Anyone who wants to travel with their dog often faces the question: "Where will we both feel equally welcome?" Zurich is surprisingly ideal for a luxurious dog vacation: elegant hotels, well-maintained nature trails, exclusive restaurants with a heart for four-legged friends. In this article, I'll show you how you can experience Zurich with your dog in style, stress-free, and with unforgettable moments.
Table of contents
- Arrival & entry formalities for dogs in Switzerland
- Dog-friendly accommodations in Zurich
- Walking trails, nature & panorama – the best walking routes with style
- Enjoyment & City Life – Restaurants, Cafés and Shopping with Dogs
- Day trips & exclusive insider tips for dog owners in Zurich
- Swiss etiquette, laws & conscious handling of dogs
- Conclusion about holidays with dogs in Zurich
The most important things at a glance
- Zurich offers luxurious hotels that welcome dogs at no extra charge, such as The Dolder Grand or Park Hyatt Zurich .
- Many restaurants and cafés welcome quiet dogs — such as Casa Ferlin or the restaurant at the Hotel Adler Zurich.
- The diverse landscapes around Zurich: lakeshores, Uetliberg, wildlife park, and tranquil forests offer perfect excursion destinations.
- Day trips by train or boat are often dog-friendly; occasionally, a special dog day ticket is available.
- Conscious handling of leash requirements, cleanliness and consideration ensures a stress-free stay for everyone.
Arrival & entry formalities for dogs in Switzerland
Entering Switzerland with a dog requires planning: An EU pet passport, an ISO microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old) are required. If you're traveling by car, plan regular breaks for exercise and water. According to SBB/ZVV guidelines, dogs are often allowed on trains; larger animals usually cost half a ticket. In Zurich, some public transport companies offer a dog day pass , which allows your dog unlimited travel throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Transferring from Zurich Airport to the city center is convenient: trains and S-Bahns run regularly. Many hotels organize pet transfers or shuttle services upon request.
Dog-friendly accommodations in Zurich
When choosing accommodation for you and your dog, style, comfort and genuine pet-friendliness count – not just a “Dogs Welcome” sign.
Exclusive hotels where dogs are not a minor matter
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The Dolder Grand : This legendary Zurich hotel expressly welcomes dogs – with a dog bed, bowl, and delicious treats upon arrival. Dolder Grand Hotel Zurich
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Park Hyatt Zurich : As part of the "Best of Swiss Hotels" program, the hotel offers a dog basket and a small welcome gift for your four-legged friend in your room. Park Hyatt Zurich
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Hotel Adler Zurich : Dogs are provided with a water bowl, and there's even a dog bar outside. hotel-adler.ch
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Boutique Hotel Thessoni Classic (Regensdorf, near Zurich) : The hotel places great emphasis on dog-friendly amenities – a dog blanket, bowl, towels, and snacks are included in the welcome package. Thessoni Classic
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Widder Hotel: The hotel is part of the Living Circle (an exclusive group of restaurants and hotels in and around Zurich). Your dog is welcome at all partner restaurants , and you can use a free shuttle (van/boat) to travel between locations, for example, for dinner.
Comparison of dog-friendly hotels in Zurich at a glance
| hotel | Special offer for dogs | Location / Remark |
|---|---|---|
| The Dolder Grand | Dog bed, bowl, treats, dog sitter possible | In the green hillside above Zurich |
| Park Hyatt Zurich | Dog basket, gift, stylish equipment | Central location, high luxury |
| Hotel Adler Zurich | Water bowl, bar for dog owners outside | Old town / central |
| Boutique Hotel Thessoni classic | Blanket, bowl, snacks, dog rules clearly formulated | In Regensdorf, good S-Bahn connection |
| Widder Hotel Zurich | Dog bed, bowl, treats included with booking | Old town / central |
Tip: When making your reservation, please specifically request that the room be prepared in a dog-friendly manner (e.g., extra blankets, no carpeting, bowl already provided).
Walking trails, nature & panorama – the best walking routes with style
Zurich and its surroundings offer a rare combination: urban flair and natural oases.
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Uetliberg Circular Trail : A popular half-day route with panoramic views of the city, lake, and Alps. Depending on your fitness level, you can extend or shorten it.
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Lake Zurich Promenade : Flat, spacious and ideal for relaxing strolls – especially in the early morning hours or at sunset.
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Zurich Wildlife Park / Sihlwald : A natural reserve that promises tranquility. Ideal for peaceful afternoons in the forest.
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Forest & hill trails : In districts such as Zürichberg, Käferberg or Hönggerberg you will find more challenging trails with views.
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Greifensee & Pfäffikersee : A little out of the way, but easily accessible by public transport – perfect for varied days by the water.
Note on leash requirements and rest areas : Many forest and nature reserves require partial or complete leash use. Always carry water and plan rest breaks with seating.
Enjoyment & City Life – Restaurants, Cafés and Shopping with Dogs
A central part of your stay should be going out to dinner with your dog in style or strolling through urban neighborhoods.
Top restaurants that allow dogs
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Casa Ferlin (near Stampfenbachplatz): Fine Venetian cuisine, and dogs are expressly allowed.
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Restaurant at the Hotel Adler Zurich : Your dog will be provided with a water bowl, and there is a dog bar outside.
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La Rôtisserie – Hotel Storchen Zurich : While you dine in the restaurant, your dog will be lovingly cared for.
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Hiltl Restaurants : Dogs are generally allowed in Hiltl restaurants as long as they lie quietly under the table.
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Eden Kitchen: is part of the exclusive Falstaff list of over 100 restaurants in Zurich with the “dogs welcome” feature.
Shopping with style & dog
Many boutique shops, concept stores, and galleries in Zurich allow well-behaved dogs—especially in neighborhoods like District 4/5 or the Old Town. You'll also find public drinking fountains or dog water stations on some streets (e.g., Albisriederplatz).
A relaxed stroll through Bahnhofstrasse or the Niederdörfer combines luxury shopping with sightseeing – your dog can usually stay by your side, as long as he stays calm.
Day trips & exclusive insider tips for dog owners in Zurich
A day in Zurich is beautiful – but the surrounding area often offers even more intense experiences.
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Boat trips on Lake Zurich : Many operators allow dogs on board (usually on a leash). You'll experience the lake panorama from a new perspective.
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Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen : An impressive natural wonder that is also easy to reach with a dog.
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Hikes in the Zurich Oberland : e.g. Bachtel, high-altitude hikes with views over several lakes.
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Combined tours : For example, starting with a hike, then boat or train, and a culinary finale in Zurich in the evening.
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Dog care & day boarding : If you want to go out on your own, Happy Hound Hotel in the greater Zurich area, for example, offers flexible care and dog walking services.
Swiss etiquette, laws & conscious handling of dogs
To ensure that your stay is enjoyable not only for you but for everyone – humans and dogs alike – here are some basic rules:
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In many natural areas, dogs must be kept on a leash – even if they are called back.
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Leave no trace – carry poop bags and dispose of them properly.
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In restaurants or cafes, make sure your dog stays quiet and does not disturb other guests.
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If your dog is shy or insecure, avoid stressful situations and crowds.
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Respect the hotel rules – some furniture is off-limits, and some rooms (e.g., the spa) are off-limits to dogs.
Conclusion about holidays with dogs in Zurich
A vacation with your dog in Zurich can be stylish, relaxed, and unforgettable – if you plan it well. Zurich offers a rare balance: urban elegance, close proximity to nature, upscale hotels, and a welcoming restaurant scene.
With the right hotel choice, smart route planning, respectful behavior, and a few insider tips, your stay together will be a highlight. Treat yourself and your dog to this experience and let yourself be enchanted by the pulse of the city and the whispers of nature.
