European cities are actively developing infrastructure for travelers with pets: they are setting up dog parks, making public transportation pet-friendly, and opening pet-friendly establishments. By 2026, several cities had become true leaders in this area. Learn more about the most pet-friendly cities in Europe for traveling with dogs and cats

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Europe is becoming increasingly pet-friendly for travelers. According to the European Pet Organization, more than 90 million households in the EU have pets, and the demand for traveling with them is growing every year. Cities are opening special dog parks, allowing pets on public transportation, and creating pet-friendly services for tourists.

In which European cities will cat and dog owners feel most comfortable while traveling in 2026? We’ll tell you more in this article.

Planning a trip abroad and want to be sure of your safety?

You can quickly get medical insurance for travel outside Ukraine on the Visit World portal.

Berlin: Dogs as Part of Urban Culture

Berlin is considered one of the most pet-friendly cities in the European Union. Dogs here are a common part of everyday life: you can find them in cafes, offices, stores, and even in some shopping centers. For tourists, this means significantly fewer restrictions when planning itineraries.

The city has dozens of specialized dog parks, and large green spaces feature designated areas for off-leash walking. Among the most popular locations are Tiergarten, Tempelhofer Feld, and the Grunewald Forest.

Berlin’s public transportation is pet-friendly: with a day pass, you can bring a dog of any size for free. Numerous hotels and restaurants in the city also welcome guests with pets.

Vienna: Clear Rules and Over 200 Dog Parks

Vienna combines pet-friendly infrastructure with the systematic approach characteristic of Austria. The city has over 200 dog parks with off-leash areas, drinking fountains, and benches for owners.

The Danube Island, the Vienna Prater (over 6 million square meters of green space), and the Lobau Nature Park—part of the Donau-Auen National Park—are all great spots for walks with your pets.

Dogs are allowed on Vienna’s public transportation. Large dogs must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash. The city’s veterinary infrastructure is top-notch, thanks in part to the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. Dispensers with waste bags and drinking fountains for animals are installed throughout the city.

The cheapest and most expensive European cities for a vacation in 2026 — are listed here.

Amsterdam: canals, parks, and boat rides with your dog

Amsterdam is one of the most pet-friendly cities in Europe, with a well-developed infrastructure for pet owners. The city’s most famous park, Vondelpark, has a special “dog lawn” in the southern part where animals can walk off-leash. Off-leash areas are also available in Westerpark, Rembrandtpark, and Oosterpark.

The rules for transporting pets on Amsterdam’s public transit are quite lenient: dogs ride for free—on a leash or on their owner’s lap—with no muzzle requirement. On NS domestic trains, small dogs in carriers ride for free, while larger dogs require a special ticket costing 3.50 euros per day.

For those seeking unique experiences, the city offers pet-friendly canal boat tours where dogs are welcome on board. Many cafes along the canals feature outdoor terraces where pets are welcome guests.

Rome: Animals as Part of Italian Culture

Italians are known for their love of animals, and Rome confirms this. According to 2024 data, 56% of residents in the capital of Italy have a pet. Dogs are a common sight here in restaurants, bars, and shops. Staff often bring a bowl of water for the four-legged guest themselves.

Pets are allowed on Rome’s public transportation, and through the itTAXI app, you can specify in advance that a passenger is traveling with a pet and find a suitable taxi. Small dogs in carriers are permitted at the Roman Forum, and other archaeological sites in the city have an even more lenient approach to pet policies.

Barcelona: pet-friendly beaches and well-developed infrastructure

Barcelona is one of the few major European tourist cities with official dog-friendly beaches during the summer season. Such areas are rare among major cities, making them popular with both locals and tourists.

Areas near Park de la Ciutadella and Montjuïc are considered the most convenient for walking with pets. Many cafes, coffee shops, and stores allow pets inside, and bowls of water for dogs are often placed near the entrances. City authorities are actively increasing the number of dog-walking areas and working to create comfortable conditions for pets during the hot season.

Barcelona’s public transportation system is also adapted for travelers with pets.

About the best countries in the world for road trips in 2026 — read more at the link.

Zurich: High Level of Pet-Friendly Service

Zurich consistently ranks among Europe’s most pet-friendly cities. According to a 2025 study, about 82% of hotels in Munich and Zurich accept guests with pets—one of the highest rates among European cities.

Zurich’s public transportation allows dogs: small animals (up to 30 cm in height) ride for free, while larger dogs require a discounted second-class ticket.

What do you need to know before traveling with a pet in Europe?

Planning a trip with a pet requires preparing documents. Key requirements for traveling with dogs, cats, and ferrets within the EU:

1. Microchip — the animal must have an ISO-standard microchip with a 15-digit number.
2. Rabies vaccination — the vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before the trip.
3. EU Pet Passport — issued to EU residents and serves as a permanent document for crossing borders.
4. Animal Health Certificate (AHC) — required for travelers from outside the EU.

1. Starting April 22, 2026, EU pet passports will no longer be accepted from non-EU residents, so a new AHC must be obtained for each trip.
2. Echinococcus treatment — required for entry into some EU countries (including the UK, Ireland, and Finland).

Rules for transporting animals on public transportation vary by city. In many cities, large dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a leash, and some countries have restrictions on certain breeds.

Remember! Traveling with a pet requires careful preparation, and taking care of your own health is an important part of this process. Unforeseen situations can arise in any country, so medical insurance will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure access to quality medical care abroad.

On the Visit World portal, you can quickly and conveniently purchase travel medical insurance for trips outside Ukraine.

Get your policy in advance and travel with your pet safely and with peace of mind!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed where tourists should avoid traveling in the summer of 2026 due to crowds, heat, and high prices.

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