Holiday home Austria with dog

A holiday is only complete when your dog, who is a full-fledged family member, can come too. Austria is the perfect dog-friendly destination, where you can enjoy the mountains, lakes and snow together. But as a dog owner, you probably have some practical questions. Can I take my dog on the ski lift? Are there any special rules, and do I need to arrange vaccinations? Which regions are the best for a holiday with the dog? Don't worry — this article answers all these questions, so you'll be well prepared to set off with your four-legged friend.

Hiking, swimming or winter sports in Austria

Whether you love hiking in the mountains, swimming in crystal-clear lakes, or simply relaxing in nature, our holiday homes have something for everyone. And best of all? Your dog is just as welcome as you are! There's no need to search for pet-friendly accommodation elsewhere, because with us, your dog is an integral part of the holiday experience. Simply book a holiday home with a dog-friendly policy in beautiful Austria and enjoy the stunning surroundings and warm hospitality of Ferienhaus-Tirol. We'll make sure you and your four-legged friend have the holiday of a lifetime!

Why not choose one of our beautiful Austrian chalets? Our spacious holiday homes and chalets have large gardens and plenty of space for you and your dog in one of Europe's most beautiful regions, the Austrian mountains. At Ferienhaus-Tirol, dogs are not only welcome, they are also pampered with special attention and equipment. Make your holiday an unforgettable experience for the whole family — including your dog!

Preparing your dog for Austria: rules and vaccinations

If you are planning to travel to Austria with your dog, it is important to familiarise yourself with the mandatory rules. Austria enforces EU pet regulations, meaning your dog will require the following: - A European pet passport: A valid EU pet passport is mandatory. This contains your dog's details and vaccination history.

Microchip: Your dog must be microchipped (tattoos are no longer allowed) and the microchip registration details must be correct.

Rabies vaccination: Vaccination against rabies is mandatory. Ensure that the vaccination is administered at least 21 days before departure. Ensure that the vaccination remains valid throughout your trip.

​​​​​​​Maximum of 5 dogs: In practice, you cannot bring an unlimited number of dogs. If you travel with more than five dogs, different import rules apply. This is not a problem for most holidaymakers, but it is good to know. It is also sensible to ensure that your dog's regular vaccinations (e.g. against Weil's disease and parvovirus) are up to date, and to protect your dog preventatively against ticks and fleas, especially in wooded mountain areas where ticks are common. Some Austrian federal states have additional rules for certain breeds (such as stricter leash or muzzle requirements for 'fighting dogs'); this also applies to tourists. If you have such a breed, check this in advance to avoid problems on arrival.

Winter sports with your dog in Austria

In winter, the alpine meadows transform into a snowy playground. While a winter sports holiday with your dog requires a little more planning, it can be just as enjoyable. Imagine cosy chalets, winter walks through fresh snow, and evenings together in front of the fireplace.  Important: choose dog-friendly winter accommodation. The advantage of a chalet or flat right by the slopes is that you can easily visit your dog between runs.

Some hotels even offer dog care or babysitting services and have separate 'dog rooms' on the ground floor. Inquire about these services if you want to ski all day. Remember that dogs are not allowed on the ski slopes themselves during opening hours – this is for their own safety and that of skiers. What else can you do in the snow with your dog? Fortunately, most ski resorts have beautiful winterwanderwege (snow-cleared hiking trails) or forest paths where you can walk while the rest of your group is skiing. There are also special cross-country trails for dogs in a few places, for example in Seefeld and Pertisau (Achensee), where you can walk with your dog alongside the cross-country skiers.

Winter care tips for your dog

The cold and snowy weather requires you to take a few extra precautions with your four-legged friend. Here are some practical tips to help keep your dog happy and healthy in winter:

​​​​​​​Protect their paws: Snow can clump and freeze between the pads on the bottom of their feet, which is very unpleasant for them. Cut the hairs between the toes short to reduce snow adhesion. You could also consider applying paw wax or Vaseline to the soles before going out, as this protects against snow and road salt. After the walk, rinse the paws with lukewarm water to remove any salt residue.

Watch out for road salt and stones:
Roads and pavements are gritted in winter sports villages. Salt can irritate the soles of the feet, and small gravel can get stuck between the toes. Keep walks in heavily gritted areas short, and try to walk in the fresh snow next to it instead. Afterwards, check the paws for cracks or redness.

Do not let your dog eat snow:
Dogs like to run through the snow with their mouths open, but eating large amounts of snow can upset their stomachs. Try to prevent your dog from eating large chunks of snow. If necessary, take some kibble with you to distract them if they keep trying to eat snow.

Provide warmth for small dogs and short-haired dogs:
Not every dog is suited to spending hours in the cold. Small breeds and short-haired dogs can get cold quickly. A dog coat or jumper can help, or you can wrap your dog in a blanket if you take a break outside in the cold. Inside, provide a warm place (e.g. a basket near the heater) where your dog can dry off and warm up after playing in the snow. It is important that your dog drinks plenty in between playing, even if it is cold – he is just as likely to dehydrate in winter mountain air as in summer. Make sure you give them lukewarm water so it is not too cold.

Can your dog come with you on the ski lift or gondola?

In many cases, the answer is yes — your dog can come up the mountain with you! Most gondolas and cable cars in Austria allow leashed dogs, and a muzzle is often mandatory or recommended here too. Occasionally, a small fee is charged. Ask at the valley station about the rules for that particular lift. Sometimes your dog can travel for free as a 'passenger', while at other times you will need to pay a small fee.  Make sure your dog is used to boarding and can handle the vertigo-inducing wobble of the cabins. In enclosed gondolas, this is usually not a problem – many dogs enjoy the view once they're floating above the tree line!

Open chairlifts

With open chairlifts, it varies by area. Some allow dogs if they are small enough to sit on your lap or are very quiet. However, keep in mind that such an open lift can be exciting for an animal – safety first!  Alternatively, you can often go up by gondola or hiking trail. Popular hiking areas often have special 'dog gondolas' or rules. For example, dogs are allowed in the gondola to the Dachstein Krippenstein in Salzkammergut, provided they are on a lead and wearing a muzzle. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views and hiking trails together.

Your dog is not allowed on the skis

Good to know: Although your dog can accompany you on the way up, it is not permitted to descend on skis with your dog. Dogs are not permitted to walk or run on prepared ski slopes – this is logical, as it is dangerous for both dogs and skiers.  If you want to take your dog up into the mountains in winter to walk in the snow, for example, take the lift and follow the winter hiking trails or go to the quiet areas next to the slopes at the top. Many ski resorts have marked winter hiking trails that are separate from the busy runs.

Taking public transport with your dog

Austria is known for its excellent public transport and mountain lifts – the good news is that your dog can usually come along too. However, there are a few things to note:

Local transport: taking dogs on public transport and ski lifts

How dog-friendly is public transport in Austria? Very dog-friendly, generally speaking! Austrians are accustomed to seeing dogs in everyday life. However, leash requirements usually apply in cities and at stations. Dogs are also allowed on mountain trains and regional buses to hiking areas, sometimes for a small fee. Check the specific rules locally (for example, some regions have free dog passes or require a muzzle on the cable train).

Dogs are generally welcome on trains, buses and trams in Austria. Small dogs that can sit on your lap often travel for free, while larger dogs require a ticket (sometimes at child fare rates). Always ensure that your dog is on a lead and does not sit or lie on a seat; it must stay on the ground.

Muzzles are mandatory

At practically all public transport companies, a muzzle is compulsory for medium and large dogs while travelling. In practice, this is not always strictly enforced, especially if your dog is quiet, but you must have one with you. Having one will prevent a strict bus driver or conductor from denying you access. Put the muzzle on in crowded places or when asked; this is for everyone's comfort and safety.

Summer holidays with your dog in Austria

In summer, Austria is a true paradise for dogs and their owners who love the outdoors. You can hike endlessly through forests, across alpine meadows, and alongside babbling brooks. National parks and nature reserves generally welcome dogs on leads. You can explore together in Hohe Tauern or Nockberge, for example.

Remember to keep your dog on a lead in these parks.

It is mandatory to keep your dog on a leash in these parks, not only to protect nature and wildlife, but also for safety reasons (you don't want your dog chasing a mountain goat). Many parks and regions also have well-marked, dog-friendly hiking trails with information boards. Check the local signs, as there are sometimes zones where dogs are not allowed (e.g. because vulnerable animals breed there).

Are dogs allowed to swim in lakes?

Yes, in many places they are, but with some nuances. Austria has countless clear mountain lakes and warmer lowland lakes where you and your dog can cool off. At most lakes, dogs are permitted outside the official beach pools. Often, there is a separate stretch of shore or grassy area designated as a dog beach.

Swimming with your dog in Austria

One example is Walchsee in Tyrol, where a special area has been set up on the eastern shore for guests with dogs, with access to the water. There is also a separate dog beach at Maurach on the Achensee, complete with jetties so your dog can easily enter the water. Carinthia, the southernmost and warmest state, has many lakes (Wörthersee, Faaker See, Ossiacher See, etc.) and many of these have designated areas for dogs to swim. Check with the local tourist office or look out for local signs indicating where dogs are allowed in the water.

Can dogs come with you to official swimming areas?

Please note that dogs are usually not allowed in official swimming pools or on busy public beaches, but it is usually not a problem at the edge of a lake or natural pond. Always bring a towel to dry your dog off – a wet dog on the cable car ride back down is no fun for anyone 😉.

Practical tips for hiking in the mountains with your dog:

Mountain hikes are great with a dog, but make sure you're well prepared. Here are some tips for a safe and enjoyable hike:

Protect paws:
Mountain trails can be rough with sharp stones or gravel. Consider buying your dog some shoes if they are sensitive to the surface. In summer, rocks can also get hot in the sun, so it is best to plan hikes for the cooler morning or late afternoon. Check your dog's paw pads regularly for cuts.

Acclimatising at altitude:
Are you heading into the high Alps? Above ~2,000 metres, the air is thinner. Give your dog time to acclimatise – build up the effort slowly and take plenty of breaks. Don't let your dog run around wildly as soon as you get off the lift at 2,500 metres; let them sniff around and take it easy first.

Water and cooling:
Make sure your dog always has access to drinking water during hikes. Although you will often encounter streams and mountain lakes, the water is freezing cold. Dogs like to drink it and cool their paws in it, but beware of overheating and hypothermia. Don't let your dog drink too much ice-cold water suddenly or lie in a cold stream for too long. Take a collapsible drinking bowl and a bottle of water with you.

Cows and wildlife:
You will inevitably encounter grazing cows on alpine pastures. Keep your distance and put your dog on the lead promptly if you see cattle. Cows can be protective, particularly when they have calves, so it is best to avoid confrontation. If necessary, take a different route. A leashed dog will prevent problems with other animals, such as sheep and deer. Some areas have fences around cow pastures, so keep your dog away from them and always make sure that you close fences securely.

Clean-up duty:
Just like at home, you must clean up after your dog in Austria too. In popular hiking areas, you will regularly find litter bins and sometimes free bag dispensers. In pristine mountain areas, it is especially important not to leave droppings lying around, as this can make wild animals or livestock sick.

Dog-friendly restaurants and mountain huts

After a long hike or a full day of skiing, both in summer and in winter, you might want to relax in a cosy mountain or après-ski hut, or eat out in the village in the evening. Fortunately, dogs are welcome in most Austrian restaurants and mountain huts. In general, it is fine for your dog to sit under the table on a lead, as long as they do not bother other guests.  Many catering establishments, especially in rural areas and mountain regions, even have a bowl of water ready for thirsty four-legged friends. It is quite normal here to bring a dog inside, and Austrian restaurateurs are used to it — many of them are dog lovers themselves. Salzburgerland has numerous restaurants and terraces where dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.

Just checking if dogs are allowed!

A few points to bear in mind: at busy eateries, check that it is OK to walk in with your dog. Choose a quiet corner, especially if your dog wants to sleep. If necessary, bring a small blanket so he can lie comfortably under the table. In mountain huts along hiking trails, dogs are usually not an issue. On the terrace, they are welcome to sit next to you and relax.

If you need to go inside to use the toilet or order, either tie up your dog or ask a fellow hiker to keep an eye on him. Tip: If you're going on a multi-day trek and your dog is going to spend the night in a mountain hut, check beforehand whether this is allowed. Not all huts allow dogs to stay overnight, and often only in private rooms or specific areas. Find out in advance if this is possible! It is rarely a problem for a lunch stop during the day.

The best regions in Austria for a holiday with your dog

Austria is a big, diverse country. So where is the best place to go with your dog? Read on for an overview of some of the top regions and what makes them so dog-friendly.

Tyrol:
This alpine landscape has endless hiking trails and mountain peaks. Many lifts are open to dogs in summer and winter (e.g. gondolas in Zillertal). There are also numerous lakes, such as Achensee and Walchsee, which have special dog beaches. There is plenty of snow in winter, and there are winter hiking trails and dog-friendly ski villages (Seefeld even has a cross-country trail for dogs!). Tyrol is renowned for its welcoming attitude towards dogs, and you will often see water bowls outside shops and cafés in almost every village.

Carinthia
It has a more southerly, milder climate and 200 crystal-clear lakes. It's the perfect place for water lovers: in summer, your dog can often swim in the Ossiacher See, Faaker See or Weissensee, to name a few. Mountain areas such as the Nockberge National Park offer beautiful walks that are not too strenuous. Carinthia has the most hours of sunshine in Austria, making it ideal for a summer holiday with your dog. In winter, the valleys are less cold, which is good for dogs that don't like extreme cold, while there is still snow in the mountains.

Salzburg:
A combination of high mountains, valleys and lakes (e.g. Zell am See). The National Park Hohe Tauern is partly in this region and has numerous trails where leashed dogs are welcome. In summer, visitors can enjoy waterfalls (such as the Krimml Waterfalls!), alpine meadows and cultural excursions, which often allow dogs. In winter, Salzburgerland offers well-known ski resorts such as Saalbach and Flachau, with plenty of facilities for dog owners, including winter hiking trails and dog-friendly accommodation. There are also long dog trails, such as a 10 km route near Saalfelden which is suitable for cross-country skiers with dogs.

Styria and Salzkammergut:
These regions in the heart of Austria are known for their green alpine meadows, forests and lakes. Salzkammergut is home to picturesque lakes such as the Hallstätter See and the Wolfgangsee. Apart from the busy beaches, you can often walk and swim with your dog at these lakes. Styria has seven nature parks where dogs can enjoy the outdoors on a leash. In winter, things are quieter and you can enjoy atmospheric walks through snowy forests. There is less mass tourism here than elsewhere, so it's ideal if you are looking for a quiet holiday with your dog.
There are many more dog-friendly areas, from the Bregenzerwald in Vorarlberg (western Austria) to the Danube Cycling Trail in the east. These regions stand out for their combination of nature, amenities, and dog-friendly facilities.

Booking dog-friendly accommodation

Not all accommodation welcomes pets, so be careful when booking. Fortunately, Austria has a wide range of dog-friendly holiday homes and hotels. You can easily specify that you are travelling with a dog using the search filters on accommodation search sites (such as this one). Pay attention to the following: ‘Pets allowed’: Always check the accommodation information to see if dogs are welcome. Sometimes one dog is allowed (sometimes for an additional cleaning fee), while at other establishments, two or more dogs are also permitted.

Location and surroundings:
Ideally, choose accommodation that is right on a walking route or has a fenced garden. This way, you can take the dog into nature in the morning or safely leave them outside. An ideal option is a holiday home at the edge of the woods or a chalet by the ski slope: in winter, you can easily return to your cottage in between to check on the dog or play in the snow together for a while.

Amenities:
Look for amenities such as a crate, food bowl or dog basket, which are not always standard but are provided in some really dog-friendly places. A tiled floor or an easy-to-clean room is useful if your dog comes back wet or muddy from an outing.

Rules on site:
Ask if your dog can be left alone in the accommodation. In many cases, this is not a problem for a few hours, but some landlords do not allow dogs to be left alone (as they may bark). Find out about this so you can arrange a dog sitter if necessary if you plan an activity without your dog.

Conclusion: travel carefree with your dog!

With the right preparation and knowledge, going on holiday to Austria with your dog can be a great experience. Austrians love dogs as much as you do, especially if you take the rules and environment into account.  Whether you hike alongside mountain lakes in summer or trudge through snowy landscapes in winter, the memories you create with your dog are invaluable. It feels great emotionally to include your best four-legged friend in all your adventures, and Austria offers all the possibilities to do so practically speaking.

Find your ideal holiday home in Austria for you and your dog now!

Would you like to book a holiday home with your dog? Then you've come to the right place! We have a wide range of holiday homes where your dog is more than welcome.

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Whatever type of accommodation you are looking for, whether it's a cosy holiday home, a luxury villa or a rustic farmhouse, we have it all. Rest assured that all of our accommodation is carefully selected and equipped with all the necessary facilities for you and your dog.

Simply select your preferred destination in Austria, specify your desired dates and the number of guests, then browse our range of accommodation options, including holiday homes, holiday homes with saunas, flats, group houses, chalets, country houses, villas and farms.

Did you know that a holiday with your dog in Austria is good for the soul as well as being fun? With our pet-friendly holiday homes, every day will be an unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for? Book your holiday home with your dog now and enjoy a well-earned break in Austria with your faithful friend! It's going to be great!