Where is My Dog Welcome?

When travelling, will your dog have to stay alone in the hotel room or can he/she come with you when you explore your destination? In this section I share some general experiences and thoughts on dog regulation, acceptance in restaurants and public transport.

General Attitude and Regulation

Once you start travelling with your dog, you will notice that people’s attitude toward dogs is different across the world, and that regulation usually follows the general attitude. In some countries dogs must be kept on leaches at all times, and in other countries they don’t and in places certain types of dogs are more welcome than others. For instance, in France fighter-dogs are not as welcome as are other breeds.

Our Indonesian boat-crew on Malta told us that their Muslim religion prohibits them from touching wet dogs. Although I don’t know if there is any link to Islam, I have noticed that often times the people who have been scared of my little Poodle have been from the Middle East.

All in all, there is not much to worry about when it comes to people’s general attitude towards dogs and regulation regarding dogs. You will be just fine if you do what you do at home, be respectful of people who are scared of dogs, pick up after your dog and keep your dog on a leach when in crowded areas.

Restaurants

As you will quickly learn when you start travelling with your dog, people around the world have very different attitudes towards dogs in restaurants. In some places restaurant staff will tell you in an arrogant tone of voice that restaurants are obviously no place for dogs. Yet in other parts of the world, there are dogs accompanying their owners in virtually every restaurant.

Pompe has been welcome in many restaurants around the world and has brought many smiles to other restaurant guests. As I’m sure you know as a dog-owner, many people like dogs and like engaging in other people’s dogs. As a dog-owner, I like to be able to bring these smiles to other people through my happy dog, and many smart restaurant-owners see the value in that too.

Public Transport

In many places dogs are not allowed on public transport, especially larger dogs. So, budget for a few more taxi-rides than you otherwise would have, if you don’t want to walk.

Walking is a great way to see a place anyway, both for you and your dog. And as I’m sure every dog owner already know, walking with your dog is a great way to meet people and engage in conversations with locals.