I always wanted to see the bright streets of Spain. I knew I had to bring my best friend with me. But is Spain dog friendly? That was my first question before I even packed a bag. I did my research and decided on the sunny coast. Valencia seemed like the perfect spot for a Pet Friendly Vacation in Valencia, Spain. The city has a thousand-year history and coexists with a modern lifestyle. I found out that it is the third largest city in the country. It has 2,000 years of history that you can feel in every street. My dog, a large Golden Retriever, was ready for the adventure. I want to share my experience so you can plan your own trip.
Getting There Across the Big Blue
First of all, I had to prepare for the long flight from the USA. It is not a simple task to move a pet across the ocean. I learned that affordable options for large pets are still hard to find in 2026. My dog weighs 85 pounds. He had to fly in cargo because only small dogs under 8kg can stay in the cabin. I was nervous at first. However, I bought an IATA-approved travel crate early. This gave him time to get used to it before the big day. I chose an airline with experienced handlers like KLM or Lufthansa. The airline handles the transfer if you have a layover.
The cost for a large dog in cargo is a luxury. Most travelers spend between $500 and $3,000 each way. This depends on the crate size and the route. My move from Chicago to Madrid with a service cost about $10,000. Additionally, the paperwork is very serious. I needed an ISO-compliant microchip for my dog. These microchips usually have 15 digits. Then came the rabies vaccine. I had to wait 21 days after the shot before he could travel. I also needed a USDA health certificate. My vet had to sign it within 10 days of the flight. If you do not have the right papers, your dog might be quarantined. I was careful to double-check everything.
Riding the High-Speed Rails
Later, we traveled from Madrid to the coast. I was so happy to find out about the Renfe “Large Pet Project”. You can bring a dog over 10kg on certain AVE trains between Madrid and Valencia. One large dog is allowed per passenger. The train has a fixed space for two specific seats in a single car. I felt very welcome on the train. At that time, I read that Renfe has transported 2,937 large dogs since the project started. This shows how important it is for people to travel with their dogs.
Renfe cares about animals. For every large dog that travels, they donate one kilo of food to homeless pets. They gave 1,800 kilos of food to an association called ACUNR this year. If your pet is under 10kg, they can travel in a carrier on most trains. They even allow guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits now. Therefore, the train is a great way to see the country with your pet. Plus, they offer premium food for humans designed by a chef with two Michelin stars. I enjoyed the ride while my dog rested at my feet.
First Impressions of a Dog Friendly City
When we arrived, I asked myself again: is Valencia Spain dog friendly? My answer is a resounding yes, but you must know the rules. Most people in the city live in apartments without private gardens. This makes public parks very important for everyone. I saw dogs everywhere. People in Valencia are very sociable, and their dogs are too. They will greet each other no matter what you do.
Gradually, I noticed some unique things about the city streets. You will see hooks for leashes outside many stores. This is for when a dog is not allowed inside. However, a new Animal Welfare Law started in October 2023. This law says you cannot leave your dog tied up in public spaces. You can no longer leave your pup outside the supermarket while you shop. I think this is a good rule for safety. On top of that, you cannot have more than five pets in one home now. Fines for breaking these laws are high. They range from 500 to 200,000 euros.
Navigating the City Streets
I found out that getting around can be a bit of a challenge. The city bus system is run by EMT. You can bring your pet on the bus, but you need an EMT Pet Pass. This card costs 5 euros and is valid for two years. To get it, I had to show my ID and a photo of my pet. My dog also had to be under 15kg and stay in a carrier. Therefore, my big dog could not ride the city bus. I felt a bit stuck at first.
Similarly, the metro and tram only allow pets if they are in cages or carriers. Taxis are a different story. It depends on the driver if they will let a dog inside. I found that most drivers only say yes if the dog is held securely and does not take up a seat. I ended up walking a lot. Luckily, Valencia has over 2 million square meters of gardens. Walking is a joy here because the weather is usually nice. I carried a water bottle with me to wash away any pee on the street. This is a local rule that responsible owners follow.
Where to Rest Our Paws
I searched for the best Valencia pet friendly hotels for our stay. I chose the Only YOU Hotel Valencia. They have a cool “Local Woof Guide” for guests. They welcomed my dog, Sparky, with open arms. They even have a list of best plans for walks in the city. Similarly, the Petit Palace in the Russafa neighborhood is a great choice. They provided a dog bed for us. I felt very at home there while searching for a permanent place.
If you want a more luxury stay, The Westin is a five-star hotel that allows dogs of all sizes. They pamper the pups with special beds and food. They even offer a walking service. Additionally, I found that many apartment rentals are open to pets, though walls can be thin. A happy dog makes for better neighbors. I made sure my dog was well-behaved to avoid any issues.
Tasty Treats for Humans and Hounds
Eating out was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Most restaurants in Valencia allow dogs if you sit outside on a terrace. However, some places are even more welcoming. I visited Ubik Café and La Fábrica de Huellas. These are very valencia dog friendly spots where you can go inside. At Snack Attack, you can get a bite for yourself and pate for your dog for only 2 euros. It is 100% dog-centered.
Also, Café Artysana is a vegan cafe that is very pet friendly. I enjoyed a wonderful brunch there with my pup by my side. If you are near the Torres de Quart, La Malaquita is another great spot. It has a very relaxed atmosphere. I loved that I did not have to leave my friend behind when I was hungry. Just remember that some places might have cats too, so keep an eye on your dog.
Green Hearts and Agility Parks
The Turia Gardens are the green heart of Valencia. These gardens used to be a riverbed. The city decided to divert the river after a big flood. The citizens fought to make it a park instead of a highway. Finally, it became a natural corridor that runs through the whole city. It is 9 kilometers long. I saw Roman ruins and modern stadiums as I walked. My dog loved the open spaces and the trails.
On top of that, I found special agility circuits in the city. There is a great one in the Patraix neighborhood on Calle Borrasca. My dog loved to run and jump there. Another one is located at C/ de la Trinitat in La Saïdia. The Turia Gardens also have a public agility circuit on the fourth stretch. I found it easily because it is near two dog parks. Similarly, Central Park is a beautiful green area near Russafa. It has many Mediterranean plants and is perfect for a walk before a drink on a terrace.
Sand, Sea, and Salty Paws
You cannot visit the coast without going to the beach. However, you must know where dogs are allowed. Most beaches in the city limits, like Malvarrosa, do not allow dogs. On the contrary, Pinedo Beach has a designated area for pets. It is just south of the port. It is open from 9:30 to 19:30 during the summer. When I entered, a staff member checked my dog’s microchip. They have fresh water for dogs to drink and to wash them after they swim.
Gradually, I explored beaches further away. Torreta-Santa Elvira Beach in El Puig is about 20 kilometers north of the city. It has sand and pebbles and is much quieter. I also liked Alboraya Dog Beach at the end of Port Saplaya. It is a small but welcoming spot for dogs to run free. If you want a day trip, Belcaire Beach in Moncofa is less than an hour’s drive. It even has a dog shower. Finally, Playa de la Escollera Norte in Denia has calm waters that are safe for swimming.
Working with a Furry Coworker
I am a digital nomad, so I had to work during my Pet Friendly Vacation in Valencia, Spain. I found a trendy place called CoWork Up in the Russafa neighborhood. I was worried about the language barrier at first. However, the staff speaks excellent English. They were very responsive on Instagram when I asked about their pet policy. They are definitely pet friendly. I paid only 5 euros for my first day, which is a great deal.
The space is bright and airy. They even gave my dog a water bowl when I forgot mine. Additionally, they have high-speed Wi-Fi and ergonomic chairs. I felt very productive there. My dog rested while I worked on my laptop. It is a quiet haven of focus. I highly recommend it for remote workers with pups. After work, we walked through Russafa to see the street art and cafes.
Health and Safety in the City
I always worry about my dog’s health when we are far from home. Luckily, Valencia has a lot of vets. I found that there is a vet on almost every block in some areas. I met a vet who spoke English, which made things very easy. The costs for care are much lower than in the United States. A routine check-up for a dog is about 30 to 40 euros. In the US, I used to pay $100 or more.
Similarly, emergency care is more affordable here. An emergency visit is around 100 to 200 euros. Complex surgeries like ACL repair cost about 1,500 euros in Valencia, compared to $5,000 in Los Angeles. I saw that Ruzafa Veterinary Clinic and Especies Veterinarios provide 24-hour intensive care. They have separate areas for dogs and cats to keep stress low. I felt safe knowing help was close by if we needed it.
Unique Experiences for Adventurous Dogs
We did some things I never thought I could do with a dog. We visited the ILUZIONA Museum behind the bullring. I took so many funny photos of my dog with optical illusions. It was a great way to spend an afternoon in the center. Also, we took a boat trip on the Albufera lake. This is the largest natural lake in Spain. My dog loved the breeze and the views of the rice fields.
If your dog is an explorer, you can go rafting down the Fraile river in Bicorp. It is a route with waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. Gradually, we also explored the Sierra Calderona natural park, which is 40 minutes away. It was a nice breath of fresh air. For a quiet night, we went to Autocine Star, a drive-in cinema where dogs are welcome in the car. It was so much fun to watch a movie under the stars with my best friend.
Grooming and Pampering
My dog got very dirty walking in the city. Paws get much dirtier in a city than in a private yard. I used cleaning wipes every time we went back to the hotel. I found a dog stylist called Alba Patón. They can make your pup look nice for the holidays. They even have a spa with ozone therapy and many beauty treatments. They can even come to your hotel room for an express grooming service.
Finally, I met a dog walker and sitter named Mamá Luisa. She loves pets and looked after my dog when I was busy with work. There are also Facebook groups for pet-sitting where you can find trusted people to watch your house and pet for free in exchange for a place to stay. I also used the Rover app to find paid sitters. Valencia really has every service you could need for a pet.
A Few Words of Advice
I learned some Spanish phrases to help us get around. I wanted to be polite when meeting other owners. I used the phrase “¿Puedo tocar a su perro?” which means “Can I pet your dog?”. If my dog got too excited, I would say “¡Ven aquí!” for “Come here!”. I also watched out for signs that said “Gossos no” because that means no dogs are allowed.
Valencia can be extremely hot in the summer. I saw temperatures go over 30 or 40 degrees Celsius. This is very hard on dogs without little shoes to protect their paws. I planned our walks for the early morning or late evening. Also, the city loves fireworks. During the Las Fallas festival in March, the firecrackers are very loud. It can be very scary for dogs. I suggest taking your dog away from the city center during those dates. My friend has a deaf dog, and she was the perfect pet for Valencia because she was not scared of the noise!
Is it Worth it?
I think Valencia is a great place for a Pet Friendly Vacation in Valencia, Spain. Though it has some restrictions on transport, the city is full of life and green spaces. The cost of living and vet care is lower than in the US. The people are friendly and love animals. I saw more dogs here than in many other cities I have visited.
Finally, I believe the effort of moving my dog was worth it. Seeing him run in the Turia Gardens and swim at Pinedo Beach made me so happy. We made memories that will last a lifetime. If you love travel and your pet, do not leave them behind. Valencia is waiting for you both. Woof! Woof!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valencia, Spain pet-friendly?
Valencia is a dog friendly city where many people own pets. The city has more than 2 million square meters of gardens that are perfect for animals. Additionally, the Turia Gardens offer nearly 10 kilometers of trails for you and your friend. However, some residents feel the city is less friendly than Madrid or Barcelona.
What is the most pet-friendly city in Spain?
Madrid is considered very dog friendly compared to other European cities. Almost all restaurants and businesses in Madrid allow pets inside. Similarly, Barcelona is often viewed as more welcoming for dogs than Valencia.
Can I bring my dog to Spain on vacation?
You can bring your dog to Spain for a vacation if you follow the entry rules. Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip and a valid rabies vaccine. Additionally, you must obtain a USDA health certificate within 10 days of your flight.
Can dogs go on the beach in Valencia?
Dogs can go to Pinedo Beach, which has a designated area for pets during the summer. On the contrary, Malvarrosa Beach and other city beaches do not permit dogs. You can also visit Alboraya Dog Beach north of the city.
Can dogs go in restaurants in Spain?
Many restaurants in Spain allow dogs on their outdoor terraces. However, most places do not allow pets inside unless they are specific dog-centered cafes like Ubik Café. Also, your dog must be well-behaved to stay on a terrace.
Are dogs allowed in taxis in Spain?
It depends on the discretion of the driver if they will allow a dog in their taxi. Most drivers only say yes if the pet is held securely and does not take up a seat. Therefore, you should ask the driver before you enter the car.
What city loves dogs the most?
Madrid is often cited as a city that is very accommodating and dog friendly. Barcelona also has a high reputation for welcoming pets in public spaces. Similarly, Valencia has a high number of dog owners despite its restrictions.
Which airline allows dogs to Spain?
Airlines such as KLM, Lufthansa, and Iberia allow pets to travel to Spain. Additionally, Air Europa and British Airways offer options for pet travel. You must check the specific policy of each airline before you book.
What are the new rules for dog owners in Spain?
The 2023 Animal Welfare Law requires dog owners to complete a free training course. Additionally, you must have liability insurance for your dog. You cannot leave your dog tied up in a public space, such as outside a store. Plus, the law sets a maximum of five pets per home.
How much does it cost to fly my dog to Spain?
It usually costs between $1,000 and $4,000 to bring a dog to Spain on your own. However, a professional pet relocation service can cost as much as $10,000 for a large dog. The price depends on the size of the crate and the route of the flight.
Concluding words
Valencia is a beautiful spot for a pet friendly vacation. First of all, you must handle the paperwork and vaccines before you fly. The city offers many green spaces like the Turia Gardens for long walks. However, you must be ready for restrictions on public transport for large dogs. Choose a welcoming hotel and visit the pet friendly area at Pinedo Beach. Finally, respect the local laws to ensure a safe trip. A sunny adventure awaits you and your best friend.
