I always dreamed of seeing the world with my dog at my side. I wanted to see the mountains and the ancient cities together. One place that kept popping up in my mind was the Caucasus. I kept asking myself a simple question. Is azerbaijan dog friendly? I did not find a simple answer online.
Therefore, I decided to go there and find out for myself. It was a big step. A long journey? Yes. Hard work? Sometimes. But the memories are worth every bit of effort.
Planning the Trip: The Flight and Airlines
First of all, you must think about how to get there. Many airlines fly into Baku. Dog Friendly Azerbaijan starts with a safe flight. I looked at so many rules. Azerbaijan Airlines is a common choice. They allow dogs, cats, or birds, but you must ask for permission first. If your pet is small, it can stay in the cabin. The weight of the pet and the cage must be 8 kilograms or less. The cage size should be about 40 by 30 by 20 centimeters. The cost is around 90 EUR for each flight leg.
However, other airlines have different rules. Air Astana allows pets in the cabin if they are under 8 kilograms. They recommend a soft carrier. On top of that, they have a 50-kilogram limit for the hold. Turkish Airlines is another option. They do not allow dogs with respiratory problems, like Pugs or Bulldogs, to travel in the cargo section. These breeds must stay in the cabin if they are small enough. Lufthansa has a similar rule. They will no longer put brachycephalic breeds in the cargo hold at all.
Additionally, some airlines are very strict. Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air generally do not allow dogs on board unless they are guide dogs. American Airlines does not accept pets in the cabin for transatlantic flights. Therefore, you must check with your airline early. I recommend you book your pet at least 24 to 48 hours before the flight.
Similarly, you must know the size limits for the hold if your dog is big. Air France allows pets between 8 and 75 kilograms in the hold. Belavia Airlines has a 50-kilogram limit for the hold and requires hard-sided carriers. Plus, you must give some airlines at least 36 hours of notice.
The Paperwork: What You Must Bring
The legal side of travel is very important. You cannot just show up at the border. Dogs azerbaycan rules are clear. First of all, you need a Veterinary Certificate. A vet must sign this paper. It should say your pet is healthy and free of parasites. It must be signed no more than 15 days before you travel.
On top of that, you need a vaccination certificate. Your dog must have a rabies shot at least 30 days before you enter the country. However, the shot should not be older than 12 months. I also found that you might have to pay a fee of about $70 when you arrive in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan does not require a microchip by law, but it is a very good idea. Your airline might require it even if the country does not. Once you land in Baku, a vet at the airport will check your dog and your papers. If everything is in order, there is no quarantine for healthy pets.
Additionally, the Azerbaijan Republic Food Safety Agency has strict rules for importing animals. They want to make sure the country stays free of diseases like rabies and anthrax. Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies, hepatitis, and parvovirus infections at least 14 days before dispatch.
Exploring Baku: The City Experience
Pet friendly baku is a bit of a mixed bag. I found that some parts of the city are great for walks. Baku Boulevard is a beautiful spot. It is a long promenade along the Caspian Sea. It stretches for about two miles. I saw many people walking their dogs there in the evenings. The sea breeze is lovely.
The Old City is another good place to explore. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow streets and old walls. You can walk your dog around the historic landmarks like the Maiden Tower. However, the atmosphere is very charming.
Central Park is another option. The upper parts near the Flame Towers are nice for a stroll. I also liked the area around the Heydar Aliyev Center. It has wide paths and green spaces. But be careful. I heard from a local named Mushroom_Futures that packs of stray dogs live near the center. They can be aggressive toward pet dogs. somerandomkeysmash also warned about this.
Gradually, I looked for places to eat. This was harder. Most restaurants do not allow dogs inside. But things are changing. Benedict Cafe is a famous dog-friendly spot for breakfast. Gloria Jean’s coffee shops also allow dogs if they are not inside a mall. Other places like Barista & Chef, Cofferica, and Unlu are good options for a quick coffee with your furry friend.
A 7-Day Itinerary for Dog Lovers
If you want to see the whole country, a road trip is best. I followed a plan that took me to many cool places.
Day 1: Baku. I started with a walk on the Boulevard. Later, I visited the Old City and ended the day at Fountain Square. There are several outdoor cafes there where your dog can sit with you.
Day 2: Gobustan. This is a day trip from the city. You can see ancient rock art and mud volcanoes. I took my dog for a hike on the marked trails. Additionally, I visited the Dash Salahli Dog Park. It is a large area where dogs can run and play together.
Day 3: Sheki. We drove to this charming mountain city. The streets are full of traditional houses. I walked my dog in the Sheki Khan’s Garden. It is very peaceful. We stayed at a dog-friendly guesthouse and ate local food.
Day 4: Gabala. This is a resort town in the mountains. The air is very fresh. I took a cable car at the Tufandag Mountain Resort and the views were amazing. Later, we walked through the ruins of Kabala.
Day 5: Nakhchivan. We took a flight to this area. I visited the Momine Khatun Mausoleum and walked around the Alinja Fortress. The ancient walls are very impressive.
Day 6: Lankaran. This coastal city has beautiful beaches. I took my dog for a long walk on the sand. We also visited the Lankaran Fortress.
Day 7: Goychay. This is the land of pomegranates. I took a tour of a pomegranate farm. My dog loved exploring the orchards. If you go in October, you can see the Pomegranate Festival. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Safety in the Mountains: The Shepherd Dogs
I love hiking. The Transcaucasian Trail is a great way to see the nature of Azerbaijan. But there is a danger you must know about. You will meet Azerbaijani shepherd dogs. These are also called Caucasian shepherd dogs. They are very large and shaggy. They are trained to protect sheep from wolves and bears. They are very territorial.
I read a story by Simona Cibulková about her hike. She and her friend were trapped by three of these dogs. They had to climb a metal post to stay safe. The dogs barked and lunged at them for a long time. Finally, a shepherd on a horse saved them.
Therefore, you must be careful. If a dog charges at you, do not run. Running makes the dog want to chase you. Instead, stand your ground. Shout loudly and wave your trekking poles. If there is a shepherd nearby, call out to him.
A shepherd named Raúl taught some hikers a trick. He said if a dog comes, you should huddle together and crouch low. This shows you are not a threat. He also gave them “dog sticks” to carry for protection. I always carry a stick when I hike in the mountains now. Plus, I try to stay far away from flocks of sheep.
On top of that, you should watch out for giant hogweed. It is a plant with juice that causes bad burns on your skin if you touch it and then go into the sun. It can even cause blindness.
Living in Azerbaijan with a Dog
If you are moving to Azerbaijan for work, there are other rules. A family living in an apartment can only have one dog and two cats. This is a law you must follow.
If you have a large dog, like a German Shepherd or a Doberman, you must put a sign on your front door. The sign should say a dangerous dog lives there. Some people even put a photo of the dog on the door. You must always use a leash in public. Large dogs must also wear a muzzle.
On top of that, finding a landlord who likes dogs can be hard. A woman named Janine99 shared her worries about this. She heard a story about a lady who was kicked out of her apartment because her dog barked too much. Neighbors might complain if your dog is noisy. Therefore, you should talk to your landlord before you sign any papers.
I should mention a question I often hear from travelers. Can you take dogs to araluen? I must tell you that information about Araluen is not in my sources. I searched the documents and they only talk about Azerbaijan. You might want to check rules for that specific place separately.
Shopping and Health Care for Pets
You do not have to worry about supplies. Baku has many pet stores. You can find one in almost every district. They sell food, cages, and toys. Some popular shops are Pet Point, Royal Canin Petshop, and Xatiko Zooboutique.
If your dog gets sick, there are good vets. Alfavet is a well-known clinic in Baku. They have professional staff who speak English. They can also help you with the papers you need to take your dog out of the country. You must get an export permit 1 to 2 days before your flight.
The State Veterinary Department is the main office for animal rules. They handle vaccinations and microchipping. They are located in the 8th Mikrorayon in Baku. If someone has a problem with your pet, they might call the police. The police then tell the State Veterinary Department, and you might get a fine.
FAQ
Are dogs allowed in Azerbaijan?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the country. However, you must follow strict rules to bring them inside. Every dog needs a Veterinary Certificate signed no more than 15 days before the trip. Additionally, your pet must have a rabies shot at least 30 days before you arrive. Families living in apartments can only keep one dog and two cats by law.
What to avoid in Azerbaijan?
First of all, avoid giant hogweed in the mountains because the juice causes terrible skin burns. Later, be careful in Baku near the Heydar Aliyev Center. Two packs of about eight stray dogs live there and sometimes attack pets. Plus, do not try to bring pigeons into the country because they are prohibited.
What is the 3-3-3 rule with dogs?
It usually refers to the three stages of a dog’s adjustment to a new home: three days to feel overwhelmed, three weeks to learn a routine, and three months to feel at home.
What is the 7 second rule for dogs?
People often use it to see if the ground is too hot for paws. You place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog.
Final Thoughts on My Journey
Is Azerbaijan the most dog-friendly place on earth? No. It has many rules and some people are not used to pets in public. Azerbaijan was even called a poor performer in the Voiceless Animal Cruelty Index in 2017 because it lacks strong protection laws.
However, the country is changing. More cafes are opening their doors to pets. The parks are wide and beautiful. The people I met were often kind and curious about my dog. If you are prepared and follow the rules, you can have a great time.
First of all, get your papers ready. Later, choose an airline that fits your needs. Finally, enjoy the mountains and the sea with your best friend.
Traveling with a dog in Azerbaijan is like walking through a beautiful but thorny garden. You must watch your step and follow the paths, but the flowers you find along the way are unlike anything else in the world.
