TripAdvisor Forum: Most dog-friendly countries in Europe

There were more than 130 answers to a post in the TripAdvisor forum about the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. Here’s what the leading platform noted: 

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For those of us who are pet-owners, the only – ONLY! – really hard part about traveling are the times when you have to leave your dog behind. That’s probably why there are 572 responses to a TripAdvisor Forum question about the best airline to travel with pets.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, though: It really depends on how big your doggo is, how far you’re flying, and where you’re flying, as not all airports offer pet relief areas. Your best option might be to consider a company like Animal Airways that’s dedicated to getting your pooch from here to there safely.

Also, know that some planning is involved: At a minimum, your dog will need to be microchipped, have a pet passport, and have an up-to-date rabies vaccine. But additional regulations can vary by country – and the United Kingdom is already warning travelers that its requirements may turn into a months-long process, depending on how Brexit shakes out.

But before you figure out how to get Mr. Sniffles to the destination of your choice, you might want to consider whether or not the country will be tolerant toward your four-legged companion.

We looked to the forum, where there were more than 130 answers to a post about the most dog-friendly countries in Europe.

We’ve traveled through much of France and know that dogs are welcome everywhere (except museums), but certainly in restaurants,” garyanddiane wrote. “Are there any other countries that allow dogs inside restaurants?

France Is the Most Dog-Friendly Country in Europe

France was without a doubt the most frequently mentioned country.

“I live in France and work as a waitress and have 2 pugs they go everywhere with me and are almost always allowed in restaurants,” wrote hannahpixyandjack. “Where I work if we said non to our little french ladies with tou tou they would not come in.”

For some, the dog-friendly policies in France went a little too far.

“I was in a French restaurant recently,” wrote Chris S. “Couple seated facing each other, dog in Madam’s lap. Man feeding dog from his fork. I know I am too precious but it put me off my meal. I would prefer no dogs, but some places allowing dogs with a sign outside and a note to say the same on their website.”

Most of Europe Will Welcome Your Pooch

But it’s not just France that was praised by commenters. Italy was at the top of the list for many contributors, including ifalcon

Italy is the most forward-thinking country that I’ve come across when it comes to dogs. Dogs are not just “tolerated” but actually welcome, virtually everywhere – restaurants, shops, trains, buses, ferries, even some archeological sites (I’ll go as far as saying that my dog has seen the inside of at least one church!). Ancient Romans were keen dog-owners, so perhaps there’s a historic reason why Italians are so friendly to dogs. I can barely walk 10 metres without someone engaging with or giving a compliment to my (gorgeous) Boxer dog. Some people (non-dog owners) even have a habit of carrying dog treats in their pockets (after all, in Italy, food is love). People will, rightly, expect your dog to behave but if your dog is used to travelling and responding well to new situations, then you’ll find Italy is a dog-friendly paradise.

In fact, most of Europe got the thumbs up from forum members.

“Our 3 large dogs have traveled almost all of Europe,” wrote 483liza. “Our dogs have also been to Austria, Italy, Poland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, and Romania. The places that haven’t been mentioned that are great with dogs also are the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia. If your dog knows how to behave, he is allowed almost anywhere, even inside, besides museums.”

There were a few exceptions to the generally positive responses. Restaurants and hotels in Spain and the U.K. were seen as being less-tolerant toward four-legged customers.

“The least dog friendly country I have been is Spain,” wrote Mateusz M. “It’s difficult to find accomodation with a dog and impossible to find dog friendly restaurant.”

Member Sebastiangva had this to add about Ireland.

Ireland is certainly not a dog friendly country. Almost all restaurants and pubs will not allow dogs. Also public transport is a challenge if it is not a guide dog.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

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