If you plan to see Zakopane, stroll through Las Wolski and also pop into Kraków Zoo in one day, be realistic: not all places allow dogs. The Kraków Zoo’s rules prohibit bringing dogs onto its grounds, and in the Tatra Mountains (Tatrzański Park Narodowy) strict rules apply — dogs are generally banned except on a few designated sections and must be kept on a leash where allowed.
Good options are: leave your dog in a trusted boarding kennels or with a petsitter (in your home or the sitter’s home), plan the day around dog‑friendly attractions (Las Wolski is an excellent place for a walk), or split the trip so someone in your group can stay with the pet. Book care in advance — especially in high season.
National parks and zoos limit dog access for good reasons: the presence or scent of a dog can severely stress wild or exotic animals, disrupt their behaviour and endanger their health. In the Tatras, nature protection is the priority — on most mountain trails a dog would pose a risk to wildlife.
In the city it’s different — Las Wolski is a recreational area where walking a dog is natural, but you must be mindful of other users, wildlife and basic rules (poop bags, leash, control over your dog’s behaviour).
Short answer: the Tatra National Park has restrictions on bringing dogs. Many popular trails ban dogs to protect wild animals and ensure visitor safety.
If you want to go into the Tatras with a dog, check in advance which sections are allowed — there are a few designated routes where dogs are permitted on a leash, but these are the exception. In practice, it’s usually safer to leave your pet in care in Zakopane (a local boarding kennel or petsitter) than to try to take them on trails or carry them in a backpack.
The Kraków Zoological Garden has rules that prohibit bringing and walking dogs on the zoo grounds (usually certified assistance dogs are an exception). If you plan to visit the Zoo, you must arrange care for your dog outside the gates.
Fortunately, there are nearby boarding kennels and petsitters offering daytime care, pick‑ups/drop‑offs and multi‑day stays — reserve a spot before you arrive, especially on long weekends or holidays.
Las Wolski is a great alternative: close to Kraków city centre with lots of shaded paths and room to walk. Many owners bring their dogs here, but be polite and follow etiquette: use a leash where required, clean up after your dog and be careful around other dogs, children and wildlife.
Access: there are parking areas near the Zoo (partly paid) and public transport stops nearby; on busy weekends traffic and parking arrangements may change, so plan ahead. If you intend to enter the Zoo after a walk, drop your dog off with a caretaker first.
1) Dog boarding (kennel/boarding hotel) — a good solution for a full day or several days. Boarding facilities provide runs, round‑the‑clock care, walks and sometimes one‑to‑one attention. Most require up‑to‑date vaccinations and often deworming or tick protection before admission.
2) Petsitter / home care — a sitter comes to your home or takes the dog into their home. This is great for dogs that cope badly with new surroundings (home care where the dog stays in its own environment) or need individual attention.
3) Daycare — if you want to sightsee for 3–5 hours, search for places offering daytime care; some hotels and sitters also offer "a few hours" services.
4) Friends/family — the cheapest and often best option if someone can stay with your pet. Agree on exact times and leave clear feeding and medication instructions.
- Accommodation conditions: will the dog be in a run, in the carer’s home or in a box? Can you see the place before leaving your pet?
- Health and documents: most kennels require a vaccination record (rabies and core vaccines), current deworming and parasite protection. Prepare the pet passport/vaccination confirmations.
- Medication and feeding rules: if your dog has a special diet or medication, make sure the sitter can administer them and has clear instructions.
- Communication and updates: does the carer send photos/updates during the stay? Can you contact them if needed?
- Reviews and references: check online reviews and ask for references. Book early in season.
What to pack when you leave your dog in someone’s care:
- health book / passport with up‑to‑date vaccinations,
- favourite food (if you don’t want to use kennel food) plus bowls,
- favourite toy, blanket or bed (helps reduce stress),
- detailed feeding and medication instructions (if any), with emergency vet contact numbers,
- document with owner contact details and information about illnesses/allergies.
A few practical tips:
- never leave your dog for a long time in a closed car — it’s risky and can be life‑threatening. If you must leave the car, arrange external care rather than leaving the pet inside.
- book care in advance — in season both Zakopane and Kraków boarding services and petsitters fill up fast.
- if you travel by train/bus with a dog, check the carrier’s rules about animal transport.
Prices vary by region and standard of care. As a rough guide, a night in a dog boarding hotel near Kraków or Zakopane can cost from several dozen to over one hundred złoty (depending on services and standard). Daycare or a few‑hour stays are usually cheaper.
Petsitters and home care often set prices individually (fee per visit, per hour or per day). Always ask about extra charges for medication, transport or additional services.
In high season (May–September, holidays, long weekends) book in advance — sometimes several weeks if possible.
Always have a backup plan: the local vet’s phone number, copies of your pet’s documents and a contact for someone who can come quickly if needed. If you use a kennel, ask where the nearest veterinary clinic is located.
If your dog struggles with separation, consider shorter outings and more frequent breaks, or choose in‑home care to minimize stress.
Example 1: If you want to visit the Zoo and walk in Las Wolski — drop your dog off in the morning at a boarding kennel or with a petsitter for the whole day. Return in the afternoon to pick them up so your dog has a calm rest.
Example 2: A full‑day trip to Zakopane in the Tatras — best to leave your dog in a local boarding facility in Zakopane or nearby. If you travel by train/bus, check whether bringing a dog on board is allowed and whether it makes sense for mountain routes.
Example 3: Shorter sightseeing in Kraków with your dog — instead of the Zoo choose a walk in Las Wolski, Błonia or the Planty (where dogs are allowed), or arrange a nearby petsitter for a few hours.
1) Check rules of the places you plan to visit: Zoo — dogs not allowed; TPN — most trails are off‑limits for dogs; Las Wolski — walking allowed (beware other users and wildlife).
2) Book care in advance: kennel, petsitter or leave your pet with a friend. Confirm required documents and vaccinations.
3) Pack: health book, food, bowls, bed, favourite toy, spare poop bags and instructions for the carer.
4) Don’t leave your dog in a car — even for a short time it’s a big risk.
5) Have a Plan B: vet phone numbers and an emergency contact for your carer.
If you’d like, I can help: I can suggest how to find and choose a dog boarding place or petsitter in Kraków or Zakopane, prepare a message for the carer with instructions, or check availability of specific services for your travel dates.
