There are an estimated almost 3 million dogs in Hungary, the vast majority of them pets regarded as true members of the family. Owners are reluctant to give up the company of their four-legged friends even when travelling, and whenever possible they take their dogs with them to their accommodation, restaurants, cafés and shops.
There are an estimated almost three million dogs in Hungary, the vast majority of them pets regarded as true members of the family. Owners are reluctant to give up the company of their four-legged friends even when travelling, and whenever possible they take their dogs with them to their accommodation, restaurants, cafés and shops.
For a decade now, Kutyabarathelyek.hu has been working to increase the number of businesses that are happy to welcome dog owners. Its rating singles out a place for positive distinction, ensuring that it becomes the first choice for dog owners. Naturally, the dog-friendly providers include beaches and bathing spots, the most popular places on hot summer days.
Since 2015, the Kutyabarathelyek.hu team has been informing owners about dog-friendly beaches in Hungary, and their number has grown nicely – from the original 8, this year 21 dog-friendly beaches and bathing spots across the country welcome pets eager to take a dip and cool off.
So what makes a bathing spot officially dog-friendly? “It has to be at a suitable distance from beaches for people, and there must be proper waste collection and, where necessary, a ramp into the water,” says Krisztián Máté, co-founder of Kutyabarathelyek.hu.
Most, however, try to please owners and their dogs with a range of extra services: they welcome guests with dog toys, sports equipment to use together, parasols, sun loungers, dog activities and programmes and agility courses – there is even a dog-friendly snack bar on offer.
Here is this year’s list!
• Fonyódi Kutyás Fürdetőhely
• Balatonföldvár dog-friendly bathing spot
• Kőszegi Kutyastrand
• Dunakeszi, Danube bank
• Délegyháza lakes – Tavirózsa Kemping
• Borostyán-tó, Zalalövő
• Vizsla-tó, Nyíregyháza
• Pécs – Hirdi Kutyastrand
• Öreg-tó, Tata
• Zalaegerszeg – Gébárti-tó
• Tiszafüred – Mancsos Pancsoló
• A Plázs, Nyékládháza
• Keszthelyi Kutyás Strand
• Ebadta Selypi Pancsolda
• Vadna park
• EBpart, Sarud
• Jade Beach, Dunavarsány
• Fundy-tó, Gyál
• Szolnok beach
• Tiszakécske dog-friendly bathing spot
• Bárka Dog Beach – Mindszenti Kutyás strand
More details on the dog-friendly beaches can be found on the Kutyabarathelyek.hu website
Alternative options
Natural waters are also available to us, provided the stretch of shore is suitable. In parts of natural waters where there is no designated bathing area (beach), where no sign prohibits it and where the area is not fenced off as private property, there is nothing to stop you bathing your dog. One example is the gem of the Danube Bend, the Szigetcsúcs at Kisoroszi.
Dog swimming pools
Dog swimming is becoming ever more popular. Dog pools are mainly used for regular training and group sessions. However, owners can also go just for a one-off visit and hire the pool to swim with their dog themselves.
The benefits of dog swimming:
• Swimming is a gentle, joint-friendly form of exercise for overweight dogs
• It provides good mental and physical exercise for the dog
• It is an ideal way to build fitness and muscle
Dog swimming pools
• Kerektói Kutyás Központ és Kutyaúszás, Budapest
• Vízikutya kutyauszoda & wellness, Budapest
• Dogmopolite dog pools, Szigetszentmiklós and Debrecen
• Kutyauszi, Vácrátót
• Akela Kutyauszoda, Nagytarcsa
Source: Kutyabarathelyek.hu
