I just returned from a trip that changed how I look at vacations. I took my four-legged best friend to a city that truly loves animals. The Hague, or Den Haag, is the third largest city in the Netherlands. It is a place where global decisions happen. It is also the home of the royal family. Most importantly, it was named the most animal-friendly city in the Netherlands for 2024. This title was awarded by an expert jury at the National Congress on Animal Welfare. The city works hard to support wildlife and pet owners alike. It even has bird sanctuaries and eco-friendly mowing policies. Is Netherlands dog friendly? The answer is a loud and happy “yes”. I want to share my experience so you can enjoy Dog Friendly Travel in The Hague, Netherlands just as much as I did.
Preparing For Your Adventure
Success starts with good planning. I had to make sure my dog met all the rules to enter the country. If you travel from an EU country, you need an EU pet passport. Your dog must have a rabies vaccination. This shot must happen when the dog is at least 12 weeks old. You must wait at least 21 days after the shot before you travel. A microchip is also a must. It must be placed before or on the same day as the vaccination. Travelers from non-EU countries might need a blood test too. This depends on the rabies risk in your home country. I carried all my papers in a safe folder. You should also check the rules of your airline or airport. If you stay for more than three months, you must register your pet with a local vet.
You might wonder about the costs of a travel with dog mission. Customs requires a declaration if you bought your pet outside the EU and it costs more than €430. I made sure to double-check every step. Proper preparation makes the journey smooth. It is better to be safe than sorry. Nobody wants their pet sent back at their own expense.
Getting To The City
I chose the train for my main travel. The NS (Dutch Railways) makes it very easy. I bought a Day Ticket Dog. This ticket allows a dog to travel for one whole day. It is a simple way to get around the country. I saw many people with their pets on the platforms. The train stations in The Hague are very busy. Den Haag Centraal is the biggest station. It is a modern hub with many levels. It is only a five-minute walk from the city center. Den Haag Hollands Spoor is another main station. It has a beautiful historic building. It is a twenty-minute walk from the Central Station.
If you prefer the sea, you can use a ferry. I looked at the DFDS ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam. The trip takes about 16 hours and 45 minutes. They offer comfortable cabins and dining. You can bring your own car and unlimited luggage. This is a great way to start a Dutch holiday. Once you arrive, the drive to The Hague is not too long. However, traffic can be heavy. I found that public transport is often faster.
Where To Stay: Dog Friendly Hotels The Hague
Finding a place to sleep was my next big task. I wanted a place where my dog was a guest, not just a tag-along. The Hague has many options. I found that dog friendly hotels the hague often go above and beyond.
I stayed at the Hilton The Hague. It has 195 rooms. It is located in the embassy district. The rooms are very spacious. They offer a terrace and a dining area. I enjoyed the courtyard views. The staff was very kind to my dog.
Another great choice is the Novotel Den Haag World Forum. It is located near many museums. It has 216 rooms. Some rooms even offer views of the sea. It is a charming four-star hotel. I also looked at the Moxy The Hague. It is quite modern and has 184 rooms. They offer a buffet breakfast and have a fun vibe.
If you want luxury, look at the Hotel des Indes. It is a former aristocratic residence. It has hosted many celebrities and heads of state. It is located on the beautiful Lange Voorhout. For a seaside stay, the Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus is iconic. It dates back to 1886. It was once a bathhouse and concert venue. It sits right on the beach.
I also noticed the Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade. It sits on the edge of the Scheveningen Woods. It has a heated swimming pool and 177 rooms. It is a very peaceful spot. If you searched for a dog friendly hotel belgium during your planning, you will find that these Dutch hotels offer a similar high standard of care. They truly celebrate your pet.
Moving Around The City
I loved the local transport system. The HTM runs the trams and buses. The best part? Dogs travel for free in all HTM vehicles. There are a few rules to follow. You must keep your dog on a leash. They are not allowed on the seats. They should stay in the aisle. I found the drivers very friendly.
I used the OVpay system to pay. I just tapped my credit card when I got on and off. It was very simple. The tram lines are very efficient. Tram line 9 is great for going to Scheveningen and Madurodam. Tram line 1 also goes to the beach.
The city also has great bike paths. I saw many people with dogs in special bike trailers. The Hague is a very bike-friendly city. I walked a lot too. The city center is compact and easy to navigate on foot. I aimed for 10,000 steps a day. It was easy to do with so many beautiful things to see.
A Day At The Beach: Scheveningen and Kijkduin
You cannot visit The Hague without going to the coast. The city has 11 km of coastline. Scheveningen is the most popular resort. It is a fishing village and a seaside district. It has a long history. It even became a famous spa in the 19th century.
The beach is divided into sections. Noorderstrand is the busiest area. It has the iconic Pier and the Kurhaus. Zuiderstrand is a bit quieter. It is a favorite for locals. Kijkduin is even more peaceful. It is protected by an artificial peninsula. It is great for families.
The rules for dogs on the beach change with the seasons. Between October 1 and May 15, dogs can go almost anywhere on the sand. You just have to clean up after them. During the summer months, things are different. Canines are welcome on certain parts of Zuiderstrand and all of Noorderstrand all year. I loved watching my dog run in the surf. The sand is soft and golden.
I also walked on the Strandweg promenade. It is 4.5 kilometers long. There are many beach bars and restaurants. Most of them open in March. I saw many dogs sitting with their owners at these spots. The vibe is very relaxed. It feels like a mix of a busy city and a beach holiday.
Exploring The Green Spaces: Dog Parks
The Hague is full of parks. It was built on an old hunting manor, so green space is everywhere. Each park has its own character.
Westduinpark was my favorite. It is located near Kijkduin Beach. It is a vast nature reserve. It has a mix of dunes and forest areas. There are designated off-leash zones. My dog loved exploring the different terrains. It is very scenic.
Clingendael Park is another beauty. It has many walking trails. It is famous for its Japanese Garden. However, you must be careful here. Dogs are NOT allowed in the Japanese Garden. It is a very fragile place. It is only open for a few weeks in the spring and autumn. It is the oldest and largest Japanese garden in the country. The rest of Clingendael is open to dogs on a leash.
Scheveningse Bosjes is a large wooded area. It is perfect for long walks in the shade. It has off-leash areas too. It is very close to the beach. I also visited Zuiderpark. It is the largest park in the city. It has meadows and woods. It even has dog waste stations and drinking fountains.
Haagse Bos is one of the oldest forests in the country. It goes right to the edge of the Central Station. Dogs must be on a leash here. I saw a fenced-off area with deer. The forest is full of history. I felt like I was deep in nature while still being in the city center.
Eating Out With Your Dog
I never had to leave my dog behind when I got hungry. The Hague has some great dog-friendly restaurants. There are at least three main spots that welcome dogs at outdoor tables.
TEDS is a wonderful brunch spot. They prepare food with a lot of love. Fido is welcome at the outdoor tables. I tried their French toast and it was delicious. BIT Grill and Café is another good choice. They have a pet-friendly patio. They serve burgers, steaks, and salads.
For a more casual vibe, I went to O’Casey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. The best part? Dogs are welcome inside or at outdoor tables. They serve classic pub food like wings and fish and chips. It was very cozy.
I also tried some local snacks. Kibbeling is a must. It is crispy battered cod served with garlic sauce. It is a Dutch seaside classic. I bought some at a beachfront fish stand. I also saw many people eating herring. It is often served with onions or pickled. It is a national obsession. For a sweet treat, I looked for Dutch pancakes or pannenkoeken. My dog definitely kept a close eye on my plate.
Culture and History
The Hague is a city of art and politics. I spent time looking at the amazing buildings. The Binnenhof is the heart of it all. It is a 13th-century castle. It is the seat of the government. You can walk through the medieval courtyard. I saw the Ridderzaal or Knight’s Hall. The area is surrounded by a pond called the Hofvijver. It is very beautiful.
I visited the Mauritshuis museum. It is a small but mighty museum. It houses the famous painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Vermeer. It also has works by Rembrandt. The building itself is a 17th-century palace.
Another cool spot is the Escher in the Palace museum. It is dedicated to the optical illusions of M.C. Escher. It is inside a former royal palace. The chandeliers are very impressive. I walked down the Lange Voorhout. It is a tree-lined avenue that feels very elegant. It often hosts outdoor art shows.
For something quirky, I went to Madurodam. It is a miniature city. It shows all the famous parts of the Netherlands on a 1 to 25 scale. It has little canals, windmills, and palaces. It is fun for people of all ages. I saw the Peace Palace too. It is the home of the International Court of Justice. It has beautiful gardens.
You should know that most museums do not allow dogs inside. I had to take turns with my travel partner to go inside. However, just walking around these buildings with my dog was a treat. The architecture is stunning.
Health and City Rules
A responsible pet owner always follows the rules. In The Hague, you must always clean up dog poop. This rule applies everywhere, even in off-leash areas and on the beach. You must always carry a bag or a scoop with you. If you do not follow the rules, you might get a fine. Handholding teams and foresters check the parks.
I also kept a list of local vets just in case. Animal Clinic Aan de Laan is one option. They have a high standard of care for dogs and cats. They have been around for a long time and offer personal attention. They even have an emergency number for after-hours care. They work with a team of vets in the area.
The city is generally very safe. However, you should take normal care against pickpockets in busy areas. I felt very comfortable walking around. The Hague is a wealthy and stately city. It has a very international feel.
FAQ
Is the Hague dog friendly?
Yes! It is a fantastic place for pets. The city was named the most animal-friendly city in the Netherlands for 2024. A dog lover’s dream? Absolutely.
How dog friendly is the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is very welcoming to animals. You will find many off-leash zones and parks for your pet to enjoy. People here truly value their furry companions.
Are dogs allowed on public transport in Holland?
Yes, they are. You can take your dog on HTM trams and buses for free as long as they are on a leash and stay in the aisle. For trains, you can buy a Day Ticket Dog from the NS.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in the Netherlands?
Many restaurants welcome dogs at their outdoor tables. Some places even allow them inside. For example, O’Casey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant is happy to have your dog join you indoors.
How to travel with a dog to the Netherlands?
You need to have an EU pet passport. Your dog must also have a microchip and a rabies vaccination done at least 21 days before you travel.
Concluding words
The Hague is the perfect spot for anyone who wants to enjoy a vacation with their pet. You can spend your mornings on the golden sands of Scheveningen and your afternoons in the deep woods of Haagse Bos. The city makes travel easy by offering free rides for dogs on local trams and buses. You can choose from many great hotels like the Hilton or the Leonardo Royal that treat your pet like a special guest.
Always make sure to follow the local rules by keeping your dog on a leash when required and cleaning up after them. This city truly cares about its animal residents and visitors alike. Why wait for your next adventure?
