I just returned from a trip that changed my life. I traveled to a place where the canals sparkle and the people smile. Dog Friendly Travel in Amsterdam, Netherlands is not just a dream. It is a reality. I took my furry best friend with me to explore this magical city. The historic building facades and the lively neighborhoods felt like a movie set. Amsterdam is one of the most pet-friendly cities in Europe. I want to share every detail of our adventure with you.
The city has a very relaxed vibe. Amsterdam (un)leashed is a great way to describe it. I saw dogs in shops, on boats, and sitting quietly under café tables. Dog-friendly amsterdam is more than a label; it is a way of life. The structure of the city is quite compact. This makes it very easy to get around on foot. We walked past fragrant cafés and busy markets every day. I never felt like a burden with my dog by my side. People even stopped us to give my pup snuggles. It felt very welcoming.
Preparing For Your Big Trip
First of all, you must plan your paperwork. The Netherlands has strict rules for entry. You cannot just show up at the border. Dog Friendly Travel in Amsterdam, Netherlands starts months before you leave your house. Your dog needs a microchip first. This chip must meet ISO standards 11784 or 11785. Usually, these chips have 15 digits. A veterinarian must scan the chip before they give any shots.
Rabies shots are the next big step. Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination. You have to wait at least 21 days after the shot before you can enter the country. Some shots are valid for one year, while others last for three. However, if it is a “primary” shot, the EU says it only counts for one year. I made sure my records were perfect. You also need an EU Pet Passport if you live in Europe. I came from outside the EU, so I needed a special health certificate. This paper must be signed by an official government vet.
Additionally, you should pack a kit for your dog. I brought a foldable water bowl and favorite toys. A first-aid kit is also a smart idea. I learned that you must carry waste bags at all times. It is the law. If you do not clean up, you might get a fine between €50 and €500. I always kept a few bags in my pocket.
Taking To The Skies
Later, it was time to book our flight. I looked for the most pet-friendly airlines available. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is a top choice for international travel. They have very organized procedures. I also checked Lufthansa because they offer flexible options. They allow small pets in the cabin if they weigh less than 8 kg including the carrier. My dog is a bit larger, so I had to look at cargo options.
Air France and Air Canada are also very good. Air Canada allows pets that are at least 10 weeks old. Most airlines charge a fee for this service. In-cabin fees usually range from $50 to $200. Cargo costs can be higher, often between $100 and $600. I chose a flight with temperature-controlled holds to keep my pup safe.
Finally, we arrived at Schiphol Airport. The airport is very busy but manageable. Dogs in the arrival halls must stay on a lead. I found out that there are no dog toilets inside the terminal. Therefore, I made sure we went outside quickly. I had to show our papers to the customs officers. They were very professional.
Finding The Perfect Place To Sleep
On top of that, I had to find a place to stay. Amsterdam dog-friendly hotels are everywhere in the city. I wanted something special. The Hoxton is a great choice in the city center. They allow one dog up to 18 kg for free. They even gave us a welcome booklet with tips. It felt very personal.
I also looked at Hotel Waldorf Astoria. It is located on the Herengracht canal. They allow dogs up to 34 kg. The fee there is about €75 per stay. They have a large private garden which is perfect for a morning stretch. Another stylish option is the Kimpton De Witt. This boutique hotel allows pets of any size for no extra charge. They provided a dog bed, bowls, and even treats.
Gradually, I realized that many hotels offer “VIP” pet services. Some even have gourmet menus just for dogs. I also saw Volkshotel in Amsterdam Oost. They allow two dogs for €15 a day. Their only rule is that the dogs cannot be the size of a giraffe. I thought that was quite funny. Transitioning from our cozy hotel to the city streets was easy because the location was so central.
Eating Our Way Through The City
First of all, I was worried about finding dog-friendly restaurants amsterdam. I quickly learned that I did not need to worry at all. Most places welcome dogs inside and outside. It is not just a question of permission; they actually love dogs there. Many servers brought out a water bowl without me even asking.
We visited a place called Woof & Me. This is the first dog café in the Netherlands. It is a paradise for pups. They have a bark-ery with treats and even a ball pit for dogs. While my dog played, I enjoyed a coffee. They even do dog yoga events! Another favorite was Mama Impasto. This Italian spot has a rating of 9.1. The atmosphere is very cozy and warm.
Similarly, Restaurant Black and Blue on Reguliersdwarsstraat is fantastic. They serve European food and have a 4.2-star rating. If you like grilled food, you should try La Santa Maria International Dinner. It has an 8.9 rating and very friendly staff. I also found De Margaritabar, which brings Colombian flavor to the canals. It costs about €35 for a meal, and dogs are welcome during non-peak hours.
Plus, I discovered Momenti Italian Cuisine. They have an incredible 9.4 rating. The environment is very welcoming for dogs. For a quick snack, we went to Van Stapele. They have the best double chocolate chip cookies in town. They even have special treats for dogs so your friend does not feel left out. Later, we walked through the Jordaan neighborhood and found Cafe Sonneveld. It is a perfect spot for dog-watching by the water.
Exploring The Sights And Sounds
The dog-friendly attractions amsterdam offers are truly unique. I wanted to see the city from the water. I found out that many dog friendly canal cruise amsterdam options exist. You can even rent your own boat. BoatBoys offers private luxury cruises where you can dine on the water with your dog. A two-hour cruise starts at 430 EUR. It was a bit pricey but very magical.
I also wanted to see some culture. Most museums do not allow dogs, but there are exceptions. The Museum of Humanity in Zaandam is one of those dog-friendly museums amsterdam fans should know about. You can see amazing portraits from around the world there. However, the Rijksmuseum is sadly not dog-friendly. I stayed outside and took photos of the beautiful architecture instead.
Additionally, the Amsterdam Forest Theatre is a great summer spot. It is an open-air venue in the Amsterdamse Bos. From June to September, you can enjoy music and theatre with your pup. On top of that, we visited the Nine Streets district. There are many small boutiques and cafés there that welcome dogs. It is a great place for a shopping break.
Finally, I have to mention the bikes. Amsterdam has 875,000 bikes. I saw people riding with their dogs in baskets or in bakfiets cargo bikes. You can rent a cargo bike to show your big dog the city. It is a very Dutch way to travel. Though the streets are busy, the bike lanes are well-marked.
Playing In The Great Outdoors
The parks in this city are world-class. Vondelpark is the crown jewel. It covers 47 hectares of gardens and ponds. It gets over 10 million visitors every year. There are several off-leash areas where dogs can run free. We spent many mornings there. I also enjoyed Rembrandtpark and Westerpark. They both have large spaces for dogs to play.
If you want a longer walk, Sloterpark is the largest park in the city. It has a 5.8 km trail around a beautiful lake. We also visited the Amsterdamse Bos. It is a huge forest area with lakes and open fields. It is perfect if your dog needs a lot of exercise.
However, the best part of our trip was the beach. Dog-friendly attractions netherlands often include the stunning coast. Zandvoort Beach is only 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train. It has 9 kilometers of sand. From October to May, dogs can run off-leash all day long. I also loved Noordwijk Beach. It is a top pick because it has a year-round dog beach. National Geographic even called it one of the best beach destinations in the world.
At that time, the weather was a bit crisp. October temperatures are usually between 10 and 16°C. I made sure my dog had a warm, water-resistant coat. I also brought a towel to clean off the sand after our walk. Noordwijk is only 45 minutes from Amsterdam, making it a perfect day trip. The dunes there are beautiful. Transitioning from the city to the sea was the highlight of our week.
Navigating Public Transport
First of all, I was impressed by the trains and trams. Public transport in Amsterdam loves dogs. Small dogs in carriers travel for free. For larger dogs, you can buy a Dog Day Ticket. This costs a few euros and is valid all day. I used the 9292 app and the NS app to track the train schedules.
The GVB runs the local trams and buses. They state that living animals can be carried free of charge in a bag or on your lap. Dogs can also be on a short leash. I avoided traveling during the peak morning and evening hours. The trains were much quieter then. I once took a double-decker train and had to carry our stroller up the stairs. That was quite difficult.
Therefore, I recommend using the elevators at the stations. Some elevators can be a bit scary and noisy, but they are better than the stairs. I found that most Dutch people are very patient when you are traveling with a pet. Also, the ferries across the water are often free and welcome leashed dogs. It is a fun way to see the city skyline.
Shopping For Your Furry Friend
On top of that, I visited some amazing pet stores. Pet’s Place is one of the biggest in the area. I saw many brands I had never heard of before. They have Edgar Cooper, Origin, and Wellness Core. I even found Earth Rated poop bags and wipes. The streets can be a bit dirty, so I used the wipes to clean my dog’s paws after every walk.
The store also had a wide selection of treats. I saw mini cupcakes, muffins, and even macarons for dogs. They had ostrich and rabbit sticks for about €5 each. I also saw rain jackets and sweaters because it rains quite a bit in Amsterdam. If your dog has a birthday, this is the place to go for a treat.
Additionally, I noticed that some supermarkets do not allow dogs inside. I never left my dog outside alone. It is better to be safe than sorry. Instead, I went to smaller boutiques where my pup was welcome. Gradually, my suitcase filled up with Dutch dog toys and treats to take home.
Following The Local Rules
To make sure everyone has a good time, you must follow the local etiquette. Dogs should be on a leash in most public places. Look for signs that say “losloopgebied“. This means your dog can run free. I always looked for these signs in the parks. Cleanliness is very important to the Dutch. Most parks have free bag dispensers if you forget your own.
When you are at a restaurant, your dog should stay quiet on the floor. They should not sit on the chairs or the table. I fed my dog before we went out to eat. This helped him stay calm while I enjoyed my meal. If he showed signs of stress, we just left early. Respect for other people is key. Not everyone loves dogs as much as I do.
Similarly, I carried a muzzle with me just in case. Some large breeds are required to wear them on public transport. Though I never had to use it, it was good to have. Most people in Amsterdam speak English very well. This made it very easy to ask for directions or check the rules at a shop.
FAQ
Is Amsterdam a dog friendly city?
Amsterdam is very welcoming to pets. Many people consider it one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world. A true paradise for pups.
Can I travel with my dog to Amsterdam?
Yes, you can bring your dog along for the adventure. You must have a microchip, a rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport or a health certificate. Simple but necessary paperwork.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Amsterdam?
Most restaurants allow dogs inside and outside. Staff members often bring a water bowl and give your pet snuggles. Friendly service for everyone.
Are dogs allowed in stores in Amsterdam?
Many boutiques and shops welcome furry visitors. However, supermarkets do not allow dogs inside. Check the sign on the door.
Can I drive to Amsterdam with my dog?
You can drive to the city with your pet. It is smart to plan plenty of breaks and book a parking spot in advance. A relaxed road trip.
Can dogs go on the metro in Amsterdam?
Dogs can travel on the metro, trams, and buses. Small dogs travel for free in a carrier, but larger dogs need a cheap day ticket. Easy city travel.
How to fly with a dog in KLM?
KLM allows small pets under 8 kilograms in the cabin. Larger dogs must travel in a special heated section of the cargo hold. Safe skies for pets.
What are the rules for dogs in the Netherlands?
Pets must have a microchip and valid shots. You must keep them on a leash in cities and always clean up their waste. Clean streets and happy neighbors.
Can dogs go in coffee shops in Amsterdam?
Many coffee houses allow dogs inside. You should ask the staff before you enter with your pet. A cozy spot for coffee.
What is the most dog friendly city in Europe?
Amsterdam is renowned as one of the most pet-friendly cities in Europe. The top choice for travelers.
Can I take my dog on the ferry to Amsterdam?
Yes, many ferries allow leashed dogs or pets in carriers. Fees are usually between five and ten euros. Fun on the water.
Is Amsterdam good for dogs?
Amsterdam is excellent for dogs. It combines beautiful city walks with many green parks and nearby beaches. The best of both worlds.
What is the most dog-friendly place in the world?
Amsterdam is often called one of the most dog-friendly places in the world. A global favorite for pet parents.
Concluding words
Amsterdam is a top destination for pet owners who want a mix of city charm and natural beauty. The city offers many dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and public transport options that make travel very easy.
You can spend your days in a park like Vondelpark or take a quick train ride to an off-leash beach. Plan ahead with the correct health papers and follow local leash rules to ensure a perfect trip. Your dog will love the city as much as you do.
