Can I Bring My Dog To Croatia?

Can I Bring My Dog to Croatia? Yes, here is all you need to know to start your dog-friendly holiday.

Can you really do that? Yes, yes, you can.  When I first moved to Europe, I was taken back when I saw a dog sticking its head out the border crossing car window. The big ball of fluff was panting and wagging his tail excitedly. It was as if he, too, was excited to be heading to his holiday in Croatia.

As time went by, I noticed tourists’ pets appearing in restaurants. Inside, not tied up out the front with a bowl of water waiting, but inside, under the table being fed scraps from his family. Now I see them in shopping centers, cafes, at the beach, all over Croatia. Wow, now that’s dog-friendly, I thought each time.

It’s fair to say I am used to it now (although the doggy’s inside the restaurants still gross me out a little).

Just when I thought I was used to pets being brought on holiday to Croatia, it hit me. Where do they stay?

I had never given this any thought until a few weeks ago when we stayed at Hotel Lone in Rovinj. We were checking out. One arm was wrangling the 18-month-old who so desperately wanted to run, and the other was holding onto the bags. Then out of the corner of my eye, I see a dog. Not just any dog, a huge giant horse-like dog.

What? In an award-winning 5-star hotel? I thought I must be so sleep-deprived that I am dreaming. But I was not. The dog was there, and he was at one of the many pet-friendly hotels in Croatia. If that dog could speak, he’d sure tell you how great that hotel was.

Do you want to bring your pet to Croatia? Here is some info you may need to kick start your dog-friendly vacation.

Brands We Use And Trust

  

Checklist For Bringing Man’s Best Friend To Croatia

Here in Croatia, both you and your pooch are welcomed with open arms. You need to bring your dog’s pet passport.

The passport for your dog must remain with you at all times while you enjoy your holidays in Croatia. Your dog and the pet passport should have:

• Your dog must have a clearly and legibly marked tattoo with the corresponding serial number entered onto the passport.
• The pet needs to be microchipped with a 15 digit ISO Standard 11784 pet microchip.
• The passport should detail the location of the microchip and the date the microchip took place.
• All vaccination information. Inc. serial number, expiration date & the date of vaccination
• Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days before entry.

A warning: If your pet does not fulfill all requirements upon arrival at the border, it may be rejected or put into quarantine. As the owner of the animal, you have to bear all the costs for such measures. So check and double-check you meet the requirements.

---

Dog-Friendly Accommodation In Croatia

There is a BUNCH of pet-friendly places in Croatia. Ones that will happily allow you to travel with your dog – and even your cat! There are just as many dog-friendly beaches, restaurants & cafes.

I should tell you that there are certain aggressive breeds of dogs that are prohibited from holidaying with you. So be sure to check if you have one of those types of breeds.

Pet Food Supplies

Dog & cat food is available at pet stores, grocery stores across the entire country. No need to bring any of that with you. Unless, of course, the pooch is fussy. You will find all the big brands such as Whiskas, Purina, Iams & Sheba in Croatia.

So there you have it, a few facts to help you and your best friend have a great time in Croatia.

Plus, if you plan to move to Croatia, here is what you need to know about moving with your pet to Croatia. More information on both topics can be found on the Croatian Ministry website and on Carina.

Do you bring your pet on holiday with you? Have you found any great sites that help your plan your dog-friendly vacation? Please share them with us below in the comments.