I recently returned from one of the most amazing trips of my life. I decided to take my furry best friend with me to explore Central Europe. If you are looking for the perfect spot for Pet friendly holidays in the Czech Republic, you have found it. This country is a paradise for people who do not want to leave their dogs at home. I was shocked to see how much the local people love animals. They treat dogs with so much respect.
It is a common sight to see dogs in cafes, on trains, and even in some shops. I have travelled to many places, but I found that the Czech Republic is truly one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. You might wonder, how dog friendly is Czech Republic? Well, it is a place where dogs are often treated like gods. I saw water bowls outside almost every restaurant. I even saw dogs sitting on their owners’ laps inside fancy pubs. It is a culture that welcomes pets with open arms.
In this guide, I will share everything I learned during my travels. I will talk about the paperwork you need. I will describe the best hiking trails. I will even give you tips on using the local trams and trains. It is time to pack your bags and grab the leash. Your next adventure is waiting.
Getting Ready for Your Trip
First of all, you must handle the paperwork before you leave. If you live in the European Union, you need an EU Pet Passport. This document is very important. It identifies your dog and proves it has a microchip. On top of that, it shows that your pet is fit for travel. You must visit an authorised vet to get this passport issued.
The most important rule involves the rabies vaccine. Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before you cross the border. This rule applies to all dogs over twelve weeks old. Additionally, your pet must have a microchip that meets specific ISO standards. I made sure my vet checked the chip before we left. It is better to be safe than sorry.
If you are coming from outside the EU, the rules are slightly different. You will need an EU health certificate. In some cases, you might even need a rabies titre test. I suggest checking the official State Veterinary Administration website for the most current rules. They have all the details for every country.
Exploring the Capital: Is Prague Pet Friendly?
Many people ask me, is Prague pet friendly? My answer is always a big yes. It is one of the most welcoming cities I have ever visited. Just a few days after Christmas, I sat in a warm cafe while snow covered the streets outside. A man walked in with a large dog on a leash. No one looked surprised. In fact, most indoor spaces in the city are fine with dogs.
You will find that most restaurants let dogs in. I often saw waiters bring a fresh bowl of water without even being asked. Plus, some places even offer scraps from the kitchen if you are lucky. However, it is always polite to ask at the door before you walk in. Some grocery stores do not allow pets, so keep that in mind.
When you are in the city, you must visit the iconic sights. Is Prague dog-friendly for sightseeing? Absolutely. I took my dog for a walk across the Charles Bridge. The best time to go is early in the morning. At that time, the crowds are small and the light is beautiful. Later, we walked up the hill to the Prague Castle. While dogs cannot go inside the buildings, they are allowed to explore the massive grounds. Just make sure your dog is on a leash and wears a muzzle.
If you need a break from the city streets, Prague has many beautiful parks. I found a handy map near my apartment that showed which parks allow dogs off-leash. The city even provides free paper bags and bins for pet waste. This is a very clean and organized city.
Staying in the City
Finding a place to stay is quite easy. My investigation showed that about 49% of hotels and guest houses in Prague allow dogs. You can find anything from luxury hotels to a budget czech republic dormitory or apartment. However, many places charge an extra fee for pets. I stayed in one hotel just outside the city that charged €15 extra per night.
If you want a special experience, look for the Pytloun Hotels chain. They have several locations in Prague. These hotels are very welcoming to four-legged guests. They even have a special menu for dogs that was put together by vets. Plus, if your dog stays in one of their hotels, they eat for free. That is a fantastic deal.
Using Public Transport in Prague
The public transport system in Prague is excellent. It is also very fair to pet owners. Small dogs in a carrier bag can travel for free. The bag must be smaller than 70 x 45 x 25 cm. On the contrary, larger dogs without a box must pay a small fee. In the city limits, it is often free if you have a long-term ticket, but otherwise, it costs about 20 CZK.
There are strict rules you must follow. Your dog must be on a short leash at all times. On top of that, they must wear a secure muzzle. This is very common in the Czech Republic. Even small terriers wear them on the metro. I noticed that people feel safer when they see a muzzled dog in a crowded tram.
When you board a bus or tram, look for the door with the dog pictogram. You should stand in the adjacent vestibule area. Be careful on the escalators in the metro. Some dogs get scared or can hurt their paws. It is best to carry smaller dogs or practice in a quiet area first. Finally, do not let your dog sit on the seats. That is a major rule.
A Weekend in Bohemian Switzerland
If you want to connect with nature, you must drive two hours north of Prague. This area is called Bohemian Switzerland. It became a National Park in the year 2000. The scenery is breath-taking with wild forests and sandstone rocks.
I followed a recommended two-day itinerary that was perfect. First of all, I arrived in Mezní Louka around 11 am. I brought a picnic lunch to eat under the famous sandstone arches. The first hike was the Little Arch Trail. It is about 15 kilometres long and takes roughly three hours. The paths are wonderful, and some are even coated in soft white sand.
Later that afternoon, I visited the Pravčická brána. It is the biggest natural sandstone archway in Europe. The walk from Mezní Louka takes about an hour each way. You must be back by sunset because it gets dark very fast in the mountains. The views are absolutely stunning.
On the second day, I drove to Jetřichovice. I parked near the baroque church. In the summer, parking here is a nightmare, but in February, the lot was empty. I did the Lookout Trail. It is another 15-kilometre walk with amazing viewpoints like Mariina skála. I highly recommend this for any active traveller.
Important tips for hikers:
- You must stay on the official marked trails.
- Dogs should be on a leash to protect the wildlife.
- Forests here are home to wild boar, red deer, and even lynx.
- Avoid hiking in December or January because the paths get very icy and dangerous.
- The best time to visit with a dog is mid-February or March.
For accommodation, I stayed at the U Fořta haylofts in Mezní Louka. The rooms are spacious enough for a dog bed and blankets. They only charged a cleaning fee of 4€ for the dog. The staff were very kind, and the restaurant had great food.
Visiting the Spa Town of Karlovy Vary
Another must-see destination is Karlovy Vary. This is a beautiful spa town near the German border. It is famous for its thermal springs and grand architecture. I found it to be a very relaxing place to walk with my dog.
Is Karlovy Vary dog-friendly? Yes, it is. About 75% of hotels here accept dogs. You can walk with your pet along the Tepla River and enjoy the views. However, there are some places where dogs cannot go. They are not allowed inside the covered colonnades where the mineral springs are located. On top of that, they cannot enter the Hot Spring Colonnade pavilion.
I took my dog to the Diana Tower. You can ride a funicular to the top, and it is dog-friendly as long as you buy a pet ticket. If you prefer to walk, the forest hike takes about 45 minutes. The tower is free to enter, and there is a mini zoo nearby. It is a great place for a long afternoon stroll.
If you are looking for luxury, the Grandhotel Pupp is the place to be. It is a historic 5-star hotel that has appeared in movies like Casino Royale. They are very welcoming to pets. Similarly, the Hotel Imperial offers a grand experience on a hill overlooking the town. Just be aware that some high-end hotels charge up to 30€ per night for a pet.
Taking the Train Across the Country
Travelling by train in the Czech Republic is a joy. It is also incredibly cheap for dog owners. The main operator is České dráhy (ČD). Small dogs in a carrier travel for free. The carrier must have a solid bottom and be fully closable.
For larger dogs, the prices are amazing. If you travel under 150 kilometres, the ticket is only 30 CZK (about €1.25). If you go further than 150 kilometres, it only costs 50 CZK (about €2). You could cross the entire country for just two Euros! That is a bargain.
Rules for train travel:
- Dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle.
- They are only allowed in 2nd class carriages.
- They cannot go into the restaurant carriage.
- I recommend using the MujVlak app to buy your tickets. You can add the dog service right before you pay.
However, you should be careful with R trains (Rychlík). These are fast trains but they are often old. They have steep, lattice steps that are hard for dogs to climb. Plus, you have to open the doors manually with a heavy handle. This is difficult when you are holding a leash and luggage. I prefer the modern InterCity (IC) or EuroCity (EC) trains whenever possible.
Important Pet Etiquette
While the country is very friendly, there are rules you must follow to stay in everyone’s good graces. First of all, always pick up after your dog. I saw some complaints on local forums about people who do not clean up poop on the sidewalks. Do not be that person.
Secondly, keep your dog under control. Even in parks where dogs can be off-leash, they must be trained. You are responsible for any damage or trouble your dog causes. Similarly, respect people who might be afraid of dogs or have allergies. Keeping your dog on a short leash in crowded areas is a sign of respect.
Finally, always have a muzzle ready. Even if you do not use it every minute, ticket inspectors can fine you if you do not have one on public transport. The fine can be up to 1,000 CZK. It is better to just hang it around your dog’s neck so you can put it on quickly if needed.
Other Castles and Parks to Visit
The Czech Republic has countless castles. I wanted to see them all. One of the best is Karlštejn Castle, which is just a 40-minute drive from Prague. Dogs can explore the castle grounds on a leash with a muzzle. Plus, the surrounding forest is perfect for a long walk.
Similarly, I loved Lednice Park in the east of the country. It is home to a beautiful neo-gothic chateau. While dogs cannot go inside the building, the park is massive and free to visit. It has a large lake and many interesting structures to see. The fall colours there were magical.
On the contrary, I had a bit of trouble at Cesky Krumlov. It is a gorgeous town, but dogs are technically not allowed in the castle grounds. I saw a “no dog” sign at the entrance. I carried my small dog through for a quick look, but I was ready to leave if anyone asked. If you visit this town, I recommend eating at the Pivovar Eggenberg brewery. They have a great outdoor terrace where dogs are very welcome.
FAQ
Can I bring my puppy to the Czech Republic?
Yes, you can bring puppies under twelve weeks if they travel with their mother or if you sign a document. This document must state the puppy had no contact with wild animals.
Are dogs allowed in the Butterfly House in Karlovy Vary?
Yes, but your dog must remain in your arms. You can also keep your pet inside a secure carrier bag while you are inside.
Can dogs go to Šumava National Park?
Yes, pets are welcome if they stay under your permanent control. However, they cannot go on the groomed cross-country skiing tracks unless they are assistance dogs.
How much is the fine for breaking pet rules on public transport?
You risk a financial penalty of up to 1,000 CZK if you violate transport rules. You could even face exclusion from the bus or tram.
Concluding words
The Czech Republic is a dream for pet owners. People in this country have a highly positive relationship with pets. You can visit the cafes of Prague or walk the trails of Bohemian Switzerland with your dog. A perfect trip. No stress. Pure joy.
Many hotels even provide special menus for your four-legged friend. You must follow the rules for muzzles and leashes to avoid a fine. Plan your trip and enjoy Pet friendly holidays in the Czech Republic with your furry friend today.
