City trip with your dog: exploring the city
A day out or a city weekend doesn't have to mean leaving your dog behind. Handle crowds, terraces and cobblestones together, stress-free.
Nature is wonderful, but a city can be a fun adventure with your dog too: new scents, cosy terraces, strolling together through old streets. A city does ask a bit more of your dog than a quiet forest path. With the right preparation, it’s a relaxed experience for you both.
Is your dog a city dog?
Crowds, traffic, slippery floors, escalators, lots of people and other dogs close together, that’s a lot of stimuli. A confident, well-socialised dog will enjoy it; an anxious or easily stressed dog will find it tough. Know your dog: build up city experience gradually, and don’t force a tense dog into the busiest shopping street on a Saturday afternoon. A first city trip is best planned outside peak season or early in the week, so your dog can get used to it gradually without being overwhelmed straight away.
Practical tips for getting around
- A short leash in crowds. More control and less chance of accidents among people. A well-fitted harness adds comfort.
- Watch the cobblestones and pavement. Hot stones burn paws (do the back-of-the-hand test), and smooth tiles get slippery. Choose the shady side where you can.
- Plan rest stops. A small park, square or off-leash area to sniff around and drink breaks up the bustle. Bring water and a collapsible bowl.
- Timing. Early morning is quieter and cooler in the city, ideal for a walk before things really get busy.
- Never in a hot car. If you’re exploring the city by car, never leave your dog behind in warm weather, not even “just for a minute”. More in our piece on dogs and heat.
A spacious square or park is a nice breather between the busy streets.
Getting around by bus, tram or train
If you’re getting around the city by public transport, the rules differ per operator: sometimes a small dog travels free in a closed carrier, sometimes a larger dog needs a (child) ticket and there’s a muzzle or leash requirement. Check this in advance on the operator’s website so you’re not caught out on the platform. A taxi or car-share also often has its own pet policy, feel free to ask when booking. For more on cross-border and longer trips, see travelling with your dog: car, train, border.
Eating, drinking and staying the night
More and more city venues are dog-friendly. On a terrace you’re usually welcome; whether your dog can also come inside varies by place. Staying overnight? Choose a dog-friendly stay and check the house rules (can your dog be left alone in the room?). Museums, shops and public transport each have their own rules. Ask ahead or check in advance.
Crowds and other dogs
In a city you’re more likely to end up close to other dogs than on a forest path: at a terrace, in a lift, on a narrow pavement. Give a bit of extra space to a dog you don’t know approaching, and let your own dog decide for himself whether he wants to say hello. If your dog is clearly uncomfortable with the number of stimuli, deliberately plan a quiet moment in a green corner of the city, that’s at least as valuable as the sights themselves.
Find dog-friendly city addresses
On GoPuppy we list dining spots and stays where your dog is welcome, in the city too. Know a great city address that’s not listed yet? Add it and help other owners along.
Frequently asked questions
Is every dog suited to a city trip? A confident, well-socialised dog will usually enjoy the bustle. An anxious or easily stressed dog can get overwhelmed, build up city experience gradually, or choose a quieter destination instead.
Can my dog join me on public transport in the city? That varies by operator and country: sometimes free for small dogs in a closed carrier, sometimes a ticket and/or muzzle requirement for larger dogs. Check this in advance on the operator’s website.
Where can I walk my dog during a city visit? Look up a park, square or off-leash area near your accommodation in advance. That way you know exactly where to go for a break, even when the busiest streets don’t offer any space.
How do I protect my dog’s paws from hot cobblestones? Do the back-of-the-hand test: if you can hold it on the stone for 5 seconds without it being too hot, it’s usually fine for paws too. If it feels too hot, walk in the shade or earlier in the day.