• 🐶 Your pup will thrive in these dog-friendly countries

• 🥰 8 least dog-friendly countries

• 🐾 How to combat paw licking

• 🦴 Watch this foster dog hilariously beg for pizza

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

Did you know…

Which country has ZERO stray dogs?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Becoming an expat and moving abroad can feel like a whole new world opening up. For dog parents, one of the most important parts of starting this new chapter is ensuring it’s a world your pup can love too. Thankfully, many countries are incredibly dog-friendly, making it easier for them to thrive as little expat pups. Hint: even if you’re not planning to move, these places also make amazing travel destinations.

Here’s a list of the top dog-friendly countries where expats and their pups will feel right at home.

1. Italy

Italy has so much to offer (hello, bread, wine, and cheese!), but did you know it’s also one of the most dog-friendly countries? Most restaurants and cafés are happy to welcome pups, especially if they’re well-behaved. Some grocery stores even provide special shopping carts so your dog can tag along while you shop. And let's not forget the countless dog-friendly beaches!

2. France

France has a long-standing reputation for being one of the most dog-friendly countries in the world. You can find dogs almost everywhere—on trains, buses, and even in restaurants. It’s not uncommon to see pups lounging beside their owners at cafés or even enjoying their own seats! France is a dog parent’s dream with plenty of places to explore together, whether it's romantic beaches, historic monuments, or beautiful dog parks (some with agility courses and stunning city views!).

3. Germany

Germany takes dog parenthood seriously. Training is a must, and you’ll often see impeccably well-behaved dogs out and about. Pups are welcome on public transport, in most stores, and at many restaurants. With a no-kill shelter policy and a strong focus on animal welfare, Germany sets the standard for treating dogs with the respect they all deserve. Berlin even has the largest animal shelter spanning about 40 acres. Your pup will feel right at home here… though if they’re a jumper, they might stand out a bit!

4. Sweden

Sweden’s high quality of life extends to its four-legged residents too! Vast open spaces, dog-friendly cafés, and accessible public transport make it a top spot for expats with their pups. With strict animal welfare laws, you can feel at ease knowing your pup is in a country that takes good care of animals.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland’s gorgeous landscapes aren’t just for human eyes—your pup will love it here too! From hiking the Alps to dining at dog-friendly restaurants and shopping centers, Switzerland is a wonderful place for dog-loving expats. Plus, their pet import requirements are more straightforward than in many other countries, making the transition smoother for you and your pup.

6. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is famous for its charming canals and postcard-perfect beauty, and it's just as lovely for dogs! You’ll see pups everywhere, from riding in bike baskets with their owners to enjoying the freedom of dog-friendly beaches all year round. Public transport is super welcoming to dogs, and many bars, cafés, and even shops greet them with a smile. With plenty of parks and open spaces, living and traveling with your pup here is a breeze.

7. Spain

Spain’s warm climate and social atmosphere are perfect for outgoing dogs. Cities like Barcelona are very dog-friendly, with pup-friendly beaches, parks, and restaurants becoming more common. While some regions have stricter rules, many places in Spain welcome pups with open arms.

8. New Zealand

New Zealand is an outdoor lover’s dream, and they make sure your adventurous pup can join in on the fun, too. Many national parks welcome dogs, and the country's dog-friendly vibe means finding accommodations and services tailored to dog parents is easy peasy.

Have you ever moved to another country with your pup? Or maybe you're planning to take that leap soon? We'd love to hear your story!

It’s hard to imagine a place where dogs aren’t as welcome as we’re used to seeing in our own neighborhoods. I can’t even picture a day without spotting a dog at a restaurant, in the park, or happily sticking their head out the car window. But if you’re planning to move abroad with your pup, some countries may not be as dog-friendly as you’d hope. To make it easier for you, here’s a list of places for you soon-to-be expats you might want to avoid when choosing your next home.

1. Kenya

While expats in Kenya often praise the friendliness and warmth of locals, dog parenthood isn't always easy. In Kenya, dogs are primarily seen as guard animals rather than pets, making it hard for dog owners to integrate their pups into everyday life. Add to this the lack of dog parks, dog-friendly spaces, and widespread stray dog populations, and Kenya can be a tough place for an expat bringing their pup along. Access to veterinary care is also limited.

2. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia was named as the second-best country in the world for working abroad. However, it poses significant challenges for dog parents. Cultural and religious attitudes often view dogs as impure, which limits where they can be taken in public and how they’re treated. Housing that accepts pups is hard to find, and they’re generally not allowed in parks or public spaces. There are also strict breed bans including Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and others.

3. China

Though some parts of China are becoming more dog-friendly, owning a pup can still be challenging, especially for expats. Similar to Saudi Arabia, cities like Beijing and Shanghai enforce strict breed regulations, with only one dog allowed per adult under a visa, and larger breeds often banned from city centers. Bringing a pup into the country requires extensive paperwork, and there are no national laws protecting dogs from mistreatment.

4. Vietnam

Vietnam is known for its affordability and stunning beauty, but being a dog parent can be stressful (beyond the usual stress of keeping your pup from chewing on things they shouldn't). Dog thieves and "dog catchers" are common, and walking in public can be risky. Although more veterinarians and pet stores are emerging, dog parks remain rare, making it difficult for expats to find safe and secure spaces for their pups.

5. Indonesia

In many parts of Indonesia, especially Bali, dogs are strictly regulated due to rabies concerns. We’ve all heard that paradise can be found in Bali—but for dogs, Bali’s paradise is strictly off-limits. Dogs, including service animals, aren’t allowed on the island, and other areas of Indonesia can be equally challenging for pup parents.

6. South Korea

Expats rave about South Korea's high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and things to do. However, for expats with a pup, the country may not be the best place for them to thrive. South Korea is becoming more dog-friendly, but the concept of dogs as companions is still relatively new. Many apartment complexes and landlords don’t allow them, and bringing a dog into the country requires navigating a series of strict regulations.

7. Egypt

Bringing dogs into Egypt is complicated due to the country's massive stray dog population and outdated animal welfare laws. There are about 15 million strays roaming the streets, and the government’s attempt to manage them has sparked a lot of outrage. Veterinary care is often underdeveloped, and your pup can easily be exposed to diseases carried by strays. Expats who choose Egypt would need to be super vigilant about their dog's health and safety.

8. Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical paradise, but not for dogs. Bringing a dog to the Maldives is strictly prohibited, making it impossible for expats to relocate there with their pups.

Who doesn’t love pizza? We’re pretty sure nobody can turn down a slice… and on Tuesday, September 10th, a foster dog named Miracle tried her hardest to snag a slice of her own.

Foster mom Claire Manship shared a video featuring 9-year-old Miracle begging for her first taste of pizza. The video is a riot, with Miracle making adorably funny sounds and looking like she's seriously questioning the fairness of it all. The captions, imagining her thoughts, make it even more hilarious—“It’s not fair, don’t laugh,” and “But I good girl.”

Claire didn’t give in, even though thousands of commenters pleaded for Miracle to at least get the crust. Miracle’s puppy-dog eyes and her sweet face peeking out from her “cone of shame” post-procedure have all of us fooled.

Let’s hope this adorable video helps Miracle find her forever home. She’s up for adoption through NYC-based rescue Muddy Paws. If you don’t mind sharing your pizza, Miracle might just be the perfect pup for you!

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Did You Know: The Netherlands is officially the first country without stray dogs.

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