I just returned from the most wonderful trip with my furry best friend. People often ask me, is Slovakia dog friendly? The answer is a big, happy yes! Dog Friendly Holidays in Košice, Slovakia, are not just possible; they are a total blast. I spent weeks exploring this beautiful city. A city of gold. A place of history. A perfect spot for a dog. I want to share my journey so you can plan your own kosice slovakia holiday.
First Steps for Your Trip
You must prepare before you leave. First of all, the rules for entry are very important. Every dog needs a microchip. This chip must be put in before the rabies vaccine. You must have a valid EU pet passport or a health certificate. The rabies shot must be done at least 21 days before you arrive. Additionally, check the expiration dates on your certificates. It is better to be safe. Gradually, you will get all the papers ready.
Though some people worry about breed rules, Slovakia does not have a nationwide ban on specific breeds. However, some local regions might have their own rules for breeds like Pit Bulls. These dogs might need a muzzle or a special permit in public. Therefore, you should check your specific destination. Similarly, if you travel from outside the EU, you might need a rabies antibody test. This can take three months to process. Plus, you must enter through specific “travelers’ points of entry.”
Getting to the City
Kosice holiday planning starts with how to get there. The city is in the eastern part of the country. It has an international airport. It also has great train links. I drove from Bratislava. The drive took about four and a half hours. Later, I found out that a drive from Budapest only takes three hours.
First of all, car rentals are quite cheap. I found a rental at the Bratislava airport for a very low price. Additionally, many agencies allow pets if you pay a cleaning fee. This fee usually costs between €20 and €60. On top of that, an SUV is a great choice if you have a big dog or want to go to the mountains.
Finding a Place to Sleep
A dog hotel kosice is easy to find because there are over 200 pet-friendly hotels in the city. I stayed at a few different spots. First of all, Hotel Yasmin is a top choice. It is very close to outdoor spaces for walks. Similarly, the DoubleTree by Hilton is right in the center. It is perfect for walking to parks. A night there starts at about $90.
However, I really loved Hotel Rokoko. It is a 3-star hotel in the Old Town. It has a beautiful garden. They even left water bowls in my room! The staff is very friendly and speaks English. Though the furniture is a bit old, the location is perfect. It is only 1.7 km from the city center. A room there costs about $59 per day. Additionally, they charge a small fee of 10 EURO per pet, per night.
Other great options include:
- Hotel Ambassador: A high-standard hotel in a central location.
- TeleDom Hotel: They provide dog mats and beds for a small fee of 5€.
- Penzión Grand: A very welcoming place with a minor pet fee of 3 euros.
- Hotel Muza: They allow dogs of any size for no additional fee!
If you prefer a home feel, check Airbnb. There are about 150 vacation rentals in Košice-Staré Mesto that allow pets. Gradually, you will find the perfect one. Many have private gardens or large terraces. Finally, some even have hot tubs!
Exploring the Streets
The historical center of Košice is the largest in Slovakia. It is very easy to walk with a dog. First of all, you must visit Main Street, or Hlavná ulica. It is a long pedestrian zone. No cars. Just happy walkers.
You will see the St. Elisabeth Cathedral. It is the largest church in the country. It is a gothic masterpiece. Additionally, you can see the Singing Fountain. The water jets move to music! It is even more beautiful at night with colorful lights. My dog loved watching the water.
Later, we walked to the Immaculata plague pillar. It was built in the 1720s. It honors the end of a plague. Similarly, the Beggar’s House is very picturesque. A mural on the house tells a story of a beggar who became rich. Therefore, history is everywhere you look.
Where to Eat with Fido
I was worried about restaurants. In Slovakia, it can be a hit-or-miss situation. However, I found many places that say yes to dogs. About 47 top-ranked restaurants in the country allow dogs inside. First of all, you must try Kaviareň Slávia. It is an Art Nouveau building from 1900. The interior is decorative and beautiful.
Another gem is Villa Regia. It is in the heart of the city on Dominikánské Square. I tried the authentic East Slovak máčanka. It was delicious! The staff is very attentive to details. Similarly, SEVEN Café in the City Park is a great experience. It is in a historical monument from 1909. Finally, OhniskO Fire Dining & Brew Bar is a must. They use fire, smoke, and fermentation. They even grill eel and oysters! Plus, it is very dog-friendly.
Here is a quick list of other dog-friendly spots:
- Soupculture: They serve soup in edible bread cups. No waste!
- Café Racine: A quiet spot in a charming courtyard.
- Pub u Kohúta: A large beer garden perfect for al-fresco dining.
- Tabačka Kulturfabrik: A cool, modern cultural center.
- Dobré časy: Great for beer lovers.
On the contrary, keep in mind that many places only allow dogs in outdoor areas. Therefore, always ask the staff before you walk in. If you have trouble, head to a shopping mall. Most malls in Košice allow dogs inside, even in the food courts!
Fun Events for Dogs
There are always dog events happening in Košice. First of all, check the calendar for the DOGFESTIVAL Veľká Ida. It is a long weekend full of shows and nature trips. Similarly, the Dog’s Planet center often has training races.
In January 2026, there will be HOOPers training races. Additionally, in February 2026, there is a Valentine’s training race. If your dog is smart, try the Nosework tests. There is even a workshop with Kačkou Suchovskou in May 2026. Gradually, your dog can become a pro!
Nature and Hiking Adventures
Slovakia is a paradise for outdoor lovers. First of all, you must visit Slovak Paradise National Park, or Slovenský raj. It is only about an hour from the city. Though it is small, it has 300 km of trails. About 90% of the park is forest. This means lots of shade for your dog.
I hiked to Tomášovský výhľad. It is a sheer cliff with amazing views. However, you must keep your dog on a leash near the edge! The walk is only 35 minutes from the car park. On top of that, Havrania skala offers some of the best views in the park. Gradually, we climbed up to see the caves.
Another great hike is Zádielska tiesňava. It is a deep canyon with massive rock walls. The climate is very cool and pleasant in the summer. Similarly, Kojšovská hoľa is wonderful. It has a wide-open meadow at the top. You can see the High Tatras from there!
Though the High Tatras are famous, be careful. New rules say dogs are not allowed in high-altitude areas. They are limited to designated trail sections and paved roads. Therefore, check the TANAP website before you go. Similarly, in the Low Tatras, dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a leash. Plus, do not let your dog chase the wildlife like marmots or chamois.
Other Fun Spots
If you want a break from hiking, visit the Košice Zoo. It is huge! Over 288 hectares. It has more than 150 species of animals. The best part is that you can take your dog to the ZOO! It is a great experience for everyone.
Additionally, you can visit Spiš Castle. It is a UNESCO site and one of the largest castles in Europe. Dogs are allowed inside the castle ruins. They just cannot go into the enclosed museum parts. Finally, the Betliar Manor has a beautiful English park. It is perfect for a relaxing walk.
For a unique sight, go to the Herľany geyser. It erupts every 32-34 hours. The water sprays up to 20 meters high! Gradually, the pressure builds and then—pop! It lasts for about 25 minutes.
Using Public Transport
You can get around the city easily without a car. First of all, dogs are allowed on buses and trams. Small animals in a carrier travel for free. Larger dogs need a discounted ticket. In Košice, a large dog ticket is about €1.50.
However, there are rules. All dogs must be on a short leash and wear a muzzle. You should also ask the driver for permission before you board. Similarly, on trains, dogs are allowed in 2nd class. They are not allowed in 1st class or dining cars. Large dogs usually pay a half-price fare.
If you need a taxi, notify the driver in advance. Not all drivers allow dogs. Uber and Bolt also operate in Košice and are very cheap. You might need to select a pet-friendly vehicle in the app.
Health and Emergencies
I always worry about my dog getting sick on holiday. First of all, you should know about the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy (UVLF) in Košice. It is the only veterinary school in Slovakia! Therefore, the city has many experts.
The Small Animal Clinic at the university has an emergency service. It is open non-stop! You can call them at +421 905 579 559. Additionally, there are many private clinics in the city. A consultation usually costs between €40 and €150. Gradually, you will feel more relaxed knowing help is near.
Plus, there are many pet shops like Fera or Zoofachmarkt. They sell food, medicine, and accessories. If your dog needs special meds, bring a prescription. Slovak pharmacies carry basic pet medicines.
Important Numbers and Stats
To keep you organized, here are some numbers:
- Emergency Number: 112
- University Vet Emergency: +421 905 579 559
- Population of Košice: ~240,000
- Dog Ownership in Slovakia: ~30% of households
- Waste Disposal Fines: €30 to €300
Etiquette and Rules
Slovaks love dogs, but they expect them to behave. First of all, always pick up after your pet. Poop bags and bins are common. Additionally, keep your dog leashed in the city and parks. Some people might stare if your dog is off-leash.
Similarly, in restaurants, your dog should stay on the floor. Not on chairs or tables! Though it seems obvious, it is good to remember. Finally, avoid peak commute times on public transport. It makes everyone more comfortable.
A Professional Hand
If you need a break for a day, you can find a pet sitter. I found a vet student named Asavari on PetBacker. She has clinical experience and loves dogs. She can walk your dog for 30-45 minutes several times a day. A night of boarding starts at about EUR 15. Gradually, your dog will make a new friend. Additionally, some hotels offer pet-sitting services if you ask the concierge.
Summary of My Trip
My kosice holiday was better than I expected. A city of history. A land of nature. A place for friendship. The people were patient and kind. Though the laws can be strict, they help protect the animals and the environment.
First of all, the food was a highlight. I will never forget the taste of that máčanka at Villa Regia. Similarly, the view from Tomášovský výhľad took my breath away. My dog was tired but very happy every single day.
Therefore, do not wait. Pack your bags. Grab the leash. Head to Slovakia. Finally, your dog will thank you with a big wagging tail!
Tips for a Great Holiday
- Wear hiking boots: The terrain in Slovak Paradise is rough and rocky.
- Bring a muzzle: You need it for buses and some parks.
- Carry water: Some viewpoints do not have shops near them.
- Use Google Maps: It is great for navigation in the city.
- Learn basic Slovak: Phrases like Prosím (Please) and Ďakujem (Thank you) go a long way.
Gradually, you will see that is Slovakia dog friendly is a question with a very easy answer. It is a haven for us and our pets. On top of that, it is much cheaper than cities like Vienna or Prague. Therefore, you can stay longer and see more!
Kosice slovakia holiday is waiting for you. A world of adventure. A journey of joy. Finally, I hope this guide helps you have the best time ever. Safe travels to you and your pup!
FAQ
Where is the best place to holiday with a dog?
Slovakia is a wonderful choice because it is very welcoming to pets and has a strong outdoor culture. The country offers thousands of pet-friendly trails in places like the High Tatras.
Can I leave my dog alone in a hotel room?
Yes, some places like Hotel Múza in Košice allow pets to be left unattended in the rooms. You should always check the specific policy of your hotel before you do this.
Which European country is most dog friendly?
Slovakia is a great European pet destination because many hotels, restaurants, and public transport options welcome well-behaved animals. It is also much more affordable than neighbors like Vienna or Prague.
Where to travel in Europe with a dog?
Central Europe is a top region to visit. Slovakia is a charming and affordable option that offers beautiful natural scenery and a wealth of history.
What is required to take a dog to Europe?
Every dog needs a microchip put in before they get a rabies vaccine. You must have a current rabies shot given at least 21 days before you travel. You also need a valid EU pet passport or a health certificate from an official vet.
Which country treats dogs the best?
Slovakia treats dogs very well by allowing them in many public spaces, including some shopping malls and food courts.
Concluding words
Košice is a perfect spot for travelers who want to bring their dogs. The city has over 200 pet-friendly hotels and many restaurants that allow animals. You can visit historical sites or take a walk in the large local zoo with your pet. Slovakia is a very welcoming country for pets and offers many outdoor adventures. You should prepare your documents early to ensure a stress-free trip.
