Choosing Pet-Friendly Destinations for Your Next Holiday
Discover the beauty and charm of Russia with your furry friend by your side, as more cities and accommodations across the country are becoming increasingly pet-friendly. Here's a roundup of some of the best destinations for a memorable holiday with your dog.
Sochi: A Haven for Dog Lovers
Sochi, a resort city boasting green parks, wide alleys, and an extensive seaside promenade, is perfect for leisurely walks with your dog. In addition, several cafes and restaurants, such as Surf Coffee, Ays Kitchen, "Gruша", "Pro.Hinkali", and "Pro Rыbu", offer water and treats for pets.
Pet-Friendly Cities and Accommodations
Gorodnya
This smaller city is a standout for pet-friendly stays, with pet-friendly hotels offering amenities like sound insulation, easy-to-clean surfaces, and pet comforts such as beds, bowls, blankets, dog menus, pet-sitting and grooming services, and outdoor spaces for dogs to play.
Irkutsk
A popular tourist destination, Irkutsk offers a range of pet-friendly hotels and apartments. Notable options include Kupechesky Dvor, Sun Hotel, and Boutique Hotel Marussia, which are praised for their cleanliness, service, and convenient locations. Prices start from about £18 per night.
Saint Petersburg
This historic city is pet-friendly, with establishments like the Renartiss Isaakiy St.Petersburg Hotel accepting pets. The hotel is centrally located near major attractions and offers amenities like a fitness center and city views.
Moscow
Moscow offers a comfortable holiday for pets, with gravel paths and tree-lined alleys at the Boulevard Ring, cultural experiences at the Museum of Moscow, "Winzavod", and Artplay, and green spaces at Vorobyovy Gory, Neskuchny Sad, Gorky Park, Sokolniki, and VDNKh.
Other Cities
While a comprehensive list of other Russian cities for pet-friendly vacations was not found, starting from cities like Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Irkutsk and selecting accommodations noted for their pet policies is recommended. It's always a good idea to confirm pet acceptance and fees directly with hotels before booking.
Travel Requirements
When planning an international trip with your pet, be sure to check the veterinary requirements of both the destination and transit countries. An international passport, microchip, and vaccinations against plague, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and other infections are required. Some airlines may also require a veterinary certificate, which should be obtained 3-5 days before departure.
Accommodations with Pet Amenities
Several hotels in Russia offer additional services for pets, such as the Cosmos Kazan hotel, which provides a soft bed, bowl, and personal attention for pets for an additional charge, and the Courtyard by Marriott in Sochi, which offers a range of pet services, including a dog walker, pet sitter, and groomer, as well as necessary accessories like a litter box, bowl, leash, bed, and crate.
In Kaliningrad, the Mercure Hotel accepts one pet weighing no more than 10 kg for a starting price of 8,000 rubles, with an additional 1,000 rubles per day for the pet. The Patriot Hotel allows for two pets, each weighing up to 100 kg, with a starting price of 1,600 rubles and an additional 1,000 rubles per day per pet.
Enjoying the Local Scene with Your Pet
Many cafes and restaurants in Sochi, especially in the resort areas, offer water and treats for pets. In Moscow, Daniilovsky Market offers a culinary variety and welcomes pets with treats. In Saint Petersburg, the bookstore cafe "Subscription Editions" opens its doors to visitors with any pets, and the art hotel "Rakhmaninov" prepares a special set for dogs with a blanket, bowl, and towel, and staff can suggest interesting walking routes and suitable restaurants.
Outdoor Activities
For those seeking outdoor adventures, Riders Lodge at the Rosa Khutor resort in Sochi offers several eco-trails suitable for joint hikes. In Kazan, while specific facts about pet-friendly travel were not found in the provided text, more than 50 establishments welcome visitors with pets, including "Ботаника" and Cups.
In Kaliningrad, Cafe "Laundry" provides water for four-legged guests, and craft beer bar "Taps and Glasses" has a water bowl and a convenient nearby area for walks.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing holiday or an action-packed adventure, Russia offers a variety of pet-friendly destinations to make your trip enjoyable for both you and your furry companion.
- In Sochi, a dog-friendly café called "Subscription Editions" welcomes pets and even provides a special set with a blanket, bowl, and towel for them.
- For outdoor activities, Riders Lodge at the Rosa Khutor resort in Sochi offers eco-trails suitable for joint hikes with your pet, making it an ideal destination for an action-packed adventure with your furry friend.
