I never thought a small country in Eastern Europe would steal my heart and the heart of my furry best friend. Dog Friendly Travel in Orhei, Moldova is not just a dream. It is a real adventure that offers ancient history and winding rivers. I spent weeks exploring this hidden gem with my dog. The experience was transformative. First of all, let me tell you that Moldova is a safe and welcoming destination. It is a place where rich culture and historical landmarks meet world-class wineries. The rolling hills and quiet villages are perfect for people like us who love to travel with our pets.
Preparing for the Big Trip
The journey started long before we boarded the plane. You must learn how to travel with pets internationally if you want to avoid a headache at the border. Moldova has specific rules that you must follow. Every pet must have a microchip. This is the most important step. The microchip must be a 15-digit one that follows ISO standards 11784 or 11785. I made sure my vet did this before any other shots. A microchip is like a permanent ID card for your dog. It connects your pet to all their legal papers.
On top of that, vaccinations are a big deal. Every dog must have a rabies shot at least 30 days before they enter the country. Do not forget this. The vet must sign and stamp the paperwork. You can use a rabies certificate or an EU Pet Passport if you live in Europe. Additionally, I had to get a rabies titer test for my dog. This blood test shows if the vaccine is working. It must be done at least three months before you travel if you come from certain countries. However, if you come from an EU Member State or a listed country like the UK, you might be exempt from this test.
Finally, the health certificate is the last piece of the puzzle. A licensed vet must fill this out within 10 days of your arrival. It proves your dog is healthy and free from sickness. I also learned that Moldova does not have a list of banned breeds. This makes it a great choice for all kinds of dog owners. Plus, there is no quarantine as long as you have your papers in order.
Arriving in Chișinău
Our flight landed at Chișinău International Airport (RMO). The airport is about 13 km away from the city center. I carried my dog in a crate that followed IATA rules. First of all, I had to notify the airport vet before we landed. They need to be there to check the dog and the papers. I found the process quite smooth. Later, we had to find a way to get to our first stop.
Public transport in the capital is very cheap. A trolleybus or bus ride costs only 6 MDL, which is about 0.30 EUR. Small pets in carriers can ride for free. However, my dog is a bit larger. For a big dog, you must pay between 20 and 50 MDL. They also must wear a leash and a muzzle. On the contrary, I chose a taxi for our first ride. It was just easier with all the bags. I used a ride-hailing app like Yandex. I always sent a message to the driver first. I asked if it was okay to bring a dog. Most of them said yes. A taxi from the airport to the city center usually costs between 150 and 200 MDL. That is roughly 8 to 10 EUR.
Heading to Orhei: The Heart of Moldova
Orhei is about an hour away from Chișinău by car. The drive is beautiful. I saw many green fields and rolling hills. I realized that how to travel.with dogs in this region is all about being flexible. We headed straight for Orheiul Vechi, which is an ancient archaeological and cultural site. This place is the soul of Moldova. It sits in a valley carved by the Răut River.
The scenery is simply stunning. I saw limestone cliffs that reached toward the sky. I saw a Cave Monastery that was dug into the rock hundreds of years ago. It is a place of peace. I walked along the ridge with my dog by my side. The wind was in our hair. We felt free. Similarly, the Stone Cross Viewpoint offered a view that I will never forget. The river looks like a ribbon of blue silk winding through golden fields.
Dog-Friendly Hiking in Orhei
If you love the outdoors, you will love this part. Orheiul Vechi offers eight different routes for hiking and exploring. I took my dog on the Trebujeni-Furceni Trail. It is about 8 km long. We walked past grazing sheep and heard the distant bells of a church. The trails are rocky, so I made sure to wear good shoes. I also carried plenty of water for both of us.
Additionally, the Morova Gorge Trail is a fantastic choice if you want something longer. It is 15 km of pure nature. I saw many birds along the way. In fact, there are about 100 species of birds in the area. That is one-third of all the bird species in the entire country. My dog loved sniffing the wild thyme that grows along the paths.
However, you must be careful near farmland. Always keep your dog on a leash when you are near sheep or cattle. The shepherd dogs are often large and very loud. They are usually friendly, but they take their job seriously. I found that carrying a walking stick helped keep them at a distance. Similarly, be mindful of stray dogs in urban areas. Most are harmless, but it is best to avoid them at night.
Where to Stay in Orhei with Your Dog
Finding a place to sleep was easier than I expected. Many places now welcome pets. I stayed at the STARK HOTEL in Orhei. It is a 4-star hotel that is very pet-friendly. They have free parking and great Wi-Fi. The staff was very kind to my dog. A room here starts at about $53 per night. It is clean and comfortable.
Another good option is Hotel Sofia. They allow pets, but they might charge a small fee. It is in a great location and has a balcony with city views. If you want something more traditional, try a rural guesthouse in Butuceni or Trebujeni. Vila Etnica and Resedinta Rotundu are both highly rated. These places often have gardens where your dog can relax while you sip on local wine.
I also found some unique rentals on SunSki Resorts. They listed a cozy mobile home in Old Orhei that was perfect for us. It had air conditioning and plenty of space to roam. The average price for a pet-friendly home in the area is about $112. There are so many choices for Dog Friendly Travel in Orhei, Moldova.
Dining and Culture
You cannot visit Moldova without eating the food. The cuisine is hearty and delicious. I took my dog to a few outdoor terraces. Most of them were happy to have us. We visited La Placinte in the city. I tried the Placinte, which are flaky pies filled with cheese or cherries. They are served hot and taste like heaven. On top of that, the Sarmale are a must-try. These are grape leaves rolled with rice and meat.
I also visited the Eco-Resort Butuceni for lunch. It is very rustic. They have open-fire cooking and wooden tables. My dog sat under the table while I ate amazing eggplant spread and fresh bread. I highly recommend their house wine. Moldova is famous for its wine, after all.
Speaking of wine, we made a stop at the Cricova Winery. It is an underground wine city. It has tunnels that stretch for 120 kilometers. It is one of the most prestigious wineries in the world. While dogs might not be allowed deep inside the cellars, the area around the winery is beautiful for a walk. Additionally, Chateau Vartely in Orhei offers stunning vineyard views and gourmet dining.
Practical Safety Tips
Safety is important when you travel. Moldova is generally a very safe place. However, like any city, Chișinău has some petty crime. Keep your bags close in crowded markets. I used my credit card at most big shops and hotels, but I always carried some cash (MDL) for smaller vendors. The exchange rate is about 1 EUR = 19.38 MDL.
If there is an emergency, dial 112. This number works for the police, fire department, and ambulance. The operators usually speak English. If your dog gets sick, there are vet clinics in Orhei. I saw Alex Vet and Farmacie Veterinară on my walks. There are also 24-hour clinics in the capital like VetHelp.
I also checked the weather before we went. We visited in May, and the weather was perfect. The average high temperature was between 18°C and 24°C. It was warm during the day but cool at night. I packed layers and a light jacket for the evenings. If you have allergies, bring your medicine because spring flowers are everywhere.
Exploring Beyond the Main Sites
There is so much more to see if you have the time. I visited the National Museum of History and the Stefan cel Mare Park in the capital. Both are very safe and beautiful. In Orhei, I saw the Vasile Lupu Monument and the St. Dumitru Church. The architecture is very unique.
I even thought about other places I want to visit. I heard about dog friendly places in bahrain, but that is a trip for another year. For now, Moldova has my full attention. Gradually, I realized that this country offers a sense of peace that is hard to find elsewhere. Finally, our trip came to an end. I felt refreshed and renewed.
Why You Should Go
If you are a mature traveler who loves nature and history, you must put Orhei on your list. The combination of ancient caves, winding rivers, and welcoming people is special. Your dog will love the wide-open spaces and the fresh air of the countryside. You will love the rich wine and the quiet moments on the cliffs.
Do not be afraid of the paperwork. Once you know how to travel with pets internationally, the rest is easy. Moldova is waiting for you. It is a hidden gem that is becoming more popular every day. Pack your bags, grab the leash, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. You will not regret it.
I sat in a flower garden courtyard on my last night. I sipped on sour cherry juice and watched the sunset over the ridge. My dog was sleeping at my feet. The sound of church bells echoed across the hills. It was the perfect end to a perfect trip. Moldova is truly a place where the soul lingers. I cannot wait to go back.
Statistical Highlights of the Trip:
- Distance from Chișinău to Orhei: ~55-60 km.
- Cost of a Trolleybus Ticket: 6 MDL.
- Average Nightly Price for Pet-Friendly Stay: $112.
- Length of Cricova Underground Galleries: 120 km.
- Number of Bird Species in Orheiul Vechi: ~100.
- Financial Requirement for Entry: 30 EUR per day.
Every step in Orhei feels like a step back in time. You see the foundations of medieval towns and ancient fortresses. You feel the history in the stones. Plus, the hospitality of the local people is unmatched. They treat you like family. They treat your dog like a guest of honor. Therefore, I highly recommend this destination to anyone who wants a unique travel experience.
The Dog Friendly Travel in Orhei, Moldova guide is now complete. I hope my experience helps you plan your own journey. Happy travels to you and your furry companion!
FAQ
Can I bring my dog to Moldova?
Yes, you can. Moldova is a very welcoming place for pets. You must follow rules like having a microchip and a rabies shot. A real win for us.
Can I speak English in Moldova?
English works in some spots. People at the 112 emergency line often speak it. However, it may be limited in rural areas. Plus, young people in tourist spots often know it. A helpful thing for your trip.
How much does it cost to fly with a dog?
Airlines like Wizz Air or Turkish Airlines charge between 300 and 500 MDL for small dogs in the cabin. Larger dogs on trains cost 50 percent of the ticket price.
Where can I keep my dog and travel?
You can stay at the STARK HOTEL or Eco-Resort Butuceni. Additionally, you can find help on apps like PetBacker in the capital. So much ease.
Which beach is best for dogs?
The Nistru River is your best bet. It has spots where your dog can swim and you can have a picnic.
Which park is pet friendly?
The Dendrarium Park or Rîșcani Park are pet-friendly if you use a leash. Stefan cel Mare Park is also a safe choice. A green dream.
Is Moldova cheap to visit?
Yes, it is very cheap. A trolleybus ride is only 6 MDL. It is a safe and affordable adventure for everyone.
Concluding words
Orhei is a great place for your dog. You can see ancient caves and enjoy the hills together. The hotels are nice and do not cost much. You will love the kind people and the quiet trails. Take your pet on this trip soon. A special time for both of you.
