St. Mary's Basilica is a must-see on any visitor's map of Krakow — the interior and the altarpiece by Veit Stoss make a huge impression. Unfortunately, animals are usually not allowed inside churches, and sacred spaces require quiet and respect. For this reason it's best to plan ahead where you'll leave your dog during the visit — that way you can enjoy sightseeing without guilt, and your pet won't be exposed to stress or heat.
This article describes practical options available close to the Old Town: short-term petsitting, home-style dog hotels, dog-friendly cafés, plus simple solutions and common mistakes to avoid. If you like, you can also use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact is visible on the guide's page. (At the end you'll find a short practical FAQ).
If you have only half an hour to decide, the easiest choices are: 1) book an hourly petsitter (someone comes to look after the dog where you leave them or takes them to their place for a few hours), 2) leave the dog at a nearby home-style hotel or dog daycare, or 3) have one partner stay with the dog in a dog-friendly café by the Planty or near the Main Square.
Many people use apps and platforms that connect owners with carers — you can quickly find a petsitter there, check reviews and arrange a short visit. A short-term dog nanny for a few hours is a good option when you want to visit the church interior and climb the watch tower.
A petsitter comes to the location where you left the dog or takes the pet to their own place for a few hours. This is great when you don't want to leave your dog in a hotel for a full day. Platforms and independent carers offer short visits (1–2 hours), daytime care or several-hour sitting. The advantage is flexibility and, if the sitter visits the dog at home, care in a familiar environment.
What to check: make sure the petsitter has references, offers a meet & greet before the first booking, knows the dog's needs (food, medication, fears), has insurance or a written agreement and can send current photos/videos from the visit. Prices vary — a short outing usually costs a few dozen złoty, longer care costs more.
If you plan longer sightseeing (several hours or a whole day), a home-style dog hotel gives peace of mind: the pet stays in a place designed for care, with access to walks and company. In Krakow there are many small hotels and “home guesthouses” for dogs that provide constant supervision, play areas and regular walks. Local facilities often offer day care as well as overnight stays.
When booking check: socialization rules (will your dog be housed with other dogs?), health requirements (up-to-date vaccinations and deworming), reception hours and transport/drop-off options. Reserving in advance — especially on weekends — is a good idea.
If you prefer not to leave your dog with a stranger, the simplest solution is for one person to stay with the dog outside — in the shade, with a bowl of water — or in a dog-friendly café while the other goes to sightsee. Around the Old Town you'll find dog-friendly spots — dog cafés and some cafés with outdoor seating where your pet can wait calmly. This is a good option for short visits.
Remember safety: don't leave your dog tied up and unattended in the heat or on a busy square; bring a bowl, water and some treats.
It's worth saving phone numbers and addresses of places offering short-term care: home hotels and dog daycares, as well as platforms that connect carers with owners. In Krakow you'll find small dog hotels, daycares and companies offering walks and petsitting. Also in the city centre there are dog cafés and dog-friendly venues that may accept a pet for a short rest while you visit nearby sights.
If you choose a specific option, book it in advance, check admission rules and ask for confirmation of availability — especially during tourist season.
1) Assuming your dog can enter the church — always check the rules before you go and remember most churches do not allow animals. 2) Leaving a dog in a car — even a short time in a closed car on a hot day can be dangerous. 3) Not booking a petsitter/hotel in advance — weekends and high season can fill up fast. 4) Not notifying about health status — before leaving your dog at a hotel make sure vaccinations are current and inform the caregiver.
Small things make a difference: bring your dog's favorite toy or blanket — a familiar scent helps reduce stress when the environment changes.
- health booklet / information about vaccinations and medications - a supply of food and a bowl (or ask the facility to provide one) - leash and collar with ID - favorite toy or blanket - contact details for your vet and information about allergies or medical conditions - contact number of the person who will care for the pet (petsitter/hotel)
Always have the number of the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic or a local vet written down. If you leave the dog in someone's care, make sure the caregiver knows which number to call in case of problems and how much they may spend without consulting the owner. It's also good to ensure the place has contact details for a trusted clinic.
If you notice worrying signs in the dog after pickup (weakness, vomiting, unusual agitation) — contact a vet immediately.
If you plan to be out all day, consider booking pet-friendly accommodation or finding a day care option for the daytime. Many services offer pick-up and drop-off for pets, which simplifies logistics.
If time is limited, split your sightseeing into shorter blocks: one partner stays with the dog in a park or café, then swap. This rotation lets you visit museum and church interiors without stressing the pet.
- In Krakow there are emerging concepts like “dog coworking” and short-term daycares — great for quick stops around the Main Square. - Some dog cafés organize adoption days or cooperate with shelters — a nice way to pair coffee with support for local organizations. - If your dog is afraid of crowds, plan your visit outside peak tourist hours (early morning or late afternoon) — fewer people, less noise.
Small conveniences: a collapsible thermal bowl and a water bottle can save the day on a hot one.
Can I leave my dog tied up in the Main Square? - Not recommended. Leaving a dog tied and unattended can be risky (theft, aggression from other dogs, stress). Better options are a dog-friendly café, a petsitter or one partner staying with the dog.
How much does a petsitter cost for 2–4 hours? - Prices vary by service and location; short visits can start from a few dozen złoty, while longer care or day care costs more — check and compare several offers.
Can I leave my dog in a hotel without vaccinations? - Most hotels require up-to-date vaccinations and deworming for health reasons. Always ask about requirements before booking.
Planning care for your dog takes a little effort but greatly improves the comfort of sightseeing — especially in places like St. Mary's Basilica where quiet and order are required. The quickest and most convenient options are an hourly petsitter or a home-style dog hotel; if you prefer to keep your dog nearby, check dog-friendly cafés and parks around the Main Square.
Take care of your pet's safety: current vaccinations, water, shade and contact details for the caregiver or a vet. Book ahead during the season — sometimes a single phone call to a local petsitter solves the problem in minutes.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or post it on social media — other tourists will appreciate it. If you want to explore Krakow comfortably and without stress, with or without your pet, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (contact visible on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com). We wish you a pleasant walk around the Main Square and a calm return to a happy, well-rested dog!
