Austria with a Dog: Woof, it’s so beautiful here!
Inhalt
When I think of Austria, I think of mountains—and of Mr. Sheffield. That little guy ran up the mountains twice. And while my boss and his wife were huffing and puffing their way up, he was already standing on the next hill, wagging his tail.
Many friends thought the picture above was taken in front of a photo wallpaper. They were completely wrong: That’s Mr. Sheffield in the Karwendel; he was just two years old at the time and had enough energy for ten Prague Rattlers. Back then, when we were still living in Bavaria, we often took trips to visit our neighbors.
Austrians and Their Dogs — A Love Story
Austrians love their dogs. You can really tell. Dogs are welcome in many restaurants and cafés; water bowls are often provided without even being asked for, and as a dog owner, you’ll usually get a friendly nod from people on the street. To make sure it stays that way, it’s important that your dog is well-trained! Many hotels and vacation rentals have long since adapted to accommodate guests with dogs: The selection is wide, and the quality is often high.
Mountains, lakes, forests — something for every dog
What really makes Austria special for dogs and their owners is its diversity. Lush, green Styria with its vast forests and wine regions; unspoiled Vorarlberg; and the Salzkammergut with its hiking trails and alpine pastures—there’s a region to suit every dog’s temperament and every owner’s fitness level.
Dog lovers who enjoy swimming will also find plenty to enjoy: Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia, Lake Wolfgangsee in the Salzkammergut, and Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland often have designated dog swimming areas or quiet spots along the shore where dogs are allowed to swim freely.
And Vienna is surprisingly green for a big city. The Vienna Prater and the Lainzer Tiergarten offer plenty of space to get out and about, right in the middle of the city.
What You Should Know
Austria is dog-friendly, but the rules aren’t always easy to figure out, since there are no uniform federal regulations. Leash and muzzle requirements are set by individual municipalities and states, and these can vary considerably. So be sure to check the rules in advance!
As a general rule: In residential areas and on grassy areas, dogs must be kept on a leash or wear a muzzle outside fenced-in properties, depending on the municipality. On public transportation, leashes and muzzles are always required; small dogs generally travel for free, while larger dogs are charged half the fare.
For entry from EU countries: a valid EU pet passport with a recorded rabies vaccination and microchip—that’s the EU standard, but it’s good to mention it.
Dog waste in public areas must be picked up immediately, no matter where you are. Actually, that should go without saying, but… ;) In Tyrol, failure to do so can result in fines of up to 1,820 euros. So: Always carry a bag with you.
Which region is right for whom?
Tyrol and Salzburg for mountain lovers with dogs in top physical condition. Carinthia for water lovers. Styria for anyone who enjoys green, peaceful surroundings. Vorarlberg for unspoiled hikes away from the hustle and bustle.
Mr. Sheffield would probably have loved all the regions. And each time, he would have been the first to reach the top of the mountain, acting as if he’d just trotted up a few meters.
Austria is definitely worth a visit, especially with a dog.