The Balkans are an increasingly popular destination for adventurous travelers—and the good news is, your furry best friend can join the fun! From the sun-soaked Adriatic coastlines to the mountainous trails of the Dinaric Alps, this diverse region offers countless opportunities for dog-friendly travel.
In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips, country-by-country highlights, and real examples of places where your dog will be welcome.
Before You Go: Preparation Essentials
Travel Documents
Make sure your dog has:
- A valid pet passport (if coming from EU) or USDA certified health certificate (if coming from the U.S.)
- Proof of rabies vaccination (before 21 days of travel)
- Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
Most Balkan countries accept the EU Pet Passport, but if you’re coming from outside Europe, check entry rules specific to each country.
Getting There
Flying: Many European airlines like Lufthansa, Austrian, and Aegean allow small dogs in the cabin. Turkish allows pets in the cabin as well, however their allowance for space maybe too small. Always check the allowed carrier size before booking to make sure it’s adequate for your pet. Soft sides and good ventilation is a must.
Driving: The Balkans are ideal for road trips. Border crossings are usually smooth with the right pet documents.
Public Transport: Rules vary. For example:
- In Croatia, dogs are allowed on buses with a muzzle and ticket.
- In Serbia, small dogs can often travel in carriers.
- In Albania, public transport isn’t reliably pet-friendly, so renting a car is best. Car renting is very easy if you have a US driver’s license. Just show them your license and you’re good-to-go! Many Taxi’s will allow pets in carriers. Some will allow larger dogs as well. Remember, money talks, if they say no, an extra 500 lek might change their mind.
Country-by-Country Highlights
🇸🇮 Slovenia
One of the most dog-friendly countries in the Balkans.
Examples:
- Ljubljana: Dogs are welcome in many cafes, parks, and even some shops.
- Lake Bled: Leash up and hike around the lake with your pup.
- Accommodation: Hotel Galleria, Ljubljana — pet-friendly and centrally located.
Tips: Tap water is safe, and there are plenty of waste bins and dog parks.
🇭🇷 Croatia
Croatia is a coastal paradise, but not all beaches allow dogs.
Dog-Friendly Beaches:
- Kašjuni Dog Beach, Split
- Zlatni Rat (dog section), Brač Island
- Podvorska Beach, Crikvenica
Pet-Friendly Stay:
- Hotel Adriatic, Rovinj
- Camping Stobreč, Split — a popular stop for road-trippers with dogs.
Watch Out: During summer, national parks like Plitvice Lakes allow dogs but restrict access to certain areas.
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Less touristy, but very rewarding — and quite pet-friendly.
Highlights:
- Sarajevo: Lots of open space, like Vrelo Bosne park.
- Jajce: Dogs are allowed around the waterfalls and historic town.
Stay: Many guesthouses on Booking.com allow pets — just filter by pet-friendly.
Note: Always leash your dog in cities due to occasional stray dogs.
🇲🇪 Montenegro
Gorgeous nature, small towns, and a laid-back attitude.
Where to Go:
- Kotor Old Town: Dogs can stroll with you on-leash.
- Durmitor National Park: Fantastic hiking trails.
- Ada Bojana: A low-key, off-leash beach area popular with locals.
Accommodation Example: Guesthouse Radonjic, near Kotor – accepts dogs with prior notice.
🇷🇸 Serbia
Super affordable and open to dogs in many places.
Highlights:
- Belgrade: Pet-friendly cafes (like Kafeterija), riverside walking along Ada Ciganlija.
- Tara National Park: Wild, remote trails perfect for off-leash adventures.
Tip: Be respectful in rural areas—dogs are often kept as working animals.
🇲🇰 North Macedonia
Dogs are welcome, but infrastructure is limited in rural areas.
Go To:
- Ohrid: Lakeside walks, and many cafes will welcome pets on outdoor terraces.
- Mavrovo National Park: Ideal for nature-lovers with dogs.
Stay: Check out pet-friendly listings in Skopje and Ohrid on Airbnb or Booking.
🇦🇱 Albania
Has a quickly developing pet-friendly culture, it’s improving fast. Many cafe’s, bars and restaurants don’t list themselves as “pet friendly” because they haven’t even considered advertising it. However, you’ll notice that the locals frequently just bring their dogs with them to just about anyplace with outdoor seating in Albania (which is most restaurants, bars and cafe’s in the country).
Where to Visit:
- Tirana: Grand Park of Tirana is a favorite for dog walks.
- Himarë & Dhermi: Quiet beaches where locals often bring their dogs.
- Valbona Valley: Jaw-dropping trails your dog will love. This is a busier trail, making it a safer option for pets.
Accommodation: Many guesthouses accept pets if asked in advance. Use sites like www.petfriendlyalbania.com to find listings. Airbnb’s and hotels are always a great option as well.
Caution: Stray dogs are common. However, they tend to be non-aggressive in the cities. Problems may arise if walking your dog in a village or on a less-traveled hiking trail. It’s best to carry a deterrent spray.
Practical Tips for the Balkans
💉 Vet Care
Major cities have good veterinary services. Try:
- Vet Planet (Sarajevo)
- Pet City (Belgrade)
- VetiMed (Tirana)
Save their contact info in case of emergencies.
🛑 Border Crossings
Always carry:
- Passport with vaccinations (Rabies vaccine needs to be current but before 21 days of travel)
- Proof of ownership
- Tick and tapeworm treatments (some borders require this)
Generally, crossings are pet-friendly if paperwork is correct.
Dining Out
Dogs are usually welcome in outdoor seating areas. Some hip cafes even offer dog treats.
Example:
- Kino Europa, Zagreb – dogs get water bowls
- Salt Restaurant, Tirana – outdoor seating welcomes dogs
🌟 Bonus: Balkan Travel Tips for Dog Owners
- Bring a portable water bowl and cooling mat — summers get hot!
- Use a GPS tag if your dog tends to wander in nature.
- Avoid midday sun on paved streets; surfaces can burn paws.
- Carry extra poop bags — they’re not always easy to find.
Final Thoughts
The Balkans are a stunning and rewarding place to explore with your dog. With the right prep and a sense of adventure, you’ll discover ancient towns, pristine nature, and welcoming locals — all with your four-legged friend by your side.
So leash up, grab the treats, and hit the road. The Balkans await!