🐾 Traveling to Romania with Pets
Pet-Friendly Romania
Romania is increasingly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs, with growing pet-friendly options in cities and countryside. From Carpathian hikes to Black Sea beaches, well-behaved pets are often allowed in hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, making it a rewarding destination for pet owners.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
EU Pet Passport
Dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU countries need an EU Pet Passport with microchip identification.
Passport must include rabies vaccination records (at least 21 days before travel) and veterinary health certificate.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination must be current and administered at least 21 days before entry.
Vaccination must be valid for the entire stay; check expiry dates on certificates carefully.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Chip number must match all documentation; bring microchip reader confirmation if possible.
Non-EU Countries
Pets from outside EU need health certificate from official veterinarian and rabies antibody test.
Additional 3-month waiting period may apply; check with Romanian embassy in advance.
Restricted Breeds
No national breed bans, but local municipalities may restrict certain aggressive breeds.
Breeds like Pit Bulls may require muzzles and leashes in urban areas; check local regulations.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and rodents have different entry rules; check with Romanian authorities.
Exotic pets may require CITES permits and additional health certificates for entry.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Romania on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Bucharest & Brașov): Many 3-4 star hotels welcome pets for 50-100 RON/night, offering dog beds, bowls, and nearby parks. Chains like Ibis and Ramada are reliably pet-friendly.
- Mountain Cabins & Guesthouses (Transylvania & Carpathians): Rural accommodations often welcome pets at no extra charge, with direct trail access. Perfect for hiking holidays with dogs in scenic surroundings.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings frequently allow pets, especially in rural areas. Entire homes offer more freedom for pets to roam and relax.
- Agrotourism Farms: Family farms in Maramureș and Bucovina welcome pets and often have resident animals. Ideal for families with children and pets seeking authentic rural experiences.
- Campsites & RV Parks: Most Romanian campsites are pet-friendly, with designated dog areas and nearby trails. Black Sea coast sites in Constanța are especially popular with pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end hotels like Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest offer VIP pet services including gourmet pet menus, grooming, and walking services for discerning travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Carpathian Hiking Trails
Romania's mountains are dog heaven with thousands of pet-friendly trails in Retezat and Bucegi.
Keep dogs leashed near wildlife and check trail rules at national park entrances.
Black Sea Beaches
Many beaches in Mamaia and Vama Veche have designated dog swimming areas.
Black Sea coast offers pet-friendly sections; check local signage for restrictions.
Cities & Parks
Bucharest's Herăstrău Park and Cișmigiu Gardens welcome leashed dogs; outdoor cafés commonly allow pets at tables.
Brașov's old town permits dogs on leash; most outdoor terraces welcome well-behaved pets.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Romanian café culture extends to pets; water bowls outside are standard in cities.
Many Bucharest coffee houses allow dogs inside; ask staff before entering with pets.
City Walking Tours
Most outdoor walking tours in Bucharest and Sibiu welcome leashed dogs at no extra charge.
Historic centers are pet-friendly; avoid indoor museums and churches with pets.
Cable Cars & Lifts
Many Romanian cable cars allow dogs in carriers or muzzled; fees typically 20-50 RON.
Check with specific operators; some require advance booking for pets during peak seasons.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (CFR Călători): Small dogs (carrier-sized) travel free; larger dogs need half-price tickets and must be muzzled or in carriers. Dogs allowed in all classes except dining cars.
- Buses & Trams (Urban): Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca public transport allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs 10 RON with muzzle/leash requirement. Avoid peak commute times.
- Taxis: Ask driver before entering with pets; most accept with advance notice. Bolt and Uber rides may require pet-friendly vehicle selection.
- Rental Cars: Many agencies allow pets with advance notice and cleaning fee (100-200 RON). Consider SUVs for larger dogs and mountain trips.
- Flights to Romania: Check airline pet policies; TAROM and Wizz Air allow cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review specific carrier requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: TAROM, Lufthansa, and Ryanair accept pets in cabin (under 8kg) for 100-200 RON each way. Larger dogs travel in hold with veterinary health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour emergency clinics in Bucharest (Clinica Veterinara Happy) and Brașov provide urgent care.
Keep EHIC/travel insurance covering pet emergencies; vet costs range 100-300 RON for consultations.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Pet shops like Pet Shop and ZooPlus chains across Romania stock food, medicine, and pet accessories.
Romanian pharmacies carry basic pet medications; bring prescriptions for specialized drugs.
Grooming & Day Care
Major cities offer pet grooming salons and daycare for 50-150 RON per session or day.
Book ahead in tourist areas during peak seasons; many hotels recommend local services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Rover and local services operate in Romania for pet-sitting during day trips or overnight stays.
Hotels may also offer pet-sitting; ask concierge for trusted local services.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in urban areas, public parks, and protected nature zones. Mountain trails may allow off-leash if under voice control away from wildlife.
- Muzzle Requirements: Some cities require muzzles on large dogs on public transport. Carry a muzzle even if not always enforced.
- Waste Disposal: Poop bags and disposal bins are common; failure to clean up results in fines (50-500 RON). Always carry waste bags on walks.
- Beach & Water Rules: Check Black Sea signage for dog-allowed sections; some beaches ban pets during peak summer hours (10am-6pm). Respect swimmers' space.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets welcome at outdoor tables; ask before bringing indoors. Dogs should remain quiet and seated on floor, not chairs or tables.
- National Parks: Some trails restrict dogs during bird nesting season (April-July). Always leash pets near wildlife and stay on marked paths.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Romania
Romania for Families
Romania is a family paradise with safe cities, interactive museums, mountain adventures, and welcoming culture. From medieval castles to Black Sea beaches, kids are engaged and parents relaxed. Public facilities cater to families with stroller access, changing rooms, and children's menus everywhere.
Top Family Attractions
Therme București (Bucharest)
Europe's largest thermal spa with water parks, slides, and pools for all ages.
Tickets 100-150 RON adults, 50-80 RON kids; open year-round with family zones and attractions.
Bucharest Zoo (Bucharest)
Family zoo with lions, bears, and interactive exhibits in Herăstrău Park.
Tickets 20-30 RON adults, 10-15 RON kids; combine with park picnics for full-day family outing.
Bran Castle (Brașov)
Legendary Dracula's Castle with medieval exhibits, towers, and panoramic views kids love.
Entry adds adventure; family tickets available with child-friendly storytelling inside.
Transilvania History Museum (Brașov)
Interactive history museum with dinosaur exhibits, armor displays, and hands-on activities.
Perfect for rainy days; tickets 20-30 RON adults, 10 RON kids with multilingual exhibits.
Dino Park Râșnov (Râșnov)
Life-size dinosaur park with animatronics, playgrounds, and fossil digs.
Tickets 40 RON adults, 20 RON kids; thrilling experience near Brașov with outdoor activities.
Adventure Parks (Sinaia)
Summer toboggan runs, tree-top rope courses, and zip lines in the Carpathians.
Family-friendly activities with safety gear provided; suitable for kids 4+.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Romania on Viator. From Transylvania castle tours to Black Sea adventures, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Bucharest & Cluj-Napoca): Hotels like Novotel and Ramada offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for 300-600 RON/night. Amenities include cribs, high chairs, and kids' play areas.
- Mountain Family Resorts (Poiana Brașov): All-inclusive resorts with childcare, kids' clubs, and family suites. Properties like Teleferic Grand Hotel cater exclusively to families with entertainment programs.
- Agrotourism Farms: Rural farms across Transylvania welcome families with animal interactions, fresh produce, and outdoor play. Prices 200-400 RON/night with breakfast included.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering rentals ideal for families with kitchens and washing machines. Space for kids to play and flexibility for meal times.
- Youth Hostels: Budget-friendly family rooms in hostels like those in Sibiu and Timișoara for 150-300 RON/night. Simple but clean with kitchen access.
- Castle Hotels: Stay in converted castles like Peleș Castle area hotels for fairytale family experience. Kids love medieval architecture and surrounding gardens.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Bucharest with Kids
Therme water park, Herăstrău boating, museums with kids' sections, and Old Town street performers.
Horse-drawn carriage rides and ice cream at traditional parlors make Bucharest magical for children.
Brașov with Kids
Bran Castle tours, Dino Park adventures, Black Church visits, and Tampa Mountain cable car.
Child-friendly folklore shows and Dâmbovița River walks keep families entertained.
Sinaia with Kids
Peleș Castle fairy-tale tours, adventure parks, cable car to Babele rocks, and summer hikes.
Carpathian cable car to mountain playgrounds with alpine wildlife and panoramic family picnics.
Black Sea Coast (Constanța)
Mamaia water parks, beaches, aquariums, and dolphin shows.
Boat rides and easy beach activities suitable for young children with scenic picnic spots.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Children under 6 travel free; ages 6-15 get 50% discount with parent. Family compartments available on CFR trains with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca offer family day passes (2 adults + kids) for 30-50 RON. Trams and metros are stroller-accessible.
- Car Rentals: Book child seats (20-50 RON/day) in advance; required by law for kids under 12 or 135cm. SUVs offer space for family gear.
- Stroller-Friendly: Romanian cities are increasingly stroller-accessible with ramps, elevators, and smooth pavements. Most attractions provide stroller parking.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Nearly all restaurants offer children's portions with sarmale, mămăligă, or pizza for 20-40 RON. High chairs and coloring books commonly provided.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Traditional hanuri welcome families with outdoor play areas and casual atmosphere. Bucharest's Old Town has diverse food stalls.
- Self-Catering: Supermarkets like Mega Image and Lidl stock baby food, diapers, and organic options. Markets offer fresh produce for apartment cooking.
- Snacks & Treats: Romanian patisseries offer cozonac, papanasi, and chocolate; perfect for keeping kids energized between meals.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Available in shopping centers, museums, and train stations with changing tables and nursing areas.
- Pharmacies (Farmacie): Stock baby formula, diapers, and children's medications. Staff speak English and assist with product recommendations.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels in cities arrange English-speaking babysitters for 50-100 RON/hour. Book through concierge or local services online.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in all major cities; emergency care at hospitals with pediatric departments. EHIC covers EU citizens.
♿ Accessibility in Romania
Accessible Travel
Romania is improving accessibility with modern infrastructure in cities, wheelchair-friendly transport, and inclusive attractions. Tourism boards provide detailed accessibility information for planning barrier-free trips.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: CFR trains offer wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps. Book assistance 24 hours ahead; staff help with boarding at major stations.
- City Transport: Bucharest's metro and trams are partially wheelchair-accessible with elevators and low-floor vehicles. Audio announcements aid visually impaired travelers.
- Taxis: Accessible taxis with wheelchair ramps available in cities; book via phone or apps like Clever Taxis. Standard taxis accommodate folding wheelchairs.
- Airports: Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca airports provide full accessibility with assistance services, accessible toilets, and priority boarding for passengers with disabilities.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Palaces: Peleș Castle and Bucharest museums offer wheelchair access, tactile exhibits, and audio guides. Elevators and ramps throughout.
- Historic Sites: Bran Castle has partial access; Sibiu's old town largely accessible though cobblestones may challenge wheelchairs.
- Nature & Parks: National parks provide accessible trails and viewpoints; Herăstrău Park in Bucharest fully wheelchair-friendly with accessible paths.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Summer (May-September) for beaches and outdoor activities; autumn for foliage and festivals.
Shoulder seasons (April-May, Sept-Oct) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Budget Tips
Family attractions often offer combo tickets; Bucharest Pass includes transport and museum discounts.
Picnics in parks and self-catering apartments save money while accommodating picky eaters.
Language
Romanian is official; English widely spoken in tourist areas and with younger generations.
Learn basic phrases; Romanians appreciate effort and are patient with children and visitors.
Packing Essentials
Layers for continental weather changes, comfortable shoes for walking, and rain gear year-round.
Pet owners: bring favorite food (in case unavailable), leash, muzzle, waste bags, and vet records.
Useful Apps
CFR app for trains, Google Maps for navigation, and local pet care services.
STB and RATB apps provide real-time public transport updates in Bucharest.
Health & Safety
Romania is generally safe; tap water drinkable in cities. Pharmacies (Farmacie) provide medical advice.
Emergency: dial 112 for police, fire, or medical. EHIC covers EU citizens for healthcare.