International Dog Day is the perfect excuse to plan a trip with your four-legged favourite. Because if they’re part of the family, they deserve more than a rushed walk before you head off on holiday without them.
So, when is International Dog Day? It takes place every year on 26 August, a day dedicated to celebrating dogs, promoting adoption and raising awareness around dog welfare. The day was first founded in 2004 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, who chose 26 August because it marked the date her family adopted their first dog from a rescue centre.
But if you’re wondering where you can take your dog on holiday, or even which hotels allow dogs, the answer might be closer, easier and far more stylish than you think.
At art’otel, dogs are welcomed with open paws. From arrival treats and personalised touches to dog-friendly dining and neighbourhoods made for scenic walks, here’s how to turn International Dog Day into a city break you can both enjoy.
What is International Dog Day?
International Dog Day is a global celebration of dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. It recognises the role dogs play in people’s lives, from loyal companions to service, therapy, police, rescue and working dogs. It also raises awareness of shelters, rescues and responsible pet ownership.
In other words, it’s not just a date for posting your favourite dog photo, although we fully support that too. It’s a reminder to celebrate your dog properly, whether that’s with a longer walk, a special treat, a donation to a rescue centre or a hotel break designed around them.
Are dogs allowed in hotel rooms?
One of the biggest questions around dog-friendly travel is simple: are dogs allowed in hotel rooms?
At art’otel, yes. Dogs are welcome in rooms, and the experience starts before your dog even reaches the door. Just book your room as normal and select you’ll be bringing your dog.
Once you’re checked in, your dog can expect thoughtful touches such as:
- A personalised welcome letter
- Treats on arrival
- Door hangers to let the team know there’s a special guest inside
- Rooms with easily accessible exits for quick outdoor breaks
- Friendly team members who can help with dog-related questions
art’otel also welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes, from Poodles to Great Danes, as long as they fit through the door.
The arrival: VIP treatment for very important pups
The best dog-friendly hotels understand that your dog’s arrival matters just as much as yours.
At art’otel, the welcome is playful, thoughtful and genuinely useful. There are treats on arrival, a personalised letter and team members ready to help with local recommendations, from nearby green spaces to pet-friendly places to eat.
That’s what makes the difference between “dogs permitted” and “dogs genuinely welcome”. It’s not just about allowing a dog in the room. It’s about making the whole trip easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable from check-in onwards.
Rooms made for city breaks with dogs
A dog-friendly room needs to work in real life. That means easy access when your dog needs to go outside, enough comfort for downtime and a hotel team who understands the small details that make travelling with a dog smoother.
art’otel has rooms with easily accessible exits, which is especially helpful for early morning walks, late-night toilet breaks and those unpredictable “we need to go now” moments that every dog owner knows well.
Dogs should be kept on a lead in public areas, should not be left alone if you’re leaving the hotel and guests may be charged for additional cleaning or repair costs linked to dog-related damage.
Dog-friendly dining, from breakfast to cocktails
If your dog is joining the trip, they shouldn’t have to miss the best parts of the day. art’otel has dog-friendly dining areas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, so you can enjoy the hotel’s restaurants and bars with your dog nearby.
That makes planning much easier, especially if you’re visiting for International Dog Day events, a weekend city break or a longer holiday abroad with your dog.
Each art’otel is different, so check with a team member for which restaurant areas your dog can enjoy.
Can dogs go abroad on holiday?
Yes, dogs can go abroad on holiday, but you’ll need to check travel requirements before you go. Rules can vary depending on where you’re travelling from and to, so always review the latest government guidance, vaccination requirements, microchip rules and any airline, ferry or rail policies before booking.
For city breaks in Europe, art’otel locations such as Amsterdam, Cologne, Berlin Mitte and Zagreb make it possible to pair a cultural city break with dog-friendly hotel comfort. art’otel’s dog policy includes location-specific dog charges, including £25 per dog, per night at London Hoxton and London Battersea Power Station. Enquire directly with your hotel for the latest dog-friendly pricing.
The best neighbourhoods for dogs
Battersea Power Station
For dogs who love long walks and big views, Battersea is a strong choice. You’re close to the Thames for riverside strolls and near Battersea Park, one of London’s best green spaces for a proper dog walk before or after exploring the area.
London Hoxton
Hoxton is ideal if you want a city break with cafés, independent shops, street art and plenty of walkable East London character. It’s a good fit for dogs who enjoy pavement exploring, people watching and a relaxed neighbourhood pace.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is made for scenic exploring with your dog. Think canal-side walks, compact streets and a city centre that rewards slow wandering. It’s especially well suited to dogs who enjoy being out and about rather than spending the day in one place.
Rome
Rome is ideal for dogs who enjoy slower city exploring, with historic streets, café terraces and leafy routes close by. You’re near Villa Borghese for morning walks, with Via Veneto, the Spanish Steps and Rome’s neighbourhood restaurants within easy reach.
Cologne
Cologne gives you a riverside city break with plenty of walking potential. The Rhine, historic streets and laid-back neighbourhoods make it a strong option if you’re asking, “where can I take my dog on holiday without overcomplicating the trip?”
Berlin Mitte
Berlin Mitte is a great choice for dogs and owners who like energetic city breaks. You’ll have culture, landmarks, restaurants and parks within reach, with plenty of routes for daily exploring.
Zagreb
Zagreb brings together relaxed city streets, green spaces and café culture, making it a smart choice if you’re planning a dog-friendly trip that feels easy, walkable and a little different.
International Dog Day events and ideas
Not every celebration needs to be a packed itinerary. Some of the best International Dog Day events are the ones you create yourself.
Try this simple dog-friendly plan:
- Start with a longer morning walk in the neighbourhood
- Stop for a dog-friendly coffee or brunch
- Head back to the hotel for a rest
- Explore a nearby park or riverside route in the afternoon
- Finish with dinner or drinks in a dog-friendly hotel space
You can also use International Dog Day to support a local rescue centre, donate to a dog charity, share adoption stories or learn more about responsible pet ownership. The purpose of the day includes celebrating dogs while raising awareness of rescue, welfare and adoption.
So, which hotels allow dogs?
If you want a hotel that treats your dog as part of the trip, art’otel makes it simple. Dogs can enjoy thoughtful amenities, dog-friendly dining areas, local recommendations and rooms designed with practical details, from easy outdoor access to arrival treats.
So this International Dog Day, skip the guilty goodbye at the front door. Bring them with you.