Pet-friendly destinations and tourism: traveling with your pet without complications
Traveling is no longer just about packing a suitcase and leaving. For many people, traveling also means deciding who they absolutely have to take with them. And that's where they come in: dogs, cats, and four-legged companions who are no longer left "in someone's care," but are part of the plan.
Pet-friendly tourism has gone from being a trend to a real necessity . Today, traveling with pets means being informed, planning better… but also discovering destinations that understand that a pet is not an accessory, it's family .
If you're thinking about traveling with your pet in Latin America, or even crossing borders into Europe, this guide is for you .
What will you find on this blog? 🐶✈️
- Traveling with pets changes the way you choose a destination 🌍
- Pet-friendly travel in Latin America 🐕
- Europe is also pet friendly 🇪🇺
- Flying with your pet: what you should know ✈️
- Hotels, restaurants and transport 🏨🍽️🚗
- Recommended destinations by country 📍
- Connectivity in pet-friendly travel 📶
- Is it worth traveling with pets? ❤️
Traveling with pets changes the way you choose a destination
When you travel with your pet, the destination is chosen differently. You no longer just think about "how beautiful it is," but about how livable it is .
- 🌳 Are there any parks?
- 🚶♂️Is it possible to walk?
- 🍽️🐶 Do restaurants accept dogs?
- 🏨Is the hotel causing problems?
- 🏥 Are there any veterinary clinics nearby?
- 🚗Is transportation easy?
Traveling with pets also forces you to change your pace. It's no longer all about rushing from one place to another or filling your schedule with impossible plans. You start noticing other things: whether there's shade for walking, if the accommodation is near a park, if the journey is short, or if the destination allows for real breaks .
That's why many travelers start by looking for things like dog-friendly places to go in Medellín before even thinking about an international flight. And it makes sense: pet-friendly travel begins with understanding how your city works… and then the world.
In Colombia, Medellín has become one of the most pet-friendly cities. Urban parks, cafes with outdoor patios, and accommodations that no longer ask "Are you bringing a pet?" but rather "What's its name?" have fueled the growth of pet-friendly travel in Colombia , especially for short breaks, digital nomads, and extended business trips.
Pet-friendly travel in Latin America: destinations that actually work
Talking about traveling with pets in Colombia also means looking at neighboring countries. Latin America is not homogeneous on this issue: each country—and each city—has its own pace, rules, and level of openness toward tourism with animals.
Mexico
In Mexico, for example, the progress has been especially visible in cities where life happens on the streets. Destinations like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Playa del Carmen offer a strong selection of hotels, restaurants, and public spaces where pets are welcome.
In Mexico's beach resort areas, pet-friendly travel has evolved into more comprehensive packages. All-inclusive pet-friendly trips are becoming increasingly common, especially at hotels that have designated areas for pets.
Brazil
In Brazil, pet tourism is concentrated especially in large urban centers. Pet-friendly destinations in São Paulo stand out for their network of parks, cafes, coworking spaces, and restaurants.
Chili
Chile offers a different experience, but one highly valued by travelers seeking order and predictability. Cities like Santiago, Valdivia, and Viña del Mar stand out among pet-friendly destinations in Chile for their cleanliness, well-marked parks, and clear regulations.
Peru
Peru is starting to establish itself strongly. Pet-friendly destinations in Peru, such as Lima—especially Miraflores and Barranco—offer boutique accommodations, walkable boardwalks, and restaurants that welcome pets on their terraces.
In general, pet-friendly travel in Latin America works best in walkable cities 🚶♀️, with vibrant urban life 🏙️ and nearby services 🏥📍. Pet-friendly tourism in the region continues to grow because travelers demand it 🐾: they ask before booking 📅, leave reviews ⭐, and recommend places that do things right 👍. This has led to improvements in the offerings 📈 and a growing understanding that pet-friendly travel in Latin America is not an exception, but a well-established reality 🌎.
Europe is also pet friendly (if you know how to get around)
Crossing the Atlantic with your pet sounds complicated, but it's not impossible. In fact, many travelers agree that some of the best pet-friendly destinations are in Europe, especially in cities where mobility and urban life make it easy to travel with a companion.
Spain
Pet-friendly trips to Spain are often the gateway to pet-friendly destinations. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia stand out for being walkable, having public transport that allows pets under clear rules, and a culture where dogs are part of everyday life.
When talking about the best pet-friendly destinations in Spain, these cities where life happens in the street often appear: squares, terraces, parks and neighborhoods designed to get around without a car.
Portugal
Portugal is making a strong entrance into this conversation with a more relaxed approach. The most highly rated pet-friendly destinations in Portugal include Lisbon, Porto, and parts of the Algarve, where less crowded beaches, small towns, and a slower pace of life make traveling with pets much easier.
It's an ideal destination if you're looking to walk at your leisure and share spaces without constant restrictions.
Europe has something many travelers deeply appreciate when traveling with pets: normalcy. It's not just "pet-friendly" as a marketing label, but as a social norm. Seeing dogs on trains, in cafes, or in parks isn't an exception; it's part of daily life. That's why getting around feels easy: walking, sitting on a terrace, taking public transport, and going to a park don't become endless negotiations. Your pet isn't a "issue" of the trip; it's simply part of the experience.
Flying with your pet: what you should know ✈️
Before you fall in love with the destination, there's a key question: how do I get there with my pet? 🤔
Flying with animals is not something you can just wing. It requires understanding airline policies 🛫, documents 📄, carrier sizes 🧳, and timings ⏱️.
If this is your first trip, it's worth taking your time to read this complete guide on pet-friendly flights, requirements, and tips for traveling with your pet 📘🐶:
https://www.conecty.co/blogs/blog-viajero/vuelos-pet-friendly-requisitos-y-consejos-para-viajar-con-tu-mascota
Hotels, restaurants and transport: the true pet-friendly filter
A destination can be beautiful... but if the hotel imposes a thousand conditions, it ceases to be an option 😅.
And here's the uncomfortable truth : "pet friendly" doesn't always mean the same thing 🐾.
Sometimes it's "I'll receive you, but with impossible rules" 🚫.
Other times it's "I'll welcome you and make it easy for you" ✅.
The difference is in the details 🔍:
that they don't charge absurd fines 💸 for every hair,
that have clear policies (weight, number of pets, permitted areas) 📋,
that allow your pet to be alone for a while (or explicitly tell you not to) 🐶⏰,
and don't make you feel like you're "asking for a favor" 🙄.
To illustrate, here are some specific examples (by country and city) 📍
which serve as a search guide 🗺️ —and yes: it's always best to confirm before booking 🔎,
because policies can change 🔄.
Mexico City: Hotels and terraces where the plan fits in
In Mexico City, a solid reference is Kimpton Virgilio (Polanco): its policy states no extra charge, no size/weight limit and no limit on the number of pets, in addition to amenities such as beds/dishes and a list of recommended nearby places.
And if you like to go out to eat with your dog, Mexico City already has a route: local media have listed pet-friendly options in the city (like BBQ, brunch and neighborhood restaurants) to go with your dog to terraces.
Helpful tip: In Mexico City, most pet-friendly restaurants are located on the patio, not necessarily inside. If your dog gets stressed by noise, this information makes all the difference.
Brazil (São Paulo): large hotels + city cafes
If we're talking about pet-friendly destinations in São Paulo, there are corporate hotels that do welcome pets with clear rules. For example, the Hilton São Paulo Morumbi indicates that it accepts pets, with a deposit/fee and a weight limit (32 kg) (key information if you're traveling with a medium/large dog).
And for food, São Paulo is full of dog-friendly spots: from cafes to breweries with water for dogs. BringFido lists options like Botanikafé (a pet-friendly chain) and other places where your dog can accompany you on a leash.
Helpful tip: In São Paulo, the park + coffee combo often works very well. Plan your day this way and you'll prevent your dog from sitting still for too long.
Chile (Santiago): clear rules
In Santiago, a verifiable option with public policy is Hyatt Place Santiago/Vitacura, which details conditions such as rate and weight limits (e.g. up to 50 lb or two dogs with combined weight).
This is useful because it allows you to plan without surprises: if you're traveling with a large dog, you already know in advance whether they'll accept you or not.
Helpful tip: Chile tends to be stricter with rules of conduct (leashes, common areas, etc.). This isn't a bad thing; it just means that a pet-friendly hotel usually has well-written rules.
Peru (Lima / Miraflores): ideal for walking and stopping at cafes
In Lima, especially Miraflores, there are hotels that accept pets under specific conditions. The Hilton Lima Miraflores, for example, advertises that it allows pets and specifies the rate and weight limit.
And in cafes, Miraflores also has places where your dog can accompany you (on a leash), such as Amateur Café, which is designated as pet-friendly.
Helpful tip: If you're going to Miraflores, plan your outings around the boardwalk (a long walk) and then stop for a break at a café. It's a place that almost any dog will enjoy.
Spain (Barcelona / Madrid): Hotels with clear policies + dog-friendly restaurants
In Barcelona, a very clear example is Kimpton Vividora, which declares a pet-friendly policy with no extra charge and with a "if it fits in the elevator, it comes in" approach.
In Madrid, if you're looking for a dog-friendly hotel, Only YOU Hotel Atocha has public information about its conditions (limit, rate per stay).
Helpful tip: In Spain, "yes" often comes with nuances: terrace yes / indoors depends. It's best to ask before sitting down (and you'll save yourself the awkward moment).
Portugal (Lisbon / Porto): Restaurants with filters + Hotels with rules
In Lisbon, several restaurants are listed as dog-friendly on booking platforms (useful for filtering without guessing).
And in hotels, you have options that publish detailed policies: for example, Corinthia Lisbon specifies limits and charges per night, which helps you budget.
Helpful tip: Portugal works very well for trips with a dog because of its walkable pace, but always check if the accommodation charges per night or per stay (it makes a big difference to the total).
Transportation: how to get around without drama 🚗🐾
The same goes for transportation: map apps and reviews 📍 help filter places where your pet is welcome, but it's always worth confirming ☎️.
And if you're going to rent a car , many rental companies allow pets with one simple rule: return it clean 🧼 (and use a cover/blanket 🛋️ to protect the seats).
Traveling with pets is also traveling as a family 🐾❤️
Something many travelers discover is that traveling with pets is very similar to traveling with children: you have to plan more 🗓️, improvise less 🚫 and understand the other's rhythm 🐕🦺.
If your trip involves babies, children, and pets , this guide can be very helpful 👶🐶✈️:
https://www.conecty.co/blogs/blog-viajero/bebes-a-bordo-guia-de-viaje-para-una-aventura-en-familia
The role of connectivity when you have a pet-friendly trip 🌍📱
Traveling with pets means staying connected 🔌. To find nearby vets 🏥, confirm hotels 🏨, locate parks 🌳 or request stress-free transportation 🚕.
Running out of data in the middle of a pet-friendly trip is not an option ❌.
That's where Connecty comes in 🧳. With an international SIM or eSIM, you can stay connected from the moment you land ✈️, without relying on hotel Wi-Fi 📡 or expensive roaming 💸.
When you travel with someone —especially if that person doesn't speak— digital peace of mind also matters 😌🐶.
🐾 Is it worth traveling with pets?
The short answer is yes, but with awareness 🤍. Traveling with pets isn't for everyone or every situation. It requires patience 🧘♂️, planning 🗓️, and flexibility 🔄. But it also changes the experience in a very special way ✨.
Many travelers agree that their most memorable trips have been those where they shared real time with their pet 🐕❤️: leisurely walks 🚶♀️, long breakfasts ☕, afternoons in the park 🌳, and peaceful nights 🌙. It's not a trip to tick places off , but to truly inhabit them 🏡.
Whether you start with places to go with dogs in Medellín 🇨🇴, continue exploring trips with dogs in Latin America 🌎, or venture out to discover the best pet-friendly destinations 🐾, the important thing is to understand that traveling with your pet does not limit you : it changes the experience ✨.
And often, it gets better. 💙🐶
