Many people who are planning their trips around the world often have to say goodbye to their pets. It is quite difficult to take your beloved dog or cat with you to see the world, simply because some countries are not suitable for such travel companionship, and there is no decent infrastructure or even hotels for you to stay!
However, in the oldest continent – Europe – situation is a bit different. Here people understand that your pet is more than just an animal – it is your family member. Thus, many European countries actually welcome and invite travelers with pets to stay! Bellow, I am going to share the top five of these countries you can explore with your little friend nearby you. So, grab your pet, book cheap hotel, and travel the world!
United Kingdom
Brits do love doggies, and that shows! Even the Queen Elizabeth II has a huge band of corgis around her everywhere she goes, so people in the United Kingdom cherish and protect their little family member like no other country in the world. However, like many other nations, they do have a few breeds banned, and if you have a cute pitbull with you, or you have a dog who look a bit like him, you might not be welcomed into the UK.
Apart from that, the UK is pretty welcoming and can offer you hundreds of pet-friendly hotels all over the country. There are some pretty great dog parks as well, where you doggy can run away freely without being leached. Many public places let these pets in, while in Whales, you can even stop by at some pet-friendly beaches as well.
Germany
Another country perfectly suitable to travel with your dog is Germany. Despite that some breeds are not welcomed and banned here (Akbash, Staffies, and Dogos), other breeds can freely enjoy beautiful Germany’s cities and nature. Many public spaces usually let dogs in, so you won’t have to choose between getting some beer and leaving your dog outside.
The fun thing is in Germany, you have to keep your dog on leash only in a few public places, and if it is required, you will always see the specific sign for it. Elsewhere – you and your little friend are free to go.
Sweden
Sweden is another dream come true for all dog lovers who love to travel. Despite the fact that in this country you and your dog won’t be welcomed in many shops or restaurants, your pet can always walk freely and without any leash, since Swedish do let people do that. Moreover, in many public transport places, you can find special pet-friendly spots, so you can travel cross country without any problem as well.
There are no bans on specific breeds of dogs, although some time ago Pitbulls were on the bad list. However, right now any kind of dogs are free to live in Sweden, as long as the owner is responsible and works with the dog right.
Netherlands
One of the most liberal and friendliest countries in the entire world is just perfect for all doggies who love to travel as much as their owners. Dogs are welcomed at most of cafes, restaurants and shops, so you can sightsee as much as you want freely. There are also tons of pet-friendly hotels and many dog parks where your pet can run tirelessly and meet local dogs without any problem.
However, if you want to travel cross country with a dog, you have to buy a special transition ticket. But that is not that expensive and totally affordable. It is also great to know, that in the Netherlands, a person can own a dog only if he has a crystal clear reputation and don’t have any legal violations.
France
Last but not least - France! In fact, France is considered to be the world‘s most pet-friendliest country, and let us explain why! Dog owners are free to take their pets with them to all supermarkets, shops, and restaurants, and it is pretty often for a restaurant to serve a bowl of cold water in the hot summer days for your doggy as well! Sometimes, they even offer a treat, so your dog will love France without any doubt.
There is no requirement to keep your dog on a leash or muzzle unless you have a Pitbull or Mastiff too. And since France is one of those countries who have most pets per capita, the whole country is literally full of various stores, attractions and pampering stations for our little friends.
(Photos submitted by author via Shutterstock)
Written by Emily
United Kingdom
Brits do love doggies, and that shows! Even the Queen Elizabeth II has a huge band of corgis around her everywhere she goes, so people in the United Kingdom cherish and protect their little family member like no other country in the world. However, like many other nations, they do have a few breeds banned, and if you have a cute pitbull with you, or you have a dog who look a bit like him, you might not be welcomed into the UK.
Apart from that, the UK is pretty welcoming and can offer you hundreds of pet-friendly hotels all over the country. There are some pretty great dog parks as well, where you doggy can run away freely without being leached. Many public places let these pets in, while in Whales, you can even stop by at some pet-friendly beaches as well.
Germany
Another country perfectly suitable to travel with your dog is Germany. Despite that some breeds are not welcomed and banned here (Akbash, Staffies, and Dogos), other breeds can freely enjoy beautiful Germany’s cities and nature. Many public spaces usually let dogs in, so you won’t have to choose between getting some beer and leaving your dog outside.
The fun thing is in Germany, you have to keep your dog on leash only in a few public places, and if it is required, you will always see the specific sign for it. Elsewhere – you and your little friend are free to go.
Sweden
Sweden is another dream come true for all dog lovers who love to travel. Despite the fact that in this country you and your dog won’t be welcomed in many shops or restaurants, your pet can always walk freely and without any leash, since Swedish do let people do that. Moreover, in many public transport places, you can find special pet-friendly spots, so you can travel cross country without any problem as well.
There are no bans on specific breeds of dogs, although some time ago Pitbulls were on the bad list. However, right now any kind of dogs are free to live in Sweden, as long as the owner is responsible and works with the dog right.
Netherlands
One of the most liberal and friendliest countries in the entire world is just perfect for all doggies who love to travel as much as their owners. Dogs are welcomed at most of cafes, restaurants and shops, so you can sightsee as much as you want freely. There are also tons of pet-friendly hotels and many dog parks where your pet can run tirelessly and meet local dogs without any problem.
However, if you want to travel cross country with a dog, you have to buy a special transition ticket. But that is not that expensive and totally affordable. It is also great to know, that in the Netherlands, a person can own a dog only if he has a crystal clear reputation and don’t have any legal violations.
France
Last but not least - France! In fact, France is considered to be the world‘s most pet-friendliest country, and let us explain why! Dog owners are free to take their pets with them to all supermarkets, shops, and restaurants, and it is pretty often for a restaurant to serve a bowl of cold water in the hot summer days for your doggy as well! Sometimes, they even offer a treat, so your dog will love France without any doubt.
There is no requirement to keep your dog on a leash or muzzle unless you have a Pitbull or Mastiff too. And since France is one of those countries who have most pets per capita, the whole country is literally full of various stores, attractions and pampering stations for our little friends.
(Photos submitted by author via Shutterstock)
Written by Emily
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