I decided to take my four-legged best friend on a trip to a place few people think of first. I chose the Republic of Moldova. It is one of the least visited countries in all of Europe. This fact makes it the perfect spot for a quiet adventure.
Many people ask me if a Dog Friendly Moldova trip is even possible. The answer is a loud yes! It is authentic and very affordable. My journey with my Moldovan dog companion was full of surprises. I want to share every detail with you. I will cover the paperwork, the food, the hotels, and the long walks in the woods.
First things first: The Paperwork
Preparation is the most important part of any trip with a pet. I had to learn the rules before I could even pack a bag. The Customs Service has very clear steps. You can only bring a maximum of five pets with you at one time.
First of all, your dog needs a microchip. This chip must follow ISO standards. Most airlines require it even if the country is loose with the rules. Additionally, your dog must have a valid pet passport. This book holds all the identification and vaccination records.
I had to make sure the rabies shot was up to date. This is a big deal. You must give the rabies vaccine after the microchip is in place. The shot should happen at least 30 days before you travel. However, it must be within the last 12 months.
I also needed a health certificate from my vet. This paper proves the dog is healthy and has no diseases. My vet signed it within 10 days of my departure. I had to carry the hard copy version because digital ones do not work at the border.
You should know that you can only enter through specific spots. These spots have National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) officers. I flew into the Chisinau International Airport Customs Post. Plus, there are road posts like Leuseni and Sculeni if you drive. The airport vet will look at your papers and stamp them.
Flying with Air Moldova
I chose Air Dog Friendly Moldova because they are the national airline. They allow small dogs in the cabin on some flights. There are strict rules for this. The dog and the carrier together must not weigh more than 17 lbs or 8 kg. The carrier dimensions can not be more than 10″ x 15″ x 20″. It must have good air holes and be leakproof.
I had to call them at least 24 hours before my flight to use the special code PETC. The fee was €60 for each part of the trip. I made sure my dog stayed under the seat for the whole flight. I recommend calling the airport vet service at +373 22 52-54-89 before you fly to be safe.
Where to Stay in Chisinau
The capital city has many places to sleep. Gradually, I found that several hotels are very happy to see a dog. I looked at many options. Total properties that are pet-friendly number around 11 in the city. First of all, the Zentrum Hotel has an amazing rating of 9.5 out of 10. It costs about AU$ 140 for a night. If you want something more budget-friendly, the Aria Hotel is good. It has a rating of 8.2 and starts at AU$ 89.
I also checked out the Weekend Boutique Hotel. It has a garden which is great for a Dog Friendly Moldova that needs to stretch its legs. The price there is about AU$ 104. On top of that, I stayed at the Bella Donna Hotel for a few days.
It is in the heart of Chisinau on Bucuresti Street. The location is perfect. I could walk to supermarkets and restaurants. The staff at Bella Donna are very professional and friendly. English is spoken there, which helped me a lot.
The rooms at Bella Donna can be a mix. Some are cozy with a retro style, while others feel a bit old. The prices for a 3-star hotel like this are around AU$ 109 on the weekend. However, I had to pay in cash there. There is no pool or gym, but they do welcome dogs. If you want luxury, the Radisson Blu Leogrand is a top choice.
The Coffee and Food Scene
Chisinau is a dream for coffee lovers. I found the coffee scene to be very Dog Friendly Moldova. I spent many mornings in local cafes. Pasio Coffee is one of my favorites. They even have a dog on their logo! They told me, “Do not stay at home alone and do not leave your friend, bring your four-legged friend and welcome to our coffee shop“. They make an excellent flat white with beans from Kyiv.
Similarly, Coffee Monkey is a major hotspot. The staff are hard workers and very friendly. They even have special treats for animals. They post photos of visiting pets on their social media stories. It is a busy place, but I did not have to wait long.
Additionally, I visited Tucano Coffee. This is a local chain with a “Love.Peace.Coffee” vibe. They have many locations, including one in Shopping Dog Friendly Moldova. They always have a bowl of water ready for dogs. If you want a full meal, Sincer is a great choice. They use natural products from local farmers. They even offered my dog some natural food.
For something different, I tried Momo Asian Bar. They serve Pan-Asian food and allow animals inside. Later, I found Pasio Coffee again on Vasile Alecsandri street. On the contrary, some places in the city still have stickers that say dogs are not allowed. You should always look for the pet-friendly sign or ask politely. Most modern spots will say yes as long as your dog is quiet and not aggressive.
Exploring the Great Outdoors
Moldova does not have high mountains, but it has beautiful rolling hills and forests. Hiking here is a great way to see the Dog Friendly Moldova landscape up close. I took my dog to the Codri Natural Reserve. We walked through the forest and saw many vineyards. The trails are well-marked with signs.
We also visited Orheiul Vechi. This is a cultural and natural reserve. It is located along the Raut river gorge. The views are amazing. There are eight different routes you can take. I chose the Medieval Town Trail. It starts and ends at the Butuceni village. The distance is about 6.4 km. It is an easy walk that took us about 2.5 hours.
The trail has many old ruins. I saw the Sehr al Cedid Ruins and the Tatar Baths from the 14th century. Gradually, we made our way to the Assumption Monastery. This church is carved into a cave. It is a very peaceful place. I had to be careful on the narrow paths near the river because of the snakes. However, the field roads are safe all year.
While we walked, I saw many birds. The reserve is home to more than 100 species. I saw a Common Raven and a Common Buzzard. I also spotted a Syrian Woodpecker in the trees. The European Goldfinch was easy to see in the orchards. I felt like I was in a nature movie. Therefore, I suggest you bring binoculars if you like birds.
On top of that, we went to Balanesti Hill. This is the highest point in Moldova. The trails around Nisporeni are over 40 km long. You can do a short walk or a multi-day trip. The hills were covered in colorful leaves because I visited in the autumn. Spring is also a good time because of the wildflowers. Summer can get very hot, so I carried extra water for both of us.
The Sad Story of the Strays
I must be honest with you about one thing. You will see many homeless dogs in Chisinau. There are over 20,000 stray dogs in the capital city alone. It broke my heart to see them. Many live in parks or rubbish dumps. They struggle every day to find food and safe places to sleep. Sadly, the adoption rate in Moldova is almost zero.
A group called FOUR PAWS is trying to help. They have been working there since 2020. They have delivered over six tons of food to help dogs get through the winter. They also have a program to catch, neuter, and vaccinate the dogs. In just 10 days, they helped 231 animals. I met some people from the local partner, Doctor Vet. They give a lot of love to these animals. If you see a dog in need, know that there are some shelters, but many are overcrowded and have poor conditions.
Practical Tips for the Road
You will need supplies for your dog while you are there. For large shipping crates, Planeta Zoo K9 on Lev Tolstoi street is the best place. If they do not have what you need, you might have to drive to Iasi in Romania. For medical help, Ciavdar Grup is a top-rated clinic in Chisinau. They are open 24 hours a day. Also, VetAsist on Mihail Kogalniceanu street is an option.
If you plan to hike, carry a small daypack. Not all trails have shops for food or water. Sunscreen is very important in the summer. I found that most local guest houses near the trails serve hearty home-cooked meals. The hospitality is top-notch.
Moving on: Moldova vs. Montenegro
I often hear people compare Dog Friendly Moldova montenegro for travel. Montenegro has a big coast and high mountains. Moldova is much flatter with rolling hills. Montenegro is very busy with tourists. Moldova is quiet and feels more like a hidden secret. If you want to avoid crowds, Moldova is the winner. On the contrary, if you want the beach, you should look elsewhere. For a dog owner, the quiet nature of Moldova is a huge plus.
Exporting: The Way Back Home
The process to leave is just as detailed as the arrival. I started my research six months before my departure. Moldova is considered a high-rabies country by some nations. Finally, I had to visit the Moldovan State Vet. The office is number 22 at 48 Vasile Lupu street. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
I needed two main forms: the IATA Pet Health Certificate and Formularul 1. The first is in English and is valid for 10 days. The second is in Romanian and only lasts for 72 hours. I had to show my dog’s passport and my own passport. I paid a fee in MDL cash. I did not bring my dog to the office.
On the day of my flight, I arrived three hours early. The airline called the airport vet to check my papers again. I paid another fee in cash to the airport vet. Then, I paid the airline fee with my credit card. If your dog is too big for the cabin, they will scan the crate and take the dog to the cargo hold. I felt better once I confirmed with the flight attendant that my dog was on the plane.
FAQ
Can I bring my dog to Moldova?
First of all, you can bring up to five pets with you for a non-commercial trip. They must be at least four months old. Each dog needs an ISO microchip and a rabies shot given after the chip is in place. Additionally, you must carry a hard copy of an international health certificate signed by your vet within 10 days of travel.
Is Moldova safe for tourists?
Yes. Moldova is one of the least visited spots in Europe, so it is very quiet and not overrun by crowds. The country feels very authentic. Therefore, you can walk around without the stress of big tourist traps. A peaceful place for a mature traveler.
How dog friendly is Romania?
Romania follows standard EU rules for pets. It is a good place to find large shipping crates in cities like Iasi if you can not find them in Moldova. Plus, you might need to fly through Bucharest if flights from Chisinau are not available for your dog.
Can I speak English in Moldova?
Yes. You will find that many professional hotel workers and staff at top medical centers speak English. Many travel guides and tourism offices also offer help in English to make your trip easy.
What countries do not quarantine dogs?
Moldova does not require a long stay in a cage. Instead, your pet goes to an Animal Quarantine Station for a physical exam that takes about two to three hours. This process usually happens one to five days before you depart.
Final Thoughts on a Dog Friendly Moldova
My trip was an eye-opener. I saw the beauty of the countryside and the kindness of the people in the cafes. Therefore, I think Moldova is a hidden gem for any mature traveler who loves a bit of an edge. It is not perfect. The stray dog issue is a heavy burden to see. However, the moldova friendly spirit is real.
The average prices for hotels are very fair. Weekday prices for a 3-star hotel are about AU$ 107. A 5-star hotel can be AU$ 401. You can find a good balance for your wallet. I recommend the experience to anyone with a well-behaved dog. Just make sure you do all your paperwork on time.
My journey through the Republic of Moldova was like opening an old, dusty book. At first, it looked simple. Gradually, as I turned the pages, I found deep stories, beautiful pictures, and a soul that most people miss.
It is a place that stays with you long after you leave. If you are looking for something different, pack your bags and grab your dog. Moldova is waiting for you!
