Dogs love Vienna and Vienna loves dogs

Are you thinking about moving to Vienna, but worried whether your dog will enjoy being a big-city boy or girl? Let’s get this straight: Vienna isn’t just a city of opera houses, schnitzel, and historic charm—it’s also a paradise for pooches. Whether your canine companion is an adventurous pup or a seasoned senior, Vienna has something to offer for every wagging tail. Here’s why your dog will love this city as much as you. Why else would more than 57,000 dogs already be living here?

Vienna is brimming with green spaces where your dog can stretch its legs, sniff to its heart’s content, and even make a few new furry friends. Half of Vienna is green, with many parks, lakes, seas and forests just a tram ride away. For nature enthusiasts, the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) offers endless opportunities for exploration. This sprawling forested area surrounding the city is crisscrossed with trails that are perfect for long hikes with your dog. The 12 Stadtwanderwege (city hiking trails) are especially popular, providing 270 kilometers of well-marked paths that range from easy strolls to more challenging routes—all with stunning views and plenty of sniff-worthy stops for your pup.

For more fun, head to the Donauinsel (Danube Island): 42 km of beach and nature reserve right in the city. This island is a sprawling escape where dogs can run, play, and even take a refreshing dip in the Danube River. This island even offers two dedicated dog swimming areas for you and your dog to cool off. Additionally, the Alte Donau, a former river branch of the Danube, situated in the municipal districts of Floridsdorf (21st District) and Donaustadt (22nd District), is always worth visiting. All in all, Vienna has an enormous variety of water bodies. Water covers about five percent of the city’s total surface – the highest percentage among all Austrian federal provinces. 

Another gem is the Wiener Lobau. Lobau is part of the Donau-Auen National Park where unspoiled nature can be experienced up close. Many trails here are dog-friendly, and your pup will love to explore the wild beauty of Lobau’s meadows, winding waterways, and peaceful forests. 

For those who love a touch of imperial grandeur, visit Wiener Prater, another beloved highlight for dog guardians. This park features 6 million square metres of green, 300,000 of which are dedicated dog areas, perfect for long, sniff-filled walks. 

The inner city also offers plenty of recreation for dogs of all sizes. For a dose of tranquility, check out the Stadtpark. Your canine can snuffle the bushes and be mesmerized by ducks while you enjoy the beautiful sculptures and lush greenery. Some parks even have agility equipment to challenge your furry athlete!

In general, your dog will be a welcome guest in Vienna's city parks as long as he or she is kept on a lead. Don't be disappointed by the rules; Vienna takes dogs’ welfare very seriously. The city boasts more than 200 dog parks (Hundezonen) covering a total area of 1 million square metres, where your dog can romp around off leash, make new friends and potentially terrorize foolhardy squirrels. These areas are mostly fenced and often include amenities like water fountains and shaded seating for owners. From small neighborhood Hundezonen to larger play areas like those in the Prater or the Hundezone Angelibad, these spaces are perfect for socializing your dog or simply letting them burn off some energy. 

Apropopos welfare: Vienna has excellent veterinary care, ensuring your dog stays healthy and happy. Most neighbourhoods have several small-animal vets. The city is also home to the world-renowned Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien (University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna), a leading institution in animal health and research – which has its own emergency room for small animals that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For dog owners, this means access to cutting-edge treatments and highly qualified veterinarians. Whether it’s routine care or specialized treatment, you can rest assured that your pup is in expert hands.

While cafes and restaurants are much more child-friendly than they used to be, the Viennese used to say that dogs were more welcome than kids at most places. Even Vienna’s most exclusive coffee houses (Kaffeehäuser), bars, and restaurants are often dog friendly. More often than not, your four-legged companion will be pampered with water and treats while you sip a much-deserved coffee. 

No need for a car in Vienna: for just €1 per day, an annual public transport ticket allows the Viennese unlimited travel within the city across multiple modes of transport. Dogs accompany annual ticket holders free of charge. For larger breeds, a leash and muzzle are required, but smaller pups can hop on board in a carrier. Whether it’s the U-Bahn, tram, or bus, your dog can tag along for all your city adventures.

Forgetting walking essentials isn’t that big a deal in Vienna either. Forgot to bring a water bottle on a hot summer day? No worries: get your fresh water from one of Vienna’s 1,500 water fountains. A lot of them have water dishes for birds, outdoor-cats, insects and, of course: your dog. 

An essential rule in Vienna is that you must (must!) pick up after your pup. But no poop bag, no problem. Vienna is clean, safe, and well-organized—qualities that extend to how it treats its canine residents. 3,900 poop bag dispensers across the city make sure you can pick up your dog’s droppings wherever you are. Each day, 100,000 free poop bags are used citywide. Now you know why Vienna is remarkably clean despite the many dogs that live here. 

From the moment we start sharing our home with a pet we know that one day our beloved friend will leave us. The pain we feel is the cruel corollary to the love we share with them, and most of us are simply overwhelmed with grief when this moment comes. Vienna’s commitment to its four-legged residents extends even to their final resting place. The Tierfriedhof (pet cemetery) in Vienna is a serene and respectful place where pet owners can honor their furry companions. It’s beautifully maintained and offers various options for those who wish to give their beloved pets a dignified farewell. You can either have your dog cremated and bury it in an urn, a coffin, or even put it to rest in a natural grave in lovingly planted surroundings that do without a traditional gravestone. 

So, why should you bring your dog to Vienna? Because it’s a city that doesn’t just tolerate pets—it celebrates them. From expansive parks and welcoming cafés to convenient public transport and dedicated dog zones, Vienna ensures that both you and your canine companion will thrive.

Ready to make the move? Pack your bags, grab the leash, and prepare for a life where both you and your dog can enjoy the finer things. And contact the Expat Centre at the Vienna Business Agency if you need support in migrating your family pet – their experts can help you navigate the system!