A trip from Krakow to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is an emotional and engaging visit that takes at least a few hours (travel + tour). Leaving the decision “on the spot” is a common mistake — sometimes there’s no free spot in a pet hotel, no available petsitter, or other solutions in the last minute. That’s why it’s worth arranging care in advance so your dog is calm and safe, and you can focus on visiting and reflection.
Planning ahead reduces stress: booking a sitter, checking reviews for a dog hotel, and preparing your dog’s documents and belongings are simple steps that greatly improve the comfort of the whole trip.
The general rule in most museums and memorial sites is: no. Places of martyrological character usually do not allow pets out of respect for the victims, for sanitary reasons, and to maintain order. The exception is assistance and guide dogs for people with disabilities, which are allowed to accompany their handlers.
In practice this means you should assume you cannot bring your dog on the tour route. Organize care in advance or leave your pet in a safe place — a car is not a safe option, especially on hot days.
A dog hotel (sometimes called dog daycare or pet hotel) is a good solution for a few hours or overnight. When choosing such a facility check: - reviews and photos online; - whether the place requires up-to-date vaccinations and chip proof; - the daily routine (walks, socialization, rest time); - if you can view the premises before leaving your dog; - safety rules and emergency procedures.
Booking ahead is key, especially on weekends and in the tourist season. Prices and standards vary — from budget daycares to full hotels with exercise yards and monitoring. For a short trip choose a facility that offers daytime care and pick-up after your return.
Petsitters can visit your home several times a day (feeding, walking, litter maintenance) or take the dog to their home for a few hours or overnight. This is great for anxious dogs or those who don’t cope well with environment changes, because it reduces stress caused by staying in an unfamiliar place.
How to find one: use reputable platforms and local listings, check profiles, reviews and references. Arrange a short meet-and-greet before your trip, give the sitter details about your dog’s health, diet and behavior, and leave emergency contact numbers and vaccination records.
The least stressful option for the dog is to stay with a friend or at a place where the owner is already staying and agrees to help. If your accommodation in Krakow is pet-friendly, ask whether you can leave the pet for the day or if reception can recommend a trusted caregiver.
Confirm the rules: walk times, feeding, cleaning duties and any fees. This option is often cheaper and safer than a formal dog hotel if you know the person will care responsibly for the animal.
- Leaving a dog in a closed car — risk of overheating and death, and it may have legal consequences. - Deciding at the last minute and choosing the first available option without checking reviews and conditions. - Not giving the caregiver important information: medications, habits, vet contact. - Thinking “a small dog will fit in a bag and no one will notice” — this is dangerous and irresponsible toward the dog and other visitors. - Not booking in season — places fill up fast.
You’ll avoid problems if you compare a few options in advance and read other owners’ reviews.
- Vaccination card and chip number; - Diet information (amount of food, feeding times, allergies); - Veterinarian contact; - Medication details and instructions; - Favorite toy or blanket for comfort; - Leash, collar with ID; - Copy of a key if you leave the dog at home; - Emergency phone numbers and the address where the dog will stay.
Additionally, leave a short note about your dog’s habits (how they react to other dogs, noises, whether they like being alone) so the caregiver knows what to expect.
Prices depend on the city, standard and service scope. Approximate ranges: - petsitter visit (30–60 min): ~30–80 PLN; - several hours / day-care: ~40–120 PLN per day; - dog hotel (overnight): ~60–200 PLN per night; - full-time care at a sitter’s: ~100–250 PLN per day.
Remember these are approximate rates; ask about extra fees (medication administration, transport, special diet) and confirm cancellation policies.
- Timing: travel from Krakow to Oświęcim usually takes about 1–1.5 hours by train or car; the whole trip with travel and touring often takes a full day. - If you drop off your dog before heading to the train station or bus terminal, allow time for travel between locations and a walk before handing over the pet. - Book care so someone can pick up your dog when you return — “drop off for a few hours and collect in the afternoon” works best with a clear schedule.
If you plan to drive, check parking and remember leaving a dog in a car is risky and in many cases illegal.
- Many owners think “small dogs will be tolerated” in cultural places — this is a mistaken belief. Cultural institutions make rules individually and in most cases they concern only assistance dogs. - A dog left in a new place can behave completely differently than at home (stress, uncertainty) — a hotel with monitoring and regular walks is often better than leaving the dog alone in an apartment. - When booking a petsitter via a platform, check whether the person has liability insurance — rare but valuable.
Media occasionally report tourists leaving dogs in cars while visiting sites and emergency services having to intervene — a reminder that pet safety must be the priority.
Can I leave my dog in the car while I tour? - No. Even a short time in a closed car can lead to overheating and death. On hot days the temperature inside a car rises very quickly. Law enforcement and services may intervene if the animal’s life is endangered.
Can an assistance dog enter the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum? - Yes, assistance and guide dogs for people with disabilities may accompany their handlers; staff may ask for confirmation of the dog’s status if needed (for example a certificate).
How quickly will I find a petsitter or dog hotel in Krakow? - In the tourist season and on weekends popular dates fill fast. It’s best to search and book several days or weeks ahead. For urgent needs check platforms with caregivers and call them — sometimes you can find a last-minute opening.
Can I entrust my dog to a stranger from an ad? - If you choose this option, arrange a short meet-and-greet, check references and reviews, request proof of vaccinations and discuss emergency procedures.
- For anxious dogs: petsitter at the owner’s home. - For social dogs that enjoy other dogs: dog daycare or a hotel with group activities. - For dogs needing medical care: choose a place with trained staff and proximity to a veterinarian. - For short visits: check a few-hours care option with a petsitter or a day-care that allows same-day pick-up.
Always have a plan B — if the first caregiver cancels, have an alternative ready.
- Book in advance and confirm pick-up/drop-off times by phone. - Pack a small day kit for your dog: food, leash, favorite blanket, medications and a copy of the vaccination card. - Leave clear instructions for the caregiver: daily rhythm, walking preferences, favorite games, potential fears. - If you want emotional peace during your visit to Auschwitz — consider an earlier walk with your dog before leaving them in care so they are calm and tired.
If this article helped, share it on social media or send it to friends — it might save someone a stressful day and keep a pet safe. If you’d like to explore Krakow with a guide, consider services by private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Have a safe trip and a calm visit to the Memorial. Best wishes and good luck with traveling with your pet!
