Croatia with a dog – what you need to know

Croatia is a popular destination for holidays with a dog: many holiday apartments and houses accept pets, almost every larger resort now has its own dog beach, and there are plenty of hiking trails. But there are a few rules and health risks to know about – above all heat, entry requirements and sandflies.

Entry

Dogs from the EU follow the usual EU rules: microchip, valid rabies vaccination (primary vaccination at least 21 days before entry) and an EU pet passport. If travelling via non-EU countries or from outside the EU, extra requirements may apply – check with your vet or the authorities beforehand.

Beaches and nature

• Dog beaches (plaže za pse) designated in many towns on the coast and islands – ask the tourist office or your host
• Regular beaches usually off-limits to dogs, especially in season
• National parks many allow dogs on a lead, but rules differ – check the park's website first
• Hiking Velebit, Učka, Biokovo and Gorski kotar offer great routes; start early in summer

Ferries, restaurants, accommodation

On ferries dogs usually travel on a lead and often muzzled, mostly on the outer deck. Restaurants with terraces often welcome dogs. When booking look for "pets allowed" – a fenced garden and shade are worth their weight in gold.

Health and heat

July and August get very hot; asphalt and rocks can burn paws. Walk early in the morning and in the evening, with plenty of water and shade. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by sandflies, occurs in the Mediterranean – vets recommend preventive protection such as a repellent collar. Horned vipers live in the karst; keep dogs on paths.

Frequently asked questions

Note: To protect the personal rights of people shown and to respect third-party copyright, some images on this page are AI-generated. They show typical impressions and may differ in detail from how the places actually look.

Last updated: November 2026