How pet friendly is Europe, really?

Europe is one of the easiest places on earth to travel with pets—especially if you know the few rules that matter and which countries make city-to-city moves simple. Below is a friendly, fact-checked overview you can use as a starting point before diving into our individual destination city guides.

First things first: entry rules (microchip, rabies, passport)

Across the EU (and several non-EU countries that align with EU rules), pets need a working microchip and a valid rabies vaccination recorded in an EU pet passport or an official EU health certificate. That’s the baseline for stress-free movement between Schengen neighbors. Some destinations also require a tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment for dogs before arrival—most notably Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland (timed 24–120 hours pre-travel, and recorded in your documents). European Union+1aphis.usda.gov

Getting around by train: the city-to-city snapshot

Trains are often the easiest way to link Europe’s pet-friendly cities. Policies vary a little by country/operator, but the gist is consistent: small pets in carriers often travel free; larger dogs usually need a ticket and leash/muzzle. Here’s what the main players say:

• France (SNCF): small pets (generally <6 kg) can travel in a carrier; larger dogs need a pet ticket. Night-train and specific service rules apply—check your train type when you book. sncf-connect.comSNCF Voyagers
• Germany (Deutsche Bahn): small dogs in carriers travel free; larger dogs count like a passenger and need a ticket (enter Hund when booking). Leash/muzzle rules can apply. int.bahn.degermanrails.com
• Italy (Trenitalia / Italo): small pets in carriers travel free on most services; medium/large dogs can travel with a pet ticket, following simple documentation and leash/muzzle rules. Trenitalia+1Italo Treno
• Spain (Renfe): small pets commonly travel in carriers; selected AVE high-speed trains now allow dogs up to 40 kg with advance paperwork—great news for big-dog families on Madrid–Barcelona, Madrid–Málaga, and other key routes. Cercanías (commuter) services are very pet-tolerant. Renfe+2Renfe+2
• Switzerland (SBB): famously pet-friendly public transport; you can buy a Dog Day Pass (unlimited travel that day), while very small dogs in carriers ride free. Perfect for multi-stop city itineraries like Zürich–Bern–Lucerne. SBB Mobilità+2SBB Mobilità+2
• Eurostar (to/from London): pets aren’t allowed on London routes (assistance animals excepted). If your plan involves the UK, consider Eurotunnel or ferries instead. Eurostar+1help.eurostar.com

How “pet-friendly” feels across popular countries

• Italy leans welcoming on trains (see above) and in many city hotels; beach rules vary by municipality, so our city guides point you to official dog-access info and nearby parks. Trenitalia
• France is straightforward once you know your SNCF train type; urban green spaces are a plus in many cities, and pet policies are widely published by operators. SNCF Voyagers
• Germany keeps it clear: carrier-size pets free, big dogs ticketed—easy for stringing together Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. int.bahn.de
• Spain has made big steps lately with the AVE large-dog pilot/expansion on major lines, opening up fast city hops like Madrid–Barcelona. Renfe
• Switzerland is a public-transport dream for pet owners—buy one Dog Day Pass and roam multiple cities the same day. SBB Mobilità
• Nordics/Ireland/Malta/Norway: remember the tapeworm rule for dogs on entry—timing matters, so set a reminder before you fly or ferry. European UnionGOV.UKnorden.org

What about “how many Europeans travel with pets”?

Pet travel is growing alongside pet ownership. Industry data indicate pet ownership in Europe is widespread, with tens of millions of households sharing life with pets—an underlying reason why transport and hospitality policies keep evolving. For current high-level figures, see the latest FEDIAF reports. europeanpetfood.org+2europeanpetfood.org+2

Booking pet-friendly hotels in European cities (what to expect)

When you search for pet-friendly hotels in Europe (or simply “hotel pet friendly”), you’ll see consistent patterns:

• Clear pet policies in the listing: fees/deposits (or “no pet fee”), allowed areas (rooms, lobby, sometimes restaurants), size/breed notes, and max pets per room.
• In-room basics such as bowls and a bed/kennel are increasingly common in major cities; some hotels partner with nearby vets, parks, or pet shops.
• Transparency matters: policies and any costs should be visible before you book—our city guides flag no-surprise options first.

Quick planning tips (save these)

• Documents: microchip + rabies + passport/health certificate; add tapeworm treatment if your route includes Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland. European Union
• Trains: check your operator’s pet page for weight/carrier rules and whether large dogs need a ticket (they often do). int.bahn.deTrenitaliaSNCF Voyagers
• City choice: pick your travel vibe first (coastal, alpine, lakeside, art city), then filter by pet policy and amenities that actually matter to you.

Ready to dive deeper?

Browse our Destination city guides for Europe to see pet-friendly hotels and practical city tips—parks, walking routes, and need-to-know local rules—curated so you can travel confidently with your pet.