Traveling with a four-legged friends no longer necessarily means sacrificing comfort, convenience, or adventure. In many destinations, dogs are welcome in hotels, restaurants, public transportation, and even tourist attractions. Some countries have gone particularly far in making four-legged visitors feel at home.
I´ve looked into the issue and come up with six selections, all European, reflecting the continent's combination of pet-friendly hospitality, relatively straightforward cross-border travel, and extensive public transportation that accommodates animals.You may notice the United Kingdom is not included here, and that´s because although it´s also super dog-friendly (in fact, arguably dog-mad), with welcoming pubs, country inns, walking trails, and holiday cottages. its entry requirements and transportation restrictions—particularly the prohibition on pets aboard Eurostar trains to London and the fact that most airlines will not carry ordinary pet dogs in the cabin on flights into Great Britain. So that make visiting with a dog less straightforward than traveling within continental Europe.
Beyond this continent, the United States and Canada also offer excellent pet-friendly hotels and outdoor destinations, but traveling with dogs can be more restrictive when it comes to dining and transportation. In particular, Restaurants in the U.S. generally cannot admit dogs (except for service animals) into indoor dining areas, while outdoor patio access depends on state and local regulations. Canadian rules also vary by province. These limitations, combined with greater distances and car dependence, give Europe an advantage for many pet-accompanied vacations.
Several other non-European world destinations also stand out for pet-friendly travel. In Latin America, Argentina, Mexico, and Uruguay offer welcoming outdoor dining cultures, pet-friendly accommodations, and plenty of parks and beaches, particularly in Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Montevideo. In Africa, South Africa is clearly the strongest choice, with pet-friendly guesthouses, restaurants, and hiking opportunities, especially around Cape Town; Morocco also offers possibilities, though access to public spaces can be more restrictive. In Asia, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand have growing pet-friendly hospitality sectors, with dedicated pet cafés, hotels, and recreational facilities, although restrictions on public transportation and indoor dining vary considerably. As for the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is emerging as a pet-friendly destination, with growing numbers of hotels, outdoor cafés, dog parks, and pet-oriented services. Israel also offers a relatively welcoming environment for dogs, especially in Tel Aviv, known for its dog parks, designated dog beaches, and pet-friendly cafés. Finally, Australia also boasts excellent pet-friendly accommodations, beaches, and outdoor activities, but its exceptionally strict animal-import and quarantine requirements make it considerably more challenging for international visitors bringing their pets.
And although dogs overwhelmingly dominate the pet-travel scene, cats are increasingly joining the adventure. A 2026 French survey found that 28 percent of cat owners planned to vacation with their pets, compared with 64 percent of dog owners. And a Spanish survey found that 45 percent of cat-owning households had taken their felines on vacation. Still, traveling with cats presents particular challenges: many dislike unfamiliar environments, require secure carriers or harnesses, and aren't necessarily welcome at every pet-friendly hotel. For adventurous, travel-acclimated felines, however, the world is gradually opening up.
In any case, it´s these half dozen which stand out for their combination of accommodations, transportation, outdoor attractions, and welcoming attitudes. While dogs enjoy the greatest freedom, some destinations also accommodate cats and other companion animals.
Austria: Mountains, Music, and Pet-Friendly Cities
Össterreich offers an excellent combination of urban sophistication and outdoor recreation, particularly for travelers with active dogs. Vienna provides numerous designated dog areas, pleasant riverside walks, and extensive public transportation. Meanwhile, the city's official tourism website offers guidance for visitors with dogs, including park and transit regulations. Salzburg is another attractive option, with scenic walks along the Salzach River and nearby countryside excursions. The Salzkammergut lake district offers beautiful waterside paths around Wolfgangsee and Mondsee, while for more adventurous visitors, the Austrian Tyrol provides mountain trails, Alpine guesthouses, and spectacular scenery around Innsbrück and the Ötztal Valley. The hills are alive with the sound of woofing! Austria's traditional countryside inns and holiday apartments can make extended stays especially comfortable for pets and owners alike. And one note about Vienna: dogs are required on public transportation to wear both a leash and muzzle, unless traveling in an appropriate carrier.
France: Café Culture and Canine Chic
This is arguably one of Europe's most appealing destinations for travelers with dogs. Its café culture, extensive rail network, and abundance of countryside accommodations make it relatively easy to incorporate a pet into everyday sightseeing. Paris is particularly accommodating. Well-behaved chiens are welcome at many sidewalk cafés and restaurants, and numerous hotels accept pets, including selected luxury properties. The city's parks offer pleasant walks, although restrictions vary.
Beyond the capital, the Loire Valley abounds with château-country walks and pet-friendly holiday rentals, while Brittany and Normandy have numerous beaches where dogs are permitted, particularly outside the summer season. Down in Provence, village markets, countryside trails, and outdoor restaurant terraces provide plenty of opportunities to explore together.
Practical consideration: French trains generally accommodate dogs, but tickets, carriers, and muzzle requirements depend on the animal's size and which service your´re using.
Germany: A Culture of Canine Acceptance
With widespread acceptance of dogs in everyday public life, well-behaved pets frequently accompany their owners into restaurants, cafés, hotels, and public transportation. In Berlin you can also find extensive green spaces, including the enormous Tiergarten and designated off-leash areas in parks such as Grunewald. And Munich's traditional beer gardens often welcome dogs, making them ideal for a leisurely afternoon. For active travelers, Bavaria's Alpine lakes and hiking trails offer magnificent scenery, and the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) provides another excellent option, with woodland paths, pet-friendly guesthouses, and picturesque villages. Germany's efficient rail network also makes multi-city trips practical without renting a car.
Practical consideration: Dogs may require separate tickets and muzzles on trains and local transportation, with rules varying by operator and region.
Italy: La Dolce Vita for Animali Domestici
Here pet-friendly hospitality combines with outstanding food, historic cities, and beautiful countryside. Dogs are commonly seen accompanying their humans at outdoor cafés, restaurants, and accommodations. Among other things Rome has to offer are scenic walks through the Villa Borghese park and along the Tiber River, while Florence's riverside promenades provide attractive alternatives to indoor sightseeing. Tuscany is particularly appealing for longer stays, with rural agriturismi, vineyard landscapes, and charming villages such as Pienza and Montepulciano. Lake Como and Lake Garda offer waterfront walks, dog-friendly lodging, and opportunities for boating. Beach lovers can also seek out designated dog beaches, including Bau Bau Village in Albissola Marina, Liguria, and Bau Beach near Maccarese, outside Rome. The national rail system is another advantage; Trenitalia permits small pets in carriers free of charge and larger dogs with tickets, leashes, and muzzles.
Practical consideration: Historic monuments, churches, and museums frequently restrict pets, so sightseeing itineraries require advance planning.
Spain: Sunshine, Seaside, and Increasingly Mascota-Friendly Travel
My current home country deserves its place among Europe's best destinations for pet owners thanks to its warm climate, outdoor dining culture, a huge raft of natural landscapes, and growing number of pet-friendly accommodations. In addition, Madrid offers designated dog areas in parks such as El Retiro Park, Casa del Campo, and Madrid Río, along with numerous restaurants and cafés that welcome dogs. Barcelona provides similar opportunities, including dog-friendly sections of beaches and extensive walking routes along the waterfront.
For beach vacations, Catalonia's Platja de la Rubina near Empuriabrava and Valencia's Playa Can in Gandía are established options for dogs. In northern Spain, Asturias and Cantabria offer doggos and their humans cooler summers, coastal walks, rural guesthouses, and beautiful mountain scenery. Next-door Euskadi (Basque Country) is another excellent choice, particularly for travelers interested in combining the region´s fantastic culinary offerings with outdoor activities.
Spain's transportation options have also improved significantly. In July 2026, national rail operator Renfe expanded travel for dogs weighing up to 40 kilos (TK pounds) without carriers to nearly its entire network, including eligible high-speed services.
A few practical consideration: Dogs' access to beaches, restaurants, and public transportation varies by municipality and establishment. Many beaches prohibit dogs during peak summer months (we face this issue with our guys when we travel in summer to our place in the beach city of Torremolinos, Málaga province, but not in winter), while larger dogs traveling by train face additional requirements.
Switzerland: Alpine Adventures for Four-Legged Explorers
Switzerland is especially attractive for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures with their pets. Its spectacular mountains, pristine lakes, well-maintained hiking trails, and extensive public transportation network make exploring remarkably convenient. In the Bernese Oberland you´ll enjoy wonderful walking opportunities around Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen, where dogs can accompany their owners on many trails and mountain excursions. Around Lake Lucerne, lakeside promenades and selected boat services provide more leisurely outings. Zermatt is another outstanding destination, with car-free streets, Alpine paths, and extraordinary Matterhorn views. Many mountain hotels and chalets welcome pets, although individual policies vary. Switzerland's biggest advantage is its integrated transportation system. Dogs can travel on trains, buses, and many boats, making it possible to explore without a car.
Practical consideration: Swiss Federal Railways offers a dog day pass covering trains and many other public transportation services. Small dogs in suitable carriers may travel free.
Several Caveats
These six countries are editorial recommendations rather than any kind of "official" ranking, and their advantages apply primarily to dogs. For international travel, check microchip identification, rabies vaccination, pet passport or health certificate requirements, and any breed restrictions. Within the EU, dogs, cats, and ferrets generally need an EU pet passport for cross-border travel.
Above all, confirm each hotel's pet policy and any additional charges before booking. With a little planning, traveling with a pet can enrich the experience rather than complicate it.
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