I just finished a trip that changed how I see the world. People often ask me, are tourists allowed in Ukraine? The answer is a big yes. I decided to take a leap and planned a Pet Friendly Vacation in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was not just a trip.
It was an adventure with my best four-legged friend. Most people think I am crazy for going to a country at war. However, life in the capital city feels surprisingly normal for much of the time. The city is as cool as the hippest spots in London. It has coffee shops, neon signs for pet salons, and fast WiFi. My dog and I found a city that loves animals deeply.
The Journey to the Heart of Ukraine
We started our journey in Poland. I spent some time looking for pet friendly hotels krakow before we hopped on the train. The best way to enter is by rail. I used the RegioJet service. You can take a sleeper train from Prague or Krakow that goes to the border at Przemysl.
The train is very organized. They give you bottled water and even a croissant in the morning. My ticket had funny numbers like 4/1. I learned that the first number is the coach and the second is the seat. Do not get confused by this formatting.
Once you arrive at Przemysl, do not rush to the passport line immediately. The schedule usually gives you a two-hour wait. I went to a nearby cafe for an hour to relax with my dog. Later, I headed to the passport control area about 30 minutes before the next train left. Stamping the passport only takes a few minutes. Then, we boarded the train to Kyiv.
Ukrainian border guards board the train while it moves. They will ask you why you are visiting. I simply said “tourism”. They might ask if you know there is a war. Just stay calm and friendly. They stamped my passport and we were on our way.
The train ride is long but comfortable. I recommend downloading movies because the phone signal is not great. Also, the train might not have working power sockets. Bring a power bank. My dog loved the extra space in the 1st class carriage.
Those seats are wider and much better for a long trip. Finally, we rolled into the central station in Kyiv. It was very busy. Do not take photos of the soldiers or the security measures there. It is a safety rule you must follow.
Finding a Pet Friendly Hotel Kyiv
The search for a pet friendly hotel kyiv led me to some great choices. First of all, I looked at the Hyatt Regency Kyiv. It is right in the center of the old city. This place is the definition of luxury pet friendly travel. They have 234 guestrooms and they welcome pets with open arms.
On top of that, they have a 20-meter indoor heated pool and a gym. The location is perfect. You can walk to Saint Sophia’s Cathedral or the shops on Khreshchatyk Street. Many people say this hotel is a “red line” for safety. Politicians and VIPs stay here, so it has layers of security.
Another solid option is Hotel Kyiv. I chose this one because it is near government buildings and has a very safe air raid shelter. Additionally, it has high-quality rooms and a well-tested safety protocol.
Most big hotels have their own shelters with toilets, WiFi, and even kitchens. It is important to feel safe while you sleep. Therefore, picking a hotel with a good basement is a smart move.
Safety and the “New Normal”
You might feel nervous about air raids. I was too. I downloaded the “Air Alert” app a few days before I arrived to get used to the sound.
The sirens go off when a plane takes off far away. Most locals do not run to shelters every time. However, you should follow the rules for your own peace of mind. I kept a “grab bag” with water, snacks, and a book ready at all times.
There is great news for animal lovers. Ukraine recently changed the rules for air raid shelters. Now, it is officially allowed to bring your animals into bomb shelters. You no longer have to worry about leaving your pet behind during an alarm.
You must follow some simple rules, though. You have to keep your dog on a leash. If your dog is a breed on the dangerous list, you must use a muzzle. You are also responsible for keeping the area clean. It is a huge relief to know my dog can stay right by my side.
Curfew is another thing to remember. It usually lasts from midnight to 5 am. You must be inside your hotel during those hours. Most bars and restaurants close by 10 pm or 11 pm so people can get home safely.
Similarly, above-ground public transport stops during air alerts. The Metro keeps running underground, so it is the best way to move around.
Exploring the Best of Pet Friendly Kyiv
Kyiv is one of the greenest cities in Europe. It is truly a pet friendly kyiv. There are about 93 dog-friendly parks in the city. We spent a lot of time at Natalka Park in the Obolon district. It was recently fixed up and has 8 hectares of space.
My dog loved running along the Dnieper River. Another favorite was Holosiivskyi National Park. It has thick forests and lakes. It feels like a real paradise for a dog to explore for hours.
If you want a place specifically for training, go to the Sport DOG Area on Zdolbunivska Street. It is open 24 hours a day.
They have separate areas for large and small dogs to keep everyone safe. They even have expert handlers if you want some training tips. It is clean and has plenty of equipment. Plus, it is a great spot to meet other local dog owners.
For a more central walk, try Maryinisky Park. It is in the heart of the city with shady alleys and big chestnut trees. You can also visit the Park of Eternal Glory near the Arsenalna station. It has 18 hectares and great views of the river. Just be mindful of the rules and keep your pet on a lead in busy areas.
Dining with Your Furry Friend
I was blown away by the number of dog-friendly cafes. Kyiv has a vibrant canine culture. First of all, we visited Krapka Koma (Dot Comma).
It is a literature pub that actually invites guests to bring their dogs. They have amazing craft beer and big burgers. It was so cozy to sit there with a book and my pup.
Later, we found Masha Cake. This cafe is in the historic part of the city and serves delicious pastry. You will see many people having breakfast there with their dogs. It makes the whole place feel very friendly and warm.
Other spots you must try include:
- True Burger Bar: They are very relaxing and will offer your dog a bowl of water.
- Milk Bar: This place has the best desserts and welcomes small or medium dogs.
- Dogs & Tails: The name says it all! It is a great spot for hot dogs.
- London Coffee House: They even allow big dogs inside.
- Kyiv Food Market: This was my favorite spot for a variety of food and drinks.
Many places with summer terraces are happy to host pets. However, it is always a good idea to ask the staff before you sit down. Some places only allow small breeds, while others are okay with bigger ones.
What if Your Pet Gets Sick?
One of my biggest worries was what to do in an emergency. I found the “Genesis” Veterinary Hospital. They are a 24-hour clinic in Kyiv located at 23 Industrialnyi Lane.
This place is top-notch. They have modern equipment and doctors with over 8 years of experience. They offer everything from simple check-ups to complex surgeries.
They have a modern lab for quick tests and even a blood bank. If your pet is an exotic animal, they can help with that too.
They even offer a 24/7 home visit service if your pet cannot travel. Knowing that a high-quality pet hotel kyiv or hospital is nearby made me feel much better. Another good place is the Center of Modern Veterinary Medicine, which also works 24/7.
Taking a Break: Pet Sitting and Care
Sometimes you might want to visit a museum or a sensitive site where dogs cannot go. I used a service called Dogchill. They are a reliable assistant for pet owners in Kyiv. They have been around for over 3 years and have a great reputation.
You can order a dog walker for a quick stroll or a “nanny” to stay with your pet for a few hours. A walk starts from 290 UAH, and sitting starts from 900 UAH. They are very professional. They send you photos, videos, and even a GPS route of the walk so you know where your dog went.
They use special climbing equipment for the leashes so your dog cannot escape. They only hire 1 out of every 10 people who apply, so the staff is very qualified.
If your pet needs a haircut, Kyiv has some fancy grooming salons. Barber Pet is the first one in Ukraine designed like a loft barbershop. You can have a glass of wine while your dog gets a treat and a trim. There is also Vogue Dog, which is a SPA salon using professional cosmetics. Your pet will leave looking gorgeous.
The Legal Stuff and Paperwork
Do not forget the paperwork! State veterinary control is very important when moving animals. You must have an international veterinary certificate or a veterinary passport for your pet. Your pet must be identified with a microchip or a tag.
The laws in Ukraine require that an animal can only be moved if it comes from a registered facility. If you are bringing a pet from abroad, you need to show these documents at the border.
I found that the guards are more thorough when you leave Ukraine because they want to stop smuggling into the EU. Therefore, keep all your papers in a safe folder.
Identification is key. Each animal is assigned an individual number in a register. In Kyiv, the “Animal Identification Center” handles this for local pets, but for a tourist, your home country’s pet passport should be enough.
Just make sure all vaccinations are up to date. Clinics like Genesis or Innovet can help you prepare a whole pack of documents if you need to travel further.
FAQ
What is Sochi, Russia famous for?
Sochi is widely famous for hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics and the Russian Grand Prix. It is also a prominent resort city known for its location on the Black Sea coast and its proximity to the Caucasus Mountains.
Concluding Words
Kyiv is a remarkably accommodating city for travelers and their animals, offering an extensive network of over 93 dog-friendly parks, including popular spots like Natalka and Holosiivskyi.
The city’s vibrant social scene features numerous pet-welcoming restaurants and cafes, such as True Burger Bar and Milk Bar, which often provide water bowls for four-legged guests. For health and logistical support, travelers can rely on the 24/7 innovative care at Genesis Veterinary Hospital or professional pet-sitting and walking services like Dogchill.
Furthermore, recent updates to safety protocols officially permit animals in air raid shelters, ensuring that your pet remains safe alongside you throughout your stay in the capital.
