shelter that provides professional care, housing, and health protection.
- Are there any cultures that don’t like dogs?
- While some individuals may experience cynophobia (fear of dogs) due to lack of information, many countries are shifting toward humane, empathetic societies that treat pets as family members.
- Is Italy very dog-friendly?
- Yes, Italy is considered very dog-friendly. It has some of the best animal welfare laws, and pets are generally welcome in any facility their owners can enter.
- What is the easiest country to travel with a dog?
- Germany, Austria, and France are among the easiest because over 40% of their hotels are pet-friendly and they have clearly defined rules for pet travel.
Concluding words
Bar, Montenegro, is a welcoming destination for travelers with pets, offering a mix of historic sites like Stari Bar and scenic coastal promenades. While the country works to improve its municipal shelter standards, private infrastructure like pet-friendly hotels and designated swimming areas at Topolica beach make travel convenient. By following proper import requirements and choosing dog-friendly establishments, you and your four-legged companion can enjoy a relaxing Mediterranean vacation.
