I have traveled to 35 countries around the world with my miniature dachshund, Schnitzel. My travels have taken me across every state in Australia and to many of the United States. However, Europe remains the absolute best destination for a person who loves dogs. I spent 20 months exploring 33 different countries on the continent. Europe is the global heart of the dog-friendly lifestyle.
The Essentials of Dog Travel in Europe
First of all, I must talk about the rules for entry. Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 provides a unified set of health standards for the non-commercial movement of pets. This system makes it easy to cross borders without the fear of quarantine. Most Dog Friendly European Countries require three basic things. Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip. A valid rabies vaccination is also mandatory. Finally, you need a standardized travel document.
If you live in the European Union, your vet will issue a blue Pet Passport. This document is a lifetime record of health. On the contrary, travelers from the United States or the United Kingdom must obtain an Animal Health Certificate. This is a complex 12-page document. It must be signed by an official vet no more than 10 days before you arrive in the EU. I have found that accuracy is vital when you deal with these papers. Plus, you must wait at least 21 days after a primary rabies shot before you can travel.
Additionally, some jurisdictions are “tapeworm-free” zones. Finland, Ireland, Malta, and Norway require a special treatment for the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. A vet must give this medicine 24 to 120 hours before your arrival. I always mark my calendar to ensure I do not miss this window.
Germany: The Leader in Animal Welfare
Germany is likely the most dog-friendly country in the world. It was the first nation to guarantee animal rights in its national constitution in 2002. This legal status changed dogs from property into sentient beings. I saw this respect everywhere I went.
Berlin is a paradise for dog owners. It features more than 350 pet-friendly restaurants. Statistics show that 49.14% of hotels in Germany accept pets. In Berlin specifically, 55% of accommodations are pet-friendly. I visited the Grunewald Forest, which is the largest forest area in western Berlin for dogs and walkers. Tempelhofer Feld is another amazing spot. It is an abandoned airport that is now a massive park where dogs run off-leash.
Transportation in Germany is also very easy. The national rail provider, Deutsche Bahn, allows pets of all sizes. Small pets in carriers travel for free. Larger dogs require a half-price ticket and must wear a muzzle. Similarly, dogs are welcome inside most restaurants and traditional brauhauses. They can even sit on banquettes next to their owners if they behave well.
France: A Cultural Haven for Pups
France is a premier holiday destination that treats pets like family. In Paris, you will see dogs in handbags and large breeds walking through the Marais. I found that 78% of French pet owners believe their animals are indispensable to their happiness.
Paris has over 1,000 pet-friendly establishments, including hotels like the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg. I enjoyed walking through Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and the Bois de Vincennes. However, some parks like the Tuileries are more strict.
The French approach to dining is very inclusive. It is standard for dogs to accompany their humans inside restaurants. They often receive a seat at the table. Though, I recommend you check for Category 1 restrictions. France prohibits “attack dogs” like Pit Bull types from entering the country.
The South of France offers incredible outdoor adventures. I took Schnitzel to the Verdon Gorge for a hike. We also visited the Loire Valley, where dogs are welcome in the grounds of famous castles like Château de Chenonceau.
Italy: La Dolce Vita for Four Paws
Italy is a top choice for travelers because it offers the highest number of pet-friendly rentals in Europe. Italian culture is incredibly welcoming toward pets. I discovered that 79% of Italian pet owners view their pets as family members.
Venice is a surprising gem for dog owners. It has over 500 pet-friendly accommodations. Dogs can ride on gondolas and even visit certain museums. Plus, the first dedicated dog beach, Bau Bau Village, opened in Liguria in 1997. It now offers grooming salons and petsitters on the sand.
Public transport is also accessible. The railway company Trenitalia permits small pets to travel for free in carriers. Larger dogs need a half-price ticket and a muzzle. Additionally, Italian domestic airlines made news in 2025 by allowing dogs over eight kilos in the cabin on certain routes. This is a major step forward for large dog owners.
The Netherlands: A Land of Freedom
The Netherlands is famous for its humanitarian approach to animals. It was the first country to officially declare “no more stray dogs“. I saw dogs everywhere in Amsterdam, from canal boat tours to busy cafes.
Amsterdam is a haven for pets. Small dogs ride for free on trams, buses, and trains. You can buy a day ticket for a larger dog for about 3.30 EUR. I loved taking Schnitzel to Vondelpark, which has central off-leash zones.
The Dutch attitude is very relaxed. Restaurants and shops welcome well-behaved animals. However, the city is chaotic with many bikes. Therefore, you should be careful if your dog is easily scared.
Czech Republic: The Dog Republic
The Czech Republic has earned the nickname “The Dog Republic“. It has more dogs than children under the age of ten. I found that 49% of hotels and B&Bs in Prague allow dogs.
Prague is one of the most accessible cities in Europe. I walked across the iconic Charles Bridge with my dog in the early morning to avoid crowds. Dogs are even allowed on the grounds of Prague Castle if they wear a leash and a muzzle.
The rail network is very cheap for pets. For distances under 150km, the fee is only 30 CZK, which is about 1.25 EUR. Additionally, dogs are allowed inside many restaurants and cafes. I found that the Czech people have a highly positive relationship with pets.
Austria: Elegance and Alpine Air
Austria is another country that treats dogs with great respect. Over 40% of Austrian hotels accept pets. Vienna is consistently ranked as a top pet-friendly city. It has more than 1,000 parks and 800 veterinary practices.
I discovered that Vienna has nearly 59,000 registered dogs. That is about one dog for every 34 people. The city provides more than 3,900 poop bag dispensers to keep the streets clean. I also learned about the Hundekino. This is a dog cinema where you can take your best friend for a movie date once a month.
The rules are strict but fair. Dogs must be leashed in public and muzzled on transport. If you fail to clean up after your pet, you may face a 50 EUR fine. Similarly, owners of certain breeds must follow an alcohol limit of 0.5 g/L while handling their dogs.
Switzerland: Responsibility and Snowy Peaks
Switzerland is famous for its high standards of living and pristine environment. These values extend to animal welfare. 71% of hotels in Zurich allow pets.
I found that the Swiss take pet ownership very seriously. First-time owners are encouraged to take a training course. Dogs are allowed on all forms of public transport. You can even buy a monthly “Dog Pass” for 60 CHF or an annual pass for 350 CHF for unlimited travel.
Restaurants are very accommodating. It is standard for staff to offer water and treats to your dog alongside your meal. I also took Schnitzel on mountain railways and cable cars. However, dogs are strictly prohibited in the Swiss National Park to protect wildlife.
Slovenia: The Green Heart of Europe
Slovenia is a captivating destination for nature lovers. It is peaceful and incredibly dog-friendly. I spent a week there in autumn and found the landscapes to be perfect for hiking.
Over half of the accommodations in the central hub, Ljubljana, are pet-friendly. I visited the town of Bohinj, which is a “Hidden Gem” for sustainable pet travel. I walked around Lake Bled and visited the Vintgar Gorge.
The Slovenian people are very welcoming. Many restaurants serve a bowl of water to your dog without you asking. However, dogs are not allowed on most buses. On the contrary, they are accepted on trains if they are in a bag or wear a muzzle.
Croatia: Dalmatian Hospitality
Croatia is a land of beautiful coasts and historic towns. The region of Dalmatia is a dream for pet owners. It has over 1,000 pet-friendly accommodations.
I visited Crikvenica, which has a famous dog beach. It features Monty’s Dog Beach and Bar. You can even buy dog beer and ice cream for your pup there. Most national parks and beaches accept leashed dogs.
Property in Split is also very pet-oriented. I found that Standalone houses are generally pet-friendly because many locals own dogs. However, transit can be tricky. Bus policies regarding dogs are uncertain and depend on the driver.
Romania: A Surprising Leader
Romania holds the top rank for pet ownership in Europe. 45% of households own dogs. Public attitudes are shifting from “guard dogs” to “beloved companions”.
Transylvania is a perfect destination for hiking with your dog. Cities like Sibiu and Brasov are world-famous for their historic centers. I found many pet-friendly cafes in Bucharest and Cluj.
NGOs in Romania are very active in rescue movements. This work has led to high rescue rates. Romania is also set to ban fur farming by 2027 to improve animal welfare.
Poland: Culture for Canines
Poland is unique because its indoor spaces are as pet-friendly as the outdoors. You can take your dog to certain theaters, museums, and galleries. 49% of households in Poland own a dog.
Major cities like Warsaw and Krakow have expanded their dog parks. I learned that Warsaw has specialized parks with agility equipment and water stations. Poland even hosts a “Dog’s Day” every July. Public squares transform into puppy playgrounds and adoption fairs.
Veterinary care is high quality and more affordable than in the US or UK. I have found that staff at clinics often speak English.
Sweden: The Gold Standard for Care
Sweden leads the world in pet insurance. Over 90% of Swedish pets are covered. This shows how much the people care about the health of their animals.
In Stockholm, dogs are welcome on every beach, every park, and almost all restaurants. The Swedes have a unique policy where dogs are allowed in one half of a restaurant but not the other. This helps people with allergies stay comfortable.
Dogs travel for free on public transport in Stockholm. They should sit in the rear of buses and trams. I found that hiking with dogs is a huge national pastime in Sweden.
Notable Destinations Outside the Top 12
I must mention some other places that are good for pets but have specific challenges.
Spain is improving but remains one of the least dog-friendly countries in europe. Many beaches and public transport systems still prohibit dogs. However, the Basque region is a great exception. San Sebastian is famous for its pintxos bars that allow dogs inside.
Greece is paradisiacal but has a high number of stray animals. This can create conflict for visiting pets. Santorini has over 300 hotels that welcome dogs. But you must be wary of semi-wild cats roaming freely.
Estonia is very compact and friendly. In Tallinn, I was even allowed inside a photography museum with my dog.
Comparison: Most vs. Least Friendly
When you look at the most dog-friendly countries in europe, Germany and Switzerland lead the way. They have the best legal and institutional support. France and the Netherlands lead in lifestyle integration.
On the contrary, I recommend you reconsider visiting Iceland or the Faroe Islands. Iceland requires a 14-day quarantine period for pets. The Faroe Islands only allow pets if you stay for more than three months. These are certainly among the top 10 least dog-friendly countries in europe for a short vacation.
Global Perspective: Asia and Beyond
If you look further away, there are dog-friendly countries in asia too. Turkey is a standout example. I found that dogs were welcomed into small shops and nearly every restaurant in Istanbul and Antalya. They can even ride on day cruises around Fethiye for free.
Japan is also increasingly inclusive. Tokyo has luxury pet hotels, cat cafes, and even pet spas. However, Japan has very strict quarantine laws. Incoming pets must meet rigorous vaccination rules.
Final Travel Tips for Success
Travel by train is the gold standard in Europe. Most providers follow a tiered system for fees. Here is a summary of rail costs for large dogs:
- Germany (DB): 50% of adult fare.
- France (SNCF): 50% of adult fare.
- Austria (OBB): 50% of adult fare.
- Switzerland (SBB): 50% of adult fare or a 25 CHF day pass.
Additionally, flying with a small dog is easy if they are under 8kg. Airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM allow them in the cabin for a fee. However, low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet do not allow pets at all.
Finally, I suggest you stay in Airbnbs rather than hotels. I often reach out to properties that are not listed as pet-friendly and ask for an exception. My positive reviews from previous hosts often help me get an invitation to book.
Gradually, you will find that traveling with a dog is not as hard as it seems. First of all, you must plan ahead. Later, you will enjoy the reward of exploring the world with your best friend. Therefore, pick one of these 12 Most Dog Friendly European Countries and start your adventure. The continent is waiting for you and your pup. It is a wonderful life for those with four paws and a sense of adventure.
FAQ
Where in Europe is most dog friendly?
Germany and Switzerland are the absolute leaders for legal and community support. Vienna often ranks as the most pet-friendly city in the world because it has over 1,000 parks. A true leader.
What is the easiest country to travel with a dog?
Serbia had the least extensive requirements for our entry when we flew from the United States. Europe in general makes it simple for you because of the shared EU rulebook.
Can I go to Europe with my dog?
You can certainly bring your dog to Europe. It is the most dog-friendly part of the world. A total dream.
Which country in Europe has the most dogs?
Romania ranks number one in Europe for pet ownership. Households there own dogs at a rate of 45%.
Which country loves dogs most?
Romania has the highest ownership rates on the continent. However, Italy has a very high sentiment of love for dogs. 85% of Millennials in Italy view their pets as family members.
Which country is the safest for dogs?
Sweden is a top choice for safety because over 90% of pets there have insurance. Germany is also very safe because it guarantees animal rights in its national constitution.
Is Germany a dog-friendly country?
Germany is a constitutional pioneer and is extremely dog-friendly. You will find that high-end stores and cafes allow dogs inside. The simple truth.
Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?
You usually cannot buy a seat for a dog on a commercial flight. Small dogs must stay in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Larger dogs travel in the cargo hold.
Is it hard to travel Europe with a dog?
It is not hard if you plan ahead and follow the rules. Standard rules make border crossing simple within the European Union.
What airlines in Europe allow dogs?
KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France are excellent airlines for pets. Finnair, Vueling, and TAP Portugal also permit pets for a fee.
Where is the most dog friendly place in Europe?
Vienna is frequently called the most pet-friendly city on the globe. Dalmatia in Croatia is also ranked as the top dog-friendly region in Europe. No doubt about it.
Concluding words
Europe provides a welcoming home for every traveler and their pup. Countries like Germany and France lead the way with legal rights and lifestyle inclusion. A total dream for any pet owner. You must prepare your papers and follow transport rules for a smooth trip across borders. Memories of these shared adventures with your best friend will last a lifetime.
