Travel with your dog in Slovenia
Is Slovenia suitable for a holiday with your dog? Are Slovenians friendly towards dogs? What should you do and not do with your dog in Slovenia? Everything you want to know for your trip with your dog through Slovenia can be found in this article.
Slovenia is a dog-friendly country. Most Slovenians love dogs. Many Slovenians have a dog themselves, with whom they like to go for walks and hikes in Slovenian nature. In many spots, such as streams and lakes, your dog can enjoy swimming, and dogs are welcome in many places.
Where are dogs welcome in Slovenia?
In most places in Slovenia you and your dog are welcome.
Dogs in a restaurant?
Our own experience is that our labrador is always welcome on the terrace, and almost everywhere, without asking, a bowl of water is brought for the dog. But we are also welcome with our dog in most restaurants. If your dog is restless, barks a lot, or looks aggressive, your four-legged friend may be less welcome. But in general, calm and well-behaved dogs are more than welcome. Often, they will even get a stroke and a treat from the staff.
Going into a shop with your dog?
In DIY stores you will see at the entrance that your dog is welcome, provided it is on a lead. In most pet shops in Slovenia your pet is also allowed to go inside, just like in the Netherlands. In supermarkets, your dog is usually not permitted for hygiene reasons. If there isn’t a sign with a pictogram, it’s handy to know what the Slovenian terms mean.
Dog in Slovenian
The Slovenian word for dog is ‘pes’ or ‘pse’. And ‘psi’ is the plural, ‘dogs’.
Psi dobrodošli = ‘Dogs welcome’
Psi na povodcu = ‘Dogs (on) lead only’
Psi niso dovoljeni = ‘Dogs not allowed’.
Dogs on a lead?
In Slovenia, you don’t often see dogs running off the lead. However well a dog listens, in most places Slovenians keep their dog on a lead. Only in places where it is clearly indicated that dogs are allowed off-lead, and of course on private land, will you see dogs running free. A long line is a handy way to give your dog some freedom while still keeping your dog on a lead.
Dog on public transport
Your dog can’t always go on public transport. If it is busy on a bus, the driver may decide that your dog can’t come along. The following rules apply.
- Your dog must be on a lead or in a carrier (for a small dog)
- Your dog must be clean and not wet
- Your dog must be muzzled.
- Your dog must have had the necessary vaccinations, including rabies. You must have proof of this with you.
Exceptions apply for guide dogs and assistance dogs. In city transport, they do not need to be muzzled. They must be clearly marked as assistance dogs.
Outside peak hours
Within Ljubljana, your dog is welcome on public transport outside peak hours. Your dog is allowed on weekdays from 9.30 am until 1.00 pm, and after 5.00 pm.
Your dog may not sit on a seat, must not cause a nuisance to other passengers, and as the owner you are responsible for your dog’s good behaviour.
If the bus is busy, you will usually not be allowed on with your dog. This is unfortunate when you are waiting, but be prepared for the fact that the bus driver decides whether your dog can come. With a small dog, this will be less of a problem than with a large dog.
GPS for your dog?
We have put a GPS tracker on our dog, so we always know where she is. The green box in the photo is such a tracker. That way, whenever she is off the lead, we’re sure we can find her again.
