I never thought a trip to the heart of the Ural Mountains would become my favorite memory with my furry best friend. Yekaterinburg is the fourth largest city in Russia and sits right on the border of Europe and Asia. It is a place where history meets modern life. I decided to take a leap and plan Dog Friendly Holidays in Yekaterinburg, Russia. What I found was a city full of surprises, from beautiful parks to extreme winter sports. You might think Russia is a tough place to bring a pet. Is it? Not if you prepare well. I want to share my journey to help you plan your own adventure.
Preparing for the Big Trip
First of all, I had to handle the paperwork. You cannot just show up at the border with a dog and expect a warm welcome. Russia has strict rules for importing pets. I learned that the process takes at least 30 days. My dog needed a microchip first. This chip must follow ISO standards. If you do not have this, the rest of your documents will not matter.
Additionally, vaccinations are a top priority. My dog had to get a rabies shot. This vaccine must be given more than 30 days before travel but less than one year before you leave. On top of that, dogs need shots for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. I also had to make sure my vet treated him for parasites right before we flew.
Later, I had to get a Veterinary Health Certificate. A USDA-accredited vet must sign this within five days of the flight. It sounds like a lot of work. Is it worth it? Yes. Seeing my dog sniff the air in a new country was a joy. I brought only one dog, but you should know that you can bring up to five pets without needing special import licenses.
Flying to the Urals
I chose to fly into Koltsovo International Airport. It is about 18 kilometers away from the city center. I found that many airlines serve this area, including Aeroflot. I checked their rules very carefully. They require you to submit a request to bring a pet at least six hours before the flight.
I made sure my dog was comfortable in his container. I lined the bottom with absorbent material. I did not use straw or cardboard because the airline does not allow those. Plus, I put an old t-shirt of mine inside so he could smell something familiar. This helped him stay calm during the long flight.
Gradually, we made it through the airport. I had to visit the veterinary control point upon arrival. The vet checked my dog and his papers. Everything was in order, so they gave me an international health certificate. I recommend you contact the airport vet a few days before you arrive. It makes the process much faster.
Finding a Place to Stay
When I looked for a place to sleep, I found options for every budget. If you want Luxury dog friendly holidays in yekaterinburg russia, you should look at the Voznesensky Hotel. They allow dogs of any size in certain rooms. The best part? They do not charge an extra fee. This hotel is a great choice for people who want comfort and style.
On the contrary, if you are looking for Cheap dog friendly holidays in yekaterinburg russia, there are serviced apartments like ALLiS-HALL on Belinskogo 30. They also allow dogs of any size for no extra fee. I stayed at a place called the Velvet Hotel for a few nights. They charge about RUB 800 per stay for small pets under 5 kg. You also have to pay a refundable deposit of RUB 2500.
Therefore, you have plenty of choices regardless of your budget. The city has about 26 pet-friendly hotels in total. I felt very welcome at each place I visited. Transitioning from a long flight to a cozy hotel room made the start of the trip very smooth.
Getting Around the City
I used the local transport to see the sights. The Yekaterinburg Metro is very popular because it is fast and cheap. It costs only about 32 RUB per trip. However, I usually preferred walking or taking the tram. Yekaterinburg has the densest tram network in Russia.
I also took the train for a day trip. The rules for trains are very specific. Small pets can travel in boxes or cages on most domestic trains. I did not have to pay extra for my dog because he is small and fits in a carrier. If you have a large dog, you must buy all the seats in a compartment. Your dog must also wear a muzzle and stay on a leash.
Additionally, I found out that guide dogs for blind persons always travel for free on all trains and in the metro. They do not even need to be in a carrier. This is a great service for travelers who need assistance.
Exploring the Great Outdoors
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the parks. Yekaterinburg has many green spaces where you can walk your dog. First of all, I visited Park Mayakovskogo. It is a huge amusement park with flower beds and walking paths. I saw many families there with their pets.
Similarly, the Dendrologicheskiy Park-Vystavka is a beautiful riverside spot. It has mature pine trees and a small lake with ducks. I spent a quiet afternoon there just watching the water. My dog loved the smells of the forest.
Later, I went to Osnovinskiy Park. It is a real treasure in the city. It has rolling hills and paved paths that are great for walking. I saw squirrels and even a woodpecker there. I found that this park is a favorite for local dog owners.
A Quick Guide to Parks:
- Botanical Garden of Ural Branch of RAS: Good for walks, but check the hours as it is often closed on weekends.
- Park Usad’by Kharitonovykh-Rastorguyevykh: A historic garden with a pond and a man-made island. It is a very peaceful place to walk with a dog.
- Sad Imeni Engel’sa: A small park in the city center with playgrounds and lots of birds.
Extreme Adventures: Dog Sledding
If you want a truly unique experience, you must try dog sledding. I met a man named Pavel Smolin who runs a dog team nursery in the Urals. He is a very experienced driver and has even set world records on high mountains.
I took a day trip through the coniferous forests near the city. We traveled for about 7 to 10 kilometers via a team of Siberian Huskies. The scenery was fantastic. We even visited Lake Peschanoe and the Devil Town rocks. The view from the top of the rocks was breathtaking.
Pavel provided me with a “malitsa,” which is traditional winter clothing from the northern Urals. It kept me very warm in the cold weather. On top of that, we had lunch over an open campfire on the trail. This tour is perfect for two to four people. You only need to book it three to five days in advance.
For more extreme travelers, they offer longer tours. You can go sledding along the Chusovaya River for up to ten days. You sleep in heated tents and travel over the river ice. It is a very remote and pristine area. I did not do the long tour, but it sounded like a dream for anyone who loves the wild.
Walking Tours and Sights
I spent a lot of time just walking through the city streets. I used a self-guided walking tour app called GPSmyCity. It guided me to 14 different attractions over about 3 hours.
I visited the City Dam, which is where the city first started in the 18th century. It is now a pedestrian zone where people meet and take photos. My dog enjoyed the walk along the riverbanks.
Another weird but cool sight was the Keyboard Monument. It is a giant concrete keyboard on the ground. Each key is made of concrete. People like to sit on the keys or spell out words by walking on them. Unfortunately, some of the keys have been damaged or stolen over the years, but it is still a popular spot.
I also saw the Church of All Saints, which was built on the site where the last Tsar was executed. It is a very somber and beautiful building. Later, I walked to the Opera and Ballet Theater, which has been open since 1912. The architecture in this city is truly impressive.
Understanding the Local Dog Culture
I noticed that dog ownership is very common in big Russian cities. I saw many people walking small breeds like Pomeranians, Yorkies, and Chihuahuas. Larger breeds like Huskies, Labradors, and Corgis are also loved.
However, I did learn about some cultural differences. Many dog owners in Russia do not pick up their dog’s waste. I saw this in several parks, and it was a bit disappointing. Similarly, many people do not train their dogs beyond basic commands.
I also found that most dogs are not sterilized or castrated, though it is becoming more common in big cities. If you need a dog handler or a sitter, there are many professionals available in Yekaterinburg. I used PetBacker to find a local walker when I wanted to visit a museum that did not allow dogs. They offer insurance and 24/7 support, which gave me peace of mind.
Safety Tips for the Russian Winter
First of all, wipe down your dog’s paws after every walk. The city uses ice melt chemicals that are toxic. If your dog licks his paws, he could get very sick. Use a damp towel to remove all traces of salt.
Additionally, never let your dog off the leash in the snow or ice. The extreme cold can mess with a dog’s sense of smell. This makes it easy for them to get lost or disoriented. I kept my dog on a leash even in familiar parks.
Finally, never leave your dog in a car. Vehicles act like freezers in the winter. Even with the heater on, a car can become dangerously cold very fast. It is much safer to leave them at your hotel or take them inside with you.
There is a group known as “dog hunters” in some Russian cities, including Yekaterinburg. They sometimes leave poisoned bait in parks to target stray dogs. Because of this, you must watch your dog closely and make sure he does not eat anything off the ground. This sounds scary. Is it a reason to stay home? No, but you must be a responsible and alert owner.
Shopping for Fido
If you run out of supplies, do not worry. Yekaterinburg has many pet stores. I saw popular brands like Royal Canin, Brit, and Go on the shelves. Most big malls like the Grinvich shopping centre or the MEGA Mall have stores that sell pet food and accessories.
Plus, chicken is quite cheap in Russia. I found that a kilogram of chicken breast costs about $3. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you can easily cook some fresh food for them.
FAQ
What is Sochi, Russia famous for?
The city is listed as a popular destination for road trips starting from Yekaterinburg. I want to make it clear that this information is not fully detailed in independently verify why the city is a famous resort or Olympic site.
Concluding words
First of all, I truly believe that Dog Friendly Holidays in Yekaterinburg, Russia are a perfect choice for any pet owner who loves the outdoors. You must remember that preparation takes at least 30 days to handle vaccines and microchips. On top of that, you have a great choice of 26 pet-friendly hotels that fit any budget. Whether you want to enjoy the quiet pine trees of Dendrologicheskiy Park or try the thrill of dog sledding with Pavel Smolin, this city has it all.
Luxury dog friendly holidays in yekaterinburg russia are easy to find if you book the right room. Therefore, you should start planning your journey to the Urals today. A true gem of a city. Plus, your dog will love the crisp air and new smells. Finally, do not forget to keep your furry friend on a leash during the winter to keep them safe.
