Dog-Friendly Travel Destinations: Discover Them Now

Dog-Friendly Travel Destinations: Discover Them Now:  Guest Post by Mike Powell*

Photo by Jacub Gomez from Pexels

Nothing quite makes a solo holiday more enjoyable than when you’re traveling with your dog. However, not every highly-frequented destination is as welcoming of your canine companion as others. 

Before immersing yourself in dog travel guides, first, consider these dog-friendly travel destinations that you won’t want to miss out on!

Venice, Italy

Famed for its picturesque cityscapes and delectable cuisine, Venice, Italy, is an international destination most consider a no-brainer. Fortunately, it’s just as enthusiastic about four-legged tourists as it is about their two-legged counterparts. 

What to Do

When in Italy, you can’t miss out on its ever-popular gondola rides. So long as you can afford its fees, dogs are more than welcome to hitch a ride. 

If you’re a fan of ancient architecture, St. Mark’s Square is home to the Basilica, whose front is rife with dozens of friendly pigeons.

Top off the day with a meal at one of Venice’s many pet-friendly restaurants, such as the Spritz Veneziano!  

Must-Know Tips

In Venice, dogs are allowed nearly everywhere, including in restaurants, water-based public transportation, and parks. However, not every public establishment will enforce the same rules. Research policies regarding dog-friendliness before you book a hotel or visit a landmark. 

What to Avoid

Due to its popularity as a tourist destination, Venice can become crowded, which is a big no-no for socially anxious dogs. Avoid narrow laneways and busy city squares if traveling with a nervous dog. 

Auckland, New Zealand

Rich with wide-open spaces and pet-friendly beaches, Auckland is one of the best places to travel with your dog. A summer holiday favorite, Auckland is relatively laid-back with its regulations regarding canine companions. 

What to Do

If you and your dog consider yourself social butterflies, you won’t want to miss out on Macleans Park’s Doggy Day Out. This year-round dog exercise park boasts 36 hectares of space and stunning views of the Eastern Beach.

Natural water babies will also enjoy a dip at the Takapuna Beach, which is open to dogs in the early morning. Top off your morning with a treat at one of Takapuna’s many dog-friendly cafes.  

Must-Know Tips

While generally relaxed, dog-related Auckland policies require that you leash and pick up after your dog. When visiting public parks and playgrounds, ensure that you pack the appropriate tools for disposing your dog’s waste.  

What to Avoid

If you’re not a morning person, you might want to avoid Auckland beaches, which are only accessible to dogs in the early morning or late evening. 

San Francisco, California, U.S.A

When in the Americas, San Francisco is particularly famed for its number of dog-friendly restaurants and walkability. With temperate weather all year-round, what’s not to enjoy? All you have to decide is what to do first!

What to Do

Home to some of America’s most stunning bay cruises, you won’t regret an hour-long, scenic boat ride with your best friend. 

After a breeze-filled morning, you can enjoy a guilt-free brunch at one of San Francisco’s many boardwalk pet-friendly cafes.

If you’re a fan of shopping sprees, add Union Square to your list of must-see destinations.  

Must-Know Tips 

Some pet-friendly restaurants have dog-centric menus—research a few of these establishments beforehand if you’re keen on purchasing a meal for you and your canine companion. 

If you want to make it to the annual DogFest Pet Festival, ensure that you book your tickets beforehand—this event only happens in the spring! 

What to Avoid

Some establishments in San Francisco can be extremely costly. Consider narrowing your list of to-dos according to what you can afford. 

Paris, France

If you are worried about introducing your dog to a Parisian setting, don’t be! Currently, there are over 300,000 canine residents in Paris, France—everywhere a Parisian goes, their four-legged companion follows.

The same goes for visiting tourists—you can take your canine travel companion just about anywhere. 

What to Do

If you and your dog consider yourselves culinary connoisseurs, you won’t want to miss out on L’espirit du 12eme’s dog and owner brunch. This delectable deal occurs daily, between 12:30 and 3:00 pm. 

When selecting pet-friendly accommodation that you and your dog can retire to at the end of the day, consider the Le Meurice. This luxury hotel goes above and beyond expectations, greeting you and your dog with a personalized name tag and embroidered carpet.  

Must-Know Tips

Not every Parisian park is dog-friendly—only 77 of 490 green spaces will allow your pet inside. When out and about, always keep your dog leashed and research park regulations beforehand.

What to Avoid

Famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are not pet-friendly. Avoid these landmarks if you aren’t willing to check your dog into a kennel. 

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain, is a famously pet-friendly destination that is jam-packed with canine-centric activities. These must-dos include dog-friendly tapas to stunning green parks. 

If you’re traveling to Spain without an itinerary, rest assured that one of its hundreds of dog-walkers will have something to suggest! 

What to Do

Famed for its mouthwatering tapas, Barcelona is home to many dog-friendly restaurants. Such food establishments include Bar Lobo, which will even provide water and snacks for your four-legged friend.  

Are you an art enthusiast? If so, you can’t take a trip to Barcelona without feasting your eyes on works by Antoni Gaudi—dog in tow. While not allowed inside the museum itself, your dog can enjoy a stroll along its exterior grounds. 

The La Sagrada Familia is welcoming of canine visitors and is even home to a separate dog park! From here, you can take in Gaudi’s awe-inspiring, 130-year-old unfinished basilica.  

Must-Know Tips

If you are a fan of dog-friendly beaches, you won’t want to book your trip to Barcelona from April to October. During this time, beaches are closed to dogs during the weekends. 

What to Avoid

Avoid the Metro during rush hour. From 7:00 to 9:30 am and 5:00 to 7:00 dogs are banned from boarding. 

The Bottom Line

Now that you are familiar with these can’t-miss dog-friendly travel destinations, all there is left to do is plan your itinerary. Ensure that you pack all your canine essentials and bookmark important contacts in case of emergency. 

* About the Author

Mike, the owner of Dog Embassy, is more than just your typical pet enthusiast. He is a professional with a mission—to provide access to useful resources in nutrition, care, and accessories. 

(Solo Trekker 4 U – Looking for a new best friend? See the best way to be “solo no more”. Go here to adopt from a shelter, and save two lives: The pet you take home and the space made available at thee shelter for a new rescue. )