If you plan to sightsee in Krakow or head to the Tatra Mountains and wonder what to do with your dog — there are several safe options: a dog hotel (boarding), a home-based hotel / petsitter (the dog stays at the sitter’s home), daytime care (daycare) or keeping the pet where you stay (pet-friendly hotels and guesthouses). Never leave a dog in a closed car — it’s dangerous and strongly discouraged. During the tourist season book in advance — many places have limited capacity and extra fees on holidays and weekends.
This guide explains the pros and cons of each option, how to choose, what to bring and gives practical tips for the Krakow–Zakopane route.
Dog hotel (boarding) - a good choice if you need care for several days. Hotels usually provide round-the-clock supervision, walks and socialization with other dogs. It’s worth arranging an introductory visit beforehand. Drawbacks: some dogs get stressed being in a new place and around unfamiliar animals.
Home-based hotel / petsitter - the dog stays at the sitter’s home. This is a more “homey” option and often less stressful for pets, especially those used to living indoors. Check reviews and arrange a meet-and-greet.
Daycare and hourly dog-sitting - perfect if you want to leave your dog for a few hours while you explore. Hourly services, walks or home visits offer flexibility and are useful in the city when you don’t want to return quickly to your lodging.
Pet-friendly hotel or guestroom - if you stay at a hotel, check its pet policy. Many hotels and guesthouses accept dogs for an extra fee. This is the simplest solution if you want your dog close, but remember about possible rules (for example leash and muzzle requirements in common areas).
Leaving the dog with friends or family - the cheapest and often least stressful option, if you have that possibility.
Home-based hotels and professional “dog hotels” usually require: up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies and common infectious diseases), deworming and flea/tick prevention, and a health book or pet passport.
Standard services include 2–4 walks a day, playtime in a yard or enclosure, individualized care for dogs with special needs and the possibility to administer medication (often for an extra fee).
During holiday seasons and long weekends many facilities apply surcharges or higher rates and have fewer available places — book as early as possible.
Some places offer transport for the dog to the hotel for an additional fee; others require owners to deliver the pet themselves. Check pickup and drop-off hours — they may be limited (for example, late pickup may incur extra charges).
Note: not every dog hotel accepts animals with behavioral problems (aggression, severe separation anxiety). Always disclose such information before booking.
Prices depend on the facility standard, the dog’s size, the period (season/holidays) and additional services (bathing, medication, transport). As a rough guide: home-based hotels and many small dog boarding places typically charge around 80–150 PLN per day; higher-standard facilities or those with extra services can be more expensive.
Daycare, hourly petsitting or walk services are usually cheaper per visit or per hour; fees vary by platform and local rates. Transport for the dog to the hotel may have a fixed fee (from a few dozen to a few hundred PLN depending on distance).
Always ask about hidden fees: surcharges for missing deworming or vaccinations, no-show fees, late pickup or additional medical care.
In Krakow and the surrounding area you’ll find a range of home-based hotels and petsitters offering different standards of care — from small family-run places with a garden to home-style stays where dogs live with the caregiver. In Zakopane and the Podhale region there are local, family-run boarding options and some hotels that accept guests with pets, though the number of specialized facilities is smaller than in a large city.
When choosing, pay attention to: other owners’ reviews, the physical conditions (indoor/outdoor play areas, size and safety of enclosures), number of daily walks, ability to send photos/videos during the stay, availability of transport and the facility’s health rules.
Check whether the facility provides veterinary care, how the daily routine is organized, whether they accept unneutered dogs, whether there are holiday surcharges and how many people/dogs are cared for at the same time.
Many hotels in Zakopane accept dogs, but in high season options for professional dog boarding can be limited — reserve well in advance. Some guesthouses will prepare bowls or a bed in the room for an extra fee.
Remember the restrictions in the Tatra National Park: dogs are not allowed on most hiking trails. There are exceptions and some routes outside park boundaries where dogs may be allowed on a leash. When planning mountain hikes, don’t assume you can take your dog everywhere — it’s better to arrange care while you walk restricted trails.
If you plan to walk around Zakopane with your dog, choose trails and green areas where dogs are permitted and keep your pet on a leash; avoid areas that have access restrictions.
Bring an up-to-date health book or passport: most places require proof of vaccinations and deworming. Also bring your own ID and the phone number of your vet.
Pack your dog’s usual food and the portion needed for the stay — sudden diet changes can cause stomach problems. A blanket or toy that smells like home helps dogs settle faster.
Write a note with the dog’s daily routine, favored walk times, habits, reactions to other dogs, allergies and medications. Provide emergency contacts and authorization for veterinary treatment if needed.
Make sure your dog has a current ID tag and that the collar and leash are sturdy. If your dog is microchipped, verify that the owner’s contact details are up to date.
Visit the place beforehand — if possible, arrange an introductory meeting. See the conditions, talk to the caregiver and observe how they interact with dogs.
Ask specific questions: how many staff care for the dogs, what the walking routine looks like, what the plan is in case of illness, and whether you can request photos/videos during the stay.
Agree on fees, cancellation policy and pickup/drop-off hours. Also ask whether the facility cooperates with a regular veterinary clinic and what their emergency procedures are.
If you leave your dog for a few hours in the city (dog-sitting), check the sitter’s reviews on the platform, ask for references and confirm precise visit times.
Never leave a dog in a closed car, even briefly — it’s life-threatening. In hot weather temperatures in a car rise quickly, and in winter low temperatures can also be dangerous.
Don’t hand over your dog to a caregiver without health documents and full information about medications and allergies. Do not hide aggressive behaviors — this is critical for the safety of other animals and staff.
Avoid leaving your pet at the last minute without prior contact and a meet-and-greet — that increases the dog’s stress and the risk of adaptation problems.
Can I leave my dog for just a few hours? - Yes. In cities there are often petsitters and daytime care; hotels usually take bookings per night but many home-based places offer shorter services by prior arrangement.
Does the dog have to be vaccinated? - Yes. Most hotels and petsitters require up-to-date vaccinations and deworming. Bring the health book or passport.
I’m leaving my dog at a hotel — what should I bring? - Health book, food (keeping the same diet helps), a favorite blanket/toy, medications and a note describing the dog’s routine.
Can I take my dog on all trails in Zakopane? - No. The Tatra National Park has restrictions — many trails are closed to dogs. Check the park’s rules and map before heading out.
Plan ahead and book early, especially in summer and over long weekends.
Choose the solution that suits your dog’s personality: a home-based hotel or petsitter usually works best for dogs that don’t tolerate kennel boxes; a dog hotel can be better for active, social animals.
Keep in touch with the caregiver and ask for short reports or photos — it reassures you and allows quick response if something changes.
Have a great trip! With well-planned care your dog will be safe and looked after, and you can enjoy sightseeing in Krakow or a mountain adventure in Zakopane.
Krakow has many pleasant outdoor areas where walking with a dog is enjoyable: the Planty park ring around the Old Town, the Vistula riverboulevards and larger green spaces like Błonia meadow. These places are great for short strolls and letting your dog get fresh air.
Many cafes and restaurants offer outdoor seating and are welcoming to dogs — always ask staff before bringing your pet inside. Remember that most museums and indoor attractions don’t allow animals; plan visits accordingly and use a sitter or daycare if you want to see indoor sights like Wawel Castle or museums.
If you need supplies, look for local pet stores and veterinary clinics in Krakow and Zakopane. Keep emergency contact numbers handy and confirm the nearest vet when you arrive.
