If you plan to privately explore Kazimierz with your family and wonder where to leave your dog, you have several convenient solutions:
- petsitter / dogsitter (the sitter comes to your home or takes the dog into their home),
- day nanny / dog daycare (care for several hours, ideal for a full day of sightseeing),
- home boarding (the dog stays overnight or for the whole day at the sitter’s home),
- professional dog hotel (a more formal facility, often with kennels and a walking schedule),
- leaving the dog in your hotel room if you stay in a pet-friendly hotel (check rules and extra fees).
The choice depends on how long you’ll be sightseeing, your dog’s temperament and your budget — below I explain pros and cons of each option and how to prepare.
Petsitters and home sitters are a popular and flexible option today, especially when you want to leave the dog for just a few hours or for a full day. The advantage is a personalized approach: the dog spends time in a home environment, gets walks and the sitter’s attention, and for many dogs the stress of staying in a familiar-feeling home is lower than in a large kennel.
What to check when choosing a petsitter:
- arrange a meet-and-greet before the day of care — check whether your dog feels comfortable,
- read reviews and ask about experience with similar dogs,
- make sure the sitter sends updates (photos/messages) and has a plan for emergencies,
- check rules about vaccinations and any extra fees.
Day care (sometimes called a 'dog nanny') is ideal for a half-day or full-day of sightseeing. The dog is dropped off, spends time with caretakers or at the sitter’s home, has walks and naps. It’s a great alternative if the family plans several attractions without the pet tagging along.
Practical tips:
- book in advance — especially in the tourist season and on weekends,
- ask for details of the day: how many walks, how socialization with other dogs is handled, whether the place uses monitoring or has a clear safety system,
- make sure the caregiver knows your dog’s diet and routines.
A dog hotel is a formal facility with designated places, staff and a schedule. Home boarding is a private solution — the dog is taken into the sitter’s home and treated like a family pet. Differences:
- hotel: often a larger number of animals, structured shifts, and the possibility of longer stays,
- home boarding: smaller groups, a more individual approach, a calmer atmosphere for dogs that don’t like noise.
When choosing, consider your dog’s temperament and whether they prefer a home environment with people or a more organized facility.
If you’re staying overnight in Kraków and the hotel accepts pets, you might consider leaving your dog in the room for a few hours. A few tips to avoid stress or surprises:
- ask reception about safety procedures and whether it’s allowed to leave the dog alone,
- make sure the dog has a comfortable place to lie, water, a bowl and familiar toys,
- leave a short note with essential information (medication, owner’s phone number, dog’s age),
- don’t leave the dog alone for long in a hot or closed room — never in a car.
Kazimierz is a lively district with many dog-friendly outdoor places and venues with terraces. Keep in mind:
- animals are usually not allowed inside museums, synagogues and most sacred sites; check the rules of each place before visiting,
- many cafes and restaurants in Kazimierz have outdoor seating where dogs are welcome — politely ask the staff,
- always carry a leash and waste bags; owners should clean up after their pets.
Good preparation saves stress:
- bring vaccination records or a European pet passport (useful if you need a vet),
- leave clear feeding instructions and medication details if needed,
- pack a familiar blanket or toy — smells help calm the dog,
- leave a contact number for yourself and a local contact in Kraków,
- make sure the collar and ID tag are up to date; it’s also good to have an updated microchip number.
Prices depend on the type of service, location and duration of care. As a rough guide:
- a short walk (about 1 hour) usually costs several dozen złoty,
- day care or hourly nanny services can range from several dozen to over a hundred złoty (depending on standards and location),
- a full day or overnight in home boarding or petsitting is more expensive than a single visit; always compare offers and reviews.
Book ahead — weekends and summer season can be busy. Schedule a meet-and-greet if possible; it reduces the risk of problems on the day of care.
A few simple rules to protect your dog and your family from unpleasant situations:
- never leave your dog in a car — even with windows open there’s a risk of overheating,
- don’t hand your dog to the first available person without recommendations or reviews,
- be wary of suspiciously low prices — this may indicate lack of experience or poor conditions,
- check whether the sitter or facility accepts dogs with similar temperament (for example if your dog has separation anxiety or problems with other dogs).
Can I leave my dog for just 2–3 hours? - Yes. The most convenient options are a petsitter, daycare or leaving the dog for a few hours at a sitter’s home. Always arrange in advance.
Do I need to provide any documents? - It’s good to have vaccination records or a passport and information about medications or allergies. Some places require proof of rabies vaccination.
Will the sitter come to pick up my dog or do I have to drive? - It depends on the service: some offer transport, but often the owner drops the dog off at the sitter’s place. Confirm this when booking.
What if there’s an emergency? - Make sure the sitter has your phone number and the contact of a local vet; if possible, give details of the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic.
- Plan your sightseeing route so you first visit places where dogs are not allowed, and then pick up your pet — this minimizes stress and separation time.
- If you travel with children, choose shorter care (e.g. day daycare) rather than a long hotel stay for the dog, especially if the little ones tire quickly.
- Use recommended and reviewed services; a short phone call often clarifies more than a long online list of offers.
- In Kazimierz, prefer venues with outdoor seating — they are the most likely to accept dogs and are pleasant for families.
Finally: Kraków and Kazimierz are full of life, and with a little planning you can sightsee calmly while leaving your dog in good hands. If you’d like, I can help build a sightseeing plan that minimizes separation time from your pet — tell me when you plan to visit and how much time you have for a walk around the district. Warm regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Places to keep in mind: Plac Nowy is a central Kazimierz square surrounded by many cafes and small restaurants with outdoor seating — a good area for pet-friendly stops and classic street snacks like zapiekanki. Many of Kazimierz’s outdoor terraces welcome dogs, but rules can vary by venue.
Sightseeing notes: most synagogues, museum interiors and sacred sites do not allow animals, so plan these visits first and arrange care for your dog afterward.
Hotel example: some Kraków hotels advertise pet-friendly rooms and extra services for dogs — if you plan to leave a dog in a room, check the hotel’s exact pet policy before booking.
Transport note: local public transport and indoor venues may require a leash and, in some cases, a muzzle for larger or potentially reactive dogs. Carry waste bags, a leash and a muzzle (if appropriate) to avoid surprises.
