I just spent the most amazing time in Western Ukraine with my favorite four-legged friend. My heart is still full of memories from this trip. If you love your pet and you love to explore, a Pet Friendly Vacation in Lviv, Ukraine is something you must do.
Lviv is the soul of the country. It is a city that feels like a warm hug. Pet friendly travel is not always easy, but this city makes it feel like a breeze. I want to share every single detail of my journey so you can plan your own adventure.
First of all, I need to talk about the trip there. You might ask, “what airlines fly to lviv ukraine?” Right now, the answer is a bit tricky. The sky over Ukraine is closed to commercial planes because of the war. However, you can still get there easily.
I flew into Poland first. I searched for pet friendly hotels warsaw and found great spots to rest. Later, I took a train from Poland directly to Lviv. It is a very comfortable way to travel with a dog. Many people choose this path. Pet friendly lviv is waiting for you at the end of that train ride.
Is Lviv Worth Visiting Right Now?
You may wonder, “is lviv worth visiting during these times?” My answer is a loud yes. A beautiful city. Truly. Lviv is far in the West. It is one of the safest major cities in Ukraine. Daily life here looks very normal. People walk on the streets.
Businesses are open. You will see a lot of resilience and strength. Plus, your visit shows support for the local people. It is a meaningful way to travel.
Safety is a priority, of course. I used a special channel on WhatsApp called Monitor. This channel sends real-time alerts about any danger. It is in Ukrainian, but I used the translation feature in the app. It worked perfectly.
Additionally, I learned that hotels are the best places to go if you hear a siren. They have shelters in the basement. I never felt a need to panic. I just stayed aware. Therefore, you should feel brave enough to come.
Preparing for Your Pet Friendly Travel
You cannot just pack a bag and go. Ukraine has strict rules for animals. My dog needed an ISO compliant microchip. Also, I had to make sure his rabies vaccine was up to date. He is over 12 weeks old, so he needed a rabies titer test, which is often called an RNATT. This test proves the vaccine is working.
You must wait 90 days after the blood draw before you can travel. It takes a bit of planning. On top of that, a USDA Accredited Veterinarian must sign a health certificate. This certificate is only valid for 5 days. Do not forget to bring a copy of the lab results for the titer test.
I carried his original vaccination booklet too. It is important to have all the papers. Ukraine requires these for any non-commercial movement of pets. I also treated him for parasites before we left. This kept him safe and followed the rules. Preparation is the key to a stress-free trip.
Finding a Pet Friendly Hotel in Lviv
I was so happy to find that Lviv is very welcoming to animals. There are 112 pet friendly hotels in the city. When I looked for a pet friendly hotel lviv, I found the PANORAMA Hotel. It is right in the center of the city on Svobody Avenue. They love pets there. They even gave me a walking map of pet-friendly places nearby. I also got a special “paws” towel and waste bags.
The best part about this hotel? They do not charge a pet fee for dogs of any size. This is rare. Similarly, the Vintage Boutique Hotel and the FEST Hotel also allow pets for no extra charge. I found that many places allow big dogs and more than one pet.
If you prefer a home feel, there are about 25 pet-friendly vacation rentals too. I saw a few nice ones on Rynok Square. I paid around $90 a night for a solid room in a big hotel, but prices can be as low as $70 if you book early.
Eating Out with Your Best Friend
Lviv is a heaven for foodies. I never had to leave my dog behind when I got hungry. Many cafes and restaurants follow the trend of being pet-friendly. One of my favorite spots was SOWA on Staroievreiska Street. They specialize in Belgian waffles. I tried a savory one with cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. My dog sat right by my side. They even serve breakfast all day.
Another great place is Druzi on Krakivska Street. The name means “Friends,” which fits perfectly. They gave my dog a bowl of water right away. On top of that, they have a parrot that lives in the restaurant!. It is such a fun atmosphere.
If you like pizza, you must visit 1708 pizza. They are truly special. They actually made a pizza just for dogs. It costs 99 UAH and uses buckwheat flour and chicken liver. All the money from the dog pizza goes to a local animal shelter called ***”Home of Rescued Animals”***. Such a beautiful idea.
I also stopped by Beagle Bagel near Ivan Franko Park. It is a small shop with amazing bagels. I took a salmon bagel to go and walked to the park. Later, I visited the Cat Cafe. It stayed open through three years of war. There are dozens of cats there. It is a sign of how much people here love animals.
Walking and Playing in the City
Lviv has over 60 locations where you can walk your dog. I spent a lot of time in Ivan Franko Park. It is the oldest park in the country. It has a special area for training and walking. I also loved Stryiskyi Park. It is one of the most beautiful places in the city.
If you want your dog to run free, you should look for the dog playgrounds. These are enclosed areas. I found a big one in the Central Park of Culture and Recreation named after Bohdan Khmelnytskyi. It is over 2000 square meters. It has sections for both big and small dogs. This was perfect for my dog to burn off some energy.
I should mention the local laws too. You must be at least 14 years old to walk a dog in public. Also, you cannot leave your pet without supervision. Most places in the center expect you to keep your dog on a leash unless you are in a fenced playground.
What If You Need Help?
Sometimes you might need a break. Maybe you want to see a ballet at the beautiful Opera House. I did this one evening. It was the best ballet I have ever seen. Since dogs cannot go to the opera, I used a service called Dogchill. They are wonderful. They have been a top service provider for 3 years.
They offer dog walking and sitting. A walk starts at 290 UAH. If you go out for a few hours, you can hire a “nanny”. They stay with your pet 100% of the time. I felt very safe because they send photos and videos in a chat. They also send a GPS route of the walk.
The walkers are very trained. For example, Yulia has volunteered at vet clinics since she was 10. Lera has three dogs of her own and is a pro at dog training. They even use their own strong leashes to make sure no dog escapes.
If your pet gets sick, do not worry. Pride Veterinary Clinic is open 24/7. They have modern equipment for things like ultrasounds and laboratory tests. They even have a pharmacy where you can buy medicine or medical food. They can even come to your hotel if it is an emergency. Lviv really takes care of its furry residents.
Life in the City During Wartime
I want to be honest about the current situation. You will notice a few things that are different. Statues and stained glass in the center are covered up to protect them. You will also hear the sound of gas-fueled generators on the streets. These help cafes stay open when there are power cuts. These blackouts usually only last for half a day and only in some parts of the city.
You must carry your physical passport at all times. This is a rule under martial law. Soldiers might check your documents. It is a standard procedure, so just stay calm and show your papers. Plus, there is a curfew at night. I noticed restaurants empty out quickly before it starts. I just made sure to be back at my hotel in time.
The local people are amazing. They are very calm. Sometimes they do not even react to the sirens. However, as a visitor, you should always take the sirens seriously and find a shelter. Your presence in the city is a sign of solidarity.
FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Lviv, Ukraine?
The cost for a visitor is very low. I found that food is incredibly affordable. A hotel room in the center costs about $70 to $90 per night. You can even buy a ballet ticket for just $4.
Which country is pet friendly?
Ukraine is very pet-friendly. Lviv follows the trend of allowing animals in many restaurants and fine dining spots. Poland is also a great place for pets, and you will find many hotels there that welcome them.
Is Lviv Polish or Ukrainian or Russian?
Lviv is a Ukrainian city located in the western part of the country. It is far from the front lines and feels very safe for visitors.
How much is an apartment in Lviv, Ukraine?
You can find an Airbnb for as low as $14 or $19 per night. On the contrary, some nicer high-end apartments cost around $142.
Can I fly with my pet?
You can fly with your pet. Additionally, you must check the specific rules of your airline. Every company has its own policies for the safety of cats and dogs.
What is Lviv, Ukraine known for?
It is known for medieval cuisine, mysterious dungeon tours, and a big community of creative people. It is also known for its Cat Cafe which stayed open for over three years of war.
Concluding Words
Gradually, I realized that Lviv is more than just a city. It is a symbol of hope. I saw it in the eyes of the people at the market who sell beautiful linen blouses. I felt it when the orchestra played the national anthem before the ballet. I experienced it every time a waiter brought a bowl of water for my dog without me even asking.
Lviv is a place where history meets the present. You can walk through the mysterious Fifth Dungeon or enjoy a craft beer at Lazy Dog while watching football with your pet. You can taste the best cheesecake at Cheese Bakery or have a fancy meal at Bar Mushly.
Finally, I can say that a Pet Friendly Vacation in Lviv, Ukraine was the best choice I ever made. It is a city of culture, kindness, and great food. Is it worth visiting? Absolutely. My dog and I are already dreaming of going back. If you love to travel and you want a trip that matters, pack your bags. Lviv is waiting for you both.
I have some extra tips for you. You likely have a few extra questions about your journey. I want to help you feel ready for this adventure.
