I have always believed that a true holiday is only complete when my four-legged companion is by my side. A few months ago, I decided to test this theory by taking a Pet Friendly Vacation in Novi Sad, Serbia. It is the second-largest city in the country and sits gracefully on the banks of the Danube River. Many people ask me, “can i take my dog to serbia?” The answer is a loud and happy yes. Novi Sad was the 2022 European Capital of Culture, and I found that it truly lives up to its reputation for being open and welcoming to everyone, including furry friends.
First of all, the city is incredibly flat, which makes it perfect for a novi sad serbia walking tour with a dog of any size. I spent weeks exploring every corner of this place with my dog. I learned that the city is effectively split in two by the river, with the historic Old Town (Stari Grad) on one side and the massive Petrovaradin Fortress on the other. Additionally, I noticed that almost everyone in this city seems to own a well-trained dog. It is estimated that unofficially, one and a half million microchipped dogs live in the Republic of Serbia. This creates a culture where pets are not just tolerated but are viewed very favorably.
The Logistics: How to Bring Your Dog to Serbia
If you are wondering how to vacation with a dog in a foreign land, you must start with the paperwork. Therefore, I will explain what I had to do to enter the country. To export dogs or cats to Serbia, your pet must be permanently marked with a microchip. This chip must comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards. Additionally, your pet must be at least 7 months old according to some regulations, though other rules suggest 12 to 16 weeks is the minimum age if certain conditions are met.
The most important requirement is the rabies vaccination. You must ensure the vaccine is administered at least 21 days before entry. Later, if you are coming from a country that is not considered “rabies-free” or low-risk, you might need a rabies serology titer test. This test must show a result of at least 0.5 I.U./ml and be performed in an EU-approved laboratory. Plus, your pet needs a Serbian Veterinary Health Certificate or an EU Pet Passport if you are coming from Europe. I made sure to carry these two sheets of paper right next to my own passport because it is always better to have them ready if a border guard asks. Finally, do not forget that mandatory deworming must be done between 120 and 24 hours before you arrive in Serbia.
Where to Stay: Pet Friendly Hotels Novi Sad
When I looked for where can i take my dog when i go on vacation, I found that novi sad pet friendly options are plentiful. I stayed at the Sheraton Novi Sad, which is a fantastic 4-star property. It has an exceptional rating of 9.4 out of 10 from over 200 reviews. They allowed my dog to stay free of charge and even provided food and water bowls in the room. Moreover, the hotel features a full-service spa where I could relax after a long day of walking.
On the contrary, if you prefer a more central and luxury experience, you should consider Hotel Pupin. It is a 5-star hotel located right in the heart of the city. It has a 9.2 rating and is only 0.1 miles from the local airport terminal area. Addtionally, they provide amenities like air conditioning and bathrobes for the humans and bowls for the pets.
For those who want a bit of nature, Salas Farma 47 is a wonderful choice. It is a 4-star property with a 9.2 rating that feels like a rural ranch. The accommodation is surrounded by quince groves, and it provides a terrace and a yard, which gave my dog plenty of space to sniff around.
Though I prefer hotels, many visitors choose vacation apartments through platforms like Flatio or Airbnb. I found that these apartments often provide more space and privacy than a traditional hotel room. Novi Sad offers many fully furnished, deposit-free apartments that allow pets. Gradually, you will find that the Old Town area is the most expensive, but staying near the Promenada Mall can be cheaper and is still very lively.
Exploring the City: A Walking Tour with Fido
I started every morning of my vacation with a stroll through Danube Park (Dunavski Park). It is a beautiful urban oasis with more than 250 plant species and a central pond where swans glide around. At that time, I noticed many other owners walking their dogs along the well-maintained paths. Additonally, the park houses busts of famous poets like Miroslav Antić.
Later, I headed toward the Petrovaradin Fortress, which is often called the “Gibraltar on the Danube“. It is a massive 17th-century structure with sweeping views of the river and the city roofs. The fortress grounds are spacious, and my dog loved roaming freely while I looked at the clock tower with its reversed hands. However, I must warn you that some areas are high up, so keep a close eye on your pet.
If you want a more modern park experience, Limanski Park is the place to go. It has a dedicated space for dogs, as well as children’s playgrounds and a skate park. I found it very peaceful to walk there, especially since the city is so pedestrian-friendly. Therefore, I never felt the need to rent a car just to get around the city center.
Dining and Shopping: Even Malls are Pet-Friendly!
One thing that truly shocked me was the level of acceptance in public buildings. I visited the Promenada Shopping Mall, and I saw that even the mall is pet-friendly. Plus, the Velvet Coffee & Kitchen is a great spot to grab a bite. It is a cafe on the corner of Puskinova and Aleksa Santica streets that has a dog-friendly patio. I sat there for an hour, sipping local coffee while my pet lounged by my side.
Additionally, many cafes in the Old Town pedestrian zone allow you to sit outside with your dog. Though some places still do not want pets inside due to hygiene rules, the number of pet-friendly spots is increasing every day. I always looked for a notice of free access displayed at the entrance. Similarly, I found that food prices at restaurants are quite reasonable compared to Western Europe. A typical stay in a hotel can cost as little as £33 to £63 per night.
For a more unique experience, I visited an unofficial dog beach along the shores of the Danube. It is located north of the main Strand Beach (which does not allow dogs). This area has a trail system through the woods that leads to small beaches where dogs can run, play, and dig in the sand. It was the highlight of the trip for my dog!
Health and Wellness: Veterinary Care in Novi Sad
I always worry about what might happen if my pet gets sick while we are away. Therefore, I was relieved to find Darvin Veterinary Clinic. They have two locations—one in Novi Sad and one in Veternik—and a team of over ten veterinarians. They are a reference point for many species and provide everything from check-ups to surgery and diagnostics like X-rays and ultrasound.
Plus, if you need to go somewhere for a day where dogs are not allowed, they offer boarding services. For cats, the price is about 1,000 RSD per night, and owners are encouraged to bring their own food to avoid digestive issues. Additionally, they can organize pet transport or a pet taxi within the city for 1,500 RSD. Knowing that such a professional clinic was nearby gave me great peace of mind.
Day Trips from Novi Sad: Exploring the Vojvodina Region
If you have extra time, you must explore the area surrounding serbia novi sad city. The Vojvodina region is full of hidden gems. First of all, I recommend a 15-minute taxi ride to Sremski Karlovci, the wine capital of Serbia. This town is nestled between Fruska Gora National Park and the Danube. It is famous for a special wine called bermet, which has about 17% alcohol and was reportedly served on the Titanic. I walked through the town with my dog and looked at the Karlovci Gymnasium, which was the first high school in Serbia.
Additionally, you should spend a day at Fruška Gora National Park, located only 20 kilometers south of the city. It is one of five Serbian national parks and is home to 16 different monasteries. The most famous is the Krušedol Monastery, which dates back to the 15th century. Though you might expect massive mountains, this park actually has rolling hills and lush forests that are perfect for hiking with a dog.
Later, I drove about 1.5 hours north to Sombor, which many people say is one of the most beautiful cities in Serbia. It is a small town of about 50,000 inhabitants, but it is very charming. I highly recommend the Sedam Dudova Salas, which is a traditional farmstead restaurant with a beautiful outdoor space. Similarly, the city of Subotica is 105 km away and is famous for its Art Nouveau palaces. It is right on the border with Hungary, and I found the architecture there to be a colorful masterpiece.
For a truly unusual experience, I visited the Deliblatska Peščara, which is a literal desert in the middle of Europe. It covers more than 300 square kilometers and was formed during the Ice Age. It is often called the “European Sahara,” and it is a fantastic place for a long hike in the sand.
Cultural Norms and Responsible Ownership
I noticed that the culture of keeping pets in Serbia is changing. Additonally, there are efforts to create standardized pet-friendly services. The Pet Travel Advisor certification helps businesses set clear rules so that both owners and staff know what to expect. Gradually, more places are adopting a Pet Policy that protects the rights of everyone.
However, as a guest, you have responsibilities too. You must clean up after your dog and ensure they are well-behaved in public. Novi Sad has built dozens of dog parks in recent years to help with this. On top of that, some breeds might be required to wear a muzzle in public transport according to local by-laws. I found that most local dogs are so well-trained that they are often walked off-leash, but I only did this with my dog in designated areas.
Planning Your Trip: Weather and Costs
If you are planning your Pet Friendly Vacation in Novi Sad, Serbia, timing is everything. The hottest month is August, with average temperatures around 75.6°F (24.2°C). Conversely, the coolest month is January, where it drops to 34.7°F (1.5°C). I think the best time to visit is during spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant for long walks.
Additionally, keep an eye on the EXIT Festival in July. It is a huge music festival held at the Petrovaradin Fortress, and the city becomes very crowded. If you plan to visit then, you must book your pet friendly hotels novi sad well in advance.
In terms of costs, I found Novi Sad to be quite affordable. For instance, you can find a good meal at a traditional restaurant for a much lower price than in London or Paris. The city’s unemployment rate has decreased from 17.3% to 6.5% in recent years, which shows that the economy is growing and becoming more modern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can i take my dog to serbia?
You can definitely take your dog to Serbia. First of all, your pet must have a microchip and a rabies vaccine administered at least 21 days before you arrive. Additionally, you must carry a Serbian Veterinary Health Certificate or an EU Pet Passport.
What is Novi Sad famous for?
This city is famous as the 2022 European Capital of Culture. It also houses the Petrovaradin Fortress, which people call the “Gibraltar on the Danube“. On top of that, it is home to the massive EXIT Festival held every July.
Is Novi Sad worth visiting?
Novi Sad is absolutely worth a visit. It has a welcoming vibe, beautiful green spaces, and a very scenic environment. Gradually, you will see that it is much more European than other parts of the country.
What is the closest airport to Novi Sad Serbia?
The closest major airport is the Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG). It is the main hub for travelers who head to this region.
Is Belgrade dog friendly?
Belgrade is very dog friendly. For instance, the Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress are open to pets 24 hours a day. Similarly, you can find many other parks like the Park of Friendship where leashed dogs are welcome.
Is Air Serbia pet friendly?
Air Serbia is a pet-friendly airline. They allow owners to travel with their cats or dogs on their flights.
Is Novi Sad safe for tourists?
Novi Sad is a very safe city for all visitors. It has a safe environment and a stable budget, which helps maintain high standards for everyone.
Should I visit Belgrade or Novi Sad?
You should choose Belgrade if you love big cities with a lot to do. However, you should pick Novi Sad if you prefer a smaller city with more green space.
How many days are enough for Novi Sad?
Three days are enough to see the major sights and enjoy the city. Gradually, you might want to stay longer to explore the Vojvodina region.
What is the nicest city in Serbia?
Many people say Sombor is the most beautiful city in the country. It is a quaint town with a lot of charm and a small population of about 50,000 people.
Is Serbia cheap or expensive?
Serbia is a very affordable destination. For instance, food prices at restaurants are cheaper than in Western Europe. On top of that, you can find hotels for as little as £33 to £63 per night.
Can you fly direct to Serbia?
You can fly to Serbia via several airlines, including Air Serbia. The Belgrade Airport serves as the main entry point for international flights.
Is public transport free in Novi Sad?
Public transport is not free in Novi Sad. Therefore, you must follow the local rules for fares and pet transport.
Which airline is dog-friendly?
Air Serbia is the primary dog-friendly airline mentioned for this region. Additionally, they handle many international routes for travelers with pets.
What is the most dog-friendly European country?
Germany has a reputation for being an extremely pet-friendly country. In that land, pets are often treated like royalty.
What is the most popular pet in Serbia?
Dogs are the most popular pets in the country. There are unofficially one and a half million microchipped dogs in the Republic of Serbia.
Concluding words
A Pet Friendly Vacation in Novi Sad, Serbia is a perfect choice for any mature traveler. This city provides a unique mix of European culture and Balkan warmth. You will find high-quality pet friendly hotels novi sad and beautiful areas like the Petrovaradin Fortress to walk your dog. Novi Sad is affordable, safe, and very welcoming to four-legged friends.
Therefore, you should plan your next journey to this scenic city on the Danube to see how happy your pet can be. Finally, do not forget to check the rabies vaccine rules to ensure a smooth trip for your best friend.
