I have always believed that a vacation is not a real vacation if my best four-legged friend is not by my side. You probably feel the same way. You look at those big, puppy-dog eyes and you simply cannot leave them behind at a dog hotel baku or with a sitter. This led me to a big question. Is it possible to find the Best pet friendly hotels in Azerbaijan? I packed my bags and grabbed the leash to find out.
The answer is a big yes. You can have a wonderful time in the “Land of Fire” with your pet. However, you must plan every single step. Azerbaijan is a beautiful country with a mix of modern cities and snowy mountains. It has luxury and history. But, you should know that it is not always easy to navigate with a pet. I want to share my full story and a guide to help you.
Getting There: The Paperwork Trail
First of all, you must handle the rules for entry. You do not want to reach the airport and face a nightmare. I learned that you need a collection of documents often called a “pet passport”. This is not the same as an official EU Pet Passport. It is a set of papers from your vet.
You must get your pet a microchip first. This chip must meet ISO 11784 or 11785 standards. If it does not, you might have to bring your own scanner. I suggest you check this twice. On top of that, the chip must be active before the vet gives any shots.
Vaccinations are the next big step. Your dog needs a rabies shot at least 21 days before you arrive. However, some airlines like Turkish Airlines want you to wait 30 days. I found out that Azerbaijan is very strict about the timing. They do not recognize the three-year rabies vaccine. You must ensure the shot was given within the last 12 months. My vet also gave shots for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, and Leptospirosis.
Finally, you need a health certificate. A licensed vet must sign this shortly before you travel. It must be in blue ink to prove it is an original. I had to make sure the government agency in my home country endorsed it. If you are from the United States, that is the USDA.
The Flight Experience
I chose to fly into Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. This is actually the only place where live animals can enter the country. Azerbaijan Airlines allows pets in the cabin if they are small. The cost is about 90 EUR per flight leg.
You must follow the weight rules strictly. The pet and the cage together cannot weigh more than 8 kg. The cage must be strong and leak-proof. Its total size cannot be more than 90 cm (40 x 30 x 20). Your pet must be able to stand and turn around inside.
If your dog is bigger, it must go in the hold. I made sure my travel crate was high-quality hard plastic. You should never use a wire or collapsible kennel for a flight. I even drilled extra holes in the back for air. You must also attach two empty dishes for food and water to the door. It is a lot of work. But it is worth it for their safety.
Finding a Pet Friendly Baku Base
You have arrived. Now, you need a place to sleep. I was looking for pet friendly baku options that felt like home. The city has some amazing choices for baku luxury dogs and their owners.
JW Marriott Absheron Baku
My first stop was at 674 Azadliq Square. This is a very grand place. They told me that pets are welcome. You can bring up to two pets in one room. However, there is a weight limit. Each pet must be 10.0 kg or less.
The location is perfect. You are right by the Baku Boulevard. This is a great place for long walks by the sea. I loved the JW Garden area. It is an oasis with lavender and mint. It felt very peaceful for both of us.
Four Seasons Hotel Baku
If you want total luxury, go to 1 Neftchilar Avenue. The Four Seasons Hotel Baku is a five-star dream. I found out that pets stay for free here. That is a rare find.
They have a weight limit of 15 lbs (about 6.8 kg) per pet. They even provide food and water bowls. The staff is very helpful. I enjoyed the Italian food at Zafferano while my dog relaxed in our room. You are just a short walk from the Old City and the Maiden Tower.
Hilton Baku
Another great choice is the Hilton Baku at 1B Azadlig Avenue. They offer a dedicated pet experience. They allow pets up to 22 kg. This is better if you have a medium-sized dog.
You do have to pay a non-refundable deposit of AZN 85.00. The hotel is very close to the Park Bulvar Mall. You can walk right out the door and be on the coastline promenade.
Exploring the City: Cafes and Parks
You might feel hungry after a walk. Finding a pet friendly cafe baku can be a bit of a challenge. Some people in the city are not very fond of dogs in public spaces. But, the culture is changing.
I found a few gems where we felt welcome. Benedict Cafe is a top choice. They actually allow dogs inside. Barista & Chef and Unlu are also good spots. I also visited Gloria Jean’s. You can sit on the terrace with your dog as long as the shop is not inside a mall.
Other spots to check out include:
- CoffeeBar
- Cookshop
- Central Baku
- United Coffee Beans
You should be careful when walking. There are many stray cats and some wild dogs. The cats can be very territorial. You must keep your dog on a leash in public. If you have a large dog, the law says it must wear a muzzle.
For a good run, I headed to the Boulevard. The Heydar Aliyev Center has nice paths, but watch out for the packs of stray dogs there. Central Park and the Botanic Garden also allow dogs.
Heading to the Mountains: Shahdag and Gabala
The city is fun. But, the mountains are magical. I wanted to see if the mountain resorts were also the Best pet friendly hotels in Azerbaijan.
Pik Palace and Park Chalet in Shahdag
I drove up to the Shahdag mountains. It is about a three-hour trip from Baku. The Pik Palace Shahdag, Autograph Collection is stunning. They explicitly say it is a pet-friendly mountain escape.
You can take your pet on scenic dog-friendly trails. The fresh air is wonderful. Both the Pik Palace and the Park Chalet welcome furry friends. Prices here can range from $100 to $2100 depending on the room. The average price for a pet-friendly stay in Shahdag is about €208 per night.
Gabala Getaways
Similarly, Gabala is a top spot for nature lovers. It is full of private villas. The average price here is €274 per night. I saw the “Milan” Villa, which has a private pool and a garden. It costs about 96 € per night.
The Qafqaz Resort has many options too. You can stay in a Loft Style villa or even a Castle. These are great if you want a lot of space for your dog to play.
Budget Options and Alternatives
You do not always have to spend a fortune. There are many pet hotel baku alternatives. I looked into some budget hotels, but you must call them first to check their pet rules. Some hotels like Istanbul Gold Hotel or Modern Hotel offer rooms for around $27 per night.
On top of that, you can look at Airbnb. I found many apartments in Baku that are pet-friendly. The Grand Hyatt Baku complex has some unique spaces. Some apartments even overlook the Flame Towers. You can find a cozy home for around $80 to $150 per night.
Shopping and Health for Your Pet
What if you forget your dog’s favorite toy? Or what if you need a vet? Baku has several options.
For shopping, I visited Maugli Zooshop near the 28 May metro station. They have food and accessories. Pet Point on Yusif Safarov is also great. If you want a fancy boutique, try Xatiko Zooboutique.
If there is an emergency, you need a good vet. Alfavet is highly recommended by locals. They are very professional. Another option is Petty Paws which also offers grooming. You should always keep the number of the State Veterinary Department handy just in case. Their number is (012) 562 76 13.
Rules You Must Follow
You must respect the local laws. Azerbaijan has a few rules that might surprise you.
- Apartment Limits: A family can only keep one dog and two cats in an apartment.
- Public Spaces: Dogs cannot enter places where food is sold unless it is a special cafe. They are also not allowed in children’s play areas.
- Warning Signs: If you have a large dog at home, you must have a sign outside warning the public.
Additionally, you will need a special export permit to leave the country with your pet. You must get this 1-2 days before your flight. I worked with Alfavet to get this done easily.
A Summary of My Journey
Traveling through Azerbaijan with my dog was an adventure. We saw the high-tech streets of Baku and the quiet beauty of the mountains.
Here is a quick look at the best stays we found:
| Hotel Name | Location | Key Feature | Pet Weight Limit |
| Four Seasons Baku | Baku Center | Pets stay free, bowls provided | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg |
| JW Marriott Absheron | Azadliq Square | Two pets allowed, great garden | 10 kg |
| Hilton Baku | Near Park Bulvar | Dedicated pet experience | 22 kg |
| Pik Palace Shahdag | Mountains | Scenic dog-friendly trails | Check with hotel |
| “Milan” Villa | Gabala | Private pool and garden | No strict limit mentioned |
I have a few final tips for you.
- Travel in the Shoulder Season: Go between July and November. The weather is nice and prices are lower.
- Be Flexible: Midweek stays are often cheaper than weekends.
- Check Direct Rates: Sometimes the hotel website has better deals than booking sites.
You should also remember that the city can be windy. I suggest bringing a warm jacket for your dog if they have short hair.
FAQ
Can I bring animals other than dogs or cats?
Yes. You can bring birds, fish, and reptiles into the country. These pets do not need rabies shots. Plus, they must have a health certificate. You should check the CITES rules if you have a parrot or a turtle.
What happens if my pet does not meet the entry rules?
This is a serious problem. The officials might put your pet into quarantine if they have space. Otherwise, they will send the animal back to your home country. Your pet could even face euthanasia in the worst cases. A real nightmare.
How many pets can I keep in a city apartment?
The local laws are very specific about this. A single family can only keep one dog in an apartment. Additionally, you are allowed to have two cats.
Are puppies allowed to enter without a rabies vaccine?
Yes. Puppies and kittens under three months of age do not need the shot. However, you need a special paper from your government. It must state the animal was born in a rabies-free area and never met wild animals.
Concluding words
Azerbaijan is a growing destination for travelers who love their animals. You can find world-class luxury at the Four Seasons or the JW Marriott in Baku. Additionally, mountain escapes like Shahdag provide great trails for active dogs. You must follow all the health and paperwork rules to ensure a safe arrival. Plan your trip carefully and enjoy the beautiful “Land of Fire” with your best friend.
