There’s no doubt about it. A recent study indicates that Madrid is the best city in Spain to visit with animals.  Indeed, the number of pet friendly restaurants and hotels is ever increasing.  This, combined with other factors, has placed the city as the fourth best in Europe, behind Milan, Rome and Florence, and sixth best in the world to visit with animals.  This study has been conducted by MyBaggage, expert in international removals and tourist travel, which has analysed the number of veterinary clinics, pet shops and pet friendly restaurants and hotels, as well as the cost of having a dog.

There are more and more plans to do in Madrid with dogs, which is undoubtedly an advantage for those travelling with their pets.  Madrid offers different places and activities so that pets feel at home in a tourist break to the city.  Here are some ideas so that your pet is happy during its visit to Madrid and will want to return:

Go for a walk in an emblematic park 

Dogs also deserve a relaxing stroll. And what better way to do so than in some of the most unique parks in Madrid, some of which have areas equipped for dogs to socialise with each other.  They also tend to have facilities to stimulate their skills, such as learning to climb the ramps of their swings and go down slides, as well as a sandpit and activities.

They are bound to have fun in the central  El Retiro Park which has areas especially designed for dogs to be let off their leash  at certain times in winter and summer, as well as an area equipped to exercise with your pet.  Other good options are the Enrique Tierno Galván Park, the extensive Juan Carlos I Park or in the beautiful Quinta de los Molinos. The city boasts many green spaces.

It is worth highlighting the Europa Park, the largest leisure and green area in Torrejón de Ardoz, which has areas designed to let dogs off their leash, all of which are split up depending on the size of the animal, and they have obstacles and games so that they have a great time.

Have dinner in a restaurant or visit a dog-friendly cafeteria

To round off a tourist day in Madrid, there is nothing better than savouring a delicious gastronomic dish in one of the many pet friendly establishments.  You have many to choose from, depending on your budget and what you feel like eating. You can even go for a coffee, accompanied by your pet.  Some suggestions: the vegan restaurant in Malasaña, Superchulo (Manuela Malasaña, 11); El Perro y La Galleta (Claudio Coello, 1) in front of the Retiro; Maricastaña (Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 12); the Italian restaurant, Fellina (Caracas, 21) or El Columpio (Caracas, 10), both in the heart of Chamberí; Magasand (Columela, 4); or the charming establishment serving Mediterranean cuisine, La Verónica (Moratín, 38).

Buy a treat

Our furry friends also like to be treated when they travel and their good behaviour to be rewarded.  So, you need to visit a specialised shop and get a present that your dog will like.  How about a blanket or a new sleeping mat? And if you don’t have any room in your suitcase, at least a toy, some clothing or a ball to stretch its legs in the park.

A good option is to visit one of the Naturanimal stores (Marqués de Santa Ana, 9 and San Mateo, 16) a sustainable space that offers quality products and healthy food for all types of dogs.   Accessories for resting, strolling or training can also be purchased here.

Immortalise your pet in a good photo reportage

Do you want to have an unforgettable keepsake of your stay in Madrid with your pet? There are photographers who are specialised in capturing the best side of your favourite animal.  If you don’t know where to go, make a note of Emilio Cuenca, nicknamed “the dog photographer”. He has a private studio or, if you prefer, the shoot can be done in the street or at your chosen location.

Watch the sunset from the Temple of Debod

Dogs also like beautiful scenes and a calm atmosphere. So, we suggest that you watch how the sun disappears in such a magical and beautiful setting as the gardens of the Temple of Debod. Some say that it is the best place in Spain to bid farewell to the astro King and you can do so sitting on a blanket on the grass, accompanied by your best furry friend.

Go to the Madrid Centro Drive-in Cinema

In Madrid, it is possible to enjoy a unique experience with your pet at the Madrid Centro Drive-in Cinema to watch a film in the open air in your car or in the area equipped with loungers.  This drive-in cinema is a #PetFriendly space, where dogs are welcome at no additional cost. On Thursdays,  the “Dog Evening” is held, when you can go with your pet and get  2×1 in popcorn.

Organise an excursion to discover nature

How about planning an excursion from Madrid to breathe in pure air and be taken aback by the beauty of the area around the city?  There are many options in which dogs are welcome.  How about going to El Escorial or Aranjuez? Or what about going up to  Navacerrada or Rascafría? Or even the San Juan Reservoir or Pelayos de la Presa? It’s up to you.

Buy books

All our pets need to be able to do is to speak... and read. There are bookstores where pets are welcome.  So, if you like reading and feel like having a coffee amongst books, there are various bookstores in Madrid where pets are welcome.  For example, Pantha Rei (Hernán Cortés, 7), Nakama Lib (Pelayo, 22) or the La Casa del Libro establishments, all of which are dog-friendly.

Participate in the Madrid Perrotón Race

Every year, Madrid hosts a canine sporting event.  You can participate together in the Madrid Perrotón , a charity race for the adoption and responsible ownership of pets. The atmosphere is warm and dogs will have a great time conversing with their fellow animals whilst discovering the main avenues in the city centre. 

As a reward, visit the Canine Campus

Did you know that the first Canine Campus is located in the municipality of Brunete (Madrid), with 30,000 square metres for the enjoyment of dogs and humans? There is a swimming pool for dogs with a beach type entrance so that the more fearful or larger animals can also cool down. Here, you can play ball, do sport, listen to music, etc. It is an area designed for these special life companions that we love so much.