If you’re heading to Europe with your dog, you’re in for a treat, as Europe is the most dog-friendly part of the world to travel with a dog. However, not all countries in Europe are equally dog friendly.
For instance, did you know that in some European countries dogs aren’t allowed to join you inside at restaurants, plus sometimes larger dogs aren’t allowed on public transport? The likelihood of a hotel allowing dogs also differs across Europe.
So, after visiting 33 European countries with my dog, including every EU country except for Cyprus and a handful of other countries, plus reading the opinions of other travellers, I’ve put together this list of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe.
What do you think? Do you agree that these are the most dog-friendly countries or would you add anywhere else to the list? Note that I’ve skipped ranking countries (they’re listed alphabetically), as many are equally dog-friendly, although sometimes in different ways.
Austria
Austria isn’t mentioned as often as Germany when it comes to the most dog-friendly countries, but this fellow German-speaking country is also very dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed inside plenty of restaurants and cafe, including the famous coffee-houses in Vienna, and on public transport – just make sure you remember a muzzle, as Austria is one of the stricter countries when it comes to dogs wearing muzzles.
When visiting Austria with your dog, choose between exploring the many historic cities or heading for the alps and its beautiful countryside, whether for hiking in summer or snow sports in winter.
Read more about travelling with a dog in Austria
Belgium
It’s very easy to explore Belgium with your dog. For starters, all size dogs are allowed on the trains that criss-cross the country, with just a small €3 charge for larger dogs not in a container. Then there’s the countless outdoor terraces to enjoy with your dog and a Belgium beer.
Don’t miss visiting the cute town of Bruges, just the right size for exploring on foot along with your pup by your side. There’s also plenty of historical sights to see in Brussels and Antwerp.
Read more about travelling with a dog in Belgium
Czech Republic
While Prague may be one of the most popular cities in Europe to visit, what’s not well-known is that the city is also very dog-friendly.
Whether you’re looking for dog-friendly accommodation, somewhere to dine with your pup by your side, or a dog park, there’s plenty of options. Dogs of all sizes also travel for free on most public transport within the city limits.
But don’t forget to also visit the other cities and countryside of the Czech Republic. Cesky Krumlov is one of the most popular tourist destinations, but also consider the lesser known Olomouc in the East and colourful Telc.
Read more about travelling with a dog in the Czech Republic
France
France is a country that is often mentioned as one of the most dog-friendly countries, although I’d argue it’s not as dog-friendly as some other countries. For instance, many of its parks don’t allow dogs, plus until recent years larger dogs weren’t allowed to ride the metro in Paris.
However, France definitely does have a soft spot for pooches, whether it’s allowing them to join you at a restaurant or while shopping in expensive department stores. And I even discovered some dog-friendly chateaus in the countryside.
Read more about travelling with a dog in France
Germany
Germany is certainly one of the most dog-friendly countries in the world, true to its reputation. If you’ve travelled in Germany at all, you’ve probably noticed the dogs on trains and joining their owners at restaurants, all of them very well behaved.
The culture in Germany is for dogs to attend behaviour classes (along with training for their owners). In return, they’re welcome into many spaces, even sometimes workplaces and university lecture theatres.
The majority of hotels in Germany welcome pets, along with most restaurants. Just leave your dog outside when entering the excellent bakeries.
Read more about travelling with a dog in Germany
Italy
If I was going to choose one place in Europe that’s the most dog-friendly, it would have to be Italy, northern Italy in particular. Here dogs are pampered and allowed nearly everywhere, even inside some grocery stores.
Italy offers some great dog-friendly sightseeing options. Most of the archaeological sites allow leashed dogs to join you, along with many formal gardens. There’s also plenty of beautiful countryside to explore, from the Italian Alps to Italy’s rugged coastline and islands.
Read more about travelling with a dog in Italy
Netherlands
The laidback attitude of the Dutch extends to a welcoming attitude to dogs. Dogs are allowed inside many restaurant and cafes. Or else just sit and dine at one of the many outdoor terraces dotted around the country.
When it comes to public transport, dogs of all sizes are allowed on public transport in Amsterdam for free, plus there’s only a €3.30 charge for all-day travel by larger dogs on trains elsewhere in the country. Go for a stroll along Amsterdam’s famous canals or visit the tulips at Keukenhof in spring time.
If you’re in the United Kingdom, it’s easy to visit the Netherlands for a quick break along with your dog. Choose between the Stena Line ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland, the P&O ferry from Hull to Rotterdam or the DFDS ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, all with pet-friendly cabins.
Read more about travelling with a dog in the Netherlands
Slovenia
When people quiz me on my favourite country in Europe, I often answer Slovenia. This gem tucked away in between its more famous neighbours of Italy and Croatia is home to stunning natural scenery, plus welcoming people, many whom speak English.
This welcome extends to dogs, with many places quite dog-friendly, whether restaurants or tourist attractions; even the zoo in Ljubljana allows pet dogs to accompany you! In particular I enjoyed staying near Lake Bled with my dog and exploring the wonderful lakes, rivers and mountains of the region.
Read more about travelling with a dog in Slovenia
Switzerland
Switzerland is another contender for the most dog-friendly country in Europe. Its wonderful public transport system naturally allows dogs, plus the majority of its hotels and restaurants.
Head to its mountains in either summer or winter with your pup. We experienced the best of both worlds by heading up Jungfraujoch with our small dog in August (with his ride on the trains completely free, although this has since changed), to have some adventures in the snow.
Read more about travelling with a dog in Switzerland
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About the Author
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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Great article! Love your dog. It’s certainly the most traveled dog I have met 🐕
Sad to know that Spain is not as friendly as other countries in your list. Please let me know about requirements or vaccine passports for dogs that we require show in Europe. Thanks!
I’ve provided a detailed guide here: https://www.travelnuity.com/travelling-to-europe-with-a-dog/. My guide to travelling between European countries is also linked.
Thank you for the information. It is a treasure trove. I have a small Pekinese that I can’t bear leaving at home. Your information will be the base for my future planning.
Thanks Judy!
Great article. I to him disappointed that Spain is not more dog friendly. What about Portugal? I am planning a trip with my Jack Russell starting in Gibraltar and then going up the west coast of Europe over to Calais and perhaps Amsterdam oh, so any insights would be helpful.
It’s hard for me to compare Portugal, because at the time of my last visit dogs were not allowed inside restaurants, but that changed shortly after. I had hoped to return by now, but Covid has changed my plans.
Hi! Any luck with 🇫🇮 Finland and Norway among your European trips with your cutie? I have a Schnauzer and my sons well all of us will make us worry sick to leave him behind.
We’ve visited both Finland and Norway with our dog. We went on a road trip around Sweden and Norway with our dog, with a slight detour across Finland, and also took a ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki with our dog. Check out my blog posts: https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-norway/ and https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-finland/. Note that your dog will need a worming treatment done by a vet first before crossing the border.
Scotland!! This country is a amazing per friendly country.
Other than the hassle of bringing a pet inside the UK, Scotland offers a wide variety of options.
Dogs are allowed in 90% of pubs and people without a dog walk with treats to give out to any dog they see (asking the owner before if its ok)
Thanks for the tip Roberto! I’d love to return to Scotland spend longer with my dog there
Hi!! I’ve beenr eading your blog and coudn’t find an answer but.. My dog is 13kg/27 pounds, do you think the same rules apply?? Is a mini bernedoodle
Thanks for all your tips!
Just started following you on insta!! love your doggy and your tips!!
In Europe, often small dogs are more accepted and are allowed in more places. There are a number of dangerous dogs that are difficult to travel with. I’m not familiar with mini bernedoodles, but I googled a photo, and they’re so cute! I expect you won’t have problems, although some transport is restricted to smaller dogs again.
Thank you, this was very informative!