Pet-Friendly Guide to Amsterdam, Netherlands

Why Pets Love Amsterdam

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The Netherlands is one of the most pet-friendly countries in Europe, and Amsterdam exemplifies this perfectly. Dogs are allowed on trams, buses, and metro (with a discounted fare), welcomed in most cafes and many restaurants, and there are green spaces and parks throughout the city where your pet can stretch their legs.

The Dutch have a practical, welcoming attitude toward pets. It is completely normal to see dogs in stores, sitting under cafe tables, and riding on boats through the canals. Amsterdam was also the first country in the world to have no stray dogs, reflecting the cultural priority placed on animal welfare.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

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Major hotel chains in Amsterdam are generally pet-friendly. The Pulitzer Amsterdam, Kimpton De Witt, and Hotel V Nesplein all welcome dogs with open arms. Many canal house hotels and boutique properties are pet-friendly too — just confirm at booking.

Budget travelers can find pet-friendly apartments on Booking.com throughout the Jordaan, De Pijp, and Oud-West neighborhoods. Expect $80-140 per night at mid-range pet-friendly hotels.

Dog Parks and Outdoor Spaces

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Amsterdam has numerous off-leash areas (called “losloopgebied”) scattered throughout the city:

• Vondelpark — The city’s most famous park has designated off-leash zones
• Amsterdamse Bos — A massive urban forest (900 hectares) with off-leash areas
• Westerpark — Popular park in the Jordaan with an off-leash section
• Rembrandtpark — Quieter park with generous off-leash space
• Flevopark — East Amsterdam park with off-leash meadows

Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes

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Dutch “brown cafes” (bruine kroegen) almost universally welcome dogs. The culture of bringing your dog to the cafe is deeply ingrained:

• Cafe ‘t Smalle — Historic brown cafe on the Egelantiersgracht canal, dogs welcome
• De Biertuin — Beer garden in Oost with a relaxed pet policy
• Pllek — Waterfront cafe in NDSM Wharf where dogs are regulars
• Cafe Winkel 43 — Famous for apple pie, welcoming to dogs on the terrace

Local Pet Rules and Regulations

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Dogs must be on-leash in Amsterdam except in designated off-leash areas. You need a dog license (hondenbelasting) if you are a resident, but tourists are exempt. Always clean up after your pet — Amsterdam takes this seriously with fines up to EUR 140. Dogs ride public transit for a reduced fare and must have a muzzle or be on a short leash.

Getting There With Your Pet

Schiphol Airport has pet relief areas. Dogs can enter the Netherlands from EU countries with an EU pet passport (microchip, rabies vaccination). From non-EU countries, you need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Once in the city, dogs are allowed on all GVB trams, buses, and metro lines for a reduced fare.