I spent many weeks planning my dream trip with my four-legged best friend. St. Petersburg is pet friendly!. I discovered that this city is a place where history and modern life meet in a beautiful way. You can find many spots to stay, play, and eat with your dog. Russia Saint Petersburg is a massive city with a population of more than 5 million people. It sits on 42 islands in the Neva River delta. I found that Dog Friendly Holidays in St. Petersburg, Russia are totally possible if you prepare well. A historic city. A loyal friend. The perfect pair.
First of all, you must understand the legal side of things. Since December 27, 2018, animals in Russia have specific legal protections. The law now bans acts of abuse and prohibits the killing of stray animals. Instead, the law says stray cats and dogs must be captured, vaccinated, and released. People in the state have a duty to care for the mental and physical welfare of animals. Gradually, the culture is shifting to see pets as subjects of law with intrinsic worth.
The Essential Paperwork for Your Trip
Is St Petersburg dog friendly? It is, but you cannot just show up at the border. You need to follow strict rules for the import of cats and dogs. There is no mandatory quarantine for pets when you enter the Russian Federation. However, you must have several veterinary documents ready. You only need an international veterinary passport for up to two dogs. This passport must show that an official vet examined your pet within 14 days before your travel.
You must vaccinate your dog against rabies. This vaccine must be administered between 30 days and 12 months before you arrive. If it is the first time your dog gets the vaccine, you must wait at least 20 days after the shot before you can bring the animal into Russia. Additionally, your dog needs shots against canine distemper, hepatitis, viral enteritis, and leptospirosis. On top of that, I recommend an ISO Standard microchip. While microchips are not yet mandatory in Russia, they are required by almost every other country you might pass through.
Therefore, you should visit your vet early. I learned that you should de-worm your pet at least ten days before the rabies vaccination. Your documents should be in English or Russian. Documents in English are perfectly acceptable for Russian customs. If they are in another language, you must get them translated and notarized.
How to Fly with Your Dog
You have choices for how to fly. You can take your dog in the cabin or ship the animal as accompanied luggage. I suggest you avoid shipping your pet as cargo if you can. Clearing customs for cargo is a long and difficult process. Additionally, some airlines like Aeroflot now allow you to book a passenger seat for your dog. This service is for animals in a container that you place on the seat next to you.
The total weight of the container and the animal must not exceed 15 kilograms. A rigid container for a passenger seat should be no larger than 50x35x30 centimeters. You must pay the same fare as an adult passenger for this extra seat. You also must bring two waterproof diapers to cover the airplane seat. Make sure you request this service at least 36 hours before your flight.
When you arrive at the airport, you must visit the veterinary station. In Moscow, this registration costs about 400 Rubles per animal. The vet will stamp your health certificate and officially admit your pet. Later, if you need to leave Russia, you will need a Russian health certificate from a licensed vet. This certificate must be issued no more than three days before you leave. At the airport, you exchange it for an international certificate for about 500 Rubles.
Moving Around the City
Dog friendly things to do in st petersburg f1 often involve using the public transit system. The St. Petersburg metro is the deepest subway in the world. It has five lines and 69 stations. You can transport pets in cages for free in the metro. However, you must follow the rules. Smoking, eating, and drinking are forbidden in the subway.
You can also use regular buses, trams, and trolleys. Small dogs can ride on a leash and in a muzzle without a container. Large dogs must wear a muzzle and stay on a leash on the platform of the train carriage. You only get one large dog per carriage. You must pay an extra fee for your dog on these commuter trains.
Long-distance trains have different rules. You can only travel with a small domestic animal in a special compartment. You must pay an additional fare based on distance. The minimum fare is 239.5 Rubles for 10 kilometers. For long trips up to 5000 kilometers, the cost is 1323 Rubles. Large dogs require you to pay for all seats in a separate compartment. Plus, guide dogs for disabled people always travel for free as long as they have a muzzle and leash.
Finding the Perfect Pet-Friendly Hotel
I was happy to find that there are about 192 pet-friendly properties in the city. Many of these are high-quality dog friendly places in st pete.
First of all, the Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg is a top choice. It has a perfect review rating of 10.0. This hotel allows both dogs and cats in the City Centre. Additionally, the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace is very luxurious. They provide food and water bowls for your furry friends. This hotel is very close to Palace Square and the Alexander Garden.
If you want a more relaxed stay, try Hotel Vera. It has a rating of 9.4 and offers in-room amenities for pets. Similarly, Hotel Admiralteyskaya in the Kolomna neighborhood allows pets in guest rooms. It is near the Mariinsky Theatre. For a stress-free retreat, the Palantin Hotel in the Ekaterinhof District is another good option.
You should also look at the Nevsky Forum Hotel. They allow dogs of any size in specific rooms for no extra fee. If you prefer an apartment, the ERS Apartment allows two pets up to 30 kilograms. They do require a refundable deposit of 10,000 Rubles. Finally, Rezidens Potemkin is a pet-friendly bed and breakfast that allows dogs of any size for free.
Dining Out with Your Dog
You do not have to leave your pet alone while you eat. Many cafes and restaurants welcome dogs.
Bureau on Vasilyevsky Island is a great burger bar. You can bring a dog that is not taller than 40 centimeters. They serve burgers with classic, cheese, tomato, or rye buns. Similarly, PINCH! is a wine bar focused on Spanish food. They also have a 40-centimeter height limit for animals.
If you like healthy food, visit Californication. They serve California-style poke and bowls. They have stylish Scandinavian furniture and also welcome dogs up to 40 centimeters. For street food, I suggest Pita’s on Nevsky. They serve shawarmas and burritos. They allow small dogs to visit with their owners.
Additionally, Kroo Cafe is a French restaurant and pastry shop. They are very kind and will give your pet a treat and a bowl of water. You can enjoy lavender eclairs or Napoleon cake while your dog rests. Barslona on Rubinstein is another gastrobar that loves dogs. They only ask that the animal and owner are well-mannered.
For Asian food lovers, Yoda Noodle Bar is the place to be. The shop is actually named after a French bulldog named Yoda. They serve Pad Thai and egg noodles with pork. Jack&Chan also allows dogs and serves Asian dishes in a European style. On top of that, some places like Geographia do not technically allow dogs, but they will let you in if your animal can fit in a bag.
Best Parks and Outdoor Fun
Walking through the city is one of the best dog friendly things to do in st petersburg f1. You can start at the Peterhof Palace. The expansive gardens there allow dogs on leashes. You can walk past beautiful fountains and manicured grass. However, you must be careful because some specific parts of the Museum-Reserve strictly forbid animals. It is prohibited to visit the territory with dogs in many of the historic zones.
The Summer Garden is a serene oasis where pets can join you for a walk. It features lush greenery and beautiful sculptures. I also loved visiting Vasilievsky Island. It has charming buildings and many cozy cafes where you can relax with your pet.
Primorsky Victory Park on Krestovsky Island is a huge green area near the Gulf of Finland. It is a perfect place for your pet to feel comfortable. Gradually, you should make your way to the Gulf of Finland for a beach day with a view of the Baltic Sea. Another must-see is the courtyard of Gostiny Dvor on Nevsky. In the summer, they even open a dog park there. Benoit 1890 in the Kalininsky district is a public space with a real dog-friendly restaurant.
Local Pet Services and Health
If you need help during your holiday, the city has many services. PetBacker can help you find pet sitters, dog walkers, and boarding. They match you with trusted locals who can care for your dog in a cage-free home environment. This is often better than a pet hotel. You can even get photo and video updates of your dog while you are at a museum.
Therefore, do not worry if you need to visit a museum where dogs are not allowed. You can hire a sitter for a few hours. Additionally, the city has many veterinary clinics if your dog feels unwell. Vetus is a network of clinics that offers 24-hour service. They do vaccinations, surgeries, and dental work. Dr. Pet’s and Happy Pets are also excellent clinics in the city.
I must give you a serious warning about street safety. Russia has a problem with homeless dogs. Because of this, some people or animal control services might put poison on the ground. MAKE SURE your dog does not eat anything off the street. Always treat scraps on the ground as dangerous. Similarly, you should only give your dog filtered or boiled water. Do not let them drink from the tap.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
The climate in St. Petersburg is often damp and rainy. You should bring an umbrella and a windproof jacket. Therefore, think about your footwear. You might need waterproof shoes or warm boots with a non-slip sole. The weather changes very rapidly. From June to early July, you can experience the “White Nights” when the sky stays light for 24 hours.
You should always carry enough cash in Rubles. While Visa and MasterCard are often accepted, some cards like AMEX might have problems. Change your money at a bank or exchange office, never on the street. There are 24-hour currency exchange spots at 54 Nevsky Prospect and 130 Ligovsky Prospect.
If you need to call home, the international code for Russia is +7. The code for St. Petersburg is 812. To buy a local SIM card, you must present your passport. Main providers include Megafon, MTS, Beeline, and Tele2.
Useful Russian Phrases for Dog Owners
I found it helpful to know a few words in the local language. Most people are friendly, but a little Russian goes a long way.
- Hello: Zdrastvuyte (formal) or Privet (informal)
- Please: Pozhaluista
- Thank you: Spasibo
- Excuse me: Izvinite
- Where is…?: Gde nakhoditsya…?
- How much does this cost?: Skolko eto stoit?
- Food: Eda
- Water: Voda
- Dog (noun): Sobaka
- Stop here, please: Proshu, ostanovites zdes
Summary of My Experience
Dog Friendly Holidays in St. Petersburg, Russia are rewarding but require effort. You must handle the vaccinations and paperwork at least a month in advance. You should choose a hotel that welcomes your dog’s specific size. I suggest the City Centre for the best access to parks and cafes.
At that time, I was nervous about the flight, but using the passenger seat service made it much easier. My dog stayed calm because he was right next to me. Gradually, we both adjusted to the damp weather and the long walks. We explored Vasilievsky Island and ate at the Yoda Noodle Bar.
The city is beautiful. The people love their “kotiki” (cats), but they are becoming very welcoming to dogs too. Therefore, do not leave your best friend at home. Start your planning today. Russia is waiting for you both.
Statistical Data for Your Trip Planning
To help you plan, here is a quick look at the numbers I gathered:
- Pet-friendly hotels: 178 to 192 properties are available.
- Height limit for many cafes: 40 centimeters.
- Weight limit for Aeroflot seats: 15 kilograms including the container.
- Weight limit for standard cabin travel: Often 5 kilograms.
- Registration fee at airport: 400 Rubles.
- Export certificate fee: 500 Rubles.
- Metro stations: 69 stations across 5 lines.
- Wait time for vaccination entry: 20 to 30 days after the rabies shot.
- Train fare for pets: Starts at 239.5 Rubles for short trips.
- Apartment deposit: Can be around 10,000 Rubles.
Finally, remember to check the rules for each specific museum or park before you go. While the city is very open, places like Peterhof have very strict “no dog” zones to protect the historical sculptures. However, there is always a pet-friendly park nearby where you can spend a lovely afternoon. Enjoy your tour of this magnificent northern capital.
A world of culture. A wagging tail. Your best holiday yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit St. Petersburg?
June to early July is the best time because you can see the “White Nights”. July and August are also good since they are the hottest months with an average temperature of 60°F.
What to do in St. Petersburg with a dog?
You can walk through the Summer Garden, take a boat ride on the Neva River, or visit Vasilievsky Island. You can also play in Primorsky Victory Park or visit the dog park in the courtyard of Gostiny Dvor during the summer.
What beach is the most dog friendly?
The Gulf of Finland is the best spot for a scenic beach day with your pet and a view of the Baltic Sea.
Is Moscow dog friendly?
Moscow is a welcoming place for pets. It has English-speaking vets, boarding services, and the only labs in Russia that perform rabies antibody blood tests.
What is the most common pet in Russia?
Russia is known as a cat country.
How to bring a dog to Russia?
You must have an international veterinary passport. You also need a rabies vaccine given between 30 days and 12 months before arrival and a health certificate issued within 14 days of travel.
Which is better, Moscow or St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg is famous for 220 museums and its location on 42 islands, while Moscow is the massive capital with over 12 million people. Each city offers a different experience.
What is the coldest month in St. Petersburg?
The coldest months are January and February. During this time, the average temperature is about 24°F.
Where is the best place to travel with dogs?
St. Petersburg is an excellent choice because it has 192 pet-friendly properties and many beautiful parks like the Summer Garden.
Which country is the biggest dog lover?
The United States is described as a country where people view dogs as family members.
Concluding words
A dog-friendly holiday in St. Petersburg requires early preparation. You must get the right vaccines and find a hotel like the Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg. Follow the city transport rules for your pet. Visit beautiful spots like the Summer Garden or the Gulf of Finland. You and your pet can have a wonderful trip in the cultural capital of Russia.
