Quick Answer
Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France are the most dog-friendly countries in Europe, with dogs widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and on trains. Always confirm the weight limit, the pet fee and whether the dog can be left alone in the room — booking-site filters are often wrong.
Europe is the easiest part of the world to travel with a dog, but “pet friendly” means very different things between a Bavarian guesthouse and a city apartment block. The difference is worth pinning down before you pay.
Travelling Europe With a Dog
1. Europe is unusually good for this
Dogs are welcome in cafes, on trains and in many hotels across much of the continent — a sharp contrast to most of the world. France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland are especially relaxed.
2. Germany and Austria
Best months: Jul–Sep · 17–26°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Among the most dog-friendly countries anywhere. Dogs travel on public transport, sit in restaurants, and most mid-range hotels accept them for a small fee.
3. France
Best months: Jul–Sep · 15–25°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Dogs are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants. Larger dogs are usually fine; check for a weight cap when booking.
4. Switzerland
Best months: Jul–Sep · 15–24°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Dogs travel on trains and cable cars on a half-fare ticket, which makes the mountains genuinely accessible with a dog.
5. Italy
Best months: Apr–Jun · 13–23°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Generally welcoming, though beaches often restrict dogs in summer — look for a designated ‘spiaggia per cani’.
6. The Nordics
Well set up for dogs, with good outdoor access. Note that Norway, Finland and Sweden have their own import rules including tapeworm treatment for dogs entering some of them.
7. The UK and Ireland
A strong pub-and-country-hotel tradition of accepting dogs, though entry rules for pets arriving from abroad are specific — check current requirements.
8. What 'pet friendly' actually means
Verify three things: any weight or breed limit, the per-night pet fee, and whether the dog may be left alone in the room. The third catches people out constantly.
9. Booking filters are unreliable
Platform ‘pets allowed’ filters are frequently wrong or out of date. Message the property directly and get the policy in writing before you pay.
10. Trains and city transport
Most European rail operators accept dogs, small ones often free and larger ones on a reduced fare, sometimes muzzled. Rules differ by operator, so check per leg.
Rules change and vary by route. Pet import requirements are set by the destination country and enforced at the border — errors mean quarantine or refusal of entry. Confirm current requirements with the destination’s government veterinary authority and your airline before booking anything.
Three questions to ask every property
One: is there a weight or breed limit? Many listings that say “pets welcome” mean pets under 8kg. Two: what is the fee? It ranges from nothing to a substantial per-night charge, and is often not shown at checkout. Three: can the dog be left alone in the room? Many properties prohibit it outright, which shapes your entire day if you were planning to visit a museum.
Ask by message so you have the answer in writing. Then plan around the practicalities: request a ground floor or near-exit room, identify the nearest green space, and carry a travel bowl, waste bags, a towel for wet paws and your dog’s own bedding. Most European cities have far more off-lead parks than visitors expect — and stricter rules about lead use in the centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which European country is most dog-friendly?
Germany and Austria, closely followed by Switzerland and France — dogs are accepted on transport, in restaurants and in most mid-range hotels.
Can dogs travel on European trains?
Usually yes. Small dogs often travel free, larger dogs at a reduced fare and sometimes muzzled. Rules vary by operator.
Are booking-site pet filters reliable?
Often not. Message the property directly and get the policy confirmed in writing.