I have traveled through many parts of Europe with my four-legged best friend. One country that truly surprised me was Bulgaria. I often get asked, is bulgaria dog friendly? The answer is a big yes. It is a land of massive mountains, golden beaches, and ancient cities.
Plus, the prices are very affordable for a mature traveler. This guide shares my personal experience finding the best Dog Friendly Hotels in Bulgaria so you can plan the perfect trip with your pup.
Getting Ready for the Adventure
Preparation is the secret to a smooth trip. You cannot just pack some kibble and hop on a plane. First of all, you must handle the legal paperwork. Bulgaria follows the European Union pet travel rules. Your dog needs a microchip first. This chip must be ISO 11784 or 11785 compliant and have 15 digits. I always make sure the vet scans the chip before any shots.
Your dog also needs a valid rabies vaccine. This shot must happen at least 21 days before you enter the country. If this is the first shot or there was a gap in coverage, the EU counts it as a primary vaccine. Therefore, you must wait that full 21-day period before travel. If you come from another EU country, an EU Pet Passport is enough. However, if you come from the United States or a non-EU country, you will need a special EU Health Certificate issued by an official vet.
Additionally, you should know that you can bring up to five pets for a personal trip. If you have more, the rules change to commercial laws. I suggest you talk to your vet about a one-year rabies shot about 3 to 6 months before you leave. This makes the paperwork much easier for everyone.
Crossing the Border
I once drove from Greece into Bulgaria through the Zlatograd border. The mountain roads were a bit bumpy and narrow. Nevertheless, the views were breathtaking. The whole process took only 20 minutes. The officers checked my papers and looked inside my van. It was fast and easy.
If you drive from the UK or other places, you might pass through Romania or Serbia. Most land borders are fine with dogs as long as the paperwork is ready. I always keep a copy of the 15-digit microchip number and the vaccination records in a safe folder. At that time, I felt a bit nervous, but the officials were quite professional.
Exploring the Capital: Dog Friendly Hotels Sofia
Sofia is the heart of Bulgaria. It is a city full of green parks and wide streets. Finding dog friendly hotels sofia is quite easy nowadays because the city is becoming very modern.
One of my top picks is the Grand Hotel Sofia. It has a 9.2 rating and is very elegant. They allow pets of any size, which is great if you have a big dog. The rooms are massive suites. Therefore, your dog has plenty of space to roam around. It sits right next to the City Garden park. This is perfect for a quick morning stroll.
Another luxurious choice is the Sense Hotel Sofia. It also has a 9.2 rating. They provide dog beds and bowls if you ask. It is near Doctor’s Garden Park, which is a favorite spot for local dog owners. Additionally, the hotel has a rooftop bar with amazing views for the humans.
If you want something more modern, the Hyatt Regency Sofia is excellent. It is in the city center and has a wellness center. They charge a fee for pets, but the staff is very welcoming. Just keep in mind that dogs usually cannot go into the dining areas.
For travelers on a budget or those flying in, Ibis Sofia Airport is a winner. They allow dogs for no extra fee. They even offer a free 24-hour airport shuttle. This hotel is very practical. Similarly, the Hotel Premier Sofia Airport is highly rated and provides free toiletries and a shuttle.
Finally, if you want a place where your dog stays for free, look at Hotel Niky or Hotel Lion Sofia. These spots are very friendly to your wallet and your pet.
Walking in Sofia
Sofia has amazing green spaces. Borisova Gradina is the largest park in the city. It has miles of shaded paths. My dog loved the open fields there. Another great spot is South Park. It has a specific area where dogs can play together.
When we got hungry, we found several pet-friendly cafes. Fabrika Daga and The Little Things are great choices. I also heard that Altruist and Coffee Syndicate allow dogs inside. It is so nice to enjoy a coffee without leaving your buddy outside.
Ancient Vibes in Plovdiv
Plovdiv was my favorite city in Bulgaria. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. I found it to be very dog friendly. Finding pets friendly hotels in bulgaria was easy here using filters on booking sites.
We stayed at an apartment on Ruski Boulevard. It was close to the center and had many nearby parks. The apartment was large with a big kitchen. Henry, my dog, was very happy there. Another great option is Hotel Evmolpia. It is right in the center and dogs stay for free. If you prefer a larger hotel, Grand Hotel Plovdiv allows dogs and cats of any size for about 20 Euros per night. They even give you food and water bowls.
The Kapana district in Plovdiv is full of life. It has many cafes and bars with outdoor seats. Most of them welcome dogs. We ate at Yuzhen Polah Pri Malak Bunardzhik Restaurant near the Alyosha Monument. They have a huge terrace and even brought a bowl of “dog water” for Henry. Later, we stopped at Satori Magic Cafe in the Old Town. It has comfy cushions outside and beautiful views of old buildings.
On top of that, Plovdiv has great pet shops. We went to Zoomax for food. They let the dog come inside the shop. You can buy kibble by weight, which is very handy when you travel.
Hiking in the Pirin Mountains
If you love the outdoors, you must go to Bansko. It is a ski resort in winter, but in summer, it is a hiking paradise. The town sits at the foot of Pirin National Park.
For accommodation, the Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko is top-tier. They have a “pet-friendly program” for dogs and cats under 10 kg. They charge 20 Euros per night plus a one-time cleaning fee of 25 Euros. Your pet gets a sleeping mat and a bowl in the room.
If you have a bigger dog, Lucky Bansko Aparthotel allows pets up to 40 kg. They require you to stay on the first floor for easy access. Another option is Zlateva House, which is a pet-friendly villa in a beautiful historical building.
We did some amazing hikes here. The walk to Muratovo Lake is easy and takes about 2 to 3 hours. You start at Vihren Hut, which is a 30-minute drive from town. The path is nice and not too steep. If you feel strong, you can climb Vihren Peak. This is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains. It takes about 6 to 7 hours and the views are incredible.
Another easy option is Bezbog Lake. You take a 40-minute lift ride up to Bezbog Hut. You can walk around the lake or hike to Popovo Lake, which is one of my favorites. Just remember that the last lift down is at 4:00 PM. Do not miss it!
Sun and Sand on the Black Sea Coast
Most dogs love the beach. Bulgaria has some wonderful spots along the Black Sea. We spent five weeks in Chernomorets. We stayed in a guest house with a shady garden. Vromos Beach was perfect because it was quiet and had plenty of trees for shade.
Gradina Beach is another paradise for dogs. It is a long sandy beach near Sozopol. Dogs are allowed there all year round, even in the busy summer. It is a great place to play fetch and make new friends. Drivers Beach is also a wild and dog-friendly spot near Dyuni. It has crystal clear water and is usually very peaceful.
However, you must be careful at the big tourist resorts like Sunny Beach or Golden Sands. Dogs are often banned from the main public beaches during the day from June to September. I suggest going very early in the morning or late in the evening if you want to visit these spots.
In Varna, you can take your dog for a walk in the Sea Garden. It is a huge park along the coast. We also visited Shakespeare and Friends Bookshop in Varna. They allow dogs inside while you browse for books. The American lady there even has her own cute dog.
For a place to stay in the north, try the Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel Varna. They welcome small dogs and cats for a fee of 30 BGN per night.
The Wild Beauty of the Rhodope Mountains
The Rhodope Mountains offer a different kind of adventure. We took our dogs to the village of Smilyan. We stayed in a dog-friendly house. This village is famous for its beans and beautiful stone houses. I loved walking by the Arda River where the dogs could swim.
We also visited Mogilitsa and the Agushevi Konaktsi fortress. While we looked inside the historical buildings, our dogs waited in the enclosed courtyard. The views of the valley are simply stunning.
In the town of Smolyan, we walked along the main street and visited a pet shop. There is a huge tree there that is 1000 years old. My dog Abigail took a nap right under it. Similarly, the Waterfall Canyon Trail west of Smolyan is a great hike. It follows a river with many waterfalls. Therefore, you should wear good boots because the trail can be rough. We had to turn back once because a big storm started suddenly. Always check the weather!
Important Tips for a Smooth Trip
I have learned a few lessons while traveling in Bulgaria. First of all, be aware of stray dogs and cats. Most strays are timid and will ignore you. However, some can be territorial, especially in packs at night. Keep your dog on a leash and carry some treats as a distraction.
Additionally, you should know the rules for public transport. Dogs are allowed on trains. Small pets in carriers usually travel for free. Larger dogs need a half-price ticket and must wear a muzzle. They usually have to stay in the entry lobby of the coach. In Sofia, you can take dogs on the metro and buses, but you need a ticket for a large dog and registration papers. People might give you a “side-eye,” so just be polite.
When staying at a Bulgaria hotel dog friendly establishment, always follow the house rules. Most hotels ask that you do not leave dogs unattended in the room. If you must leave them, let the reception know and leave your phone number. Do not let your dog on the furniture or beds unless you use special sheets. Housekeeping will usually only enter if you are there or if the dog is in a crate.
Packing List for Your Dog
Do not forget to pack these essentials for your furry friend:
- A sturdy leash and collar with an ID tag.
- A travel crate if you are flying or using certain transport.
- Food and water bowls.
- A first aid kit for pets.
- Waste bags to clean up after them.
- Familiar items like a bed, blanket, or favorite toys.
- Sufficient food for the first few days until you find a shop.
Is Bulgaria Really Pet Friendly?
Gradually, I realized that Bulgaria is a hidden gem. It might not have a dog park on every corner like some other countries, but the people are generally welcoming. The amount of nature you can explore is a huge plus. From the Rila Monastery (where dogs can walk in the courtyard) to the Madara Rider rock carving, there is so much to see.
Finally, I recommend using sites like BringFido or Booking.com to check the latest pet fees. Some hotels change their rules, so a quick email before you arrive is a smart move.
Bulgaria offers a mix of old history and beautiful nature that is hard to find elsewhere. Whether you are drinking a Bulgarian beer on a terrace in Plovdiv or hiking up a mountain in Bansko, having your dog by your side makes every moment better. Pack your bags, grab the leash, and go see this beautiful country. You and your dog will love the “Balkan life”.
FAQ
Is Bulgaria dog friendly?
Bulgaria is a very welcoming place for pups, even if it is not the top pet-friendly spot in all of Europe. You can take your best friend to the beautiful coast or the massive mountains. Gradually, the country is becoming a favorite for people who travel with their four-legged friends.
Can my dog stay in a hotel?
Yes, you can find many Dog Friendly Hotels in Bulgaria. Most places in tourist zones like Sofia or Plovdiv allow pets inside the rooms. On top of that, some hosts on Booking.com or Airbnb are dog owners themselves.
Which part of Bulgaria is best to stay in?
Plovdiv is often called the most dog-friendly city because it has so many parks and ruins to see. Similarly, Sofia is a great choice because it has many dog friendly hotels sofia and is close to the airport. You might even look for a bulgari hotel dog friendly vibe in the city center where luxury stays are common.
Can a dog be left alone for 8 hours?
Most hotels do not allow you to leave a pet unattended for a long time. Some places permit it if you leave a contact number at the front desk and your dog is well-behaved. Therefore, eight hours is likely too long for a hotel stay.
Can you leave a dog in a dog friendly hotel?
You can leave them if the hotel allows it and you provide your phone number. However, some spots require the dog to stay in a crate while you are away.
Where should my dog sleep in a hotel?
Many pets friendly hotels in bulgaria provide a special mat or a bowl for food. A few hotels even let dogs sleep on the beds if you use special sheets. Additionally, you should bring a favorite blanket to help them feel at home.
What to be careful of in Bulgaria?
You should watch out for stray dogs and cats in the cities. Some strays can be territorial, so you must keep your dog close. Plus, ensure your paperwork is perfect to avoid a stay in quarantine.
What is the prettiest place in Bulgaria?
The Pirin Mountains are famous for being some of the most beautiful mountains in the country. On the contrary, beach lovers might say the wild and sandy Drivers Beach is the most stunning spot.
What is the golden rule for dogs?
The main rule for Dog Friendly Hotels in Bulgaria is to always clean up after your pet. You must also keep them on a lead in all public areas like the lobby. Finally, ensure they do not disturb other guests with noise.
Concluding Words
Bulgaria is a wonderful destination for any mature traveler who wants to bring their dog along for the ride. You will find many high-quality Dog Friendly Hotels in Bulgaria that offer mats, bowls, and even luxury suites for your furry friend.
Plovdiv stands out as the most pet-friendly city, while Sofia offers easy access to big parks and modern amenities. Therefore, you should prepare your paperwork early and pack all the essentials for a smooth adventure. Your dog will love the Balkan life just as much as you do.
