Hey there, fellow travelers and dog lovers. A journey through the continent of Europe with a four-legged friend is a beautiful dream for many of us. However, the reality is often quite bumpy. I have spent years on the road with my two small dogs. Trust me. I know the highs and the lows. I love to see new places. Also, I love to share my finds with you. Some spots are the most dog friendly countries in europe. Others? They are not. My goal today is to show you the 15 least dog friendly countries in europe. A tough list. Such a shame.
The search for the easiest countries to travel to with a dog often leads us to Italy or France. On the contrary, our list today explores the dark side of pet travel. I use data from the Swiftest Dog-Friendly Country Index to help guide us. This study used eight factors to rank 51 nations. They looked at animal protection, rabies risks, and even dog meat consumption. The results might surprise you. Some places have near-zero legal safety for our furry kids. Pure madness.
A trip with a pet requires deep thought. First of all, we must look at the legal side. Additionally, we must check the local culture. Some people adore dogs like children. Others treat them like pests. Therefore, preparation is the key to a happy tail. Let us dive into the details.
Azerbaijan: A High-Risk Zone
This country sits on the edge of the European map. It is the absolute bottom of the barrel for pet safety. First of all, it is a high-risk zone for rabies. The Swiftest gave it a score of only 0.40 out of hundreds. On top of that, it has no laws on animal rights. Therefore, a pet has zero legal safety here.
The health care for pets is another massive problem. There are only 0.2 vets for every thousand people. Imagine an emergency. A nightmare scenario. You will find it nearly impossible to get care for a sick pup. Additionally, dogs are not welcome in public life. This is not a place for a vacation with a dog. Such a stressful environment.
Belarus: No Rights for Fido
Next on my list is Belarus. It is a tough spot for any animal lover. Additionally, it has a low ranking score of 32.42. It lacks any laws to protect companion animals. Similarly, there are no laws that recognize animal feelings or sentience.
A visit to the capital city of Minsk might offer a few pet-friendly bars. However, the general culture is not warm. Most restaurants and stores are off-limits. At that time, the rules felt very cold. I found that landlords are very picky about pets. It is a struggle to find a roof over your head with a dog. Gradually, you will feel the weight of the restrictions. A difficult pill to swallow.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: A Cultural Barrier
I visited this place with high hopes for the scenery. However, the culture shock was very real. Some people were aggressive to my pups. At that time, I saw locals kick at dogs or stomp their feet to scare them. They would jump away in a weird, mean way as we passed. Such a scary experience for a little dog.
The transit system is also a total mess. One worker told me “yes” to the train. Later, a different worker said “no” at the platform. No one seems to know the real rules. Vets are nice but they have very little equipment. On the contrary, the mountains are beautiful. Therefore, I suggest you leave the dog at home if you go. Do not risk their safety.
Moldova: A Heavy Heart
The situation in Moldova is quite sad for any pet parent. Plus, I heard from locals that dogs are treated like trash. Pups are not allowed in public spots. No cafe will let you enter with a dog. Therefore, it is one of the least pet friendly countries.
The big problem here is the poisoning of strays. People frequently poison dogs and cats in the streets. This is a massive risk for your pet if they sniff the wrong spot. Additionally, there is no legal protection for them. My heart felt heavy the entire time. Such a contrast to the 10 most dog-loving countries.
Kosovo: A Land of Paper Laws
Kosovo is a beautiful place with a dark reality for dogs. However, it is a dark spot for animal welfare. Secret killing programs are a reality in many cities. In the city of Prizren, officials killed 831 dogs in just one year. Gradually, activists tried to stop this. A petition reached over 120,000 signatures.
The laws on paper mean nothing here. PM advisor roles are just a “fig leaf” for the government. First of all, the state neuter programs were a disaster. Local vets did not use sterile tools. Therefore, many dogs died from the surgery. Finally, shelters here are not safe. A new law allows the killing of healthy dogs after only 30 days. A tragic situation.
Albania: Grudging Tolerance
Albania is often compared to Bosnia. Similarly, dogs are not very welcome. Most restaurants will tell you “no”. Sometimes, staff might let you sit in an outside garden. However, it depends on their mood. It is a total hit or miss.
Local people mainly see dogs as working tools. The idea of a pet dog is still new. Additonally, there are many strays that guard houses. Therefore, your pet might feel nervous. I found that I had to beg for access to simple things. On top of that, public transport is a no-go. Such a hassle for a senior traveler.
Iceland: The Quarantine Fortress
Iceland is a bucket list spot for many people. However, it is not a place for a short holiday with a dog. You cannot just fly in with your pup. First of all, there is a mandatory 2-week quarantine. It used to be four weeks. This is very hard on a dog’s mental state.
The history of dogs here is very strange. Pet dogs were actually banned in Reykjavik from 1924 until 1984. They thought dogs carried dangerous tapeworms. Therefore, the dog culture is still very fresh. You will see many “no dogs” signs in nature. Gradually, you will realize that cats are the pet of choice here. It is not worth the stress for a simple trip.
North Macedonia: The Cold Shoulder
A trip to Lake Ohrid is stunning. However, the locals were not happy to see my dog. I felt shunned in many places. One falafel stand was nice to my dog, but she was not allowed inside. Additonally, restaurants are a firm “no”.
The culture here is very different from the most dog friendly countries in europe. People do not look at dogs as family members. Similarly to other Balkan states, muzzles are often required if you find a taxi that accepts you. Therefore, the logistics are a nightmare. You will spend more time worry than relax. Such a shame for such a pretty place.
Norway: No Dogs Indoors
Norway is a land of rules. However, those rules are very strict for pets. It is against the law to take dogs inside restaurants. You must stay outside. This is fine in summer. On the contrary, Norway is very cold for most of the year. Therefore, you will eat many meals alone.
The transport rules are also tough. Dogs must be muzzled on trains. Additonally, you often have to pay an extra fee for them. While people are nice, the laws are not. It feels very restrictive compared to Germany or Italy. Finally, public buildings like museums or libraries are always off-limits. A bit of a buzzkill for a history buff.
Slovakia: A Failed Change
I heard some interesting news about Slovakia recently. Locals told me that dogs are technically not allowed at restaurants. Additonally, this rule applies to outdoor patios too. There was a vote to change this law. However, it failed. Such a letdown.
The acceptance rate is low. Less than 50% of the places I tried would let my dog in. Many doors have “no dogs” stickers. Therefore, you must plan every meal with care. First of all, check for a patio. Later, check if the owner is having a good day. It is a lot of work for a simple lunch.
Serbia: The Outdoor Only Rule
Serbia is another tough spot for the 15 least dog friendly countries in europe. Inside dining is almost never allowed. You might get lucky with an outdoor table. However, that depends on the owner. Most of the time, the answer is a simple “no”.
The stray dog problem is also visible. Many street dogs are in packs. This can be scary if you walk your pet alone. On the top of that, public transport is not easy to navigate. Gradually, you will find that a car is a must. Therefore, do not expect a walk in the park. It is a bit of a grind.
Portugal: Monumental Bans
Portugal is a beautiful place to live. However, it is not the easiest for a traveler with a dog. You cannot visit any monuments or museums with your pup. Additonally, public transport is often a “no” for dogs. There are also very few dog-friendly beaches.
The dining rules are case-by-case. Many places do not allow dogs inside. Therefore, you are stuck on the patio. This is fine when it is sunny. On the contrary, a rainy day in Lisbon will leave you hungry. Similarly, finding a rental is very hard. Only about 20% of flats allow pets in some cities. A real challenge for a long stay.
Spain: The Most Complicated Laws
I found that Spanish dog laws are the most complex in the world. They classify dogs by breed, weight, and size. Any dog over 20 kg must wear a muzzle in public. Therefore, my bigger friends have a hard time.
Restaurants are also very hit or miss. Barcelona gave me the most trouble. First of all, many staff members panic when you ask to enter. Additionally, there is a toxic caterpillar in the south that can kill a dog. You must watch the ground at all times. Finally, buses are often restricted to dogs in crates under the bus. No thank you.
Romania: Territorial Troubles
Romanians generally love dogs. However, the strays are a big issue. Henry the Spaniel found too many territorial strays there. These street dogs can be aggressive to pets. Additonally, restaurants in cities like Brasov are mostly not dog-friendly.
The stats are also a bit scary. A 2021 study put Romania in the top five for fatal dog attacks in Europe. Therefore, the culture can be tense. You will find that most interiors are off-limits. Gradually, you will feel limited to just parks and patios. Similarly to other Eastern states, the rules are not always clear. A bit of a gamble.
Ukraine: The Long List
Ukraine has a very long “dangerous breed” list. It was updated in 2021 to include 52 different breeds. First of all, if your dog is on that list, you must have insurance. You must also use a short leash and a muzzle in public. Therefore, it is a lot of red tape.
The city of Kyiv has even stricter rules. Some breeds are forbidden for breeding entirely. Additonally, license fees are very high. While some restaurants are nice, the legal weight is heavy. Finally, public transport like the rail system can be a challenge. It is a lot of math for a simple trip.
A Look at the Better Side
We have talked about the hard places. However, there is hope. Some nations are a paradise. 10 most dog-loving countries include Italy, France, and Germany. These are the easiest countries to travel to with a dog. They have low rabies risks and many vets. Additonally, they have the most pet-friendly hotels.
Italy is the top dog with a score of 377.52. Similarly, France has about 17 dogs for every 100 people. These are countries that allow dogs without quarantine if you have an EU pet passport. Such a breeze. You can take them to cafes, stores, and on trains. A world of difference.
Tips for a Successful Trip
A trip with a dog requires a good plan. First of all, get an EU pet passport if you can. It makes border crossings so much easier. Additonally, always carry printed copies of your documents. Phones can die. Paper is forever.
The heat is another big risk. Malta is beautiful but brutally hot. At that time, I saw a poodle looking very stressed in the sun. Always use the “5-second rule” for the pavement. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws. Therefore, buy some paw balm or dog boots. On top of that, carry a cooling vest.
A move to a new country with a pet is an investment. First of all, check the airline rules. Some will turn you away if you lack a vet letter. Additionally, book your pet on the flight by phone. Do not wait until the last minute. Finally, always arrive at the airport three hours early. Checking in with a dog takes a long time.
The Cost of Pet Travel
Travel with a dog is not cheap. First of all, flights can cost between $25 and $150 USD. Additonally, paperwork can run over $300 USD. Therefore, you must budget for the extra costs. On top of that, pet-friendly Airbnbs are often more expensive.
A small dog is much easier to carry. Jasper is a toy poodle and weighs 12 pounds. He fits in a carrier under the seat. However, a big dog must fly in the cargo hold. This is very stressful for them. Similarly, most buses do not accept large dogs. Therefore, you might need to rent a car. It all adds up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has zero stray dogs?
Sweden is explicitly noted for having no stray dogs due to its progressive animal welfare laws. Germany and the Netherlands are also cited as countries where stray dogs are essentially non-existent.
Where to not pet a dog?
In Germany, dog training is taken very seriously, and it is considered impolite or even unacceptable to pet a dog without first asking the owner for permission.
Which European country is most dog friendly?
Italy is ranked as the top country for dog ownership due to its environment of care and legislation. However, travelers have also called Slovenia the most dog-friendly place they have visited, noting that dogs are even allowed in some churches.
Are Muslims allowed to have dogs?
In many Muslim cultures, dogs are considered religiously impure, which often prevents them from entering the home. While pet dogs are becoming more common in places like Istanbul, they are still frequently excluded from Turkish-run establishments for religious reasons.
Which country loves dogs the most?
Italy holds the highest score for dog-friendly environments in Europe. Additionally, Great Britain is frequently described as one of the most dog-loving nations, and Poland is noted for its high level of affection and special treatment for pets in restaurants.
Are Muslims allowed to go near dogs?
Attitudes vary; while some may avoid dogs due to beliefs about impurity, others are quite tolerant. For example, in conservative Istanbul neighborhoods, some residents have requested to enter a neighbor’s home specifically to pet their dog.
How dog friendly is Sweden?
Sweden is highly dog-friendly, featuring laws that limit crate time and allow dogs to walk without leashes in many areas. It is described as having some of the most enlightened animal welfare laws in Europe, with no breed bans or stray populations.
What countries allow dogs without quarantine?
Most EU countries allow dogs to travel freely without quarantine as long as they possess a valid EU Pet Passport, microchip, and required vaccinations. This is a sharp contrast to Iceland, which requires a mandatory two-week quarantine.
Concluding words
Traveling with a dog in Europe reveals a wide spectrum of hospitality, ranging from near-human status in Italy to significant cultural and legal hurdles in other regions. The least dog-friendly countries, such as Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, and Moldova, often present challenges including cultural hostility, strict transit bans, and a lack of indoor access for pets. Successful travel requires careful research into breed-specific legislation and local customs to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for your pet.
