Top Activities For Dogs In Belgium

Introduction

Generally speaking, Europe is considered as a dog-friendly continent. However, if you were to narrow it down to a select few countries or destinations, then Belgium is definitely up there on the top of the list. As a matter of fact, 1 out of 10 residents of the country owns a dog, making Belgium one of the most canine-welcoming countries in the whole of Europe. This dog-loving status that the nation carries is made evident by the various activities open to humans and canines that are being offered, such as specific pet railway tickets, off-leash beaches and dog-friendly accommodations. Below is a list of some of the top dog-friendly activities that you and your pooch can do in Belgium.

Visit Bruges

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Easy

12 - 24 hours

Items needed

Food and Bowl

Doggy Bed

Doggy Waste Bags

Leash

Activity description

Because of the popularity of the Colin Farrell-starred cult film In Bruges, the city of Bruges has become one of the most recognizable cities in the entirety of Belgium. Aside from the movie, however, Bruges is well-known for one other reason – its reputation as a dog-friendly destination. In fact, along with Ghent, Bruges is considered to be Belgium’s most dog-friendly cities. In here, you will find quite a lot of accommodation options that cater to both you and your dog. The city is also teeming with dog parks, dog-friendly cafés and restaurants and tourist spots where dogs can roam around.

Step

1

Book an accommodation

Because of the fame of the city, a lot of tourists come to the city to experience the Belgian culture. A lot of dog-friendly accommodations can quickly fill up, particularly during the peak seasons. Hence, it would be wise to book your accommodation in advance to avoid being left with nowhere to stay. Perhaps the most in-demand dog-friendly accommodation is The Doghouse. This bed and breakfast, which distinctively targets tourists who travel with their dogs, has lots of dog-specific facilities including a dog lounge, a private courtyard and even a special Belgian “dog beer”.

Step

2

Explore the city with your pooch

Once you have made all the necessary arrangements on where to stay and upon arrival at the city, explore Bruges with your pooch. You can choose to simply wing it and discover places to see as you go along or ask around for recommendations on where to go. Some of the well-known spots include the Belfry and Grote Markt. Also, do not miss the B&B Cote Canal, which was made famous by Fidele, the dog who was always spotted lounging at the waterfront window (and was also featured in the film In Bruges).

Belgian Beach Towns

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

8 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Water

Food

Activity description

Is your dog a lover of the beach? If yes, do not fret because Belgium offers a lot of options for you. There are so many Belgian beach towns to choose from, some of which are more dog-friendly than others. Despite this, however, beaches in Belgium generally allow dogs to roam on a designated area of the beach during the low season, particularly from the month of October to May. Most beaches are free of charge for public use, although there might be a few that may charge a minimal entrance fee. Needless to say, the best time to go to the Belgian beaches is in the summer, when the sun is out and the skies are clear.

Step

1

List the beaches to see

With so many beaches in the country, it is almost impossible to see all of them in one trip unless you decide to stay for at least a month or two. Otherwise, you need to narrow your options down and make a list of which beaches you want to see. Research the rules of the beach and how it affects you and your dog. Some top choices include the Knokke-Heist and De Panne, which both allow dogs to freely move around.

Step

2

Go seaside frolicking

When you have made the list of beaches you would like to check out, enjoy some time by the water and go beach-hopping. The spot between Middelkerke and Ostend is known as a haven for dogs, where canines can move around without a leash and restrictions all year long. However, other beaches are not so kind, so make sure to have a leash with you at all times in case your dog needs to be restrained.

Camping

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Moderate

Normal

24 - 48 hrs

Items needed

Tent

Food

Water

Dog bed or tent

First aid kit

Activity description

Camping is one of the most exciting and fun activities that you can do with your dog. For one, camping allows you to enjoy the outdoors while spending time with your pooch. Another thing about camping is that it offers a lot of opportunities for your dog to have fun; you can take walks, go on hikes, play and run around and even swim (if there is water near your camping grounds). After a long, active day, you can simply chill out with your dog beside you as you sleep under the stars. Having your dog not only makes camping more enjoyable, it is also a safety precaution because your dog can serve as your guard while you camp. Belgium features several remarkable campsites for you to choose from.

Step

1

Choose a campsite

When thinking of going on a camping trip in Belgium, you need to choose from all the campsites available to you. Your choice will ultimately boil down to what you are looking for and your preference. For example, if you are in the Antwerp area and would like to be surrounded by nature and go on morning walks with your dog, then The Campine will be a good option.

Step

2

Camp out

Prepare all the materials that you need and make sure you have packed all the necessities a day before your trip. You should have enough food and water for your dog throughout the duration of your camping trip. Also, prepare some doggie bags to clean up after your dog. While camping, explore the outdoors and check your area for things to do. Belgium has a variety of campsites, ranging from ones equipped with hiking trails to those with a lake for swimming and boating.

More Fun Ideas...

Ride the Train

Boasting an impressive number of at least 1.5 million dogs, it is no secret that Belgians adore their furry friends. In fact, a lot of residents bring their dogs with them around on day trips. If you want to experience this with your dog, hop on NMBS, Belgium’s national railway company. NMBS welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes, provided that they are kept on a leash throughout the journey. After all, the train is the cheapest and most convenient way to explore Belgium.

Go Shopping

Shopping has always been a human activity but why not make it more fun by dragging your dog along with you? Fortunately, most shops in Belgium (particularly in the cities of Ghent, Brussels and Bruges) allow shoppers to bring their dogs with them. The Animal Store is definitely one to see, which carries a wide range of pet needs and supplies. It even has a grooming center if you want to pamper your dog. Just make sure to have your dog on a leash at all times to avoid any inconvenience.

Conclusion

As it is, Belgium is already a top tourist destination because of the beautiful spots, its heavenly chocolate and great Belgian beer, with its dog-friendly status being the cherry on top. With the aforementioned activities, you can now plan a vacation to Belgium without having to worry about leaving your four-legged best friend behind.