Where to take your dog in Switzerland

Where to take your dog in Switzerland | PetAir UK

The mountainous terrain and stunning lakes make Switzerland one of the most beautiful places on the planet. With incredible hiking trails in the spring and summer and popular ski resorts in the winter, it’s a wonderful destination whatever time of year you visit. If the great outdoors isn’t really your thing, Switzerland has a wealth of urban cities filled with craft beers and castles. So whatever you enjoy doing, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Switzerland.

Langenberg Wildlife Park

Located just outside Zurich, this scientifically managed zoo is the oldest wildlife park in Switzerland. You can see everything from moose to bears and bison here. Dogs can join you on your day out as long as they are leashed. There are a couple of areas that dogs are not permitted to enter so take note of these as you walk around.

Leiterhorn trail

This 4km looped trail near Wengen offers stunning views all year round. The reasonably flat trail takes you through scenic woodlands and ends with jaw-dropping views. Your dog can join you on this trail and can go off-leash in parts.

dog friendly switzerland

Miracle, Zurich

This restaurant in Zurich is well known for its homemade pizza and pasta dishes. They even make their ice cream onsite. Although the cuisine is Italian, the ingredients are Swiss, making the most of the fantastic local meats and cheeses on offer. It’s a dog-friendly restaurant and has lovely street side seating in the summer months.

Cable car to Matterhorn Glacier

Take your dog on an exhilarating ride to Europe’s highest cable car station. You’ll actually need to take a couple of different cable cars to get there. Rest assured that your effort will be rewarded with breathtaking 360 degree views of the Alps. Earth Trekkers has a detailed explanation of the different routes you can take. Dogs travel for free on cable cars in Switzerland. 

Kindli, Zurich

This dog-friendly restaurant is housed in a historic salon and offers more than just a touch of elegance. With it’s classy wooden furniture and white tablecloths, the service here is just as impressive as the food. The menu features timeless classics like “Zurich style” veal, sea bass fillet with lemon caper butter and rock lobster. Expect your dog to pampered here, with staff offering beds, blankets and a freshly cooked meal in a proper bowl! Bear in mind that the restaurant is not open on Sundays and Mondays.

Parc Bertrand, Geneva

Named after the photographer whose family donated the estate to the city in 1940, Parc Bertrand has two off-leash dog areas. One of the dog areas has a fence surrounding it but the other is open. During the summer months the water fountain will help to keep your pooch cool. Your dog must be on a lead when in other areas of the park.

So whatever you enjoy doing, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Switzerland.

Find out more about taking pets to Switzerland on our dedicated page here.

Where to take your dog in Barcelona

Where to take your dog in Barcelona | PetAir UK

Home to 1.6 million people, the coastal capital of Spain is a great place to explore with your dog. From its incredible range of culinary delights to its stunning ancient architecture, Barcelona really has got something for everyone. There’s plenty of things to see and do with your dog in Barcelona.

Park Güell

Designed by the famous Antoni Gaudí and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Park Güell is a truly unique experience. With it’s colourful tiled pathways and majestic architectural features, you feel like you’re walking around a piece of art rather than a park. Pets are allowed in the majority of the park as long as they are kept on a leash. There are a few areas that are out of bounds in order to protect the site.

Xalet de Montjuïc

This restaurant might just offer the best views of Barcelona. Located right on the Montjuïc hilltop, this dog-friendly restaurant serves up delicious food on its stunning terrace. The menu offers dishes like paella, slow roasted lamb shoulder, steak tartare and bluefin tuna. 

dog friendly Barcelona

Llevant beach

In 2021, after several successful trials, a permanent dog area opened on Llevant beach. The fully fenced in dog area is open from 10:30am until 7pm. Offering 1,250 square metres of space for your dogs to run around leash-free, the dogs also have access to the ocean so they can splash to their hearts content. The park features showers for owners as well as dogs, drinking fountains and an eco-friendly dog urinal.

Perros al Agua

Believe it or not, Barcelona is home to a water park for dogs! This canine aqua park features water slides and two enormous pools for your dog to swim in. One of the pools is designated for smaller dogs only. They can even have a go at surfing and canoeing! There’s also a sandy dune area for relaxing and gardens to play catch in. The onsite restaurant offers pizzas, salads and tapas and caters for vegan customers too.

Whatever you enjoy doing, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Barcelona.

Find out more on taking pets to Spain or taking pets to Barcelona on our dedicated page here.

Where to take your dog in Cyprus

Where to take your dog in Cyprus | PetAir UK

Nestled in the eastern corner of the Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus is well known for it’s sun-soaked days and rich history. While Cyprus has been somewhat slow to embrace ‘dog-friendly’ living, they are getting there slowly. 2020 saw the government lift it’s ban on dogs on beaches which is a huge step forward. Whether you’re looking for the best Greek or Turkish food or want to soak up some culture, you’ll find plenty of things to do with your dog in Cyprus.

Moondog’s Bar and Grill

Opened in 2013, Moondog’s Bar & Grill brings together food, music and sports to create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with a ‘rock attitude’. Located in Nicosia, Moondog’s offers an American based menu of burgers, grills and beers. Moondog’s is dog-friendly but they recommend booking in advance. This is so you can reserve you a seat in the outdoor area. It’s also best to avoid busy sport’s match nights.

Rosewood Dog Park, Nicosia

Rosewood Dog Park is the perfect place to let your dog get some fresh air and exercise. The park is completely secure and surrounded by fencing with plenty of shaded seating for owners. The park offers 6000 square meters of fun. There’s a paddling pool, steps and tunnels for your dog to play with. The clubhouse sells a selection of drinks and snacks. The proceeds from the second-hand book store help to pay for the rescue cats that they care for onsite. Advanced booking is essential.

things to do with your dog in Cyprus

Oniro by the Sea, Paphos

Located right next to the ocean in Peyia, on the western coast of Cyprus, Oniro by the Sea is a laid-back, stylish restaurant with stunning views of the Edro III shipwreck and the sea caves. Serving everything from bright, fresh salads to seafood specials and specialising in unique cocktails, this is a fantastic place to visit. It’s also dog-friendly and will even provide water for your pup!

National Forest Park of Athalassa, Nicosia

With over 20km of trails, Athalassa forest park is the perfect place for you and your dog to explore. This green oasis has picnic facilities and toilets as well as a visitor centre and a small shop. There is also a play park for those visiting with children. There is a dedicated off-leash dog section of the park but there are no bins or water fountains here so you’ll need to bear that in mind when visiting.

Where to take your dog in Portugal

Where to take your dog in Portugal | PetAir UK

Portugal has a lot to offer its visitors. From it’s Atlantic-coast inspired food to it’s stunning beaches to it’s rich cultural history, Portugal has got something for everyone. The laws surrounding dogs on beaches and dogs in restaurants have been relaxed in recent years making it an excellent country to explore with your four-legged friend. Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach, a breathtaking hike among the dramatic landscape or a day taking in the medieval history and some local grub, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Portugal.

Seagull Method Cafe, Lisbon

This trendy neighbourhood cafe in Lisbon is very dog-friendly. Open from 9am-6pm, the menu offers a wide range of delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch items like avocado toast, açai bowls and fish and chips. Pets are usually offered a bowl of water and are welcome to join you inside the cafe. 

Ramalha Sul Beach, Esposende

Located on the northern coast of Portugal, about half an hour’s drive from Porto, this beach opened to dogs in June 2018. The soft sand and impressive dunes make for the perfect playground for an excited pup to run free. Another 15 minutes drive to the north will take you to Praia de Suave, another great dog beach in the area with plenty of parking and drinking water.

Caminhada Quinta do Pisão

This easy 10km loop is located just outside Lisbon on a semi-wild nature preserve. Transformed from disused farm land into an attractive park in 2007, the space is a living landscape that hopes to preserve and restore natural habitats. It’s also home to Mirandesa donkeys, horses and sheep. 

things to do with your dog in Portugal

Hotel do Cão, Algarve

This luxury, laid-back provides top-notch care for your pooch. More than just a hotel for dogs, Hotel do Cão also offers grooming, training, pet-sitting and dog walking services. Open for 5 years, the grounds offer secure but spacious green areas for fun, games and training as well as a shallow lake for the dogs to cool off in. The 10m private kennels are made up of two areas, an insulated indoor section and an outdoor patio area. have air-conditioning and ambient music. 

Quinta do Pôpa, Douro Valley

This family winery offers incredible views of the Douro Valley as well as fantastic wine tasting opportunities. Not only is it pet-friendly, but it’s also child-friendly too so it’s a great place for the whole family to visit. As well as regular wine tastings, they also offer a range of more bespoke services, such as packing you your very own picnic to take around the vineyards with you. 

So whether you want a day out on the beach or a trip to a vineyard, you’ll find plenty of things to do with your dog in Portugal.

Where to take your dog in Menorca

Where to take your dog in Menorca | PetAir UK

Nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, Menorca is one the Balearic Islands belonging to Spain. Menorca is much quieter than its neighbouring islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, with a focus on sustainable, responsible tourism.. With a 216km coastline that flits between soft sand to rocky bays, Menorca has a sea that’s so blue it needs to be seen to be believed. Thanks to it’s historical Bronze Age sites and biodiverse wetlands, Menorca was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. With plenty of fantastic restaurants and gorgeous outdoor space, you’ll find plenty of things to do with your dog in Menorca.

Binigaus Beach

Dogs are allowed on this beach between 7pm-9am. Located near the village of Migjorn Gran, Binigaus is a quiet, picture-perfect beach of golden sand and turquoise seas. Dogs do not have to be on a leash at this beach. Bear in mind that there are no facilities on this beach. If you get peckish, Es Bruc is a 10 minute walk along the coast in Santo Tomas. This beachside restaurant welcomes both kids and dogs and offers a range of meat and seafood dishes. It’s a good starting point for a day at the beach as there is a free car park here too. It’s also worth noting that Binigaus is a nudist beach.

Pipet & Co

This stylish cafe in Mahón is well known for it’s delicious breakfast and brunch options. Looking out onto the town square and children’s playground it offers a range of healthy, hearty foods like avocado, eggs and salads. The homemade cakes are also very special. 

things to do with your dog in Menorca

Cami de Cavalls

The Cami de Cavalls is a hiking trail that takes you around the entire 185km coastline of Menorca. The trail is split into 20 different sections and would take 10-15 days to walk the whole thing. It officially starts in Mahón but can be accessed at any point easily by car or public transport. Parts of the trail can be completed on horseback or mountain bike but you’ll need to check the suitability of the paths for each of these. Dogs need to be kept on a leash at all times and there are sections of the trail where dogs are forbidden for environmental protection reasons. For example, the Albufera de Es Grau natural park in the Maó area and on most of the beaches, except Cala Fustam and Binigaus between 7pm-9am.

Cala Pudent

This secluded cove near Son Parc is a great place to visit if you want a quieter scene. To get there you’ll need to park in the village of Es Mercadal and walk for around 15 minutes. Again, there are no services or facilities at this beach so you’ll need make sure you’re well stocked with water and food before you go. Due to it’s remote location, dogs are permitted all year round. 

With it’s dramatic, rocky coastline and beautiful, secluded beaches, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Menorca.

Where to take your dog in Paris

Where to take your dog in Paris | PetAir UK

The capital of France is synonymous with iconic architecture and stylish streets. With an estimated 17 dogs per 100 people, this is a dog lover’s paradise. Packed with chic boutiques, incredible bakeries and cafes that are perfect for people watching, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Paris. 

There are no laws about allowing dogs into places of food service. Subsequently, this means that premises can make this decision for themselves. Dogs can travel on the Metro and the bus in Paris. They are free if they fit in a basket or carrier or they are able to sit on your lap. However, if your dog is larger, you’ll pay for a child ticket. You must keep your dog on a leash at all times. If that wasn’t enough, a new rule came into effect in 2019 that finally allows dogs to access to more of the city’s green spaces.

Le Grande Véfour

You might be surprised to learn that your dog is welcome to join you at this Michelin-starred restaurant. Cited as being the oldest restaurant in Paris, this place does not skimp on the glitz and glamour. Not only will you be able to feast on the top-notch dishes from chef James Martin, your pet may be offered something to eat too!

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

This 25-hectare park in the 19th arrondissement is one of the biggest in Paris. Built on an old quarry, the park is home to several features of interest, such as a waterfall, a suspended bridge and offers some stunning views of the city. Moreover, this is one of the few spots in Paris that allows dogs to roam off-leash. 

things to do with your dog in paris

Moustaches

This bright and friendly pet store has everything you could possibly need for your four-legged friend. From leashes to food to Eiffel Tower toys, Moustaches has several locations around the city so you’re never too far away.

Bontemps Patisserie

This stunning dog-friendly bakery serves some of the most delicious pastries in Paris. Settle down and relax in the beautiful tea room hidden in its leafy courtyard. And don’t forget to try the famous sablé cookies.

So whether you want to sample some famous French cuisine, or enjoy an afternoon in the park, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Paris.

Where to take your dog in Dublin

Where to take your dog in Dublin | PetAir UK

With layers of history and heritage weaved around a rich tapestry of pubs, Dublin is a capital worth exploring. What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in spirit and you’ll find yourself besotted with Irish charm in no time. With dog-friendly farmer’s markets, pubs, cafes, restaurants and outdoor spaces, you’re bound to find plenty to do with your dog in Dublin. Dublin’s coastal rail system, The DART, also allows dogs on board, meaning you can explore even further! 

The Fumbally

Located in the heart of Temple Bar, The Fumbally is a dog-owners paradise. This community cafe has a funky vibe, quirky artwork and serves up local coffee and healthy, hearty food. Dogs are welcome to join you inside but must be on a lead and well behaved. Water bowls are provided.

Killiney Hill

This off-leash area is a great place to walk your dog. It sits to the south of the city and its hilly trails offer extensive views over Dublin or across the sea. There’s a playground there if you’ve got kids with you as well as public toilet facilities. If you find yourself feeling a little peckish, the Tower Hill Tearooms is dog-friendly and will provide water for them too.

Where to take your dog in Dublin

Marlay Park Farmers Market

Hosted in Rathfarnham, this dog-friendly farmer’s market is on every weekend from 10am-4pm on Saturdays and 11am-4pm on Sundays. Located in Marlay Park, there is also a dedicated dog park nearby for a quick runaround to burn off some energy before visiting the market.

The Bath Pub

This modern pub serves homemade sourdough pizzas, chicken wings and nachos alongside it’s extensive drinks menu. It also serves brunch at the weekends. Located right next to the Aviva stadium, it can get busy on days when there are big matches or concerts taking place so it’s worth checking beforehand if you’d prefer a quieter atmosphere! Dogs are allowed outside or in their popular courtyard area but must be kept on a leash. Water bowls are provided. 

Whether you want to wander the farmer’s market or relax in a pub, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Dublin.

Where to take your dog in France

Where to take your dog in France | PetAir UK

France is a great place to explore with your dog. Although the museums and art galleries of Paris are off limits, there are plenty of other things to do around the country. Like visit one of the whopping 267 dog-friendly beaches for example. From swanky chateaus, to glorious beaches, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic places to take your dog in France.

La Vallee des Saints, Brittany

Dubbed the ‘Easter Island’ of France, La Vallee des Saints is home to a collection of enormous granite statues depicting the founding saints of Brittany. There are approximately 50 statues at this current time but the project aims to have 1,000 in 50 years time. It’s worth picking up a guide book to tell you a little history about each one. This picturesque hill has views across the Monts d’Arrée mountains and allows leashed dogs. The valley is also home to a fountain whose waters are said to cure animals!

Le Touquet, Pas-de-Calais

Only an hour from Calais, Le Touquet is often called ‘Paris-on-Sea’ thanks to it’s touches of 1920’s glamour. Once a holiday playground for British literary giants like PG Wodehouse & HG Wells, it’s home to many luxury attractions as well as several dog-friendly beaches. The Plage des Dunes is a tranquil, wild beach where your dog can run free.

Carcassonne, Languedoc

This ancient, walled city is home to the medieval, UNESCO-listed La Cité de Carcassonne. This historical citadel is the second most popular tourist attraction in France, after the Eiffel Tower. Once you’ve explored the cobbled streets, take a stroll down the banks of the Canal du Midi. Stretching 150 miles, it’s the longest canal in France and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. A lovely spot to walk your dog.

Tuileries Gardens, Paris

The world famous Jardin de Tuileries is a public park in the centre of Paris. Located between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, it first opened to the public in 1667. This beautifully manicured formal garden contains a collection of over 200 statues. While many of the public parks in Paris are off-limits to dogs, the Tuileries Gardens allows dogs on the two elevated sections in the north and south.

where to go with your dog in france

Château de Chenonceau, Loire Valley

Thanks to its unique building structure across the Cher River, this is the second most popular chateau in the country. Home to many prominent women over the years, it has garnered the nickname ‘the ladies chateau’. It is every bit as elegant as you’d expect. While many chateaus will allow your dog within the grounds, if your dog is small enough to be carried, the Château de Chenonceau is happy for your dog to come inside too. The signs in the car park remind visitors not to leave their dogs in the car and that the chateau is a dog-friendly space. They also offer bowls of water on arrival and also at the cafe.

 

France is a nation of dog-lovers and there are plenty of things to see and do with your dog in France. Whether you want to soak up the rich history or enjoy some time by the sea, we’re sure you’ll find something for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy.

Where to take your dog in Zürich

Where to take your dog in Zürich | PetAir UK

With over half a million dogs living in Switzerland, it’s safe to say that the Swiss are a nation of pet-lovers. With dogs welcome in most shops and restaurants, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting out and about with your four-legged friend. Find out where to take your dog in Zürich.

House of Dogs

This upmarket pet store offers high quality, handcrafted leather goods for your all your dog’s needs. From traditional Appenzeller dog collars to harnesses adorned with Swarovski crystals.

Allmend Brunau

Although not specifically a dog park, the wide open space of this recreation ground is a great place for your dog to run around. The park is not enclosed so your dog may require a leash. There’s also access to the river if you need to cool off on a hot day. There’s a nice 4km nature walk that goes through the nature reserve and along the banks of the river.

Fondue Tram

Indulge in a delicious cheese fondue as you watch the city lights pass by. This fantastic vintage tram travels through the city centre and offers glimpses of the lake as you pass over the Quaibrücke. Dogs can get on the fondue train with a half-priced ticket.

Where to take your dog in Zürich

Käferburg

Located just outside the city, this forest hillside offers some fantastic views of Zürich. It’s a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Your dog will love running around in all the smells of nature.

Bahnhofstrasse

If shopping is your thing, then you can’t miss a trip to Bahnhofstrasse. This exclusive boulevard is one of the most expensive retail areas in the world. It’s the main downtown street in the city and is home to all the big name designer brands and banking institutions. Paradeplatz, one of Switzerland’s most famous squares, is also located here. Dogs are welcome in most shops in Switzerland with the exception of food stores.

Whether you’re into shopping til you drop, filling your bellies with the best of Swiss food or hiking it all off, you’re bound to find something for your and your dog in Zürich.