Are you planning a holiday with your children in Slovakia, a romantic weekend getaway as a couple, or a trip with your whole family for a few days, but are you worried about where to put your four-legged friend? Forget about the endless search for someone to come and walk and feed them, or about overpriced dog hotels – simply take your dog with you. It's not a science; you just need to find suitable accommodation (and there are plenty of them in Slovakia) where they won't have problems with dogs, and plan a program that will be ideal for everyone. Do you know what you shouldn't forget when preparing for or during a holiday with your dog? We have compiled all the important tips in our blog.

Why is a vacation with a dog in Slovakia a good idea?

For many people, a four-legged pet is a full-fledged member of the family, and it can be time-consuming and financially demanding to find someone to take care of it in your absence. The solution is therefore a family wellness stay with a dog, which has several advantages.

• Finding pet-friendly accommodation is easier than you think. Vacation with a dog? Slovakia is a modern country where you can find dozens of hotels, guesthouses and cottages where pets can accompany you during your stay.
• Your vacation will be more activeIf you ever struggle with laziness, spend the entire weekend in wellness and then you regret not spending enough time in nature, a dog can solve this problem - it will force you to spend more time walking or hiking.
• Less stress for the dog, less stress for youIn addition to not having to deal with caring for your dog in your absence, you will protect it from the stress of a new environment in your absence.
• Great company. A dog is an ideal travel companion, its presence can reduce stress and will be grateful for any trip in nature. Thanks to a joint vacation, it will also be part of beautiful family moments - and that is an irreplaceable bonus.

Vacationing and hiking with a dog? Think about these 7 things in particular

Traveling with a dog is not difficult, but it does take more time to prepare for such a trip than if you were going without your four-legged friend. Here are some tips to think about before you go on vacation with your dog.

1. Don't underestimate packaging

Just as you don't want to forget a warm windbreaker and swimsuit, you also need to think about what your dog will need on vacation. Basic equipment includes a leash, harness, food and water bowls, food, toys, a towel, a bed, poop bags, and any necessary medications. Your dog will also appreciate it if you don't forget their favorite treats.

2. Choose pet-friendly accommodation that will be worth it

Stays in Slovakia with a dog are becoming more and more common, and the wide range of accommodation options corresponds to this. Choosing the right one will also depend on your idea of ​​​​the stay, the season, personal preferences or other parameters (for example, if you are traveling with a baby). Keep in mind that the presence of a dog should always be discussed in advance with the accommodation provider, and in several types of accommodation you have to pay extra for the pet (however, it will always be cheaper than a dog hotel). In some accommodations, you can also look forward to additional services, such as short-term care or equipment for the dog in the room (a litter box or a water bowl).

3. Charming natural location

We can probably agree that a holiday with a dog in Slovakia is ideal, especially in nature, by the water or near forests. This does not mean that you cannot visit cities or museums with your dog, but there should be a certain balance and the ideal location should provide you with dozens of options for short and longer walks. One of such parts of Slovakia is Liptov - in addition to shorter and longer hikes, you can find nature trails and valleys perfect for walks or cycling trips.

4. Plan trips in advance

If your trips include indoor visits or you plan to eat in restaurants, it's a good idea to always find out in advance where your dog is allowed with you and where they are not. Think about your four-legged friend and their capabilities when planning walks and hikes. Remember that dogs need an average of 16 to 18 hours of rest a day, but they have no problem walking longer than is healthy for them. This kind of overload can take its toll on you in the following days, when your dog will be tired, weak and with sore paws. 

5. Think about comfort when traveling

Whether your dog is used to long car or train journeys or not, you should think about their comfort and safety when travelling. Don't forget a dog seat belt, a bed or a travel crate where your dog will feel comfortable. Regular breaks (so your dog can stretch their paws and relieve themselves), a water regime and treats are also key.

6. Dogs like routine

Most dogs love routine; they may be used to your presence or the repetition of certain activities every day. You can also minimize their stress while on vacation by, for example, feeding them the same food at the same time as at home.

7. Create a pleasant environment for them even on vacation

A favorite blanket, toys, or treats – these can also help your dog feel at home in a hotel room. apartment whether rented hut almost like home. And even if it seems like he's quickly acclimated to his new surroundings, don't leave him alone for too long. In most accommodations, you can leave your dog alone in the room while you go out for dinner, for example, but we recommend using this option only in urgent cases. 

Are you looking for accommodation with a dog in central Slovakia? Choose Demänová Resort

Cozy rooms furnished in Scandinavian style, closed resort area, wide possibilities for trips to the surrounding area and bicycle rentalIf you have chosen Liptov for your holiday with your dog, you can stay in our pet-friendly resort in Demänová. For one night, you can stay with your dog you pay an additional 15 eurosfor which he can share with you any apartment. 

Tips for trips with a dog in Liptov

Have we convinced you that Liptov is a great location for family trips and holidays with children and a dog? At the end of our blog, we bring you several tips for trips that should not be missing from your itinerary, especially if you are accompanied by your four-legged friend.

• Liptovská Mara (9,6 km from Demänová resort). Dogs love water and you can enjoy it with them too. The Liptov reservoir offers dozens of options in every season - in summer you can swim here and try adrenaline sports, in winter, autumn and spring its surroundings provide an ideal place for a walk.
• The bright cottage (18 km). The popular Žiarska Valley leads to this only high mountain chalet in the Western Tatras, with pleasant terrain for children, seniors and four-legged friends.
• Kvačianska Valley (20 km). The red trail will take you past several information boards, rock formations and viewpoints, and at the end, the charming technical monument of Mlyny Oblazy awaits you.
• Čutkov Valley (30 km). A pleasant walk along the nature trail near Ružomberok is ideal for families with children and dog walkers. 
• Vlkolínec educational trail (34 km). An easy walking trail with a length of 3,5 kilometers starts in Hrabov, ends at Vlkolínske lúky and is ideal for families with children. 
• Hubovský circuit (37 km). This moderately difficult circular hike should take no more than 4 hours, the two-way hiking trail is accessible year-round and is lined with places where you can get drinking water (and where your dog can comfortably drink too).

Don't burden yourself with endless search for sitter and don't put your four-legged family members in dog hotels. Instead, go on vacation with your dog and enjoy beautiful moments in nature together that you won't soon forget. We bet your dog will be very grateful for them too.