I love to travel. It is a part of who I am. My life feels most full when I am on the road with a backpack and a map. However, a trip is never quite right if I leave my four-legged buddy behind. I searched for a destination that truly welcomes armenia animals and their owners. That search led me to the heart of the Caucasus. Pet Friendly Places in Armenia are more common than you might think. From the busy streets of the capital to the quiet woods of Dilijan, I found a world of adventure. This guide is my way of sharing that journey with you. I will tell you everything you need to know about taking your armenia best friend on the tour of a lifetime.
The First Steps: Paperwork and Rules
First of all, you must handle the red tape. To bring a pet into this country requires careful planning. You should start this process at least 8 to 12 weeks before you leave. I learned that a “pet passport” here is not just one book. It is a collection of papers that prove your pet is healthy.
Your pet must have a microchip. I highly recommend a 15-digit ISO-compliant chip. Additionally, your pet needs a rabies shot. This shot must be given between 21 days and 11 months before you arrive. My cat also needed shots for things like feline leukemia, while my dog needed treatment for distemper and parvovirus.
Here is a quick look at the costs for your budget:
- Microchipping: $50 to $100.
- Vaccinations: $100 to $200.
- Health Certificate: $150 to $300.
- Airlines Pet Fee: $200 to $1,500.
You do not need an import permit if you bring only one or two pets. If you have three or more, you will need extra help. A health certificate is a must. A government vet in your home country must sign it within five days of your travel. On top of that, your pet must come from an area that has been free of rabies for at least six months. There is no quarantine if you follow these steps. That was a huge relief for me. I wanted to start our fun right away.
Getting There: Flying with Your Buddy
To fly to Armenia means you will likely land at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. I checked many airlines. Aeroflot is a popular choice for this region. They allow cats, dogs, and even birds.
If your pet is small, it can stay in the cabin with you. The weight limit is usually 8 kg. For larger friends, they must go in the baggage hold. The weight limit there is 50 kg. I had to make a request for my pet at least six hours before the flight. If you want your pet to have its own seat, you must ask 36 hours in advance.
The airline has strict rules about crates. The crate must be big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around 360 degrees. I put a favorite toy inside the crate. This helped my buddy feel less scared of the noise. Also, you should put a water bowl inside.
Life in the Capital: Pet Friendly Places in Yerevan
Yerevan is a city that is changing fast. It is becoming very open to pets. When I first arrived, I looked for pet friendly hotels in yerevan. There are many great options on sites like Airbnb and Booking.com. Some hosts are very kind. I found a place where the owners were amazed to see my dog, but they still let us stay.
Yerevan now has seven official dog parks. These are great spots for your pet to play and meet others. You can find them in areas like:
- Kentron: Circle Boulevard.
- Arabkir: Kanaker Hydroelectric Power Station Park.
- Malatia-Sebastia: Park of Love and Faith.
- Nor Nork: Nansen Park.
Gradually, I noticed that the city is very permissive. I spent many afternoons sitting in pet friendly cafes in yerevan. People are friendly and often want to pet your dog. It is a great way to make friends. Similarly, many pet friendly restaurants in yerevan will let you sit at an outdoor table.
If you plan to stay a long time, you must register your pet. This started in 2021 to help keep animals safe. Registration is free, but you could be fined if you forget to do it. You just need your pet’s passport and proof of shots.
Dining Out with Your Pet
I am a food lover. Luckily, I did not have to eat alone. There are so many pet friendly places to visit for a good meal. While some travelers look for pet friendly places in amman, I found that Yerevan has a vibe that is hard to beat.
Here are some of my favorite spots in the city:
- Jermots: A very high-rated spot on Tpagrichneri Street.
- Frank by Basta: Great food on Buzand Street.
- Mama Jan: A cozy place on Spendaryan Street.
- Hayk Coffee Roasters: Perfect for your morning caffeine fix on Saryan Street.
- Green Bean: A nice choice on Isahakyan Street.
- Crumbs: Good for a quick snack on Mashtots Avenue.
On top of that, many of these places are in the center of town. I could walk from a park right to a cafe. It made our days very easy. I never felt like my pet was a burden. Later, I found out that even some bookstores like Zangak on Abovyan Street are pet friendly. Imagine reading a book with your cat on your lap!
Exploring the Wild: Hiking and Camping
Armenia is a dream for nature lovers. My trip with my dog through the country was wonderful. I spent about 40 days exploring. The best part? Wild camping is allowed and safe.
I highly recommend these spots for camping:
- Dilijan National Park: Especially near Parz Lake.
- Sevan Lake: The blue water is stunning.
- Khor Virap: You get a great view of Mount Ararat.
- Tatev: Near the famous monastery.
Hitchhiking with a dog is also surprisingly easy. People are very charming. Many locals even gave us food or invited us into their homes. However, you should be careful with the “Tatev Wings” cable car. In the past, dogs could not ride it.
If you go to Dilijan, you might meet a “trail dog”. These are local strays that like to follow hikers for company. They are usually very friendly. I loved having an extra buddy on our walks. The Hike Armenia app helped me find my way when I got lost in the woods.
Safety and Health: What to Watch Out For
Nature is beautiful, but it has risks. The biggest threat in the mountains is not wild bears. It is shepherd dogs. These are often large breeds like the Armenian Gampr or Caucasian Shepherd. They take their job of guarding sheep very seriously.
If a pack of these dogs runs at you, do not run away. That is the worst thing you can do. Instead, you should:
- Stay calm: Do not stand paralyzed.
- Act aggressive: Make loud noises.
- Stand together: If you are in a group, stay close to each other.
- Use tools: Trekking poles or even stones can help if they get too close.
- Firecrackers: The loud noise can scare them away.
Additionally, you should watch out for snakes in the tall grass. Within the city, stray dogs are usually friendly and often neutered by the government. However, stray dogs in villages can be more territorial.
If your pet gets sick, do not worry. There are good vets in Armenia. In Yerevan, you can call IM VET for a house call. They are available 24/7. If you are in the north, Shunn u Katun in Vanadzor is a great clinic. They have modern equipment and kind doctors.
Adoption: Making a Difference
Finally, I want to talk about the heart of the people here. There are about 7,000 stray dogs in Yerevan. Many groups work hard to help them. The Dingo Team helps around 700 animals every year. They rehome about 300 pets annually.
If you fall in love with a stray, you can adopt it! The process is not too hard. You will need a chip, a passport, and shots from a local vet. Rescue groups like PAWSitive Rescue or Shoon Dog Rescue can help you with the paperwork to take a dog home to the USA or Europe. It costs about $1,000 to $1,500 to export a dog. That is a small price to pay for a new best friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful city in Armenia?
Dilijan is a city that feels like a fairytale. It has thick forests and high mountains. Many people move there to enjoy the quiet life and the views.
What kind of animals live in Armenia?
You will see many stray dogs and cats in the streets. There are about 7,000 stray dogs in Yerevan alone. In the wild, you might find wolves, bears, and poisonous snakes. Livestock like cattle, sheep, and horses are also common.
Where is the best place to live in Armenia?
Yerevan is the center for most pet services and cafes. However, some people prefer the nature in Dilijan. It is a popular spot for a weekend trip.
Where to have fun in Yerevan?
You can visit one of the seven official dog parks. Zangak Bookstore is a great place to relax. Additionally, many restaurants on Amiryan Street or Saryan Street welcome pets.
Is 4 days enough for Armenia?
I stayed for 40 days to see the whole country. A short trip might feel rushed.
What to be careful in Armenia?
You must watch out for shepherd dogs in the mountains. These wolfhounds guard the herds and can be aggressive. Also, be careful of snakes and stray dogs in rural villages.
Does Armenia have snakes?
Yes. Poisonous snakes live in the mountains. You should stay on marked trails to stay safe.
What is the national dog of Armenia?
The Armenian Gampr is a famous local breed. It is a large wolfhound used to protect animals.
Are Armenians friendly to foreigners?
Armenians are very charming people. They often invite travelers into their homes and share their food.
Which month is best to visit Armenia?
Summer is a wonderful time to visit for hiking and camping. I visited in the summer and found the weather perfect for outdoor fun.
Can I drink water in Yerevan?
Natural spring water from the hills is completely drinkable. It is often very cold and fresh.
Is it safe to walk at night in Yerevan?
The country is generally safe for travelers. I found that wild camping was very safe during my long stay.
Do they speak English in Armenia?
Many veterinary clinics have staff who speak English. You can find help in large cities like Yerevan.
Concluding words
Pet Friendly Places in Armenia offer a unique chance for you to see the world with your best friend. The travel rules are clear. You need a health certificate and a rabies shot to enter. Yerevan is full of dog parks and cafes where you can rest.
Nature lovers can go wild camping or hiking in Dilijan. Though you must watch for shepherd dogs in the wild, the local people are very kind and welcoming. This country is a gem for any pet owner. A true land of beauty.
