Yes — it’s possible to see the most important parts of Krakow and visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine in one day, but it requires good planning. It’s usually best to leave Krakow in the morning: the train to Wieliczka takes about 20–30 minutes, and the underground tourist route itself takes at least 1.5–2 hours (often longer if you include queues and time for souvenirs).
Key point: dogs are generally not allowed on the underground routes at Wieliczka — the exception is assistance/guide dogs. That means if you’re traveling with a dog you must arrange care for them on the surface while you visit the mine and other areas that don’t admit animals.
Suggested “Krakow + Wieliczka” day plan: a short morning walk around the Main Market Square and nearby streets (if time and your dog’s condition allow), then train to Wieliczka, tour the mine, and return to Krakow for afternoon strolls along the Vistula boulevards or in Kazimierz. Meanwhile, arrange a safe place for your pet — a petsitter, dog daycare, or a small home boarding service.
Home-style boarding / dog daycare (daycare) - the dog stays in a trained place, gets walks, playtime and supervision. This is a convenient option if you want the certainty that your pet is under continuous care and has contact with other dogs or a caregiver.
Petsitter (home visits) - a caregiver comes to your apartment, feeds the dog, walks them and may visit several times during the day. Good when your pet is calmer in a familiar environment.
Overnight stay at the caregiver’s home (dog stays with the petsitter) - more stressful for some dogs but useful when you need full-day care and constant attention. Also handy for longer absences.
Transport / pick-up - many dog hotels and petsitters offer pick-up and drop-off from a designated place (for example from an apartment or the station). This simplifies logistics when time is limited.
A quick alternative — ask your hotel reception (if staying in Krakow) for short-term help or check whether the place you’re staying cooperates with local petsitters. Many accommodations keep contacts with local dog carers.
There are platforms that connect owners with petsitters, home boarding hosts and dog daycares — a quick way to compare offers and reviews, make bookings and verify caregivers.
In larger cities (including Krakow) you’ll find home boarding places, dog daycares and individual petsitters offering visits and pick-up. It’s worth checking several options and comparing services, opening hours and prices.
When booking look for places offering: an introductory meet-and-greet before leaving your dog, clear admission rules (vaccinations, health), and the ability to contact the caregiver during the day. This is essential, especially if your dog has special needs.
Prices vary a lot depending on the type of service and the standard of the place: daytime care in a daycare or home boarding often costs from a few dozen zł up to around 150 zł per day; some places offer lower hourly rates, others a daily price. In cities, hourly care or dog-walking can be more expensive than in smaller towns.
There are budget options (short home visits, a walk for 20–50 zł) as well as premium services (24-hour care with extra walks, grooming, individual attention). Book and confirm the price in advance — during the tourist season spaces fill up fast.
Remember that extra services (pick-up/drop-off, medication, special food) usually increase the cost.
Consider your dog’s temperament: a calm dog will usually cope better with a short daycare stay; an anxious dog may be happier with home visits.
Age and health: puppies, seniors and dogs with medical conditions need special care. Make sure the chosen place has experience with similar cases.
Meet-and-greet - this is a key step before leaving your dog. Let your dog meet the caregiver/place, observe the reaction and check the conditions.
Check formal requirements: up-to-date health book (vaccinations), information about deworming if required, allergies, medications and feeding schedule.
Safety and procedures — ask about monitoring, isolation options if a dog gets ill, and procedures in case of escape or an emergency veterinary situation.
Health book and vet contacts (and vaccination details).
A favorite blanket or bed, favorite toys — familiar smells help adaptation.
Food for the whole stay, bowls, medications (with instructions), leash and collar with ID and a phone number.
A copy of the booking/service agreement and the contact number of the person leaving the dog (your contact details and the number of the person accompanying you during sightseeing).
Not booking in advance — on weekends and in the tourist season popular daycares and petsitters can be busy. Book ahead, especially if you plan to leave the dog during peak hours.
Leaving a dog in a car — very dangerous. Even a short stay in a hot car can be fatal.
Skipping the meet-and-greet — you miss assessing compatibility between the dog and caregiver/place; the result can be stress and adaptation problems.
Not telling the caregiver about medications / feeding routines — the caregiver needs to know everything important for your dog’s comfort and safety.
Can I take my dog into the Wieliczka Salt Mine? - Generally animals are not permitted on the underground tourist route; the exception is assistance and guide dogs. Always check the mine’s current regulations before your visit.
How far in advance should I book care? - If you visit Krakow at a weekend or in the tourist season, book at least a few days ahead; at peak season, aim for a week or more.
Can a petsitter pick up and return my dog from the apartment/room? - Yes, many services offer pick-up and drop-off, which makes planning the day much easier. Confirm this when booking.
Can my hotel help? - Many hotels have contacts for local petsitters or cooperate with home boarding places — ask reception for recommendations.
Pay attention to sounds: dogs can be bothered by large crowds and unusual noises (for example street musicians at the Market Square). If your dog gets stressed easily, choose a quieter daycare or home visits.
Consider a short walk before handing your dog over — a dog that has already exercised usually copes better with separation.
If you plan an intense day with a lot of walking, consider leaving the dog in afternoon care so you can relax in the evening without worrying about your pet.
Make a short list of requirements for the caregiver: your dog’s temperament, the care times, any medications and feeding preferences. Call or message 2–3 chosen places and arrange a meet-and-greet. Book the care date in advance — your dog’s comfort and your peace of mind are worth it.
If you’d like help planning the sightseeing and the day’s logistics so the dog has the best conditions, you can use the services of tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she can tailor the plan, suggest trusted pet care options and organize the route so the day is calm and efficient. Contact details for the guide are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
If you found this article useful — share it with friends or on social media. Sharing can help other tourists plan a smoother trip with their dog!
