Dreaming of exploring Europe with your dog or cat by your side ?
The good news : Europe is one of the most pet-welcoming continents in the world, but knowing where to go makes all the difference.
Here are our top destinations for American pet owners ready to make memories abroad.
Why Europe Is a Great Choice for Pet Travel
Unlike the United States, where pets are often restricted from entering restaurants, shops, or public transport, many European countries have a deeply embedded culture of welcoming animals in daily life.
Dogs ride the metro in Paris, cats lounge in hotel lobbies in Rome, and dogs are regulars in beer gardens across Germany.
That said, each country has its own rules and culture around pet travel, and as an American traveler, you'll need to prepare your pet properly before departure (more on that in another article).
But once the paperwork is sorted, the world opens up.
1. France — The Gold Standard for Dog-Friendly Travel
France is consistently ranked among the most dog-friendly countries in Europe, and it's easy to see why.
Dogs are welcomed in a huge number of restaurants, cafés, boutique hotels, and even some museums.
Paris alone has more dogs than children, and the locals are genuinely fond of them.
What makes France stand out :
- Dogs are allowed in most restaurants and many shops
- Extensive off-leash areas in parks and forests
- A wide range of pet-friendly accommodations across all budgets
- Train travel (SNCF) allows dogs on board (small dogs in carriers for free, larger dogs with a half-price ticket)
Best spots : Paris (Marais, Montmartre, Seine riverbanks), the Loire Valley châteaux countryside, Provence villages, the Basque Coast.
Pro tip : In France, "chien accepté" signs are a green light, but always check in advance for upscale restaurants, some may still prefer you call ahead.
2. The Netherlands — Bikes, Canals, and Very Happy Dogs
The Netherlands may be small, but it punches above its weight for pet-friendly travel.
Amsterdam and beyond offer a relaxed, open-air lifestyle that suits active travelers with dogs perfectly.
What makes the Netherlands stand out :
- Dogs are allowed on all public transport (with a day ticket purchased for them)
- Many brown cafés (traditional Dutch pubs) welcome dogs inside
- Flat terrain means easy walking or cycling with your pet
- Abundant green spaces, parks, and canal paths for daily walks
Best spots : Amsterdam (Vondelpark, Jordaan neighborhood), Haarlem, Utrecht, the tulip fields in spring.
Pro tip : The Dutch are very pragmatic about dogs, as long as yours is calm and well-behaved, you'll rarely encounter problems.
3. Germany — A Paradise for Dog Owners
Germany takes animal welfare very seriously, and it shows.
Dogs are genuinely part of the social fabric here.
The country even has a dog tax (Hundesteuer), which funds local infrastructure for pets, meaning excellent parks and trails throughout.
What makes Germany stand out :
- Dogs allowed in beer gardens (a cornerstone of German culture)
- Many hotels, Airbnbs, and guesthouses explicitly welcome dogs
- Excellent hiking and nature trails, especially in Bavaria
- Pets allowed on local trains and buses (usually with a small ticket)
Best spots : Munich (English Garden, Bavarian Alps nearby), the Rhine Valley, the Black Forest, Berlin for the urban dog scene.
Pro tip : Germany's trails and national parks are excellent for active dogs, but always keep them on a leash in designated wildlife areas.
4. Italy — La Dolce Vita for Pets Too
Italy and dogs are a natural pair.
From the bustling streets of Rome to the rolling hills of Tuscany, you'll find Italians incredibly affectionate toward animals.
Many agriturismi (farm stays) are pet-friendly, making Italy ideal for a slow-paced, immersive travel style.
What makes Italy stand out :
- Café and restaurant culture is generally tolerant of well-behaved dogs
- Agriturismi are among the most pet-welcoming accommodations in Europe
- Coastal towns on the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre have beautiful walking paths (though leash rules apply)
- Italian locals are typically warm and enthusiastic about meeting your pet
Best spots : Tuscany (Florence, Siena, Val d'Orcia), Rome, Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily.
Pro tip : Avoid traveling with pets to Italy in peak summer months (July–August).
The heat, tourist crowds, and restrictions on beaches can make it stressful for your animal.
5. Portugal — Hidden Gem for Pet Travel
Portugal is increasingly popular with American travelers, and pet owners are discovering it as a wonderfully relaxed destination.
The Portuguese pace of life suits pets perfectly : long beach walks, outdoor dining, and a culture of genuine warmth toward animals.
What makes Portugal stand out :
- Many beaches are dog-friendly outside peak season
- Outdoor dining is common, and well-behaved dogs are rarely turned away
- More affordable than France or Italy, with excellent pet-friendly accommodation options
- Lisbon and Porto are both walkable and manageable for dogs
Best spots : Lisbon (Alfama, Belém, Monsanto forest), Porto, the Algarve coast (off-season), Sintra.
Pro tip: Avoid the Algarve in July and August, the heat is extreme and many beaches ban dogs in summer.
Spring and autumn are ideal.
6. Austria — Culture, Mountains, and Dog-Welcoming Hotels
Austria combines stunning Alpine scenery with an exceptionally organized pet travel culture.
Many Austrian hotels proudly advertise that they welcome dogs, and some even offer dedicated pet menus, dog beds, and on-site grooming.
What makes Austria stand out :
- A high proportion of hotels actively market themselves as pet-friendly
- Vienna has excellent green spaces and dogs are allowed on public transport
- The Austrian Alps offer some of Europe's most spectacular hiking, with dogs welcome on many trails
- Salzburg and the Lake District are especially beautiful for relaxed travel
Best spots : Vienna (Prater park, the Ring), Salzburg, the Salzkammergut lake district, Innsbruck.
Pro tip : Austrian hotels sometimes charge a modest pet fee, always confirm in advance, but expect a warm welcome.
Practical Tips for American Travelers Bringing Pets to Europe
Before you book, keep these key points in mind:
- EU Pet Passport equivalent : Your pet will need an ISO microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination (with a waiting period of 21 days minimum), and an official health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian. Coming from the US, you'll need a USDA-endorsed health certificate in the EU format.
- Airlines matter : Not all airlines allow pets in the cabin on transatlantic routes. Research carefully — some European carriers are more accommodating than US carriers.
- Breed restrictions : Several European countries have restricted or banned certain breeds (especially Pit Bulls and similar breeds). Always verify before traveling.
- Always book pet-friendly in advance : Don't assume, even in the most pet-welcoming countries, always confirm with your accommodation before arrival.
Ready to Plan Your European Adventure with Your Pet ?
Every destination in this list has something unique to offer — but the right choice depends on your travel style, your pet's personality, and the kind of experience you're looking for.
At Papattes en Vadrouille, we specialize in creating tailor-made travel plans for pet owners. We handle the research, the logistics, and the peace of mind — so you can focus on the journey.
👉 Contact us to start planning your pet-friendly European trip.
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