First of all, I must tell you that the Adriatic light in Montenegro feels like a dream. I recently spent two months living a fabulous life in this small but charming country. My home base was a medieval resort town where I could get my paws sandy and enjoy the fresh seafood. This place is a hidden gem of Eastern Europe. If you love old towns, mountains, and the sea, you will find it here. Many people ask me if Budva is worth visiting. I believe it is worth every second because it is over 2,500 years old. You can feel the history when you brush past the ancient stone walls. On top of that, the locals are very friendly to travelers who bring their pets.
Many people also worry about safety when they plan a trip to a new country. You might wonder, is it safe to travel to Montenegro? Based on my time there, I felt very safe and welcome. The vibe from the local people is very positive. You might also ask, is it safe to holiday in Montenegro? Yes, it is a great place for a relaxing vacation. However, you must stay alert for ticks and stray animals in some areas. Additionally, the roads can be a bit narrow and lacks sidewalks in many spots. Therefore, you should plan your walking routes with care.
To Prepare Your Dog for the Trip
First of all, you need to handle the paperwork to enter the country. Montenegro has clear rules for Dog Friendly Travel in Budva, Montenegro. You must follow a specific order: get a passport, then a microchip, and finally a rabies vaccination. The microchip must be ISO compliant. Also, the rabies shot must happen at least 15 days before you arrive but cannot be older than 6 months for some documents. For others, a 21-day quarantine period is required after the first shot. You also need a health certificate from a vet clinic, which is called a Potvrda o zdravstvenom stanju. This costs about €10 and you should get it five days before you leave. Later, you must get a veterinary certificate from a vet inspector. If you are on the coast, you can contact Inspector Zoran or Inspector Ruza in Bar.
You should also know about the Rabies Antibody Titer test. Though some people say it is not needed to enter, you definitely need it to leave Montenegro and go back to the European Union. This is because Montenegro is considered a high-risk area for rabies. The test measures the immunity of your pet. You must wait 30 days after the rabies shot to take the blood sample. After that, there is a three-month waiting period before your dog can enter the EU. The test results are valid forever as long as you do not let the yearly rabies shot expire. Therefore, you should plan your trip many months in advance.
To Find a Pet Friendly Home in Budva
When you look for a place to stay, you will find that Budva pet friendly options are plentiful. I stayed in a luxurious one-bedroom apartment in a 4-star high-rise building. It was right next to Slovenska beach. I paid about $90 a night, but you can find cheaper places. Long-term rental housing starts around 380 EUR per month. However, some landlords do not want pets in their fresh apartments. You should use a “Pet Friendly” filter on websites to find the right spot. Similarly, some hotels are more welcoming than others. About 20% or less of hotels in the capital were listed as pet-friendly, but Budva has more resort options.
I can suggest a few specific places that people love. Hotel Budva is a stylish 5-star spot near the Old Town. It has a private beach and free parking. Another good choice is Hotel Moskva, which has polished rooms and a spa. If you want luxury, Dukley Hotel & Resort sits on the coast and has private beaches. Plus, it is surrounded by lush gardens. On the contrary, if you want a family feel, Villa Bojana is a quiet place with a pool and trees. The staff there are very friendly and they serve a great breakfast. At that time, I found that many places do not even charge an extra pet fee.
To Eat and Drink with Your Dog
Dining out is one of the best parts of Dog Friendly Travel in Budva, Montenegro. Almost every restaurant and bar I visited accepted my dog with open paws. You do not have to worry about nasty glares. Most places allow dogs on their outdoor patios. However, the law says dogs can not be inside places that sell food. But some owners make an exception if you have a small dog. I often sat my dog on a human chair and no one cared. Additionally, it is much cheaper to eat here than in Western Europe.
You should try the local fast food too. Piano Nobile in the Old Town has great burgers and local wine. For a Greek taste, Home of Gyros by Naky’s is a must-visit spot. If you want something budget-friendly, Verde offers gyros and sandwiches at a low price. They even have vegetarian options like soy meat gyros. Eatzy – Grill & Casual Food is another cozy, dog-friendly restaurant with unique dishes like smoked ribs. Finally, do not miss the bakeries for a snack called börek. It is a flaky pastry with meat that locals love.
To Travel Around the Coast
To get around, you have a few choices for your four-legged friend. The Railway Transport of Montenegro is very affordable. Small dogs can travel with a 50% discount on the regular ticket price. They must be in a carrier. Also, you can take a bus to different cities. Small dogs are usually welcome if they are in a carrier. However, the rules for big dogs depend on the driver’s mood. Some drivers might say no. Therefore, you should give yourself extra time or think about a car rental.
Taxis and rideshares are usually fine with small dogs too. I always call ahead to ask for approval just in case. Similarly, the best way to see the coast is by boat. I hopped on two different cruises. One was around Kotor Bay and the other was near Sveti Stefan. The tour companies were very lenient and wanted our business. Plus, you can explore the largest island in the country, Sveti Nikola, by boat.
To Enjoy the Budva Dog Beach
You probably want to know about a dog friendly beach Montenegro. The good news is that dogs are allowed on beaches. Budva has two official spots for pets. One is in the central part of Slovenska beach, marked as number 8F in the Atlas of beaches. The other is at the eastern end of Buljarica beach, marked as 27L. These are the places to go if you want a dedicated budva dog beach. Though you can often walk your dog on other sandy shores, official pet-friendly spots are better.
When you go to the beach, you must follow some rules. Swimming on public beaches with animals is strictly prohibited. You could face a fine of up to 500 euros if you break the rules. Also, always provide shade and clean water for your dog. Do not forget to clean up after them. Gradually, the country is opening more bathing places for pets to stay and rest. These beaches should have cleaning equipment and even toys.
To Walk and Hike the Trails
Budva is a paradise for people who love to walk. You can walk from Budva all the way to Sveti Stefan. This is about an 8km stroll along the coast. It is a pleasant walk in May because the weather is not too hot. However, a small part is along the main road, which is not as nice. For more nature, you can hike to the Mogren fortress. This is an easy 1-hour hike with amazing views of the sea. On the contrary, if you want a real challenge, go to Lovćen National Park. The trails there lead to spectacular viewpoints.
You should also check out the promenade in Budva. There are two free places on the embankment for playing with dogs. One is opposite the Tre Canne hotel and has special exercise equipment. The second is a fenced area where your pet can run free. At that time, I enjoyed walking through the Old Town too. The narrow cobblestone pathways are full of history to sniff out. But remember, dogs are not allowed inside churches, museums, or castles.
To Find a Vet if You Need One
It is important to know where the doctors are for your pet. Vet Medica in Budva is the most popular clinic for travelers. The lead vets are Blagoja and Suzana Daskalovski. They speak excellent English. The clinic has x-rays and can do blood tests on-site. It is located on the Ring road opposite the Kuzina Restaurant. They are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00 and Saturday until 14:00. For Sundays, you must make an arrangement.
If you have an emergency, there are other clinics nearby. You can find Animavet 2 or MontVet in Podgorica. In Bar, there is Veterinarska ambulanta Popovic. VetPort in Kotor is also great and has x-ray and ultrasound facilities. The vet there, Relja Cetkovic, speaks good English. On top of that, Montenegro has a pet hotel if you need some alone time. Your pet will be pampered and cared for there.
To Stay Safe and Healthy
I have a few tips to keep your trip perfect. First of all, do not let your dog drink the tap water. Locals say it is not safe after it rains. Always use bottled water for you and your dog. Also, watch out for stray dogs. Some can be aggressive. There are many stray cats too, especially in Kotor. Therefore, you should think about how your dog reacts to cats.
Finally, you must use leashes and muzzles in public places. This is the law. Cruelty to animals is also strictly prohibited. Plus, you must have your dog’s chip and passport with you when you walk. If you see waste in the streets, just be patient, as some areas can be messy. Overall, the warm climate and good ecology make it a happy place for pets.
To Conclude My Guide
In the end, I think Budva is a fantastic place for a tour with your dog. The beaches, the history, and the friendly people make it special. Though the paperwork takes some work, it is worth it for the memories. You will love the views from the mountains and the blue water of the sea. Just remember to plan ahead for the titer test if you are going back to the EU. I hope you have a wonderful time exploring this hidden gem. Happy travels to you and your furry friend!.
FAQ
Which is nicer, Kotor or Budva?
First of all, the choice depends on your taste. Budva is a “pawty” beach town with many sandy spots and a history that is 2,500 years old. However, Kotor has a more historical feel and is famous for its Old Town cats. Both are charming. Such a hard choice!
Is Kotor dog friendly?
Yes, Kotor is very welcoming to four-legged guests. Most restaurants there allow dogs on their outdoor patios. Plus, your dog can walk through the medieval streets of the Old Town with no trouble.
Is Budva safe at night?
Budva is a very busy resort town. You will find that people stroll the streets and enjoy the nightlife until very late. At that time, I felt very safe. Bright lights and crowds everywhere.
Which is nicer, Croatia or Montenegro?
Montenegro is quite similar to Croatia but often feels like a hidden gem. Additionally, it is much cheaper than Western Europe. However, you must handle more paperwork for your pet when you enter.
Where is the most dog friendly country?
Montenegro is a top choice in Eastern Europe for dog lovers. People here are mostly friendly to dogs. They treat pets with kindness and welcome them in many places. A tiny paradise for pups.
Do people speak English in Montenegro?
Yes. You will find that many people in the tourism industry speak English well. Similarly, vets and hotel staff often communicate in English with no problems.
What to avoid in Montenegro?
First of all, do not drink the tap water after it rains because it is not safe. Also, you should avoid roads that lack sidewalks since they are narrow and dangerous. Later, watch out for large guard dogs that may be aggressive.
Is Uber in Montenegro?
No, I did not find Uber in this country. However, you can use taxis, car rentals, or buses to get around. Therefore, you should plan your transport ahead of time.
Concluding words
Budva is a beautiful and ancient city that offers a very warm welcome for your dog. Though you must handle specific rabies paperwork and a titer test, the trip is worth the effort. You can enjoy Slovenska beach and eat at cozy spots like Piano Nobile with your pet. On top of that, the Adriatic light and the kind local people make it a special place. Walks by the sea and mountain views. A perfect holiday for you and your best friend.
