Travelling with a pet in Europe is significantly easier than in many other parts of the world. The EU Pet Passport system standardises health documentation, most European countries have a cultural acceptance of dogs in public spaces, and a large proportion of hotels — particularly independent and mid-range properties — welcome pets. However, policies, fees, and restrictions vary enormously between countries, hotel chains, and individual properties. Knowing what to expect before you book avoids the stress of discovering at check-in that your dog is not welcome or that the pet fee is €50 per night.
For travel between EU member states (and to/from the UK, Switzerland, and Norway), your pet needs an EU Pet Passport issued by an authorised veterinarian in your home country. The passport records your pet's microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and any required treatments. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old before travel. Without this document, your pet may be quarantined at the border or refused entry entirely.
For dogs entering the UK from the EU, additional requirements apply: a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 24–120 hours before arrival. Finland, Ireland, and Malta also require tapeworm treatment. These rules are strictly enforced at border crossings, ferry terminals, and airports.
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France is arguably the most pet-friendly country in Europe. Dogs are welcome in most restaurants (often with a water bowl provided), many shops, and the vast majority of independent hotels. The French attitude towards dogs in public spaces is one of acceptance rather than tolerance — your well-behaved dog will barely warrant a second glance in a Parisian brasserie.
Germany and Austria are similarly welcoming. Dogs are permitted on public transport (with a ticket — yes, your dog needs its own ticket on Deutsche Bahn trains), in most beer gardens and restaurants, and in a high proportion of hotels. The German concept of a Hundehotel (dog hotel) includes properties that specifically cater to travelling dogs with beds, bowls, and sometimes enclosed gardens.
Italy is generally pet-friendly, particularly in northern regions and rural areas. Many agriturismo (farm stay) properties welcome dogs. Beach access with dogs varies — most Italian beaches restrict dogs in summer, but designated dog beaches (spiaggia per cani) exist in most coastal areas.
Scandinavia is mixed: Sweden and Norway are welcoming, with dogs allowed in most outdoor restaurants and many hotels. Denmark is less accommodating due to breed-specific legislation that bans 13 breeds.
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Best Western allows pets at most European properties for a fee of €10–25 per night. Accor (Novotel, Mercure, ibis) permits pets at most properties, typically charging €10–20 per night with a weight limit of 10–25 kg depending on the brand. IHG (Holiday Inn, InterContinental) has no chain-wide pet policy — each property sets its own rules, so you must check individually. Marriott allows pets at selected European properties, usually with a one-time cleaning fee of €50–100 rather than a nightly charge. Hilton varies by property but generally charges €20–35 per night where pets are accepted.
Independent and boutique hotels are often more flexible than chains. Many charge no pet fee at all, or a nominal €5–10 per night. The trade-off is less predictability — you must check with each property individually, and policies may not be listed online.
Most pet-friendly European hotels restrict pets to specific rooms, usually on ground floors or in designated pet-friendly wings. This means that booking early is essential in peak season, as pet rooms sell out faster than standard rooms. Some properties provide pet amenities: bowls, blankets, treats, or a welcome pack. Others expect you to bring your own equipment.
Common restrictions include: pets must not be left unattended in the room (or only for short periods), pets are not permitted in dining areas or breakfast rooms, and pets must be on a lead in public areas of the hotel. Damage deposits of €50–200 are occasionally required, refunded at checkout if no damage has occurred.
Weight limits are the most common restriction. Many hotels cap pet weight at 10–15 kg, effectively excluding larger dog breeds. Some properties have no weight limit but restrict the number of pets to one per room. Breed restrictions are rare in European hotels (unlike some countries' national legislation) but occasionally apply to breeds perceived as dangerous: pit bulls, Rottweilers, and similar breeds may be refused by individual properties.
For cat owners: cats are generally accepted wherever dogs are, but fewer hotels explicitly mention cats in their pet policy. Call ahead to confirm. Some properties that accept dogs do not accept cats, and vice versa.
Bring your pet's regular food — changing diet during travel causes digestive problems. Carry a portable water bowl and a supply of poop bags (dispensers vary in availability across Europe). Pack a familiar blanket or bed to reduce stress in unfamiliar rooms. Exercise your pet before check-in to reduce restlessness. Inform the hotel at booking that you are bringing a pet — do not surprise them at reception. And always clean up after your pet, both inside the hotel and in public spaces. The fastest way to erode pet-friendliness in European hotels is guests who leave messes for staff to deal with.
Bookmark this guide and check back before your trip — hotels prices and policies change frequently.
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Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-25.
Fees range from free to €50 per night. The most common charge is €10–25 per night per pet. Some hotels charge a flat cleaning fee of €30–100 regardless of stay length, which is better value for longer stays. Independent hotels and properties in Southern and Eastern Europe tend to charge less (or nothing). Chain hotels in Northern and Western Europe typically charge €15–30 per night. Always confirm the fee at booking — some properties show as pet-friendly on OTAs but charge fees not listed on the booking platform.
In most European countries, yes. Small dogs in carriers travel free on most national rail networks. Larger dogs require a ticket, typically 50% of the adult fare (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) or a flat fee of €5–10 (France, Italy, Spain). Dogs must be on a lead and muzzled on trains in some countries (Italy, Spain). The UK allows dogs on trains free of charge. Eurostar does not permit pets (except registered assistance dogs). Always check the specific rail operator's policy before travelling.
Yes. Since 2014, all dogs, cats, and ferrets travelling between EU member states require an EU Pet Passport containing proof of microchip identification and valid rabies vaccination. The passport is issued by an authorised veterinarian in your home country. Without it, your pet may be refused entry at the border, quarantined, or returned to the country of origin at your expense. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old before the first cross-border journey.
Yes, several countries have breed-specific legislation. Denmark bans 13 breeds including pit bull terriers, Tosa, and Dogo Argentino — banned breeds may be seized and euthanised. The UK bans four breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act. France requires Category 1 and 2 dogs (pit bulls, Rottweilers, Tosa) to be muzzled in public and may restrict entry. Germany has breed-specific rules that vary by federal state. Ireland, Norway, and most other EU countries do not have breed bans but may require muzzling of certain breeds in public. Check the specific legislation for each country you plan to visit.
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