I have spent the last three months exploring the most beautiful corners of the continent with my golden retriever, Luna. We took twenty-seven trains and ate more treats than I can count. Many people ask me, is Europe dog friendly? My answer is a loud yes. However, not every town treats a furry guest the same way. I have created this guide to help you find the 15 Best Dog Friendly european towns and cities based on my real adventures.
First of all, you must know that a europe vacation with dog is easier than you might think. Most of the dog friendly countries in europe have systems that make life with a pet feel like a dream. I tested twelve major cities and several small towns to see which one is truly the best. I used seven categories to score them, including hotels, cafes, parks, and public transport.
- Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is the ultimate winner of my journey. It is not just dog-friendly; it is dog-perfect. The city scores a 9.5 out of 10 in my ranking.
The balance between nature and city life here is unmatched. I took Luna to Strandbad Mythenquai, which is a public swimming area on Lake Zurich. Dogs can swim freely right next to humans in crystal-clear water. This is rare. On top of that, the public transport is the best I have ever seen. Dogs can ride on all trains, trams, buses, and even boats. A day pass for your dog costs only 3.40 CHF, which is about 3.50 Euro.
The streets are immaculate. You will find dog poop bags everywhere. The Swiss people take cleanliness very seriously. Additionally, you can reach the Alps in just thirty minutes by train for world-class hiking. Zurich is expensive, though. A sandwich can cost 15 Euro, and a hotel room is often between 150 and 250 Euro per night. But the quality matches the high price.
- Paris, France
Paris is often called the city of love, but it is also a poodle’s paradise. My dog lived her best life here.
The cafe culture is incredible. I sat at Café de Flore with Luna, and the waiters brought her water before I even asked. Shopkeepers often offer treats to dogs who walk through their doors. However, the Metro can be a challenge. It is often packed like sardines, which is not fun with a large dog.
The parks are beautiful. I suggest you visit Jardin du Luxembourg or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont for a daily stroll. These places make a walk feel like a scene from a movie. Plus, if you want to be fancy, you can take your dog to the grounds of a castle like Château de Chenonceau in the nearby Loire Valley. Paris is almost perfect, but the heat in the summer can be tough since air conditioning is limited.
- Munich, Germany
Munich is the outdoorsy friend of European cities. It is the best place if you love beer gardens and massive parks.
I visited the Englischer Garten, which is one of the largest urban parks in the whole world. Luna swam in the Eisbach River while I enjoyed a pretzel from a waiter who said, “Für den Hund!”. Additionally, Bavarian law states that all beer gardens must allow dogs. This makes it so easy to grab a drink and a meal with your best friend.
Public transport is also very fair. Dogs can travel on all Munich transit for just 1.50 Euro. If you want to see the mountains, you can take a one-hour train ride to the Alps for endless hiking trails. Therefore, Munich is an ideal spot for active dogs.
- London, United Kingdom
Britain is a nation of dog lovers. I found that London has some of the best urban parks in existence.
Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are massive and offer plenty of off-leash space. I walked Luna to a dog-friendly pub for a Sunday roast, and the staff gave her a “puppuccino” made of whipped cream. On top of that, dogs ride for free on the Tube and city buses. This saves a lot of money because London is very expensive.
Hotels can cost between 120 and 200 Euro per night. Gradually, you will notice that the city is very busy. But the pet culture is so strong that you will always feel welcome. Also, remember that you will need a tapeworm treatment from a vet before you enter the UK.
- Berlin, Germany
Berlin is the cool, artsy city where you can bring your dog almost anywhere. It is one of the most dog-friendly cities in europe.
The city has huge open spaces. I spent a Sunday at Tempelhofer Feld, which is an old airport turned into a giant park. There is so much room for dogs to run. Later, we went to Grunewald Forest, where there is a lake specifically for dogs to swim.
The locals love big dogs. My friend bruit666 on Reddit moved there with a 95-pound dog and said it was an improvement over North America. Dogs can go into most bars, cafes, and even some museums. You do need to buy a dog ticket for the trains, though. Finally, be careful in the winter because Berlin gets very cold.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is very relaxed. The attitude is that of course a dog is welcome.
I rented a boat to explore the canals, and Luna was able to sit right next to me. Similarly, you can rent a bike with a basket or a box to pedal through the streets like a local. Vondelpark is the most famous spot for dogs to socialize in the center of the city.
Dogs are as common as bicycles here. You can take them on trams for free or for a very small fee. However, I must warn you about the canals. They are not fenced. Luna almost jumped in after a duck, which was very scary. Keep a leash on your dog near the water if they love to hunt.
- Rome, Italy
Romans are obsessed with dogs. I could not walk one hundred meters without someone stopping to scratch Luna’s head.
I ate at a small restaurant in Trastevere, and the owner brought Luna a bowl of water and a plate of prosciutto. He told me, “È famiglia!” which means she is family. Additionally, you can find “gelato per cani” at many ice cream shops.
The city is mostly stone and very hot in July and August. I had to wake up at 5 AM to see the sites before the ground became too hot for Luna’s paws. Therefore, the best time to visit is in the spring or fall. Villa Borghese is the best park for some shade and green space.
- Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a dream destination for a sun-loving dog. It has a great mix of beach life and historic sites.
Playa de Llevant is a dedicated dog beach that stays open all year. Plus, you can walk through Parc de la Ciutadella and see street musicians while your dog plays in the grass. On the contrary, most city beaches have restrictions during the summer months.
Many tapas bars welcome dogs on their terraces. This is the perfect way to spend an evening. Gradually, you will see that Catalans treat pets like true family members. Just watch out for the heat and use dog-safe sunscreen.
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a very happy place for pets. The infrastructure is built for bikes and walking.
I rented a Christiania bike, which is a cargo bike with a box in the front. Luna sat in the box while we cycled past the Little Mermaid. It was her favorite part of the trip. Also, the city has beautiful beaches like Amager Strandpark where dogs can run for free.
The cost of living here is high. A coffee can be 6 Euro, and a hotel room is often 150 Euro or more. Though it is expensive, the transport system is nearly perfect for dogs.
- Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has colorful streets and a very warm culture. The people here adore dogs.
I took a twenty-minute train ride to Cascais beach, where Luna swam in the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the city has a massive forest called Monsanto Forest Park with miles of off-leash trails.
The city is built on seven hills. My legs felt like jelly after walking Luna up to the castle. Therefore, you should be prepared for a workout. Plus, some neighborhoods like Alfama are very dog-friendly and charming.
- Vienna, Austria
Vienna is very elegant and clean. It has more than one thousand parks.
The coffee house culture is legendary. I sat in Café Central with Luna at my feet while a string quartet played. It was a very formal but welcoming experience. However, the rules for transport are strict. Dogs over 40 cm need a muzzle and a ticket that costs half the price of an adult fare.
Donauinsel, or Dog Island, is a paradise for off-leash play. It is one of the largest green spaces in the city. Finally, Vienna is a safe and refined choice for any traveler with a pet.
- Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is the best city for travelers on a budget. It is a fairy-tale town with Gothic buildings and low prices.
Hotels can be found for as little as 40 to 70 Euro per night. Letná Park has a huge area where dogs can run off their leashes. The view from the park over the river is stunning. On top of that, some castles like Vyšehrad allow dogs to explore the grounds with you.
At that time, I noticed that dog-friendliness is not always consistent. Some restaurants have “no dogs” signs on the door. You also must use a muzzle on the Metro and trams. But for the price, it is hard to beat.
- Rovinj, Croatia
Rovinj is one of the most charming towns in the Istria region. It is a perfect seaside escape for you and your dog.
The town has a fantastic spot called Borik Beach. It is a pebbled bay surrounded by pine trees. The beach is about 200 meters long, so there is plenty of room for your dog to play. Additionally, the descent into the water is very steady and safe for pets.
Croatia is generally dog-friendly, but you must look for the “dogs allowed” signs on beaches. If you go to a beach where dogs are not allowed, you could face a heavy fine. ** لذلك**, stay in Rovinj to find the best amenities for your furry friend.
- Lucca, Italy
Lucca is a hidden gem in Tuscany. It is a town surrounded by massive stone walls from the Renaissance.
The top of the walls is a giant, grassy park where people walk, bike, and run. Luna loved meeting other dogs on the wide paths. Also, the town is very flat, which is a nice break from the hills of Lisbon or Rome. We went to fancy restaurants, and nobody batted an eye at my large dog.
Similarly, you can take day trips by train to Pisa or Montecatini very easily. Your dog can just sit on your lap or at your feet.
- Sarteano, Italy
Sarteano is a small medieval village where dogs are treated like locals. It is the perfect place to experience “la dolce vita” with your pet.
I actually took Luna to the theatre here! In nearby Chiusi, we even went to the cinema together. It is incredible how much these small towns include dogs in daily life. Plus, there is a dog photographer in the area if you want a professional memory.
Additionally, you can visit the nearby lakes like Lake of Bolsena for a splashy swim. This area is full of wineries and agriturismi that have big gardens and lots of shade.
Is Europe pet friendly? A Guide to Logistics
You need to be prepared before you start your europe vacation with dog. Every country has rules that you must follow to keep everyone safe and happy.
First of all, you must have an EU Pet Passport. This document is issued by a vet and contains your dog’s microchip number and rabies vaccination history. Additionally, the rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before you travel. If you are coming from a country with a high risk of rabies, you might even need a blood test to prove your dog has the right antibodies.
Traveling by Train
Trains are the best way to see the continent. Most European rail companies are very pet-accessible.
- Germany (DB): Small dogs in a carrier go for free. Larger dogs need a ticket that costs about half of a regular fare.
- France (SNCF): Small dogs pay about 7 Euro. Larger dogs often pay 50% of a second-class ticket.
- Switzerland (SBB): You usually need a ticket that is 50% of a child’s fare.
- Italy (Trenitalia): Small dogs in a carrier are free. Large dogs are usually just 5 Euro.
On top of that, you should always bring a muzzle with you. Even if your dog is friendly, a train conductor might ask you to put it on during a busy ride.
Understanding Your Dog’s Language
A busy trip can be stressful for a pet. You should know the “4 Fs” of how dogs react to threats: Freeze, Fiddle about, Flight, and Fight.
If your dog stands still and will not move, they might be freezing because they are scared. If they start jumping or biting their leash frantically, they might be “fiddling about” to hide their stress. Therefore, you should give them a break and move to a quiet area if you see these signs. Gradually, your dog will learn to handle the new sights and sounds of the city.
Important Tips for the Road
- Bring enough water: Some beaches and parks do not have taps. Always carry a collapsible bowl.
- Pack kibble: Small shops in tourist areas might not sell the brand of food your dog likes.
- Check the ground: Stone streets in cities like Dubrovnik or Rome get very hot and can burn paws.
- Safety first: Be careful around autonomous vehicles or delivery robots in smart cities. Some dogs get very anxious when they see a machine moving without a human.
FAQ
- What is the most dog friendly city in Europe?
- Zurich, Switzerland is the highest-ranked dog-friendly city, scoring exceptionally well in public transit, park quality, and general pet culture.
- Where to go in Europe with a dog?
- Top destinations include Paris for its café culture, Munich and Berlin for urban green spaces, and the South of France or Croatia for beautiful beaches.
- Where is the best place to live in Europe with dogs?
- Zurich is considered ideal for living due to its clean streets, efficient transit, and balance between city life and nature. Berlin is also a strong choice for its vast off-leash areas like Tempelhofer Feld.
- Which city is the most dog friendly?
- Zurich holds the top position because it is one of the only cities to score 9+ out of 10 in nearly every category, including nature access and transport.
- Which country is kindest to animals?
- Switzerland is widely regarded as the kindest due to its strict animal welfare legislation and constitutional protections for “higher animals”.
- Which country loves dogs most?
- Italy is famously described as a nation that adores its dogs, often treating them like family members even in high-end restaurants and shops.
- Is Portugal dog friendly?
- Yes, Portugal is dog-friendly, particularly in towns like Ericeira and Lagos, though some island regions like São Miguel may have more restrictive attitudes.
- Is Italy or Spain more dog friendly?
- Italy is generally more dog-friendly than Spain; while Italians welcome dogs in most indoor spaces, Spain often restricts dogs from city beaches and certain long-distance trains.
- What is the 3 month rule in Europe?
- In Switzerland, if a dog is kept alone in a crate or kennel with limited daily contact, it may only be kept in that isolated state for a maximum of three months.
- What is the easiest country to travel with a dog?
- Germany and Switzerland are the easiest countries to navigate because dogs are widely permitted on all forms of public transportation and in most restaurants.
- Where is the cheapest and nicest place to live in Europe?
- Prague is the best option for budget-conscious dog owners, offering beautiful gothic scenery and affordable hotels despite inconsistent café policies.
- What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
- The Dolomites in Italy offer world-class hiking, while Paris provides the ultimate VIP experience for dogs in luxury hotels and cafes.
Concluding words
Europe offers an incredible variety of dog-friendly towns that cater to both urban explorers and nature enthusiasts. From the alpine perfection of Zurich to the coastal paradises in Croatia and Portugal, travelers can find welcoming environments with inclusive public transit and extensive green spaces.
Whether you prefer the relaxed café culture of Paris or the scenic hiking trails of the Italian Dolomites, these top 15 destinations ensure your furry friend is treated as a valued companion throughout your journey.
