Top Dog: The Best Vacation Spots To Take Your Pup

Going somewhere nice this summer? Hopefully, many of us will have something in the diary. But what about our faithful, furry friends? Do they get to come, too?

As much as we might like the idea of taking our pet on vacation, the reality isn’t always so simple. Finding welcoming hotels and restaurants can be much trickier when you have a canine in tow, and that’s before you get to pet care and insurance.

Luckily, we’ve been busy crunching the data to find the most pet-friendly breaks across the world. We took the top travel destinations from Condé Nast and scored them based on several relevant factors to crown our winner. And here are the results…

The Top 5 Dog-Friendly Destinations According to Woofz

United Kingdom

Dog-friendly hotels: 42%

Dog-friendly restaurants: 2,711

Dog-friendly activities: 100

Boarding and daycare services: 1,229

This year’s top prize goes to the UK. Known for its picturesque countryside and stunning coastal walks, it’s a destination that will provide endless opportunities for dogs and their owners to explore and play to their hearts’ content.

Your canine companion will surely love the rolling hills of the Cotswolds or the stunning sights of the Lake District. And even bustling London and Edinburgh are full of dog-friendly spots, from Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath to Arthur’s Seat and Princes Street Gardens Park.

Spain

Dog-friendly hotels: 27%

Dog-friendly restaurants: 200

Dog-friendly activities: 115

Boarding and daycare services: 2,384

Dog-lovers will be hard-pressed to find a more vibrant and welcoming destination for their pets than Spain, which boasts the very best of sun, culture, and adventure – as well as delicious cuisine and a leisurely atmosphere to boot.

Where to go? Take your pet for an unforgettable stroll along La Rambla in Barcelona, or head to the pristine beaches of Costa del Sol and Costa Brava to chill with your furry friend. More adventurous dogs (and owners) will love the scenic trails of Sierra Nevada or the historic grandeur of Seville.

France

Dog-friendly hotels: 35%

Dog-friendly restaurants: 715

Dog-friendly activities: 267

Boarding and daycare services: 628

Widely regarded as one of the most-loved vacation spots for humans, France doesn’t do too badly when it comes to dogs either – finishing as our third highest-ranking destination.

Just picture your perfect French getaway, and it’s not hard to see why your dog would love it, too. Your companion will receive a warm welcome in Paris’s many dog-friendly bistros or will be in their element strolling along the spellbinding promenades of the French Riviera.

Italy

Dog-friendly hotels: 42%

Dog-friendly restaurants: 70

Dog-friendly activities: 110

Boarding and daycare services: 394

With a rich history, prestigious cuisine, and stunning geography, Italy has been inspiring unforgettable getaways for decades. But will your dog love it, too? Our data certainly suggests so.

Many of Rome’s historical sites are accessible to dogs – even if they might not appreciate the history as much as their owners. For a more leisurely experience, the hills of Tuscany and the immaculate Amalfi Coast offer ample opportunities for you and your pet to enjoy la dolce vita together.

Austria

Dog-friendly hotels: 39%

Dog-friendly restaurants: 50

Dog-friendly activities: 326

Boarding and daycare services: 148

Whether it’s landscapes, culture, or just good hospitality you want, you’ll find it all in Austria. And it turns out that the Alpine country is a great choice for your furry friend, too.

Anyone traveling with a dog in tow will undoubtedly be charmed by Vienna’s historic boulevards and impressive green spaces. Meanwhile, the picturesque towns along the Danube River are perfectly placed for outdoor adventures that your pet will relish.

DETAILED FINDINGS AND METHODOLOGY

Methodology

1.Pet-Friendly Hotels: Each country was scored on a scale from zero to five based on the percentage of pet-friendly hotels compared to the total number of hotels in the country:

• 0-20% = 1
• 21-40% = 2
• 41-60% = 3
• 61-80% = 4
• 81-100% = 5

2.Transport: Each country was scored on a scale from zero to five based on the number of means of transport where dogs are allowed (car, bus, taxi, train, boat/ferry):

• Allowed in all means of transport = 5
• Allowed in 4 means of transport = 4
• Allowed in 3 means of transport = 3
• Allowed in 2 means of transport = 2
• Allowed in 1 means of transport = 1
• Not allowed in transport = 0

3.Dog-Friendly Attractions and Activities: Each country was scored on a scale from zero to five based on the number of recreation areas where dogs are allowed:

• 0 - 250 = 1
• 251 - 500 = 2
• 501 - 1000 = 3
• 1001 - 1500 = 4
• 1501+ = 5

4.Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes: Each country was scored on a scale from zero to five based on the number of restaurants and cafes where dogs are allowed:

• 0 - 250 = 1
• 251 - 500 = 2
• 501 - 1000 = 3
• 1001 - 1500 = 4
• 1501+ = 5

5.Breed Restrictions: Each country was scored on a scale from zero to one based on whether the country restricts certain breeds from entering:

• No = 1
• Yes = 0

6.Animal Clinics: Each country was scored on a scale from zero to three based on the ratio of animal clinics to the number of dogs:

• n/a = 0
• <0.001 = 1
• 0.001 - 0.002 = 2
• 0.002 = 3

7.Dog-Sitting and Boarding Options: Each country was scored on a scale from zero to five based on the number of dog-sitting and boarding options available:

• 0 - 300 = 1
• 301 - 600 = 2
• 601 - 900 = 3
• 901 - 1200 = 4
• 1201+ = 5