I walked into a warm, cozy cafe in Prague on a freezing winter day. Snow covered the streets outside. Suddenly, a man walked in with a large dog on a leash. I heard a loud “woof” from a table nearby. Another dog was already sitting there! It was at that moment I realized how much people here love their pets.
The dog friendly Czech Republic is not just a travel destination. It is a paradise for people like us who want to take our furry best friends everywhere.
You might think I am joking when I say this country is a dog superpower. I am not. There are about 2.2 million dogs in this beautiful country. That is a huge number! To give you an idea, there are twice as many dogs as there are children under ten years old here. If you walk down a random street, there is a 50% chance the person you meet has a pet at home. About 43% of households own at least one dog.
They do not just keep them in gardens to guard the house. No. They treat them like family members. They even let them sleep in their beds!
Traveling in the Czech Republic with a Dog
You need to know the rules before you pack your bags. If you come from another EU country, things are simple. Your dog needs a working microchip, a valid rabies vaccine, and an EU pet passport. Do not forget that the rabies shot must happen at least 21 days before you cross the border.
Are you coming from the United States? The paperwork is a bit more work. Your dog must have an ISO-compliant microchip. This chip usually has 15 digits. A vet must scan this chip before giving any rabies shots. There is a big difference between a primary and a booster shot here. A primary shot is the very first one after the chip is in. It is only valid for one year under EU rules. You must get a booster within that year for it to count as a multi-year vaccine.
You will also need an EU health certificate. An accredited vet must sign this. Then, the USDA must stamp it. If you travel with your pet, use the non-commercial certificate. It is valid for 30 days after the vet signs it. You must arrive in the EU within 10 days of the USDA stamp. If your dog travels alone, it is considered commercial trade. That requires a clinical exam within 24 hours before departure.
I find it helpful to keep all documents in a safe folder. You never know when a hotel or a train conductor might ask to see them. Better safe than sorry!
Dog-Friendly Cities in the Czech Republic
Prague is the star of the show. It is often called one of the most dog-friendly cities in the entire world. You can take your dog to Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and even the Prague Zoo. It is incredible. You can spend seven hours at the zoo with your pup! A dog ticket there costs 100 CZK.
Brno is another gem. It is a city that loves dogs so much they even have startups making 3D-printed wheelchairs for disabled pups. Dogs are welcome in most cafes and restaurants there. They even get served a bowl of water automatically. You can even take your dog to a cinema like the Scala in Brno, though they have to sit on the floor while you watch the movie.
Do not skip South Bohemia. It is perfect for a five-day road trip. You can visit towns like Třeboň and Český Krumlov. Karlovy Vary is a famous spa town that is also great for pets. Most of its best sights are outdoors. You can walk along the river or hike in the hills. Olomouc and Ostrava are also very welcoming.
Dog-friendly accommodations in the Czech Republic
Finding a place to stay is easy. Most places in the country allow dogs. In Prague, about 49% of hotels on booking sites are pet-friendly. In Karlovy Vary, that number jumps to 75%! You might have to pay an extra fee. I once paid 15 Euro extra at a hotel near Prague.
Here are some specific spots in Prague I recommend:
- Hotel Josef.
- Hotel Bookquet.
- Dům u velké boty (House at the Big Boot). It is a family-run B&B right under Prague Castle.
- Hotel Maximilian.
- Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa. This one is a beautiful baroque hotel.
- Mandarin Oriental Prague. It is a fancy place built in an old monastery.
If you want something unique, head to South Bohemia. I loved the Teepee Na vrchu. It is a teepee! Even a Golden Retriever named Ollie found it delightful. Some hotels might ask you to keep your dog out of the breakfast room. That is fair. I usually just have breakfast in the room or find a nearby cafe with outdoor seating.
Dog-friendly dining in the Czech Republic
Eating out with a dog is a dream here. Many restaurants and bars allow dogs inside. You will see “dog bars” everywhere. These are just bowls of water sitting outside shops and cafes. If you see one, it is a good sign the place likes dogs.
If you are in Prague and want a fancy meal, try these:
- Čestr. It is a top steakhouse near the National Museum.
- Kantýna. They serve amazing meat in an old bank building.
- Kampa Park. You can sit by the water with a view of Charles Bridge.
- Aromi. This is a great Italian spot.
- Pivovar Eggenberg in Český Krumlov. It is an old brewery where dogs can join you.
I also like casual spots like Bistro Karel near the Prague Zoo or Letná beer garden. In Brno, dogs are so common in cafes that they are basically regular customers. Some places might ask you to keep the dog on the floor. Never let your dog sit on the chairs.
Dog-friendly things to do in the Czech Republic
There is so much to see! You can walk across the Charles Bridge in Prague. I suggest going before 9 am to avoid the huge crowds. It is much more peaceful for your dog then. You can also explore the grounds of Prague Castle. Dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle there. They cannot go inside the historical buildings or churches, but the courtyards are huge and beautiful.
Karlštejn Castle is another great trip. It is only 40 minutes from Prague. Dogs can walk around the castle grounds with you. In the east, Lednice Park has a giant lake and beautiful fall colors.
Do you love hiking? The Adršpach Rock City is like a maze of giant stones. It is a bit of a workout with steep stairs and narrow gaps. Your dog must stay on a leash there. If you want to go high, try Sněžka. It is the highest mountain in the country at 1,602 meters. You can take a cable car to the top! Your dog will need a muzzle for the lift.
In the winter, North Bohemia is a snowy paradise. You can hike the Jeschken Ridge or visit the Jizera Mountains. The views are amazing. Your dog will love jumping in the snow!
Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in the Czech Republic
I have found that many campsites are very open to pets. It is a great way to save money and stay close to nature. In the Bavarian Forest National Park area (which sits on the border), there are youth campsites and partners that welcome dogs. South Bohemia is also a top spot for camping near forests and ponds.
Dog-friendly beaches/lakes in the Czech Republic
There are no strict “dog-only” beaches here like in some other countries. Most lakes and ponds are for everyone.
- Svět Pond in Třeboň. You can walk along the dam.
- Křišťanovice Pond. It is the highest pond in the country. People and dogs both swim here.
- Boubín Lake. A peaceful walk through the forest leads you right to it.
- Černá Nisa reservoir in the Jizera Mountains. There are many spots where dogs can jump into the crystal water.
Dog-friendly public transport in the Czech Republic
Public transport is very dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed on buses, trams, the metro, and trains.
In Prague, dogs travel for free! You just need to make sure they wear a muzzle and stay on a short leash. If you have a small dog in a carrier (smaller than 70 x 45 x 25 cm), they are also free.
Trains are also very cheap. The main company is České dráhy (ČD).
- Small dogs in carriers (up to 90 x 60 x 40 cm) travel for free.
- Larger dogs on a leash and muzzle need a ticket.
- For trips up to 150 km, the ticket is only 30 CZK (about $1.30).
- For trips over 150 km, it is 50 CZK (about $2.15). You can buy these tickets in the MujVlak app or at the station. Remember, dogs are usually only allowed in 2nd class. They cannot go into the restaurant car.
Be careful with “R” trains (Rychlik). They are fast trains but can be noisy and have steep steps that are hard for dogs to climb. The doors also do not open automatically, which is a pain if you are holding a leash and a bag.
Practical tips for dog friendly travel in the Czech Republic
You should always carry a muzzle. Even if you do not use it, many buses and trains require it. It is a very common sight here. I saw a Miniature Dachshund named Schnitzel wearing one, and he did not look too happy, but it is the rule!
Pick up the poop! The cities are very clean. Prague provides paper bags and special bins for dog waste. If you do not clean up after your dog, you can get a big fine. Some people say the waste is even used to power the city, which is pretty cool if true!
If you are renting an apartment, know your rights. A landlord cannot forbid you from having a dog by law. Even if the contract says “no pets,” that part has no legal power. However, you must make sure your dog does not bother the neighbors with noise or smells.
There are also seven national dog breeds in the Czech Republic. My favorites are:
- Prague Ratter. One of the smallest dogs in the world.
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. It looks exactly like a wolf!
- Bohemian Shepherd. A very smart and active dog.
If your pup gets sick, do not worry. There are about 4,000 veterinarians in the country. Many in Prague speak great English. You can find 24-hour clinics like Veterinární klinika Erika.
The Czech Republic is a place where dogs are not just tolerated. They are celebrated. From the “dog bars” on the sidewalks to the cheap train tickets, every part of the country makes it easy to explore with your best friend. Pack that leash and go!
A trip to the Czech Republic with your dog is like a long walk in a very large park where everyone wants to pet your dog and offer him a drink. It is a place that feels like home for both of you.
FAQ
Is the Czech Republic dog friendly?
Yes! It is a massive dog superpower. There are 2.2 million dogs in the country. You will find that 43% of households include at least one dog. People here often treat their pets like family members and even let them sleep in their beds.
Is Prague a dog friendly city?
Absolutely. It is a very pet-friendly city where you will see dogs everywhere. Prague often ranks very high on the lists of the best dog-friendly cities in the world.
Is Prague Castle dog friendly?
Yes. The grounds of the castle are 100% pet-friendly. Dogs can walk through the courtyards with you as long as they are on a short leash and wear a muzzle. You can visit from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m..
Can I bring my dog to Prague?
Yes, you can. You must follow the standard EU rules. Your pet needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccine, and an EU pet passport or health certificate.
Are dogs allowed in Prague Zoo?
Yes. You can take your dog to the zoo for a ticket price of 100 CZK. The zoo even provides water stations and poop bags for your furry friend.
Why are dogs in Prague so well behaved?
They learn to be good early in life. Owners take them into public places like cafes and parks from a young age. This creates a cycle where well-trained dogs are welcome, so they get even more practice being social.
Are dogs allowed on trams in Prague?
Yes, they are. Dogs can travel on all trams and the metro. The best part is that dogs travel for free within the city limits.
What is 7 hours for a dog?
A well-trained dog can spend seven hours exploring the Prague Zoo and still have enough energy to be excited for the next animal enclosure.
Concluding Words
The dog friendly Czech Republic is a dream for any pet owner who loves to travel. You will find that dogs are welcome in cafes, restaurants, and even the zoo. Public transport is cheap or even free for your pup. With over 2 million dogs in the country, the local people will treat your best friend like a star.
You can hike through sandstone rocks or walk across the Charles Bridge together. This country is a true paradise for dogs and their humans. Pack your bags and bring your muzzle. Your pup is waiting for this adventure!
