As you probably know, we are located in Slovenia, in the heart of Europe. We are lucky to live only a few hours´ drive away from the Alps, to the Adriatic sea, to beautiful lakes, rivers, forests, plains, and overall wonderful nature. It truly is the biggest privilege of my life to live so close to nature, so that I can provide a happy, healthy and active life for my dogs.
A lot of our friends and social media followers have mentioned that they would love to visit us in Slovenia, so I decided to create a short list of information you need, to help plan out your trip.
Travelling to Slovenia
Most of you will probably arrive by car, as it is the most practical way of traveling with your dog. There are of course other options: train, bus or plane.
According to Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, the Conditions applicable to non-commercial movement of dogs, cats or ferrets between EU Member States for Slovenia (and all other EU Member States) are:
- Up to 5 animals can travel with their owner or authorised person,
- your animal must be identified in such a way that there is an unambiguous link between the animal, its identification document and its owner. In case of dogs, a transponder (chip) or clearly legible mark (tattooed before 3 July 2011) is mandatory,
- your animal must have a valid rabies vaccination (done by an authorised veterinarian, the animal is at least 12 weeks old on the date of vaccination),
- your animal has to have a Valid EU Pet Passport, to be used as an identification document when travelling between EU countries (and also within the country itself)
- *there might be additional requirements due to the legislative changes, occuring through time, so always check the latest version of the regulation before travelling.*
EU Rules for Travelling with animals: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/animal-plant/index_en.htm#inline-nav-1
Info for Travelling with dogs, cats or ferrets within the EU: https://www.gov.si/en/topics/travelling-with-dogs-cats-or-ferrets-within-the-european-union/
Travelling by train in Slovenia
Pets are welcome on Slovenian Railways trains. Small domesticated animals can be transported free of charge, enclosed in cages or baskets that can be placed as personal luggage. The same applies to smaller dogs, which can be held on your lap. Larger dogs must wear a muzzle, be attached to a leash and lie on the floor so as not to disturb other passengers. The owner pays half the ticket price for their dog. The exception for larger dogs is ICS tilting trains. More info here: https://potniski.sz.si/en/useful-information/transport-of-domestic-animals/
Travelling by bus in Slovenia
Intercity and/or regional buses are usually privately owned, so every company chooses their own rules for letting dogs on their buses. Make sure to check their websites before booking your trip, or contact them directly:
- Nomago: https://www.nomago.si/en
- Arriva: https://arriva.si/en/
In case of Ljubljana, the capitol city, these are the rules: “In the capital Ljubljana, animals are allowed on the city bus under special conditions. Dogs may be transported outside rush hours (between 6.30 and 9.30 a.m. and between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.), provided that the dog is clean, healthy, on a leash, wears a muzzle and has proof of rabies vaccination. Birds, cats and other small animals may be transported on public transport only in cages or in any other suitable way that does not disturb or interfere with other passengers, in compliance with the hygiene and sanitation rules, and free of charge.”
Generally, all public transport providers in Slovenia require dogs to wear a muzzle. Even funiculars in the mountains!
In the next few posts, I will list the top places you can visit with your dog – and where you will be welcome, not just “allowed”. If you would like me to focus on a specific region or tourist destination, let me know!