For a long time considered a constraint to manage when traveling, the family pet is now at the heart of vacation choices for many Europeans. Hotels, restaurants, transportation, beaches and activities are gradually tailoring their offerings to welcome dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats. According to Agria pet insurance, 37% of dog owners say they choose only destinations that are suitable for their animal, compared with 23% of cat owners. In response to this demand, several European cities and regions are turning pet-friendly tourism with a four-legged companion into a real draw.
Europe Adapts to Travelers With Pets
Some destinations have taken the lead by integrating animals into daily tourist life. In Amsterdam, dogs can notably accompany their owners in many cafes, shops and public transport. The lodging sector has also adapted, offering options ranging from hotels to canal-side accommodations. For walks, large green spaces like Vondelpark serve as preferred meeting points.
In Italy, dog-friendly hospitality even extends to the coastline. Some private beaches provide facilities specifically designed for dogs, such as water stations, shaded areas, showers, or play zones. Near Rome, the “Bau Beach” has established itself as a reference in this field. The country also offers options for traveling with a pet on certain regional trains and local transports.
Croatia, for its part, focuses on outdoor activities. Several beaches along the Dalmatian coast allow dogs, notably around Split and Dubrovnik, while the island of Krk also has areas accessible to animals. Travelers can also bring them along on certain boat excursions, along coastal trails or on ferries.
In Stockholm, pet-friendly policies extend far beyond vacations. Dogs are allowed in many establishments and some everyday life venues. The capital’s vast natural spaces, notably Djurgården and Hagaparken, also allow for more frequent walks. The ferries serving part of the archipelago offer another way to discover the region without leaving your companion behind.
France Also Speeds Up Its Dog-Friendly Tourism
France is also developing an increasingly substantial offering for travelers accompanied by their animals. According to the 2026 Barometer of dog travel published by DodoDog, more than 63,000 French accommodations now accept dogs, roughly one in three establishments.
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region leads with more than 10,000 pet-friendly accommodations. From the Côte d’Azur to the outskirts of Marseille, the coastline thus provides an extra selling point to attract owners who want to travel with their companion. The possibilities for walks and outdoor activities also strengthen the region’s appeal.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes ranks second, with more than 9,000 accommodations welcoming dogs. Mountain destinations, including Chamonix, Tignes and Les Menuires, particularly benefit from this shift: hiking and outdoor activities allow owners not to give up their travel habits when they travel with their pet.
However, this trend requires ahead-of-time preparation. Since 2026, to travel within the European Union with a dog or a cat, the European Pet Passport is mandatory. Issued by a veterinarian, this official document allows you to attest the animal’s identification and its rabies vaccination. The health record, on the other hand, does not suffice to replace it during European travel.
