7 Best Countries to Visit With a Dog

Traveling with a dog has never been more popular. Millions of pet owners now factor their dog’s comfort and safety into every travel decision they make.

But not every country rolls out the welcome mat for four-legged visitors. Entry rules, breed restrictions, quarantine requirements, and cultural attitudes toward dogs vary enormously from one destination to the next.

Whether you’re planning a weekend city break or a month-long adventure, choosing the right destination makes all the difference. Here are seven countries that genuinely stand out for dog-friendly travel.

1. Portugal

Portugal has quietly become one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations for dog owners. Cafés, restaurants, and even some beaches openly invite well-behaved dogs, and the locals generally adore them. EU pet passport holders benefit from streamlined entry, making the paperwork far less stressful than in non-EU destinations. For accommodation inspiration, pet-friendly hotels in Europe are plentiful and often genuinely dog-enthusiastic rather than merely tolerant.

• Key Detail: EU pet passport accepted; rabies vaccination and microchip required for entry.
• Important Note: Coastal towns like Cascais and Comporta offer dog-friendly beaches, especially outside peak summer months.

2. Germany

Germany takes dog ownership seriously — and that works entirely in your favor as a traveling pet owner. Dogs are permitted on public transport, welcomed in many restaurants, and regularly spotted accompanying their owners through city centers and national parks alike. It is worth noting that breed-specific legislation exists at the state level in Germany, so owners of breeds like American Staffordshire Terriers or Rottweilers should verify regional rules before visiting.

• Key Detail: Dogs are allowed on Deutsche Bahn trains with a half-price ticket; they must be leashed or crated.
• Important Note: Some German states require dogs to pass a behavioral assessment before being allowed off-leash in public spaces.

3. Switzerland

Switzerland is arguably the gold standard for dog-friendly infrastructure in Europe. Dogs travel on trains, trams, and buses with ease, and hiking trails throughout the Alps actively accommodate canine companions. Swiss culture treats dogs as full members of the family, and you’ll find water bowls outside shops and dog-friendly patios as a matter of course. If you’re planning long outdoor excursions, brushing up on preparing a dog for a long journey will help your pet arrive relaxed and ready to explore.

• Key Detail: Dogs require a microchip and valid rabies vaccination; EU pet passport is accepted at Swiss borders.
• Important Note: Switzerland charges a small annual dog tax per canton, but this does not apply to visiting tourists.

4. Netherlands

The Netherlands consistently ranks among the most progressive countries in the world for animal welfare, and that ethos extends to traveling dogs. Amsterdam alone has more dogs per capita than almost any other European capital. Dogs ride trams and buses freely, and the country’s flat, cycling-friendly landscape means endless low-impact walks for dogs of any fitness level. The Dutch are notably unbothered by dogs in shops, markets, and even some museums.

• Key Detail: No breed-specific legislation at the national level; EU pet passport required for entry.
• Important Note: Many Amsterdam canal-side restaurants have dedicated dog menus — a genuinely delightful touch for traveling pet owners.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand rewards the effort of getting there with some of the most spectacular dog-friendly landscapes on earth. The country has strict biosecurity laws designed to protect its unique ecosystem, which means entry requirements are rigorous — but entirely manageable with advance planning. Dogs must complete a government-approved stay in an approved country before arrival, and a minimum 10-day post-arrival isolation applies. The payoff is access to pristine beaches, vast national parks, and a culture that genuinely values outdoor life with animals.

• Key Detail: Dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and treated for ticks and tapeworm before entry.
• Important Note: New Zealand’s biosecurity rules are non-negotiable; non-compliance can result in your dog being returned or euthanized at the border.

6. Canada

Canada offers an extraordinary range of dog-friendly environments, from the mountain trails of Banff to the urban dog parks of Vancouver and Toronto. Entry from the US is straightforward, requiring only proof of rabies vaccination. Entry from other countries may require additional documentation depending on origin. Canada’s national parks system is exceptionally well set up for dogs, with designated off-leash areas and pet-friendly campgrounds throughout. If you’re flying into Canada, keep in mind that airlines often restrict pet travel to cooler morning or evening flights during summer months to avoid heat-related risks.

• Key Detail: Rabies vaccination proof required; some provinces have breed-specific restrictions, including Ontario’s ban on pit bull-type dogs.
• Important Note: Always confirm provincial rules before crossing internal borders, as regulations differ significantly between provinces.

7. France

France has a long-standing reputation as one of the most dog-welcoming countries in the world, and it largely lives up to the billing. Dogs are routinely found in brasseries, boutique hotels, and even on the Paris Métro. The French attitude toward dogs in public spaces is relaxed and inclusive, making it genuinely comfortable to travel with a pet across the country. Rural regions like Provence and the Dordogne offer stunning countryside walks that dogs absolutely thrive on.

• Key Detail: EU pet passport required; microchip and rabies vaccination mandatory for entry from non-EU countries.
• Important Note: France has national-level restrictions on certain breeds classified as “dangerous”; category one dogs face significant limitations in public spaces.

Essential Preparation: Vaccinations, Health Certificates, and Travel Documentation

No matter which destination you choose, preparation is the single most important factor in a successful trip with your dog. Skipping steps or leaving paperwork to the last minute can result in your dog being denied entry or placed in quarantine on arrival.

Start with your veterinarian at least eight to twelve weeks before departure. Most countries require a microchip, a current rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate issued within a specific window before travel — often ten days.

Breed restrictions are a genuine concern for owners of certain dogs. Fifty-two countries have some form of breed-specific legislation, with 41 enforcing it at the national level. Always verify whether your dog’s breed is affected before booking anything.

If you’re flying, research airline-specific policies carefully. Cabin versus cargo rules differ widely between carriers, and temperature plays a significant role in what’s permitted. This is especially relevant during summer travel, when heat restrictions can affect routing and scheduling.

Pet insurance is another layer of protection that experienced dog travelers strongly recommend. The global pet insurance market has grown substantially as more owners recognize the financial risk of veterinary emergencies abroad — pet insurance statistics reflect just how rapidly this sector is expanding alongside rising pet ownership rates.

Finally, pack a dedicated travel kit for your dog: vaccination records, health certificates, a portable water bowl, any prescription medications, and a familiar blanket or toy to reduce anxiety in unfamiliar environments. A well-prepared dog is a happy traveler.