Dog owners increasingly seek vacations where their pets can join them, combining animal-friendliness with environmental responsibility. As awareness of climate change and sustainability grows, travellers are prioritising accommodations that cater to dogs while minimising ecological impact. This trend presents opportunities for hotels across Europe to offer responsible travel experiences for pet-loving guests.
Recent statistics highlight the trend, especially in Germany. According to the German Pet Trade and Industry Association (ZZF) and Industrial Association of Pet Care Producers (IVH), around 10.5 million dogs lived in German households in 2024, with dogs present in 21% of households. This reflects dogs’ status as cherished family members who often accompany owners on trips. A Booking.com survey found that 43% of German dog owners deliberately select destinations known for being dog-friendly, while nearly one-third book only accommodations that permit dogs. Worldwide, Booking.com recorded approximately 7.74 million searches for pet-friendly accommodations in 2024, demonstrating substantial interest. Many dog owners prefer nature-oriented regions and shorter travel distances within Europe to reduce emissions, aligning pet travel with greener choices. These preferences create strong potential for sustainable hotels that combine pet amenities with eco-conscious practices.
Several properties from the Green Pearls network exemplify the concept of sustainable, dog-friendly stays. At Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Austria, Tyrolean hospitality meets sustainability and dog love. The host family, dog owners themselves, provide cosy dog beds, bowls, access to a private terrace and garden (subject to availability), an extra dog menu, and spacious outdoor areas. A 150,000-square-metre private natural area behind the hotel allows dogs to run freely, and a dog-sitting service, available for an additional fee, lets guests enjoy wellness or dining.
Family-run Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt, Switzerland, welcomes dogs with a bed and bowl in rooms. Its proximity to hiking trails and forests offers varied walks, and in car-free Zermatt, dogs ride mountain railways free of charge. Owners enjoy homemade regional delicacies, a wellness area, and yoga sessions with Matterhorn views.
Hotel Luise in Erlangen, Germany, suits travellers blending city life with nature. After a zero-waste breakfast, guests can explore Franconian Switzerland’s hiking trails, the old town, and the castle park. Pets are welcome but restricted from the spa and breakfast room for other guests’ comfort. As a sustainability pioneer, the hotel features renewable hotel rooms based on Cradle to Cradle principles, smart energy concepts, and other eco-conscious measures.
Eco Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe, Germany, ensures comfort for all guests. Dog-friendly rooms often have garden access, with an outdoor shower for muddy paws, towels at reception, bowls, blankets, and treats. The hotel’s Café Heimatliebe concept store sells handmade items for both pets and people, while yoga and singing bowl massages welcome dogs.
Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Berchtesgadener Land, Germany, offers special rooms for dog owners, complete with bowls and blankets. A dog shower in the parking lot helps clean pets after excursions. Dogs stay out of the spa, restaurant, and sunbathing lawn, but they can join dinner in the bar upon request.
SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, Germany, provides dog-friendly rooms with bowls, blankets, and treats. Nature-focused activities include nearby hiking trails, streams, and a quarry pond dog beach. As a Bioland Gold-certified hotel, it pursues Cradle-to-Cradle room concepts and community engagement.
Relais del Maro in Borgomaro, Italy, gives dogs a welcome kit with treats, mat, bowl, and a borrowable cooling mat. Dogs can join owners almost everywhere except the pool, while Liguria’s hinterland offers hiking trails and off-season beach walks nearby.
Vegetarian-vegan Hotel Korinjak on Croatia’s Island of Iž, near Zadar, embraces dogs amid pristine nature. Activities include coastal hikes, Mediterranean landscape exploration, swimming in the sea, and shaded rests under pine trees. The team ensures both dogs and owners feel at home.
Sustainable dog-friendly vacations are straightforward and rewarding. Networks like Green Pearls show how hotels can provide pet-inclusive nature experiences while advancing environmental awareness, meeting the priorities of today’s travellers.