Short answer: most museums and exhibitions do not allow free access for pets. Collegium Maius is a historic museum housing exhibitions and antique interiors — therefore household pets are usually not allowed in exhibition halls. The exception is guide dogs and assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
This means that when planning a visit you should be prepared that you won’t be able to take your pet inside. It’s good practice to always check the Jagiellonian University Museum regulations or ask at the ticket desk before entering, because rules can change (for example due to special events, limited hours, or pilot solutions).
Collegium Maius is located in the historic university quarter — address and practical details are available on the Museum UJ website. Exhibitions are often organized in timed entry blocks (group or individual tours), so a visit typically takes from about 30 minutes up to roughly an hour — useful information when planning how long you need care for your dog.
If your dog is traveling with you and is not an assistance dog, prepare a plan for where to leave them before you arrive at Collegium Maius — this will help you avoid stress and unpleasant surprises.
Below you’ll find concrete options and practical tips to help you choose the best solution for your pet and for you.
If you’re staying in a hotel, guesthouse, or with a private host, the most convenient solution is to ask if you can leave the dog in the room while you visit. Many pet-friendly places offer this possibility — sometimes free of charge, sometimes for a small cleaning fee.
Rules: inform reception in advance, leave the dog’s favorite blanket or toy, make sure the animal has access to water, and leave your contact number in case of need. It’s also a good idea to ask about housekeeping/checkout schedules so you don’t return to an unexpected situation.
Why this is a good solution: the dog stays in a familiar environment, you control the conditions, and usually it’s the cheapest option — ideal when the visit will last 30–90 minutes.
If you plan to visit more attractions after Collegium Maius, consider returning to your accommodation for a short break instead of leaving the dog unattended for many hours.
If you’re not sure whether your lodging allows this, call in advance — better to ask ahead than to face a problem on the spot.
Krakow has many professional dog hotels and day-care centers where you can leave your pet for several hours. This is ideal when you want a longer visit, plan to stroll the city without breaks, or travel with a lot of luggage.
These services typically offer supervised stays, walks, socialization with other dogs (if appropriate), feeding and medication administration. Prices depend on the standard and length of care — check reviews and ask about conditions before leaving your pet.
How to find a good hotel/day-care: look for places with recent reviews, ask about a short introductory visit before a longer stay, find out which vaccinations are required, and request a direct number to the caregiver. Leave full information about your dog: habits, allergies, feeding times and an emergency contact.
For shorter visits there are also 'daycare' options — you leave the dog for a few hours and pick them up after sightseeing. This works well if you expect 2–4 hours of visiting time.
If your dog handles separation poorly or is stressed by crowds, choose individual care (a petsitter) instead of group boarding.
A professional petsitter or local hourly caregiver is a great solution when you need flexible care — someone can come to your accommodation, walk your dog, or stay with them while you visit. It’s comfortable because the dog stays in a familiar place with a trusted person.
How to arrange it: search for local caregivers, check reviews and references, and arrange a short meet-and-greet before the first longer care session. Make sure the person knows basic pet first aid and has current contact details for a veterinarian.
Agree on the details: hours of care, rates, any extra services (medication, walks), meeting place and payment method. This option may be more expensive than a hotel, but it can be priceless for short, potentially stressful visits.
If you travel with a very small dog, consider a carrier and ask the museum ticket desk if they can store brought luggage (not the dog) — a dog in a carrier is rarely allowed into exhibition rooms, but a carrier can make getting around the city easier before and after the visit.
Note: always ensure the petsitter knows your dog’s routines and that the dog meets the caregiver before the day you plan to visit.
We do not recommend leaving a dog alone outside the museum entrance. Risks include theft, stress to the pet, heat or cold exposure, interactions with other animals or people, and fines where leaving animals unattended is prohibited.
If you have no other option: find a safe, shaded spot, secure the dog with a short leash in a way that prevents easy removal, have water available and keep the dog within sight (someone from your group could wait outside). This is only sensible for very short visits and for calm dogs who respond reliably to commands.
It’s much better to plan ahead — the options described above are significantly safer and less stressful for your pet.
Also remember that some public places have local rules about leaving animals unattended — avoid breaking these rules.
Whenever possible, organize care or use a daycare service instead of risking your pet’s safety.
1) Pack an “emergency bag” — your dog’s favorite blanket or toy, a collapsible or disposable bowl, a bottle of water, a leash, vaccination information and the vet’s phone number.
2) Ensure your pet is identifiable — a collar with an ID tag and a microchip are essential. This makes reunification much easier if the dog gets lost.
3) Before the visit: a long walk and a chance to relieve themselves will reduce the chance your dog is restless during separation.
4) Give the caregiver or reception details: diet, illnesses, medication needs, reactions to other dogs, and the best ways to calm your pet.
5) Take a photo of your dog and leave it with the caregiver along with your phone number — useful if you need to act quickly.
6) If your dog cannot cope with isolation or has separation anxiety, seek individual care rather than a group facility.
- Booking confirmation (if you bought tickets online) and your visit plan — so you know how long you will be away from your dog.
- Phone number for the person taking care of the dog (hotel, petsitter, friend).
- Small bag with water and wipes in case you return quickly to the dog.
- Agreed pickup arrangements and any fees if leaving the dog at a hotel or with a petsitter.
- Short note about the dog’s habits to help the caregiver.
- Plan your route so you can return to your dog within a reasonable time. If you also want to visit other museums or cafés, consider hiring full-day care.
- Treat services and locations like any other provider — read reviews and learn the rules before arrival. Spend 10–15 minutes on a phone call or a quick review check instead of risking your pet’s comfort.
- If your dog adapts well and is small, some cafés and outdoor restaurant gardens around the Old Town are dog-friendly — great places for a short stop after sightseeing.
- On busy days (weekends, holidays) remember that noise and crowds are more stressful for dogs — choose quieter hours or leave them in safe care.
Have questions about a walking route in the University Quarter, timings for visiting Collegium Maius, or want help tailoring a plan that works for both you and your dog? Write to me — I’ll be happy to help!
1) I checked the museum rules / confirmed the dog cannot enter exhibition rooms (except an assistance dog).
2) I arranged care (dog hotel, petsitter, or leaving the dog at my accommodation).
3) The dog has water, identification, and health information given to the caregiver.
4) I left a contact number and a short emergency instruction for the caregiver.
5) I scheduled my visiting time to avoid leaving the pet unattended longer than necessary.
