Short and important — you cannot bring your own pets into the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This is an official rule for the tourist route, so plan on leaving your pet outside the facility. There is a luggage storage on site, but there is no option to leave a dog inside the mine buildings. If you’re coming with a dog, arrange care for the time of the visit.
There is an important exception: assistance and guide dogs for people with disabilities are permitted. For all other pets, organise care — daycare, a pet hotel, or a sitter — before your visit.
If your visit will last several hours — book a place in a pet hotel, a daytime daycare, or with a petsitter. Check availability ahead of time, especially at weekends and during the tourist season when spots fill up quickly.
A daytime daycare ("daycare") is a great solution when you only need a few hours free to sightsee. Home-style daycares offer supervision from morning to evening, walks and playtime under the caregiver’s eye. For many dogs this is less stressful than a 24‑hour hotel stay.
Advantages: your dog spends the day with people and possibly other dogs, gets walks and a meal — and you can sightsee in peace. A downside can be the need to reserve in advance and shorter pick-up hours outside normal business times.
Home boarding facilities and larger kennels offer round‑the‑clock stays, often with transfer from Kraków or Wieliczka. These places usually have exercise areas, professional care and contact details for a vet if needed.
In practice — if you plan a full day of visiting Wieliczka and other attractions, a dog hotel gives the most peace of mind. Book ahead and confirm what the price covers (walks, feeding, medication, transport).
A petsitter — a trusted person who visits or hosts your dog — is a good choice for pets that do better in a familiar environment. You can leave keys and instructions so the sitter can stay at your home, or ask the sitter to take the dog out for a walk during your absence.
Pros: individual care, lower stress for some dogs, flexible hours. Cons: check references in advance, agree the terms, and expect higher costs for longer stays compared with a simple walk.
Bring paperwork — up‑to‑date vaccinations if the facility requires them, and a collar with an ID tag. Many hotels and daycares ask to see the pet passport or vaccination card at the first visit.
Check cancellation rules and whether you need to reserve. During the high season and weekends places can be booked days ahead — call or book online. For a first long stay, consider a short trial day so you can see how your dog adapts.
Take your dog’s favourite blanket, toy and dry food to help with adaptation. If your dog takes medication, prepare clear instructions and a supply. Make sure the facility has access to a veterinarian or knows the emergency clinic numbers nearby.
Kraków is a very walkable, dog‑friendly city — the Planty, Błonia, Jordan Park, the Vistula boulevards, Kościuszko Mound and riverside areas are great for shared walks and rest. Outdoors you can usually walk your dog on a lead, remembering to pick up after them.
More and more cafés and venues in Kraków welcome dogs — many provide water bowls and treats. If you plan to have lunch with your pet, check ahead whether the place accepts animals and whether they must stay calm and on a leash.
Do not leave your dog in a car — this is dangerous and still a common mistake. Even in moderate weather the interior can heat up or cool down rapidly. If you can’t arrange care, it’s better to change your plan.
Don’t assume attractions accept dogs without asking — check in advance or choose a care option. Leaving a dog "with someone on the spot" without prior agreement is risky and stressful for the pet.
Don’t forget reservations and documents — lack of valid vaccinations or no prior booking can lead to refusal of acceptance.
If you need care at the last minute, ask about pet transport from the hotel or facility — many places offer pick‑up and drop‑off. You can also look for a local petsitter who will come to your home or temporarily host the dog.
Check local classifieds and platforms that connect owners with caregivers — many services allow quick contact and include reviews, which helps find a trusted person. In emergencies, ask hotel reception, a restaurant or a local vet for recommendations — they often have a list of reliable providers.
Some home boarding places offer evening relaxation music, social playgroups or individual walks — ask about these extras before booking because they can significantly improve your dog’s stay.
If you drive to Wieliczka, consider choosing a pet hotel close to the Salt Mine — shorter transfer times reduce stress for your dog. Many facilities mention approximate distance to the Mine in their information, which makes choosing easier.
Can I leave my dog at the Salt Mine entrance? - No. The mine does not provide a place to leave pets. Always plan care outside the site.
How much does one night at a dog hotel cost? - Prices vary by standard, services and location. Daycare and overnight rates differ between facilities — check the current price list before booking.
What if my dog suffers from separation anxiety? - Consider a petsitter who visits your dog at home or a home‑style hotel offering a trial day and familiarisation. For severe separation anxiety consult a behaviourist before extended separation.
Arranging pet care in advance gives peace of mind and lets you fully enjoy Kraków and Wieliczka. Book a place, check the rules and prepare your dog for a short stay away from home — that's the key to a stress‑free day.
If this article helped you — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Kraków with a personalised route and be sure the itinerary suits you and your pet, consider booking a private guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) can help plan a calm, pet‑aware visit tailored to your needs. You can find contact details on the guide’s page — she will be happy to help make your stay relaxed for both you and your dog.
