Dog-Friendly Slovakia: Travelling in Slovakia with a Dog

Slovakia is a fairly small country in Central Europe that is often overshadowed by the bigger tourist drawcards of Vienna, Budapest and Prague nearby. But don’t overlook this country when heading to Central Europe.

For starters, Slovakia’s capital Bratislava is a charming city only one hour from Vienna, and far more affordable. Day trips from Vienna to Bratislava are popular, but ideally spend a few nights here instead.

Then there’s the beautiful natural scenery and wealth of history in Slovakia, from old towns to historic churches to ruined castles.

The country is fairly dog-friendly, although it’s a little harder to find dog-friendly restaurants than in some of its European neighbours. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Slovakia with your dog.

Dog-friendly Slovakia

Travelling to Slovakia with a Dog

The standard EU rules apply for travelling to Slovakia with your dog, whether you are travelling from another EU country or outside of Europe. Basically, your dog will require a microchip, valid rabies vaccine and either an EU pet passport or EU animal health certificate.

If you are travelling to Slovakia with your dog from Ukraine, the rules are similar to those for travelling from outside of Europe, with a pet health certificate or “Annex IV” required if you don’t have a pet passport from the EU or a related country. Your dog will also require a rabies titre test. You will also need to enter Slovakia at a valid “Travellers’ points of entry”; view the list here.

Dining Out in Slovakia with a Dog

In Slovakia, we found it was hit-or-miss whether a restaurant would allow dogs inside. Probably less than 50% of places where we tried to dine allowed dogs inside, with many having a sticker on the door saying no dogs. And considering we were in the country as it started to cool down in mid-Fall, generally outdoor dining was not an option.

This was probably more pronounced outside Bratislava, the capital city. Afterwards I read elsewhere that Bratislava is more dog-friendly, although thanks the great kitchen in our apartment and supermarket downstairs during out stay there, we didn’t actually try to dine out often in Bratislava.

Even in Košice, the second largest city in Slovakia, we found that even when dogs were allowed inside, it was more “tolerated”.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Slovakia
Schnitzel relaxing inside a Slovakia cafe

After our visit in 2017, we found out from a local that technically dogs aren’t allowed at restaurants in the country, even outside dining areas. While there was a vote in an attempt to change the law, it wasn’t successful. I’m not sure if the rules have since relaxed. In any case, even the Bratislava tourism page mentions dogs being allowed at restaurants and cafes, at least outdoors.

A potential workaround in the cities if you have trouble finding a restaurant that allows your dog inside, is to visit a shopping mall with your dog. Dogs are usually allowed in shopping malls, including food courts.

In the mall close to our apartment in Bratislava was a shopping mall, that allowed dogs inside. We ate there a couple of times, along with our dog, with a variety of food options available (everything from Asian to Mexican to sandwiches). I also noticed a shopping mall in Košice allowed dogs.

Shopping in Slovakia with a Dog

As I mentioned above, dogs are usually permitted in shopping malls in Slovakia, at least in both malls that I visited in Bratislava and Košice, and likely all other malls. Both within the malls and in other areas, dogs are allowed in most shops, just not in grocery stores and other food shops.

Signs at a dog-friendly shopping mall in Slovakia
Hmm, so dogs allowed, but no peeing inside? What kind of uncivilised dog do you think I am?

Taking a Dog on Public Transport in Slovakia

Dogs, both large and small, are allowed on all forms of public transport in Slovakia.

On trains, pets are allowed in 2nd class carriages and couchettes, but not in 1st class carriages and berths. Small pets in a container are carried for free, while larger dogs generally required a half-price fare. Click here to view the full pet policy of the Slovakian railway company.

On local public transport (trams and buses) within Bratislava, Košice and other cities, pets are allowed as long as they don’t make other commuters less comfortable.

Small animals should travel in a cage or carrier with a sold bottom and require a luggage ticket. For larger dogs, they are required to be on a short leash, wear a muzzle and you need the driver’s permission. Dogs not in a container (or where the container is larger than 30 x 40 x 60cm), require a 30-minute discounted ticket, which is then valid for 3 hours.

Make sure you board through the door marked with a dog symbol. Click here for the pet policy of the transport company.

During our time in Slovakia, we hired a car, partially as we found a very cheap rental from the airport in Bratislava. (It was about €13 per day for an small-size 5-door automatic car.) We found the car rental prices far cheaper in Bratislava than in Vienna or Budapest, comparing prices for the same dates.

Dog with a hire car in Slovakia
A short dog needs all the help he can get to check out the surrounding scenery!

One additionally tip: if catching a taxi, notify the driver in advance, as not all taxi drivers allow dogs. In Bratislava, Uber operates and is very cheap.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Slovakia

In Slovakia, we had no problems finding dog-friendly accomodation, staying at multiple Airbnbs and a cheap pension in Banská Štiavnica. In fact, in my investigation into dog-friendly hotels across Europe, Bratislava was ranked equal fifth with Vienna for having the highest percentage of dog-friendly hotels, out of 40 cities across Europe.

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Slovakia

Generally, sightseeing in Slovakia is fairly dog-friendly. Here’s some recommendation of what to do in Slovakia with your dog.

1. Go Hiking!

My main regret from visiting Slovakia is that we didn’t have time to go hiking. I’ve heard great things about the hiking options, particularly in the Tatra and Low Tatra mountains.

We visited in the Fall, when many of the trees were vividly changing colours making for beautiful scenery, but anytime from Spring to Fall offers ideal hiking weather. In Winter, it’s instead all about snow sports.

Colourful Autumn leaves in Slovakia
Colourful Autumn leaves in Slovakia

2. Visit Spiš Castle

The ruins of Spiš Castle are located in eastern Slovakia, about a one hour drive from the city of Košice (and not far from the main east-west highway). Originally built in the 12th century, its one of the largest castle sites in Central Europe and UNESCO World Heritage listed.

Dog-friendly sightseeing in Slovakia: Spis Castle
Don’t miss visiting Spiš Castle in Slovakia

Since a fire in the late 18th century, the castle has lain in ruins, but still offers a good idea of what it was once like. Dogs are allowed inside the castle, except inside the enclosed exhibit sections.

Dog inside Spis Castle, Slovakia
Exploring the interior of the large Spiš Castle

3. Wander the Old Town of Bratislava

While dogs aren’t allowed in the castle in Bratislava (probably because it’s not lying in ruins), wandering through the streets and squares of the Old Town is a great dog-friendly activity. Along the way, spot the sculptures that dot the city, including one of a man lifting a man-hole cover!

Dog friendly Bratislava
Schnitzel apprehensively posing with a sculpture in Bratislava
Dog investigating sculpture in Bratislava
Just checking out what this is all about…

If you’re looking to relax for awhile in a grassy area, head to the waterfront lawn behind the Eurovea shopping centre. Alternatively, the local tourism website (which has a great page of dog-friendly tips) recommends the woods at Železná Studnička, just north of the city, which dogs may walk off leash.

4. Explore the Main Square of Košice

The Old Town of Košice is neatly arranged around its long and charming Main Square. The square is home to the huge St Elisabeth Cathedral, St Michael’s Chapel, the State Theatre, plus a “singing” fountain. It’s a delightful place to go for a wander, before relaxing at one of the main cafes that open out onto the square, particularly in the late afternoon sunshine.

St Michael's Chapel in Košice
St Michael’s Chapel in Košice
Late afternoon in Kosice's main square
Late afternoon in Košice’s main square

Also keep an eye out for Hrnčiarska Street coming off the square. Also known as “Crafts Lane” this laneway is full of medieval-style shops.

5. Visit the Heritage Village of Vlkolínec

Vlkolínec is a delightful historic village located in the centre of Slovakia, amongst the Lower Tatra mountains. A great example of traditional folk architecture in the region, it has even been UNESCO World Heritage listed.

The colourful houses in Vlkolínec with a dusting of early snow
The colourful houses in Vlkolínec with a dusting of early snow

It makes for an interesting short stop in the area, or it’s also possible to rent cottages in which to stay. Dogs are welcome to join you for a wander around the village.

Dog in village of Vlkolínec, Slovakia
Exploring Vlkolínec with Schnitzel

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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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Slovakia Dog-Friendly Travel

13 thoughts on “Dog-Friendly Slovakia: Travelling in Slovakia with a Dog”

  1. I’d like to say something about traveling with dog in Slovakia: It’s pretty easy, because you can always find accomodation where dog is allowed to stay (it’s better now than few years ago, believe me.) You can go wherever you want except places where dogs are not allowed. We prefer mountains and nature instead of cities. Shopping with the dog is crazy experience, not because of your dog, but people. They stare at you like you take Chewbacca for walk – I don’t understand why. Mentality maybe? 🙂 It’s getting better… slowly, really slowly.. And restaurants – it’s pretty cool lottery, as you mentioned, but the reason is our law. The law for hygiene in restaurant (or places where food is served) prohibited animals (including dogs) to be in the place, where food is prepared. But it’s not specified as good as expected and many restaurants’ owners “translate” this law as they want. But the penalty is high, so they don’t want to risk. It’s sad. I always say to owners or waitress that my dog has better hygiene and health care than 5 or more people in this space of coffee corner or restaurant. But the law is stronger. I really hope it will be better in following years. For now, we decided not to spend so much money in restaurant and we go for a walk or to have a picnic in nature 🙂

    We found your blog yesterday, while traveling in Slovenia with our whippet and you have perfect tips for us. Thank you! 🙂 And I was really surprised when I realized that you wrote about Slovakia and our lovely Kosice <3 I hope you and Schnitzel enjoyed it!

    Reply
    • Thank you so much for your lovely comment and insight Lucia! I can see what you mean about different restaurant owners interpreting the law differently. We love having picnics and eating outside, but as we visited Slovakia in Autumn it was sometimes too cold to do this. Here’s hoping it improves even more in the coming years!

      Reply
      • With global warming, we sincerely hope that y’all appreciate cooler weather in Slovakia in the fall. It is an awfully hot summer including evening currently in the summer of 2033

        Reply
  2. I need to find out if I can carry my small dog on a bus in Slovakia. I shall be traveling from Poprad to Krakow by bus(there is no train) and have found little information on the matter. I need help! Does anybody know of the rules?

    Reply
    • Felix – Unfortunately, most of the long-distance buses I’ve investigated in Europe don’t allow dogs, even small dogs. We’re travelling soon in the Baltic countries (Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia), and have had this come up as an issue. However, the rules will depend on the bus company, so there is a slight chance that your bus company might allow dogs. I can’t provide further information as I don’t know the bus company. I recommend you find out the name of the bus company and look at their website. They should provide details or else contact them directly. Good luck!

      Reply
  3. Nice blog, thank you Shandos and Schnitzel. We are living in Bratislava with two Yorkshire Terriers and agree it is still hit and miss. Two great places we regularly visit: Fach Cafe (best coffee I have found in Bratislava) and Soho Restaurant.

    Plenty of others but these are a great start.

    Reply
  4. I wonder, If I go for two days from Vienna to Bratislava with my two dogs. Would I get asked for pet passport? I don’t have yet, and I really want to take them with me, but I am not too sure if they will ask.

    Reply
    • We crossed the border around this area by both train and car, and weren’t asked for our pet passport. It’s unlikely that you’d be asked, although I know the situation is a little different at the moment. Mind you, my husband forgot to take his passport on a day trip from Italy to Switzerland, and I did worry about that!

      Reply
    • You have to have a pet passport – maybe they will not check it on the border, however there is a big risk they will take your dog to quarantine.

      Reply

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