Dog-Friendly Poland: Travelling in Poland with a Dog

There’s countless reasons why you should consider visiting Poland, from its many historic sites to its vibrant cities to its diverse natural beauty. Not to mention it’s a very affordable destination to visit within Europe.

While in some ways it is not as dog-friendly as other countries in Western Europe (mainly when it comes to dining out), it’s still an easy destination to visit with a dog. Based on my experiences from my two trips to Poland with my dog, here’s my tips for if you’re travelling in Poland with a dog.

Travelling in Poland with a Dog

Travelling to Poland with a Dog

The standard EU rules apply to travelling to Poland with your dog, whether from another EU country or outside of Europe. Essentially, your dog will require a microchip, valid rabies vaccine and EU pet passport or EU health certificate.

If you are travelling to Poland with your dog from Russia or Belarus, the rules are similar to those for travelling from outside of Europe. An animal health certificate or “Annex IV” is required if you don’t have a pet passport from the EU or a related country. A rabies titre test is not required.

However, if you are travelling to Poland from Ukraine with your dog, your dog will generally also require a rabies titre test. This needs to be done three months in advance, or before leaving the EU with your dog, if you are initially from an EU country. (Note that there are currently some exemptions due to the current situation, so double check.)

If heading to Poland from Russia, Belarus or Ukraine, you are also required to enter Poland at a valid “Travellers’ points of entry”, where your dog’s paperwork can be checked. There is a long list of possible entry points to Poland – download the list here.

Dining Out in Poland with a Dog

The least dog-friendly area I found when travelling in Poland with our dog was dining out. While just across the border in Germany its commonplace for restaurants to allow dogs inside, in Poland that’s not the case. This was a bit challenging on our first visit to Poland during late October, just after the weather turned cold and dining outside was no longer appetising.

There are still some restaurants that allow dogs to dine inside with you in Poland, it just takes some effort to find them. For instance, we discovered a few restaurants in Wroclaw that let our dog inside. Keep an eye out for dog-friendly stickers or ask at the door (and be prepared for a no most of the time).

When we next returned to Poland with our dog in the summer time it was easier, as we just stuck to dining outside. Not that sitting at an outdoor terrace is a guarantee that dogs are allowed to join you: I noticed a few no dog signs at outdoor dining areas in the small city of Torun. But generally dogs are allowed.

No dogs sign at outdoor dining area in Poland
Dogs were not permitted at this outdoor dining area in Torun

If visiting Krakow, I recommend heading to the food truck parks in Kazimierz during the warmer months for some delicious and affordable dining. Don’t also miss trying a zapiekanka, the famous open-faced sandwiches, in Kazimierz’s Plac Nowy.

Food truck park in Krakow
Food truck park in Krakow
Eating a zapiekanka in Plac Nowy
Eating a zapiekanka in Plac Nowy with Schnitzel

Taking a Dog on Public Transport in Poland

It’s a lot easier to take public transport in Poland with your dog than find somewhere indoors to eat. I didn’t come across any places that forbade dogs on public transport, not even larger dogs, although each city has its own rules.

For starters, dogs travel for free on public transport in Warsaw. The local rules state that dogs should be on a leash and muzzled, unless they are small and travelling in a suitable basket or cage.

The same applies for pets on buses and trams in Wroclaw – pets also travel for free. I also came across mentions no ticket is required for pets in Krakow, but couldn’t find official confirmation online.

The rules on long distance trains are similar to in other European countries. There are multiple operators, but you’ll most likely come across PKP InterCity, who run all the express trains, plus PolRegio, who run both the faster InterRegio and the slower Regio trains.

On PKP Intercity trains, small dogs in an appropriate carrier can travel for free. There is a note that they shouldn’t cause a nuisance to other passengers, such as due to smell or noise.

Larger dogs not in a container require a dog travel ticket, which costs PLN 15.20. If you forget to buy the ticket, you can buy it on the train from a conductor, for a surcharge of PLN 10. They are also required to be muzzled and leashed, plus require valid rabies vaccination certificate (e.g. EU Pet Passport).

There is also the somewhat harsh rule that if other passengers complain about the presence of an animal in a compartment, you may be asked by the conductor to change seats.

On PolRegion trains, the rules are similar (Polish only). Small pets in a carrier travel for free, while there is a set price of PLN 5.40 for larger dogs.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Poland

It’s relatively easy to find dog-friendly accommodation in Poland, in particular in the cities. When I compared how many pet-friendly hotels there were in various European cities on Booking.com, Krakow came in 7th position, with 62% of hotels allowing pets.

As well as staying in a dog-friendly hotel, another option is to rent an apartment. Especially in Krakow, I found many affordable rentals on Airbnb listed by professional holiday apartment companies. There are well stocked with amenities, and we even found one with free secure parking.

Outside of the main cities, I found that Booking.com offered far more pet-friendly accommodation choices that the other hotel websites, which had slim pickings. In particular many small guesthouses are listed on the site. Often pets are on request only, so message the owner to get permission for your dog before the free cancellation period expires.

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Poland

While visiting Poland, some of the most popular sites that we visited didn’t allow dogs, so we had to leave our dog behind. However, consider adding some of these dog-friendly options to your itinerary.

1. Visit the Restored Old Town of Warsaw

The Old Town of Warsaw was almost completely destroyed during World War II, but has since been lovingly restored, so that it seems like the real thing. In fact the restoration has been so impressive that the Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World-Heritage site.

Restored buildings in Warsaw
Stunningly restored buildings in Warsaw

It’s a wonderful area to stroll around with your dog. I recommend enjoying a leisurely lunch at one of the outdoor dining areas that fill many of the squares, perhaps enjoying some home-made pierogi.

Restaurants in the main square of Warsaw's Old Town
Restaurants in the main square of Warsaw’s Old Town

2. Stroll Around Krakow

In contrast, Krakow virtually escaped destruction during World War II, so has many more historical monuments intact. However, were were greatly disappointed to discover that dogs are forbidden in the Wawel Royal Castle complex, even just to walk through the grounds.

Instead, it’s best to concentrate on exploring the Old Town Market Square and the surrounding cobble-stone streets.

Horse-drawn carriages in Krakow
Horse-drawn carriages in Krakow

Afterwards, cut around the hill and check out the fire-breathing Wawel Dragon at the foot of the hill, reading about its story.

The Wawel Dragon
The Wawel Dragon

3. Visit Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle, located in the north of Poland, is the largest castle in world measured by land area. It was originally built in the 13th-century by the Teutonic Knights, a German Catholic religious order of crusaders.

The exterior of Malbork Castle
The exterior of Malbork Castle

Dogs are not allowed to enter the ticketed, inner-most sections of the castle, also known as the Castle Museum (which takes a good few hours to visit if you listen to all of the audioguide along the way). But dogs are permitted in the outermost, un-ticketed courtyard, which is still impressive.

Since I visited, there are now free kennels (“animal storage”) available from 1st April to 30th September, between 9am and 7pm. This service is free for ticket holders, as long as you can show your pet’s vaccination records. For the latest information, see the Terms of Visiting.

When we visited in late July the annual Siege of Malbork Festival was underway, with lots to see and experience.

4. Spot the Bronze Statues of Wroclaw

Poland offers up some great street art to explore, from the huge murals of Gdansk to the artworks in Krakow’s Kazimierz district. But my favourite were the many small bronze dwarf statues in Wroclaw.

Dog-friendly sightseeing in Poland
Schnitzel checking out a dwarf that was even shorter than him

These cheeky dwarves have been popping up around the city since 2005, and now number in their hundreds. Buy a map at the tourist information centre, or just see how many you spot as you wander the street.

Travelling in Poland with a dog
Walking around Wroclaw

5. Relax in the Countryside

Poland is a surprisingly large country, something I only truly realised once we started driving around it. And while much of the country is flat farmland, there are many beautiful natural places to explore.

There’s the beaches of the north, the remnants of Bialowieza Forest in the east, and the Tatra Mountains in the south. (Unfortunately, we didn’t get to the Tatra Mountains, but dogs aren’t allowed in most of the national park, even on a leash – see more below.)

I highly recommend visiting in the autumn, when the trees are filled with colour. Alternatively, Poland can make for an affordable and relaxing summer destination.

Autumn scenes in Poland
Autumn scenes in Poland

Are Dogs Allowed in National Parks in Poland?

Generally, dogs are allowed in national parks throughout Europe. Many national parks include farms and even entire villages, like the Cinque Terre National Park in Italy. However, there are tighter regulations in Poland, home to 23 national parks.

While dogs are still allowed in national parks in Poland, walking dogs in national parks is strictly controlled. Unless otherwise signposted, dogs are required to be on a leash and also muzzled. The popular Tatra National Park – Tatrzański Park Narodowy (Zakopane) in particular has a full ban on dog walking, even when on a leash, except for in the Chocholowska Valley.

If you’re considering visiting Tatrzański Park Narodowy with your dog, consider instead visiting the Tatra National Park across the border in Slovakia, where there are less restrictions on dogs, or another part of Poland.

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About the Author

Photo of Shandos & Schnitzel

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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15 thoughts on “Dog-Friendly Poland: Travelling in Poland with a Dog”

    • Kathy – In most places, the final say is always with the owner. I find it’s best to check before entering, unless you see other dogs already inside. Though I’m sure a well-behaved poodle would usually always be welcomed 🙂

      Reply
  1. Hello from Canada ?

    I found your website very useful when traveling with our Chinese Shar Pei . We recently traveled to Poland for a month just this past May and I found it to be the opposite. We went to Warsaw, Gdansk, Sopot , Krakow and a charming little city of Przemysl. Every restaurant and cafe we went to always let us in with our dog Cooper . Which was great considering this May was very wet. He seemed to be a huge attraction every where we went. Over all it was a great experience.

    Reply
    • Aneta – That’s great to hear that you found so many restaurants dog-friendly, particularly with the weather the way it was. Maybe the restaurants are becoming more dog-friendly? That would be excellent! I’m not surprised you had a lot of attention with Cooper, Shar Peis are such gorgeous dogs! Wishing you the best with your adventures!

      Reply
  2. I also wanted to applaud the fact you are traveling with your puppy. I know it has its challenges but I could not imagine traveling without my snuggle bear Cooper. I think Schnitzel is absolutely adorable .

    Reply
  3. Poland probably the worst country in Europe to travel with dog. We traveled last year in Zakopane High Tatras area. most restaurant not allow dogs, very few accommodation places takes dogs, Also dogs NOT allowed to go in national PARKS. I repeat it NOT ALLOW TO GO IN PARKS even on the lead. how crazy thats sounds? yep thats true…. and most of people still thinks that dogs should be chained outside… our 1.5 year old Border Collie very well trained, never ever show any aggression agains anybody, he’s very playful boy. so if you considering going to Poland with dog to see some nature, please don’t…

    Reply
    • That’s a real pity about the Zakopane High Tatras area. It’s great that most national parks in Europe allow dogs into national parks, although this is not the case in many other parts of the world, which I wish would become more like Europe. We also had trouble finding restaurants that allow dogs inside in Spain and Greece.

      Reply
    • You’re talking about SOME of the national parks (about 50%) – you can always visit the website ahead of the journey to check the particular park you’re planning to go to. Also, these parks were all open for leashed dogs at least a few years ago, but that changed. Unfortunately, Poles are quite an undisciplined nation and dog owners are no exception, so they brought it onto themselves. Unleashed dogs chasing wild animals in leashed areas or even in strictly protected ones where people shouldn’t go either – that was an everyday thing. Some people just didn’t care, some were even aggressive when approached. Trust me, there are people who don’t even own a leash because they think a yorkie or a maltese doesn’t need one. So there is a reason for everything.
      I live in Poland and I’m furious when think about it, because I would much rather see these parks to be better staffed and just have the authority to throw those people out and fine them severely. But unfortunately it was easier to forbade the dogs 🙁

      Reply
  4. I love your blog !
    I live in Kraków with my 11kg mix breed dog. We have now PLENTY places which allows coming in with Dogs :
    GLONOAJD
    PIMIENTO ( they have 2 restaurants )
    CAVA Nadwiślańska street
    FRESH CAFE – with beautiful view of Vistula river . Pets over there have one bed, lots of toys on the floor to play with , they can get snack from the friendly staff and in general – very welcome !
    PSIKAWKA – this one is dedicated to the Dog owners and their pets. It s also partly a shop with snack/toys etc.
    BIBLIOTEKA Nadwiślańska street
    All wine bars that I know allows pets . The list go on ..
    PRIMO Italian
    LUKTUNG/MOLAM Thai restaurant
    NOVA restBAR
    PORANKI
    RANNY PTASZEK – > owners of this breakfast place have dogs
    TECHIES KRAKÓW
    FORUM PRZESTRZENIE – huge place pet friendly – check their insta 🙂

    Reply

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