I traveled across many borders with my best friend. He has four legs and a tail. Many people ask me which european countries are dog friendly when they plan their summer trips. I used to wonder what countries are dog friendly enough to handle a big, energetic dog.
I even asked once is luxembourg dog friendly or are dogs allowed in luxembourg gardens because I love old cities. Is europe pet friendly overall? Yes, it is. But I found a place that surprised me more than any other. Dog Friendly Lithuania is a real thing. This country is not just a spot on a map between Poland and Latvia. It is a paradise for people like us.
I decided to visit Lithuania because I heard the president and the prime minister both own dogs. That told me a lot about the culture. I spent weeks exploring the cobblestone streets and the deep green forests. Lithuania loves dogs. In fact, they have their own special breed called the Lithuanian Hound.
You can even see a statue of three of these dogs in Bernardine Park in Vilnius. Lithuania dog friendly vibes are everywhere. If you love travel and you love your pet, you need to read my story.
First things first: The Paperwork
I had to get my dog ready before we crossed the border. First of all, your pet needs a microchip. This is a tiny piece of technology under the skin. It must be ISO-compliant. Later, you must get a rabies vaccine. My vet told me the dog must have the microchip before the vaccine or on the same day. Additionally, you have to wait 21 days after the first shot before you can travel. This is for the immunity to build up.
If you come from the United States, you need a health certificate signed by a USDA-accredited vet. The USDA must then ink-sign and emboss that paper. Therefore, you should plan this weeks in advance. Plus, I carried his pet passport everywhere. At that time, it felt like a lot of work. However, it was worth it once we landed at the Vilnius International Airport.
Arriving in Vilnius: A Warm Welcome
I chose to fly with airBaltic because they have a generous 12kg weight allowance for pets. Many other airlines are much stricter. Gradually, we made our way into the city center. Lithuania dogs are a common sight in the capital. I was shocked to find that about 46% of hotels in Vilnius are pet-friendly. I stayed at the Narutis Hotel, which was very comfortable for both of us.
My first morning in the city was perfect. I took a walk in Vingis Park. It is one of the largest parks in the city. My dog loved the open trails and the fresh air. I saw many locals there with their pets. Everyone was very friendly. Similarly, Bernardine Garden is a great place for a stroll. It is right in the heart of the city. You will see a lot of people socializing there. It even hosts meetups for pet owners.
Coffee and Snacks for Two
I am a big fan of coffee. I do not like to leave my dog outside when I grab a drink. First of all, I visited Strange Love Café. They have a very welcoming atmosphere. The staff brought a water bowl for my dog right away. On top of that, Ajurvedine Kavinė is a great spot if you like vegetarian food. They welcome pets with open arms.
If you are near the Old Town, you should stop at Džiugas House. They have an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy the historic views with your furry friend. Meat Lovers Pub is also a top choice for a burger. They have a very relaxed policy for pets. Lithuania dog friendly cafes and restaurants are truly everywhere. I found nearly 500 cafes and restaurants listed as pet-friendly on a local website. This is a huge number for a small country!
Eating Out: Fine Dining with a Dog
I wanted to see if fancy places would let me bring my dog. I was surprised. Pachamama Dinner Club is a very stylish restaurant. They serve food inspired by Peru and Japan. My dog sat quietly by my side while I ate tacos and fresh fish. Also, Fabrikėlis is a creative food lab that uses local farm products. They follow green principles and the food is amazing.
If you love meat, you must go to SMOKE by Chef the viking. They have steaks and ribs that are delicious. On top of that, they have a special menu for four-legged guests. They offer air-dried beef strips just for dogs. My dog was very happy that day. Therefore, you do not have to worry about your pet being bored while you eat.
Similarly, Casa Peligrosa is located in the vaults of an old monastery. It serves modern Mexican food. The atmosphere is very cozy. El Gato Negro is another great Mexican spot where the chef learned his skills in Mexico. They have things like banana leaf-braised pork. My dog felt like a king in these places.
Moving Around the City
I do not always want to drive. Lithuania dogs can use public transport easily. In Vilnius, pets travel on buses and trolleybuses for free. This is a great deal! Your dog needs to be in a box or on a leash that is not longer than 0.5 meters. He also needs a muzzle. However, if your dog is very small, you might not need the muzzle. I always carried his vaccination papers just in case.
If you want to leave the city, trains are a great option. Small pets in containers under 8kg travel for free. My dog is bigger, so I had to pay a half-price fare for him. Gradually, we learned the routine. The trains are clean and very fast. They are a wonderful way to see the countryside.
Shopping with Your Pet
I needed to buy some gifts one afternoon. I went to the Akropolis shopping center in Vilnius. It is very large. First of all, I checked the rules. They are very pet-friendly. My dog had to be on a leash. Only people over 16 years old can bring a pet inside. Additionally, if your dog is a dangerous breed, he must wear a muzzle.
The common areas and many shops have a special sign that says dogs are welcome. I saw a few pet stores like Kika inside where I bought some high-quality treats. Finally, I was able to shop without leaving my best friend in a hot car. You must never leave your pet in a car anyway. It can be a death trap in the summer.
Exploring the Sights
Lithuania has some amazing places to see. First of all, we visited the Republic of Užupis. This is a neighborhood of artists that declared itself independent. You do not need a visa to visit, and dogs are very welcome. It is a very colorful place.
Later, we drove to Trakai. It is about 30 minutes from Vilnius. There is a beautiful medieval castle on an island in a lake. Dogs are not allowed inside the castle, but we walked around the lake for hours. We took some great photos of the red brick walls against the blue water. Also, I tried the local pastry called kibinai. It was very tasty.
We also visited the Kernave Archaeological Site. It was the old capital of Lithuania. It is an open-air site with big green hills. Dogs are allowed to walk on the site for free. We also went to the Hill of Crosses in the north. It has over 200,000 wooden crosses. There is no entry charge and no rules against dogs. It is a very quiet and spiritual place. My dog was very respectful.
The Magic of the Curonian Spit
I wanted to see the sea. We drove to the Curonian Spit. You have to take a ferry from Klaipėda to get there. Neringa is a unique resort area with sand dunes and forests. It is very peaceful. First of all, we visited the Hill of Witches in Juodkrantė. It is a park with many wooden sculptures of demons and witches. We walked through the woods and looked at the carvings.
On top of that, there are special dog beaches in Neringa. My dog was able to run free and splash in the Baltic Sea. It was the highlight of our trip. Finally, we spent the evening in Nida. The town is very friendly to pets. Many guest houses there accept animals. We watched the sunset from the Parnidis Dune. The view of the lagoon was incredible.
Health and Emergencies
I always worry about what to do if my dog gets sick. First of all, you should know that Vilnius has great vets. VetPet is a reputable clinic. Additionally, the 8 Drambliai Veterinary Hospital is open 24/7 for emergencies. They have specialized doctors like cardiologists and surgeons. They even have an MRI machine and a rehabilitation center.
If you are in Neringa, there is a mobile vet who can come to you. Therefore, you are never far from help. Also, you can buy essentials at stores like Kika or local markets. It is important to keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date and carry the papers with you.
The Ultimate Adventure: Hiking the Dzūkija Region
If you are a true explorer, you might want to try a long-distance hike. I looked into the Forest Trail in the Dzūkija ethnographic region. This is a massive trip. It is about 290 km long and takes 15 days. First of all, you arrive in Vilnius or Kaunas.
Later, you walk through places like Lazdijai and Veisiejai. The trail goes through pine forests and past many lakes. On top of that, you cross the Nemunas River on the highest pedestrian bridge in Lithuania. Gradually, you make your way to Kaunas.
The hiking distance each day is between 15 km and 30 km. It is a lot of work but the views are worth it. You pass through Dzūkija National Park, which is full of mushrooms and berries in the summer. Finally, you finish in the city of Kaunas. Many of the guest houses along the way are friendly, but you should always check ahead.
A Few Rules to Remember
Lithuania is friendly, but they have rules to keep everyone safe. First of all, you must pick up after your pet. Use bags and throw them in the waste bins. Additionally, you must keep your dog on a leash in public. If your dog is dangerous or very large, he should have a muzzle.
On the contrary, if your dog is small and not a threat, you might be okay without a muzzle in some spots. However, always be polite to other people. Similarly, you are responsible for any damage your dog causes. Therefore, keep a close eye on your friend. Plus, remember that some museums do not allow dogs inside. I always checked the door for the pet-friendly sticker before I walked in.
My Final Thoughts on Lithuania
I have been to many places. I have seen the Eiffel Tower and I have walked in the Alps. But Dog Friendly Lithuania touched my heart. The people really care about animals. The city of Vilnius is green and open. The forests are deep and quiet. Finally, the beaches are wide and welcoming.
If you are a mature traveler who does not want to leave your dog at home, this is the place for you. You can have a fancy dinner, ride a train, and hike for miles all with your best friend. Gradually, you will see why I love it so much. Lithuania is not just a destination. It is a home for every pet lover.
Additionally, I found that the cost of travel here is quite fair. You can get a good hotel for a reasonable price. The food is fresh and the coffee is strong. Therefore, you do not have to spend a fortune to have a great time. On top of that, the air is clean and the water is pure. It is a healthy place for both humans and dogs.
I hope my guide helps you plan your next trip. Do not be afraid of the paperwork. Do not be afraid of the long drive. Gradually, you will find that traveling with a dog is the best way to see the world. You make more friends and you see things you would otherwise miss. Lithuania is waiting for you.
Imagine Lithuania is like a giant, open living room where the rug is made of moss and the walls are made of ancient trees. Every guest is welcome, and there is always a bowl of fresh water waiting by the door for the ones with paws.
