I always wanted to take a trip to Russia. I am a traveler at heart. My dog is my best friend. I simply could not leave him behind. I spent months planning the perfect Dog Friendly Holidays in Moscow, Russia. It was a massive project. A real labor of love. I want to share my journey so you can do the same.
A trip to this city is a dream for many. Moscow is full of history. It is also full of pets. Did you know that 60% of households in the city own a pet? That is a lot of wagging tails. Moscow dogs are everywhere. You will see them in parks and on the streets. However, you must plan well. Russia has strict rules. Preparation is the key to a happy Moscow vacation.
Preparation and the Paperwork Nightmare
First of all, you must handle the documents. This is the hardest part. I felt like a spy gathering secrets. You need an international veterinary passport. Your dog must have a microchip. This is non-negotiable. It must follow ISO standards. I made sure my vet checked this twice.
Vaccines are another big hurdle. Every dog must have a rabies shot. It must be older than 30 days but newer than one year. You also need shots for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus. This is often called the DHLP shot. On top of that, you need a health certificate. In the United States, this is the Form 7001. A USDA-accredited vet must sign it. Finally, you must get it endorsed by the USDA office within five days of your flight.
Do not forget the parasite treatments. You must treat your dog for fleas and worms right before you leave. This must be recorded in the passport. I know it sounds like a lot. It is a lot. But it is worth it for a holiday in Moscow.
The Long Flight to Russia
The flight was my biggest worry. A long journey for a pup. I looked at many airlines. Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines are the main choices. Most airlines allow small pets in the cabin if they weigh less than 8 kilograms including the carrier. My dog is a bit larger. Therefore, I looked at other options.
Aeroflot has a new service. They allow an animal to sit in a passenger seat. This is a game changer. The weight limit is 15 kilograms for this service. You must book this at least 36 hours in advance. I had to pay the full adult fare for that seat. Plus, I needed a rigid container that fit the size rules. For economy class, it must be 50x35x30 centimeters. I also had to bring two waterproof diapers to cover the seat. Safety first.
If your dog is very big, he must go in the cargo hold. This area is pressurized and temperature-controlled. Though it sounds scary, many dogs do fine. Just make sure the carrier is sturdy. It needs a waterproof bottom and good locks.
Arriving at the Airport
Arrival was a bit of a blur. I landed at Sheremetyevo Airport. You must go to the veterinary control point. There are points at Domodedovo and Vnukovo too. A vet there will look at your papers. They will check your dog. If everything is correct, they give you a Russian health certificate.
I suggest you contact the airport vet a few days before you land. I did this to be safe. It saved me a lot of stress. I did not want any surprises after a long flight.
Moving Around the City
Transport in Moscow is an adventure. The Metro is beautiful. It is like an underground palace. Small dogs can travel for free if they are in a box or cage. Larger dogs are a different story. They need a leash and a muzzle. Do not try to go during rush hour. It is very crowded. Someone might step on a paw.
Surface transport like buses and trams is easier. You can take your dog inside, but keep the muzzle on. If the cage is smaller than 120 centimeters in total, it is free. For commuter trains to the countryside, you need a ticket. It costs about 25 percent of a human fare.
Taxis are my favorite way to travel. I used the Yandex Go app. It is very easy. You just select the “Pet transport” option. It costs an extra 150 rubles. Most drivers are okay with dogs if you have a blanket or a carrier.
Finding a Moscow Pet Friendly Hotel
Where you stay matters a lot. I wanted luxury. I chose the Lotte Hotel Moscow. They are very welcoming. However, they have rules. Your dog must weigh less than 10 kilograms. They charge a one-time fee of 15,000 rubles. They even gave me a “Pet in Room” sign for my door.
Another great choice is the Ararat Park Hyatt. It is right in the center. They offer pet suites and walking services. If you are on a budget, look at the Holiday Inn Moscow – Sokolniki. It is near a huge park.
If you need to leave your dog for a day, there are amazing pet hotels. I checked out a few.
- Paw (Lapa): This place has the top reviews. It is 15 kilometers from the city. They have rooms with verandas and two big walking areas. Prices start at 800 rubles per day.
- Araks: This is more than a hotel. It is a training center in a forest. They have a vet on site all the time.
- Rafferty: This feels like home. It has underfloor heating and air conditioning. It is 50 kilometers away, but they have a taxi for pets.
Exploring the Parks
Moscow is a green city. My dog loved the parks. Gorky Park is a must. They have special dog zones and water stations. We spent hours there.
Sokolniki Park is another favorite. It is vast. They even have pet events and dog yoga. I did not try the yoga, but it looked fun. Muzeon Park of Arts is great for a walk by the river. You can see old Soviet statues while your dog sniffs the grass.
Patriarch’s Ponds (Patriki) is a trendy spot. It is a very dog-friendly area. I saw many locals walking their fancy dogs there. The streets are small and charming. It is perfect for a slow afternoon stroll.
Eating Out with a Pup
Is Russia dog friendly when it comes to food? It is getting better. Many cafes in the Patriki area allow dogs. I visited Grand Cafe Dr. Jhivago. The views of the Kremlin are stunning. However, many high-end restaurants only allow service dogs.
I always carried a portable water bowl. Though some places like Gorky Park have stations, it is better to be prepared. Moscow can be hot in the summer and very cold in the winter.
Health and Safety Tips
You must keep your dog safe. Ticks are a huge problem in Russia. They are dangerous from April to July. They can carry diseases like piroplasmosis which is fatal. I used tick drops and a special collar. I also checked my dog after every walk.
If you need a vet, there are many options. AHILL is a good clinic. They have English-speaking staff at two locations. Centre Veterinary Clinic is open 24 hours a day.
Another thing to watch for is “dog hunters.” There have been cases of people putting poison on the ground. Do not let your dog eat anything off the street. Not even a tiny crumb. I kept a close eye on mine at all times.
The Russian Winter Challenge
If you go in winter, be ready. It is cold. Very cold. Small dogs like Chihuahuas need jackets and shoes. The salt on the roads can hurt their paws. Most clothed dogs in Moscow are small breeds.
The ground is often a mix of ice and sludge. It is messy. I had to wash my dog’s paws after every single walk. Though it is a lot of work, seeing a dog play in deep snow is beautiful. February is the best time for proper snow.
Fun Events for Dog Lovers
I was lucky to see some local pet culture. The ParkZoo exhibition is a huge event. More than 300 companies show off new toys and foods. Sales of pet treats in Russia grew by 25% recently. People there really love their animals.
There are also pet festivals with dog fashion shows. I saw dogs dressed as chefs and divers. It was hilarious. There are also sports like jumping contests where dogs have to grab a toy and hold it for two seconds.
FAQ
Is Moscow dog friendly?
I found that Moscow is becoming much more pet-friendly lately. Sixty percent of households in the city now own a pet. You can visit large parks like Gorky Park which has special dog zones and water stations. Additionally, the trendy Patriarch’s Ponds area is very popular with dog owners who walk their pups on the small streets.
Is Russia dog friendly?
I noticed that the answer depends on where you go. Some people in the city may treat dogs poorly or feel that dogs do not deserve the same respect as people. However, there are many dog owners in Russia who love their animals deeply. You might find that traveling to tourist spots is difficult because many museums do not allow pets inside.
What is the most dog friendly city in the world?
I saw that San Francisco is mentioned as a place where dogs get almost universal love from everyone. On the contrary, people in Moscow might ignore your dog or even be rude about him.
How to bring a dog to Russia?
You must follow several strict steps. First of all, your dog needs a microchip that follows ISO standards. You must also get a rabies vaccine between 30 days and one year before you leave. Plus, a vet must give your dog the DHLP vaccine. Finally, you need a health certificate signed by a government vet and a check-up at the airport when you land.
Which city is the most dog friendly?
I believe Moscow is working hard to improve its facilities. The city has about 700 dog playgrounds for the 1.2 million households that keep dogs. New mini-parks are opening in districts like Yasenevo and Mozhaisky to give pets a place to play.
What is the most common pet in Russia?
Dogs and cats are the most common animals that people keep in their homes. I learned that the number of dog owners in the capital is constantly increasing.
What are the dog laws in Russia?
You are expected to keep your dog on a leash and muzzled in public places and on buses. Also, you must have a valid veterinary passport that shows all current shots. If you take a large dog on the metro, he must be in a cage unless he is a service dog.
Is Russia safe for dogs?
I found that you must be very careful. Ticks are a big danger from April to July because they carry deadly diseases like piroplasmosis. On top of that, some people leave poison on the ground to hurt animals. You must make sure your dog never eats anything off the street.
Where is the best place to travel with dogs?
I suggest you visit Sokolniki Park or Gorky Park because they have vast trails and special events for pets. Gradually, more cafes and hotels in central areas are opening their doors to four-legged guests.
Concluding words
I believe that a dog friendly holiday in Moscow is a rewarding adventure for any traveler. You must plan for complex paperwork and follow strict vaccine rules before you leave. However, the beautiful parks, specialized dog hotels, and growing number of pet-friendly cafes make the journey worth the effort. I hope you and your furry friend have a safe and happy Moscow vacation.
