Kazimierz is a charming but often crowded neighbourhood — narrow streets, throngs of tourists, interiors of historic sites and many sensory stimuli. For some dogs this is a lot of fun; for others it’s stressful. Before you decide, think about how your dog reacts to crowds, loud noises and long waits near attractions. If your pet is calm and comfortable around people, you can do some walks together in the quieter outdoor parts of the district. However, many historic sites, museums and indoor venues do not allow animals — so plan an alternative for the times you want to go inside. Don’t leave this to the last minute: the best care spots often need reservations in advance.
If you plan to visit synagogue interiors, museums, or squeeze into small cafes, consider one of the pet-care options (daycare/doggy daycare, dog hotel, petsitter at home), or split the visit with a companion so someone can stay with the dog.
A good plan = less stress for you and your dog. Below you’ll find concrete options, approximate prices and a checklist before the trip.
- Doggy daycare (day care) — a convenient option for a few hours: your dog spends the day playing with others under the supervision of staff and returns to you the same day. This works well when you want to calmly spend a few hours in a museum or take a longer walk without rushing. Approximate daytime prices start around 50 PLN, but check each facility’s program and offerings.
- Dog hotel (short stays or full-day care) — if you’re planning a longer trip or want 24/7 supervision, a dog hotel can be better. Standards and prices vary — a stay in a home-style dog hotel can cost roughly 80–150 PLN per night depending on standard and extra services. Hotels often require a socialization test and an introductory visit before acceptance.
- Petsitter / in-home care (dog sitter) — a sitter comes to your flat (or takes the dog to their home) for a few hours or stays longer. This is great for dogs that don’t handle new places well; they remain in familiar surroundings. Prices vary widely — some services start from a few dozen PLN per hour, but full-day or overnight care usually costs more.
- Dog walking / walks during your absence — if you only need a short walk and someone to look after the dog for 20–30 minutes, hiring a walker is quick and often cheaper than full daycare.
- Trusted friend or family — the cheapest and often best option when available; the dog stays with familiar company in a known environment.
Krakow offers many dog services: daytime daycares, home-style dog hotels, platforms that connect owners with petsitters, and behaviourists who run socialization walks. Many facilities accept dogs after a temperament test and on presentation of documents (for example, a vaccination card). Some places also offer transport to and from the facility, photo updates, and care tailored to your dog’s needs (individual walks, playgroups, special feeding routines).
In the city you can find home-style hotels and daycares that allow you to leave your dog for a few hours. There are also companies offering pet-sitting and hourly dog-walking — these can be convenient close to the centre and Kazimierz, though transporting the dog to a facility takes extra time, so factor that into your plan.
Remember: services and prices vary across providers — when you call a chosen facility, ask for details: the dog’s daily program, number of carers, adaptation rules and the illness policy.
- 09:00 — a short morning walk with your dog along the Vistulan Boulevards or the Planty to burn off some energy.
- 10:00 — drop off or accompany your dog to daycare/hotel/petsitter (book in advance) or leave the pet with a trusted person.
- 10:30–14:30 — visit interiors, synagogues, museums, enjoy coffee and lunch at your pace.
- 14:30 — pick up your dog, then go for a longer walk around Kazimierz and along the river as a reward for your pet.
This rotation lets you visit places that don’t allow dogs inside while giving your dog contact with carers and other dogs. If you prefer not to transport your dog far, plan your route so you start or end near where the dog is staying.
- Documents and health: vaccination card (including rabies and other up-to-date vaccinations), medications, info about allergies and diet.
- Facility rules: opening and pick-up hours, illness policy, temperament-test requirements, vaccination and muzzling rules if any.
- Acquaintance visit: visit the place beforehand or arrange a short introductory meeting — many hotels and daycares require this.
- What to bring: a day’s supply of food, a favourite toy, a blanket or small bed (if the facility allows), a travel bowl, and a short note with your dog’s routine (walk and feeding times).
- Contact information: the phone number of your veterinarian and a short health summary for the carer.
- Payments and reservations: confirm the price, payment method and whether a deposit or full prepayment is required.
- Never leave your dog locked in a car — it’s dangerous and life-threatening.
- In crowded places keep your dog on a short leash and monitor their comfort; at peak crowds it’s better to avoid the busiest hours.
- Always clean up after your dog in public spaces — it’s both a civic duty and good manners.
- If your dog is afraid of crowds, noise or has separation anxiety — consider in-home petsitting or a hotel with individual care.
- When planning, check opening hours of attractions because some museums and sites restrict entry for animals — it’s wise to call ahead.
- Daycare / doggy daycare: from about 50 PLN per day (depending on program and standard).
- Dog hotel (overnight): from about 80–100 PLN per night in a home-style hotel; prices can be higher for premium facilities or extra services.
- Petsitter / hourly care: rates start from a few dozen PLN per hour; full-day in-home care usually costs more.
- Dog walker: a single walk typically costs less than full-day care.
These figures are indicative — compare a few offers and book in advance, as prices vary by standard, location and season.
- Vistulan Boulevards: long riverside promenades — a great place for a walk before or after sightseeing, although they can be crowded in high season.
- Planty and the immediate Old Town surroundings: pretty paths, but be mindful of crowds and outdoor events.
- Out-of-centre green areas: if you want your dog to run more freely after sightseeing, consider a short trip to larger parks or green spaces on the outskirts of Krakow.
Note: historic interiors, synagogues and museums usually don’t allow dogs — plan outdoor stops or use daytime care.
- Check reviews and photos of the facility, but also call and talk — a conversation will show how the carer approaches dogs.
- Ask about temperament testing and how they group dogs for play.
- Find out staff-to-dog ratios and whether there is a fixed daily routine (walks, rest breaks, feeding).
- Ask how they will contact you during the stay (photos, SMS or phone calls).
- Before leaving your dog for a full day, arrange a short adaptation visit to see the place and your dog’s reaction.
- Booking at the last minute — good places fill up fast, especially in tourist season.
- Failing to give information about diet or medications — if your dog needs special food or medicine, make it clear and leave a supply.
- Skipping the adaptation visit — leaving a dog suddenly in an unfamiliar place can cause stress; start with a short visit first.
- Touring too long without a backup plan — keep a list of a few care options or a petsitter’s number in case your dog struggles.
- Call and reserve in advance — it really saves nerves.
- Bring a small first-aid kit: bandage, veterinarian antiseptic for minor cuts, spare poop bags and a portable bowl.
- If you plan a café break, choose places with outdoor seating where your dog can rest calmly.
- Remember rewards — after sightseeing give your dog a favourite toy or a longer walk as a positive experience.
- Most importantly: sightseeing should be enjoyable for everyone — if your dog seems stressed, skip interiors and focus on outdoor walks around Kazimierz.
In short: plan, book and take care of your pet’s comfort. You can choose daycare, a dog hotel, a petsitter or a helpful friend. Krakow has many facilities offering daytime care and overnight stays as well as petsitting and dog-walking services — compare offers, check rules and schedule an adaptation visit. That way you can enjoy Kazimierz’s atmosphere while your dog stays safe and well cared for.
If you’d like, I can help prepare a short list of questions to ask a facility before booking, or suggest how to map a sightseeing route with breaks for your dog.
