I have spent a lot of time exploring Europe. I often find that some cities are more welcoming to my four-legged companions than others. Poznań, Poland is one of those places that truly stands out. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and sits in Western Poland. People often overlook it for bigger names like Kraków or Warsaw. However, that is a huge mistake. The city is full of vibrant culture, medieval history, and beautiful parks. If you are wondering, is Poland dog friendly, the answer is a big yes. I recently spent time there and I want to share my experience so you can plan your own pet friendly travel in Poznan, Poland.
First of all, I need to talk about the vibe of the city. It has a beautiful Old Town with Renaissance architecture and colorful houses. Every day at noon, you can see two mechanical goats butt heads at the top of the Town Hall. It is a fun sight for tourists and locals alike. Plus, the city is very walkable. You can see most of the major sites on foot without ever needing to step on a bus. This makes traveling to Poland with pets much easier.
Preparing for Your Trip: The Paperwork
You cannot just hop on a plane or train with your dog without a plan. Pet friendly Poland requires you to follow specific rules. I had to make sure my dog met all the health requirements before we left. First of all, your pet must have a working microchip. This is also called a transponder. This chip must be ISO-compliant. That means it usually has 15 digits and meets international standards like ISO 11784.
Your veterinarian must scan the chip before they give any shots. Therefore, the order of events matters. Your dog needs a rabies vaccination after the chip is in place. If the shot happens before the chip, it does not count under European Union rules. For a primary vaccination, you must wait at least 21 days before you can travel. If you get a booster shot within the valid period of a previous shot, you do not have to wait those 21 days. Additionally, you need a health certificate. This document must be issued by an official or accredited veterinarian.
The rules are a bit different if you are coming from certain countries. For example, if you are from the United States, Canada, or Australia, you do not need an antibody titration test. However, if you come from a country not on the “safe” list, you must have a blood sample tested at an approved lab. This test must show a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Plus, you must have it done at least 30 days after the vaccination and three months before you enter Poland.
Finding the Perfect Place to Stay
I found that finding a place to sleep was very easy. Poznan with dog is a breeze because there are over 122 pet-friendly hotels and rentals available. I stayed at the HP Park Malta Hotel. It is located right on the shores of Lake Malta. This location is perfect. It is surrounded by lush parks and forests. I loved that I could step out of the hotel and be on a walking path in seconds.
The HP Park Malta Hotel is very transparent about its fees. They charge a standard fee of PLN 50 per night for a pet. However, they have a special “Stay with a Dog” offer on their website. If you book that, the fee is a one-time charge of PLN 50 for the whole stay. That is a great deal! They even put a bowl and some tasty treats in the room as a welcome gift. My dog felt very safe and at ease there.
If you prefer to be closer to the center, the PURO Hotel Poznań Stare Miasto is another great choice. They allow dogs of any size for no additional fee. Similarly, the Homewell Apartments Stara Piekarnia allow dogs for free, but they do not allow cats. For a cozy vibe, I also looked at Aparthouse on Woźna 11. It is just 150 meters from the Old Market Square. It is stylish and functional. Most importantly, it is pet-friendly.
Navigating the City Streets
I found that the city is small enough to walk almost everywhere. Gradually, I realized that the public transport is also very good. Trams and buses run all day and night. If your dog is tired, you can hop on a tram. You can buy electronic tickets using apps like jakdojadę or SkyCash. On top of that, you can use your debit card at terminals inside every vehicle.
One great tip I learned is about the 24-hour ticket. If you validate a 24-hour ticket between Friday at 8:00 PM and Saturday at 12:59 PM, it turns into a weekend ticket. This means it stays valid until midnight on Sunday. That is a lot of travel for a small price! Therefore, I suggest you plan your arrival for Friday evening to save some money.
Dining Out with Your Furry Friend
I love to eat, and I was happy to find that many restaurants in Poznań welcome dogs. A survey showed that 72 percent of people in the city do not mind dogs in restaurants. However, about 25 percent do not like it. This means you should always be polite. Actually, a successful outing takes preparation. I always take my “Doggy Kit”. This includes a water bowl, a portable mat, and a few favourite chews.
Petit Paris Sołacz is a wonderful spot for French delights. It is a cozy bistro with outdoor seating. I enjoyed their croissants while my dog relaxed by my side. If you want pizza, Forni Rossi at Naramowicka 92 is the place to go. They have spacious seating and authentic wood-fired pizzas. Additionally, Mówish Mash is a trendy spot for cocktails and small plates. They gladly welcome dogs.
For those who love plant-based food, the city is a paradise. I visited a place called Misa Lisa. It is a completely vegan restaurant with a cute fox logo. The food was fantastic. Later, I stopped at Je Sus, which has a very kitschy and cute vibe. The service there was super nice. Plus, La Papaya offers vibrant vegan Mexican food like burritos and tacos. They are very dog-friendly.
If you want something quick, Meet Meat on Woźna 18 is a good choice. It is a fast-food barbecue spot that has outdoor seating and is marked as pet-friendly. On the contrary, if you want a green oasis, go to Dżungla Café. It is filled with plants and has a very laid-back atmosphere.
Adventure in the Parks and Lakes
I spent a lot of my time in the local parks. Poznań is a haven for dog lovers. The city has many specially designed dog parks. These are enclosed green spaces where your dog can run off-leash safely. They often have double gates to prevent any escapes. Inside, you will find equipment for dog sports and waste stations.
One of my favorites was Park Cytadela. It is a huge park on the grounds of an old military fortress. It has well-tended gardens and shaded pathways. I also visited the museum there which has World War II tanks and planes. It costs less than £3 to enter. My dog loved the long walks through the expansive greenery.
Lake Malta is another must-visit. It is a man-made lake with many recreational activities. You can find an ice rink, a ski slope, and even a zoo there. I enjoyed the picturesque views of the lake from the hotel terrace. Gradually, we made our way to Lake Rusałka. It has scenic walking trails that are perfect for a long stroll. I recommend avoiding peak times on weekends so you can have a more relaxed walk.
Here are some of the fenced dog parks I found:
- Park Jana Pawła II
- Park Kasprowicza
- Park Rataje
- Osiedle Polanka
- Osiedle Oświecenia
Also, there are many unfenced areas for walking, like Lasek Dębiec Park and Park Mazowieckiego. Just remember that in these areas, you must keep your dog on a leash.
Shopping and Chilling
I was surprised to find that I could even take my dog shopping. Some shopping malls in Poznań are dog-friendly. Avenida Poznan and Poznan City Center are on the list of places you can enter with your dog. However, you must remember that each store inside the mall decides if you can enter with a pet. I always look for a sticker on the door or ask a security guard before I walk in.
If the weather is bad, Stary Browar is a cool spot to check out. It is a modern shopping center converted from an old 19th-century brewery. It has nearly 200 shops and many art installations. It is a great place to wander around when it is raining.
Etiquette and Tips for a Happy Dog
I have learned that the key to a good trip is being a responsible owner. DOG FRIENDLY MIEJSCA W POZNANIU depends a lot on us. You are responsible for the safety of your dog and the people around you. First of all, you should always take your dog for a walk before you go to a restaurant. This helps them burn off energy so they can relax.
When you are at a table, keep your dog close. Do not let them approach other diners without permission. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. I always use a short leash and secure it to my chair. Gradually, I have trained my dog to lie down quietly by rewarding calm behavior with treats. Plus, I never leave my dog unattended.
If you are just starting to take your dog out, pick quiet times. Busy hours can be stressful for a dog that is not used to crowds. I started with short visits to outdoor gardens before trying to sit inside.
What to Do in an Emergency
I hope you never need it, but it is good to know where the vets are. Żurawiniec Veterinary Clinic is located at ul. Jasna Rola 36/29 in Poznań. They specialize in orthopedics, oncology, and soft surgery. The team is headed by Paweł Piechota and has 8 doctors. They also have a modern hospital for long-term treatment.
If you need care at night or on the weekend, you can call them at +48 515 044 672. They are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, and they also have hours on Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, they have a pet store on site if you need to pick up any special food or supplies.
FAQ
Is Poznań dog friendly?
Yes, it is. The city of Poznań is very welcoming to pets. I found that there are more than 122 pet-friendly hotels and rentals available for visitors. Also, many local restaurants and cafes now allow you to bring your dog inside.
How to travel with a dog to Poland?
You must follow several strict steps. First of all, your pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip. Your vet must scan this chip before they give a rabies vaccination. Additionally, you need an official health certificate. If you come from a country that is not on the “safe” list, your dog might need a blood test to check for antibodies.
What to do in Poland with a dog?
You can do so many things! I suggest a walk through the Old Town to see the colorful houses. You can also visit Park Cytadela, which is a massive green space with a military museum. Lake Malta and Lake Rusałka are perfect for long strolls by the water. Plus, there are many fenced dog parks where your pet can run off-leash.
Is Poland a dog friendly country?
Yes, it is. Pet-friendly travel is a growing trend there. Many people in cities like Poznań have pets and enjoy taking them to public spaces. Rules for bringing pets into the country are well-defined for travelers.
Do they speak English in Poznań?
They do! Many people in the service industry speak English quite well. You can find guided walking tours in English. Additionally, many hotel hosts and restaurant staff are happy to communicate in English.
Are dogs allowed on trains in Poland?
You can take your dog on the train. You must make sure you have the right identification and health documents for your pet. Similarly, you should follow the rules of the specific train company.
Can you fly dogs in the cabin in Poland?
Airlines have their own specific policies for this. Some might let small dogs in the cabin, while others require them to be in the cargo hold. You should check with your airline before you buy a ticket.
Concluding words
Poznań is a fantastic destination for anyone who loves to travel with their pet. The city is walkable and full of beautiful parks like Park Cytadela and Lake Malta. You can find many dog-friendly hotels and restaurants that make your stay very easy. Just be sure to follow the EU health rules for microchips and vaccines before you arrive. This city offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and nature for you and your furry friend.
