I love to explore the world. My four-legged friend comes too. Many people ask me a big question. Is Europe dog friendly? My answer is a loud yes. It is one of the best places for a pup. You see dogs in cafes. You see them on trains. They even go into some shops.
Is europe pet friendly for budget travelers? It surely is. I have spent months crossing borders with my dog. I have stayed in many pet friendly hostels. Some people think hostels are only for young kids. That is not true. Mature travelers love them too. They are social. They are cheap. Plus, many now welcome our furry kids.
You might wonder, do hostels allow dogs in shared rooms? Most do not. You usually need to book a private room. This is better anyway. It gives your dog a quiet space. It keeps people with allergies happy. Do hostels in europe allow dogs in the kitchen? Usually, the answer is no. However, they are often welcome in the lounge or the garden. I have found that a dog is a great ice breaker. People smile. They ask to pet the dog. Suddenly, you have new friends.
Can I Take My Dog on Holiday to Europe?
First of all, you need to know the rules. Can i take my dog on holiday to europe without a lot of stress? Yes, if you plan well. I have learned this the hard way. One mistake on a paper can stop your trip. To start, your dog needs an ISO-compliant microchip. This chip must go in before or on the same day as the rabies vaccine. If the vaccine comes first, the EU says it does not count.
Rabies is a big deal. Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old for the shot. After the first shot, you must wait 21 days before you travel. Additionally, you need an EU Animal Health Certificate. A vet must sign this within 10 days of your arrival in Europe. Later, you can get an EU Pet Passport. This little blue book makes life easy. It records every shot. It lets you cross borders without new health papers.
Though it sounds like a lot of work, it is worth it.The officers just waved us through. They did not even look at the dog. Nevertheless, you must carry the papers. You never know when a strict check will happen.
To Fly or Not to Fly?
To get across the ocean, you have a few choices. Most big airlines allow small dogs in the cabin. There is a catch. Most European airlines have a strict 8kg weight limit. This weight includes the dog and the carrier. If your dog is bigger, they must go in the cargo hold. I know this feels scary. Many people prefer to use a ship. The Queen Mary 2 is the only ship that takes dogs across the Atlantic. It has kennels and a kennel master. Space is very tight. People book years in advance.
Once you land, the fun starts. Dog friendly hostels europe are everywhere. I have used sites like Hostelworld to find them. I always use the pet-friendly filter. It is a lifesaver. Plus, it helps you avoid hidden fees. Some places charge a small daily fee. Others let dogs stay for free.
15 Best Dog Friendly Hostels in Europe
I have put together a list of my favorite spots. These are places where I felt welcome. These are places where my dog felt at home.
1. Balmers Hostel (Interlaken, Switzerland)
This is a gem in the Swiss Alps. If you book a private room, your dog stays for free. That is a rare deal. They even have dog beds if you ask. They provide water and food bowls too. Interlaken is a dream for hikers. Your dog can run in the fresh mountain air. Switzerland is very pet friendly. It gets a 10 out of 10 from many travelers.
2. A&O Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (Salzburg, Austria)
The A&o hostel group is a great choice for pet owners. They have hostels in many cities. In Salzburg, they treat dogs like stars. You can bring up to two dogs. The cost is only 5 euro per dog per night. You must book a private room. Salzburg is very walkable. The parks are beautiful, though some do not allow dogs on the grass.
3. Meininger Hotel Berlin Central Station (Germany)
Meininger is another big chain that loves dogs. I stayed at the one in Berlin. The fee is 10 euro per day dog friendly hostels europe. The location is perfect. It is right next to the main train station. Berlin is a dog paradise. Dogs are welcome on all public transport. They are even allowed in many shops and beer gardens.
4. LochNess Backpacker’s Lodge (Inverness, Scotland)
This place feels like a home. It is in the Scottish Highlands. It is perfect for exploring the famous Loch Ness. You can visit old castles with your dog. The staff is very kind. Scotland is great for long walks in the wild. Just remember to pick up the poop! If you are far from a bin, some remote places suggest the flick method into the bushes.
5. Kendal Hostel (Lakes District, England)
The Lakes District is famous for its beauty. This hostel is a great base. You can reach it by train. The area has many outdoor pub gardens. Dogs love the long walks. Plus, the air is so fresh. It is a perfect spot for a mature traveler who loves nature.
6. We_Bologna (Bologna, Italy)
Italy is the king of dog-friendly travel. There are 60 million domestic animals in Italy. This hostel is modern and clean. It is close to the city center. In Italy, people stop to tell you how wonderful your dog is. You can take your pup to many restaurants. They often get a bowl of water before you even ask.
7. Hostel in Granada (Granada, Spain)
Spain can be tricky. However, this hostel is a delight. it is in the historic heart of the town. You can walk to the Alhambra easily. There are many stairs. It is a good workout for you and the dog. Be careful in Spain. You must carry a water bottle to wash away dog pee on the streets. If you do not, the police might stop you.
8. Meet Garda Lake Hostel (Peschiera del Garda, Italy)
This is a fun spot. It is near the famous lake. Dogs are welcome with open arms. You can take your pup for a walk along the water. It is very relaxing. Italy really feels like a second home for dogs.
9. Hotel Bella Capri (Naples, Italy)
This is a budget-friendly spot with a hostel vibe. Your dog can enjoy the Neapolitan sun with you. The food in Naples is amazing. Your dog might even get a piece of pizza crust if they are lucky.
10. Koala Hostel Milan (Milan, Italy)
Milan is a busy city. This hostel offers a quiet retreat. It is very friendly. I found that Italian culture is very forgiving. If you make a small mistake, no one yells.
11. DJH Cologne (Germany)
The DJH chain is the German Youth Hostel association. They have many spots. The one in Cologne is very central. Germany is super dog friendly. You can bring your friend into most restaurants and malls. The only places they cannot go are supermarkets and bakeries.
12. DJH Munich (Germany)
Munich is famous for beer gardens. Most of them allow dogs. This hostel is a great place to stay during the summer. You can sit outside with a cold drink and your best friend.
13. DJH Berlin (Germany)
Berlin has so much green space. This hostel puts you right in the middle of it. Berliners take dog training seriously. Most dogs are very well behaved. You will see them off-leash in many parks.
14. DJH Füssen (Germany)
Füssen is near the famous Neuschwanstein Castle dog friendly hostels europe. The area is like a fairy tale. This hostel is pet friendly and very cozy. It is a great spot for a mountain adventure.
15. DJH Kiel (Germany)
If you love the sea, go to Kiel. This hostel is a stone’s throw from public transport. The sea air is great for everyone.
What to Pack for the Trip
Extra luggage is a fact of life when you travel with a pup. I always bring a few key things.
- A sleeping bag: Not all dogs are huskies. If your dog gets cold, they need their own bag. I found a second-hand child’s bag on eBay that works great.
- A dog rucksack: Your dog can help carry the load. Make sure the weight is balanced. Consult your vet about how much they can carry.
- Collapsible bowls: These save so much space.
- A good coat: I recommend an Equafleece coat. It is light and dries fast.
- Halti leads: These are very adaptable. You can clip them to chairs or your waist. This lets you enjoy your coffee hands-free.
On top of that, bring a First Aid kit. Include bandages, antiseptic, and a tick-removal tool. You should also carry a poo shovel or plenty of bags.
Moving Around the Continent
Trains are the best way to see Europe. In the UK, dogs travel for free on trains. In London, they can even ride the Tube for free. However, they are not allowed on escalators. You must carry them or find the lift.
In Switzerland and Germany, small dogs in carriers often travel for free. Larger dogs usually need a half-price or child fare ticket. In some countries, like Austria and Germany, your dog must wear a muzzle on the train. It is a good idea to train them to wear one before you go.
Similarly, many cities have great bus and tram systems. In Zurich, you can even buy an annual dog pass. In Oslo, some train carriages are animal-free zones. This helps people with allergies. It is a smart system.
The Good and the Bad Countries
Based on my travels, some countries are better than others.
- Germany, Netherlands, Italy, and Switzerland: These are the best. I give them a 10 out of 10. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere.
- France and Austria: Very good. I give them a 9 out of 10. Some parks in Paris and Vienna do not allow dogs, which is sad.
- Slovenia: Exceptional. It is one of the most dog-friendly places I have ever seen.
- Spain: A bit harder. I give it a 6 out of 10. Many restaurants say no.
- Bosnia & Herzegovina: This was the hardest. Some people there really dislike dogs. I saw people kick at my dog or stomp their feet to scare her. I do not recommend it for a relaxing trip.
Hotel Etiquette: How to Be a Great Guest
To keep hostels pet-friendly, we must be good guests. “Good dogs make great hotel guests”, as one traveler said.
- Do not leave your dog alone. A nervous dog might bark or tear up the room.
- Bring a clean dog. Make sure they are flea-free.
- Do not use the hotel tub. It leaves too much hair.
- Use your own bowls. Refrain from using the hotel ice bucket for water.
- Be honest about size. Some places only want small dogs. It is better to ask first than to be turned away.
FAQ
Can you take a dog to a hostel?
I found that you can take a dog to many hostels across the continent. You must book a private room for your stay. Most places do not allow dogs in shared dormitories to respect other guests. Additionally, some spots may ask for a small daily fee. A dog is a great way to meet people in common areas. However, you should check the specific pet policy of the hostel before you arrive.
Where to travel in Europe with your dog?
I suggest you visit Germany, Switzerland, or Italy. These countries are the most welcoming for pets in my experience. Slovenia is another amazing choice for nature lovers. Similarly, the Netherlands treats dogs like they are part of the family. Though some cities like Paris have park restrictions, France remains a solid option for travelers.
Can I travel within Europe with my dog?
You can move between most countries without a lot of trouble. You will need a blue EU Pet Passport or a valid health certificate. There are usually no border checks for pets inside the Schengen area. Therefore, you can enjoy a long road trip or train journey without stress. I always keep my papers ready just in case an officer asks to see them.
Can a dog be left alone for 8 hours?
I do not recommend you leave your dog alone in a room. A nervous dog may bark or cause damage to the property. On top of that, it can scare the staff or other guests. Most hostels require that you stay with your pet at all times. I always take my dog with me when I go out to eat or see the sights.
Is Italy dog friendly?
Italy is the queen of pet friendly locations. I saw dogs in restaurants, shops, and even some supermarkets. People there truly love animals and often call them kings or queens. Gradually, you will notice that Italian culture is very relaxed about pets. I never had a problem finding a spot for my pup in an Italian cafe.
Is it hard to travel Europe with a dog?
It is not hard if you follow the rules for vaccinations and chips. I learned that most of the work happens before the trip starts. Once you land, the system for trains and hotels is very simple. Additionally, there are many online tools to help you find pet friendly spots. I believe the rewards far outweigh the extra planning.
Concluding Words
Europe is a wonderful place for a holiday with your best friend. You can stay in one of the 15 best dog friendly hostels like Balmers in Switzerland or Meininger in Berlin. It is easy to move around by train or car once you have a Pet Passport and a microchip. You must remember to book a private room and follow the rules of the house. A dog makes the journey more social and helps you see the world in a new way. Travel with your dog is a gift that creates memories for a lifetime.
